Seven

Some of Helmer Noel’s fondest memories since moving from Rhode Island to Spokane two years ago have been at Manito Park. “I would always take my dog there,” Noel said. “Manito Park was a favorite spot for Emma, who loved all of the open grass there.”

Not long after processing the sad news that pianist/vocalist Bobbie Nelson died in March at 91, Amanda Shires embraced a silver lining.

Keeping up with the Adventures of Brandi Carlile could be a full-time job. It’s felt like one at times, as the seemingly everywhere folk rocker transitioned from proven Americana star to household name, headlining arenas and running with some of her musical heroes.

Granger Smith, a successful country singer-songwriter who released his debut album, “Waiting on Forever,” a quarter century ago, is on the road one last time.

Sony made several announcements during its PlayStation Showcase on May 25, but none were so hotly debated as the unveiling of “Project Q,” the company’s long-rumored return to the handheld market.

“Waking Up Human,” the second album by Spokane’s B Radicals is apt. Songs such as the funky and visceral “Peaceye” slap the listener in the face with its energy and positive message.

When Craig Goodwin became pastor at Millwood Presbyterian Church in the West Valley in 2004, the laidback University of Washington alum found his calling. However, Goodwin discovered that a man can have more than one reason for his existence.

Some kids hope to become professional athletes. Some dream of being rock stars. Carlos “Sparxz” Carabello wished he could become a dinosaur. Fat chance, since dinosaurs have been extinct for 65 million years, right?

Early last week, Overwatch executive producer Jared Neuss dropped the bombshell announcement that Overwatch 2’s “Hero Mode” was officially canceled. Although Blizzard had shared very little about the planned “player vs. environment” mode since its initial showcase at BlizzCon 2019, the news was met with shock and near-universal backlash from gamers and critics alike.

A very busy concert season with a number of highlights is on the horizon.

“The Final Battle” sounds like the swan song of an album for veteran Christian-metalists Stryper.

John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will preview its forthcoming single, “A Day in the Sun,” when the veteran group performs Sunday at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The Providence, Rhode Island based band knows what it’s like to have that day in the sun.

Veteran comic Martin Moreno is representing the lost generation. “All we hear about these days is the baby boomers and Millennials,” Moreno said. “But us Gen-Xers are slipping through the cracks.”

For once, the show did not go on.

The sounds of Eastern Europe aren’t what most folks reach for first when in search of an uplift. However, nothing boosts Spokane Symphony conductor James Lowe’s mood quite like a classical blast from Hungary and Romania. Lowe will close the Symphony’s 77th season with classical pieces rooted in folk music.

The impact of genetics is undeniable. It’s evident in the world of sports, entertainment and art.