Carolyn Lamberson

For nearly three decades, James McMurtry has crafted tunes about dusty back roads, washed up high school jocks and blue-collar struggles. His rough-hewn voice lends a ragged edge to his sharp observations of the world around and the inner toils of desperate people. That he has excelled as a writer is almost to be expected. His father is the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Larry McMurtry (“Lonesome Dove,” “The Last Picture Show), his mother, Jo, a retired college English professor. Back on the road in support of his latest record, “Complicated Game” – which RollingStone.com has dubbed an “Americana masterpiece” – McMurtry and his band are coming to the Bartlett on Thursday. A true road warrior – he jokes he’s the only guy to ever play Miles City, Montana – McMurtry took a few minutes to speak by phone from Philadelphia. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation.

Some of the pieces almost beg to be touched. Like the acrylic “Inside Out” by Shaikha Al Mazrou, which looks as if it could be crafted of ribbon. Or Khalid Al Banna’s “2012,” which from a distance looks like a section of the famous gum wall in Seattle, but up close is revealed to be a colorful collection of fabric scraps.

Like many of National Public Radio’s famous voices, Cokie Roberts is happy to take hers around the country supporting local public radio affiliates. She’s been to Spokane on a couple of occasions, on the stage of the Bing Crosby Theater. She’ll do it again next week to support Spokane Public Radio.

Like many of National Public Radio’s famous voices, Cokie Roberts is happy to take hers around the country supporting local public radio affiliates. She’s been to Spokane on a couple of occasions, on the stage of the Bing Crosby Theater. She’ll do it again next week to support Spokane Public Radio.

Fabrice Lemire lives “Varekai.” As the show’s artistic director, he travels with the troupe and is “with them 24/7.”

“Arkansas Traveler.” “Edelweiss.” “Five Foot Two.” “Festival Waltz.” These are just a few of the old-time songs contestants are likely to perform this weekend during the 47th annual Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest.

The Inland Northwest clearly likes Pink Martini. Portland’s world famous “little orchestra” packed War Memorial Field for a Festival at Sandpoint gig in 2012. And now, as they did in 2013, the band has sold out a show at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox with the Spokane Symphony.

Ryan Keberle has been on tour before. He’s toured as a member of the jazz big band the Maria Schneider Orchestra. He’s toured as a backing musician for indie pop singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens.

Ryan Keberle has been on tour before. He’s toured as a member of the jazz big band the Maria Schneider Orchestra. He’s toured as a backing musician for indie pop singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens.