Things to do

BeGin! - Live entertainment by House of Ghosts, Video Destroyer and DJ Audio Affiliated. See the displays, enjoy an adult beverage, and socialize. Tonight. 6-8 p.m., Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. Free, donations accepted. (509) 363-5344.

Wylie & The Wild West Cowboy Songs - Featuring Wylie Gustafson. Crosby concert series brings new shows and old favorites. Tonight. 6 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $17. (800) 325-SEAT.

UI Faculty Recital - StringFest Faculty Showcase. Tonight. 7:30 p.m.; Kay Zavislak, piano, Saturday. 7:30 p.m.; James Reid, guitar, Sunday. 7:30 p.m., University of Idaho, Lionel Hampton School of Music, Haddock Performance Hall, 1010 Blake Ave., Moscow, Idaho. $5/adults, $3/seniors and students. (208) 885-7212.

WSU Faculty Artist Series - String Music Etc by William Grant Still. Tonight, 8 p.m., Washington State University, Bryan Hall Theatre, Pullman. $10/adults, $5/seniors and students. (509) 335-4148.

Chocolate Affair - Participants will be able to walk through downtown Coeur d’Alene tasting chocolate samples, and then vote on their favorites. Each chocolatier will be judged within their own division (professional, home-baker, etc.). Awards will be given in each category, including People’s Choice. Today, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Free admission, samples will be priced.

Spokane Symphony - Maestro Eckart Preu conducts the Spokane Symphony in “Brilliance and Virtuosity,” featuring works by Igor Stravinsky, Ernest Bloch and Erich Korngold, 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. $14-$44. (509) 624-1200.

Mutemath - Grammy-nominated band plays rock music. Saturday. 8 p.m., Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. $23/advance, $26/day of show. (877) 4-FLY-TIX.

Randy Travis - Country music. Saturday. 7:30 p.m. Northern Quest Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Sold out.

Winter Chamber Soiree - Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. An evening of fine music played by members of the orchestra, include a pair of duets for bassoon and cello, a string trio by Beethoven, and a string quartet by Dvorak. The Davenport Hotel, Marie Antoinette Room, 10 S. Post St. $20/gallery seating, includes coffee and tea; $45/ table seating includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. (509) 624-1200.

8th Annual Westminster “Best in Show” Party - Join the Kootenai Humane Society for the 136th Annual Westminster Dog Show. Crickets Downtown Bar and Grill, 424 E. Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, will have food and drink specials, raffles and prizes, and dog-themed games to get you howling during the commercial breaks. Fedora Pub and Grille, 1726 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, will have food and drink specials, and a relaxed atmosphere to watch the show. Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. varies. Free. (208) 772-4019.

Mat Kearney - Singer/songwriter. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. $20/advance, $22/day of show. (877) 4-FLY-TIX.

Los Lonely Boys - Rock music. 8 p.m. Thursday, Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. $25. (877) 4-FLY-TIX.

For the Love of Art - A juried art exhibit by more than 40 artists and silent auction. Event will include musical performances by local and much-loved musicians, including soprano Dawn Wolski, Abbey Crawford singing swing, Jim Ryan on keyboard, soprano Renei Yarrow singing poems by Copeland, actor-singer Tamara Schupman, Bruce Pennell’s jazz trio, and a surprise bluegrass group. 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard St. $25. (509) 455-7529.

Portland Cello Project – Taking cellos where they haven’t been before, with a repertoire stretching from A-Ha’s “Take on Me” through Justin Timberlake’s “Lovestoned” with stops along the way for works by Tan Dun, Dmitry Shostakovich and Antonio Vivaldi. Thursday. 8 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $12. (800) 325-SEAT.

Second City - The legendary sketch comedy troupe presents its Laugh Out Loud Tour. The evening will feature scripted and improvisational elements recommended for ages 16 and older. Presented by WSU Performing Arts. Wednesday. 7:30 p.m., Washington State University, Jones Theatre in Daggy Hall, Pullman. $20/adults, $10/students. (800) 325-SEAT.