Ed Condran

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A&E >  Entertainment

Sasquatch! descendent Thing returns Aug. 26-28 with Modest Mouse, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and more

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 24, 2022

Thing is, well, a thing again. Thing, a three-day event in Fort Worden in Port Townsend, is returning Aug. 26-28. The event, which once again will be produced by Sasquatch! Festival founder Adam Zacks and the Seattle Theatre Group, features a lineup that includes Modest Mouse, Jungle and Father John Misty.

A&E

Dad Daze: the rise and danger of child obesity

UPDATED: Sun., Feb. 20, 2022

On more than one occasion, I've been told that I have unusually active children. None of my four kids plays video games, and each one much prefers hiking, biking and competitive sports over indoor activity. I can relate. When I was a child, being stuck in the house was akin to a punishment.

A&E >  Entertainment

Killswitch Engage, the band who confused Spokane for Tacoma, returns to town

Sat., Feb. 19, 2022

"Hello, Tacoma!" roared Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach when his band played Knitting Factory in April 2016. "That was hilarious," guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz recalled. "It was one of those Spinal Tap moments that happened, but that was just unbelievable. We caught what Jesse said immediately."

A&E >  Entertainment

Spokane Comedy Film Festival to makes its debut at the Garland

Sat., Feb. 19, 2022

Who knows what the first Spokane Comedy Film Festival will be in the future? What is known is that the event, which is slated for Tuesday at the Garland Theater, will showcase 25 to 35 comedic shorts ranging from 2 to 7 minutes. The films have yet to be selected by festival CEO Josiah Carlson.

A&E

Paul McCartney is coming to Spokane, but how much are tickets – and will there be a second show?

UPDATED: Sun., Feb. 20, 2022

Paul McCartney will make his Spokane debut April 28, and the excitement throughout the city is evident. Matt Meyer, entertainment director of the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, started the venue’s early morning Paul McCartney news conference with a quote dripping with “Good Day Sunshine.”

A&E >  Entertainment

Paul McCartney to launch 2022 Got Back tour at Spokane Arena on April 28

UPDATED: Sun., Feb. 20, 2022

After a long and winding pandemic-ridden road, it’s time for Spokane to come together. One of the most significant concerts in Spokane history is on the horizon. Paul McCartney will kick off his Got Back tour April 28 at the Spokane Arena. It will be McCartney's first performance in the Lilac City.

A&E >  Entertainment

‘A Jew Walks Into a Bar’ is more than a funny joke

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 17, 2022

Some of the greatest comedians who ever graced a stage – Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David – are Jewish. However, there's never been a famous Orthodox Jewish standup. Their faith, unable to perform during the Sabbath – Friday at sunset through Saturday at sunset – is one of the obstacles.

A&E >  Entertainment

Andy Woodhull will bring the jokes – you bring the snacks

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 17, 2022

The late under-heralded comic Greg Giraldo once did a spot-on bit about how comics never grow up. Well, observational humorist Andy Woodhull backs that up. The veteran standup does snack reviews during his podcast. "I love Pepper Jack Cheez-Its," Woodhull said while calling from Des Moines.

A&E >  Entertainment

Celebrating 18 years of film: Spokane Jewish Cultural Film Festival runs Feb. 17-27 at the Garland Theater

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 17, 2022

Since the number 18 signifies good luck in Judaism, perhaps it will be a fortuitous run for the Spokane Jewish Cultural Film Festival. The 18th annual festival, which commenced Thursday, is expanding dramatically, going from a weekend event to a 10-day stretch of films and Q&A sessions.

A&E >  Entertainment

Snacks at Midnight, John M.F. Ward headline ‘Live From Somewhere’ at Magic Lantern

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 17, 2022

With movie theaters across the country becoming casualties during the pandemic, some venues have expanded to feature live music. The Magic Lantern Theatre has joined such ranks in booking local recording artists. The Magic Lantern kicked off its "Live From Somewhere" concert series in January.

News >  Family

Dad Daze: A young life lost offers important life lessons

UPDATED: Sun., Feb. 13, 2022

"What are you going to do with your life today?" was the message my son Eddie received from his friend Leo at 4:36 a.m. Eddie, 19, had what would have been a forgettable, mundane day. However, my older boy will never forget that Thursday since it was the last time he heard from his close pal.

A&E >  Entertainment

Follow your heart: Ideas for last-minute Valentine’s Day plans

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 14, 2022

It's understandable if some people are going over the top with Valentine's Day this year since last February was spent in lockdown as vaccines were starting to be disseminated. There's plenty to do and much to purchase to mark the mid-month holiday.

A&E >  Food

‘I hope the Davenport has lots of shrimp’: Hotel will sell Farnham Flatbreads to benefit cancer fund when ESPN analyst returns this week

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 11, 2022

ESPN Basketball analyst Sean Farnham, who loves Gonzaga basketball as much as the Farnham Flatbreads named after him at the Davenport, will serve up his signature treat in the Safari Room from 4:30-7 p.m. this Friday. Part of the proceeds will go to Coaches vs. Cancer.

A&E >  Entertainment

Northwest BachFest is back with Zuill Bailey and the Arianna String Quartet

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 10, 2022

Perhaps the only common denominator among Spokane, El Paso and Anchorage is Zuill Bailey. The artistic director of Northwest BachFest calls each city home at some point during the year. "But Spokane is where my heart is," Bailey said while calling from Phoenix. "I contemplated what home means over the pandemic."

A&E >  Books

Dad Daze: Banning of Holocaust book is an atrocity

Sun., Feb. 6, 2022

It's hilariously ironic that the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Maus" has become a bestseller on Amazon after a Tennessee school board banned the graphic novel just over a week ago. The banning sadly coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was Jan. 27.

A&E >  Entertainment

VIP Production Northwest is confident about the entertainment outlook for 2022

Sat., Feb. 5, 2022

Troy Reit is the CEO of VIP Production Northwest, but like everyone else in the live entertainment business, the Whitworth University alum hasn't received the Very Important Person treatment since March 2020. "It hasn't been easy with COVID, which has had a big impact on us," Reit said from his Shadle Park office.

A&E >  Entertainment

Guitar hero: Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis talks Kurt Cobain, Phil Spector, Lou Reed – and two reality-TV shows he watches

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 4, 2022

Much has changed in a generation for indie rock bands. Recording artists like Dinosaur Jr., Camper Van Beethoven and Sebadoh were performing to half-filled clubs during the late 1980s. Nowadays, these three acts are packing theaters. Dinosaur Jr. headline Monday night at Knitting Factory downtown.

A&E >  Entertainment

‘The Office’ and ‘Anchorman’ star David Koechner is ready for his standup

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 3, 2022

With apologies to Post Malone's father, David Koechner isn't a Dallas Cowboys fan. The comic-actor just plays a rabid aficionado of America's Team on television. "It's crazy since Post Malone's dad (Richard Post), who is my age, comes up and hugs me when I was backstage at his son's show a few years ago."

News >  Features

Dad Daze: My son Milo, 16, experiences his 50th state – the 49th state

UPDATED: Sun., Jan. 30, 2022

After I mentioned to a friend that my son Milo and I were taking a long weekend in Alaska over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I was hit with two questions: Why visit Alaska in the middle of winter? And why do I travel so often with my children? I have so many reasons for the latter.

A&E >  Movies

Local award-winning film ‘First Time Home’ shines light on plight of farmworkers

Sat., Jan. 29, 2022

"First Time Home" is the story of four cousins who learn that their grandfather in Mexico is gravely ill. They travel from their immigrant community in Burlington, Wash., and Central California to their family's ancestral village in Oaxaca for the first time.

A&E >  Entertainment

Mad about Reiser: Legendary comic and actor to make his Spokane debut

UPDATED: Sat., Jan. 29, 2022

Once a standup comic commits to TV and film projects, it's difficult to find a way back to the stage. That's been the story for many comics, including Paul Reiser since the New York City native starred in the hit sitcom "Mad About You." After a lengthy hiatus, Reiser is back on the road.

A&E >  Entertainment

‘Funkle’ it up with Funky Unkle at Lucky You Lounge

UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 27, 2022

Expect Funky Unkle to be quite busy in the studio and on the road during the summer since the entire group is comprised of teachers. "It's funny how that's worked out, but that's how it worked out for us," tenor saxophonist Austin Long said from his Audubon home.

A&E >  Entertainment

New old music from the Replacements, the Doors, Bob Dylan and Prince to beat the winter blahs

UPDATED: Sat., Jan. 29, 2022

A great way to beat the winter blahs is blasting vinyl until a semblance of spring arrives. Some hot new reissues are helping ease the pain caused by the January doldrums – and February, really. While interviewing Tommy Stinson 20 years ago, I asked about a potential Replacements reunion.

News >  Features

Dad Daze: Battling TikTok and Instagram on eating disorders

UPDATED: Sun., Jan. 23, 2022

When a friend recently revealed that the source of her daughter's weight loss was TikTok, I was taken aback. Neither of my daughters has had weight issues or had friends who were compelled to be emaciated. However, my pal's 15-year-old suffered a dramatic weight loss due to the pressure to fit in with peers.

A&E >  Entertainment

Greg Warren, Jess Walter’s biggest fan, to make his debut at Spokane Comedy Club

UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 20, 2022

Jess Walter, if you're taking a break from writing your latest novel and have an hour to spare, you're cordially invited to catch Greg Warren over the weekend at Spokane Comedy Club. "My favorite author is Jess Walter," Warren gushed while calling from his St. Louis home. "I love that guy!"