Stephanie Hammett

All Stories

A&E

Local poet and professor explores ‘ultimate forgiveness’

UPDATED: Mon., March 9, 2020

Local author and GU professor Shann Ray explores the question of suffering and “the violence of living” through poetry and the art of Trinh Mai in his latest book “Atomic Theory 7: Poems to My Wife and God.” In this work, Ray juxtaposes examples of ultimate violence and ultimate forgiveness in an attempt to explore the capacity of human goodness.

A&E >  Seven

Fiddler Eileen Ivers celebrates roots of the music with Spokane Symphony

Thu., March 5, 2020

This weekend, after nearly a decade, the Spokane Symphony will welcome Grammy Award winner and nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers back to Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox for an evening of instrumental folk and contemporary Celtic song.

A&E

Characters, place develop over time for local author Sarah Hulse

UPDATED: Sun., March 1, 2020

For author Sarah Hulse, writing has been a beloved and lifelong pursuit. Fascinated by the lesser-reported ramifications of terror acts, her latest book, “Eden Mine,” explores the social and emotional impact of loving a family member even when they’ve done something unforgivable.

A&E

Message of ‘Cabaret,’ at Spokane Civic Theatre, is still relevant today

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 27, 2020

This weekend, Spokane Civic Theatre will open its studio production of “Cabaret,” John Kander and Fred Ebb’s beloved, societally confrontational tour through the seedy, vaudevillian nightlife of 1930s Berlin.

A&E

Spokane Symphony Masterworks series takes a jazzy turn

Thu., Feb. 27, 2020

Stephen Williamson, principal clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joins the Spokane Symphony for a program full of American composers this weekend.

A&E

Local ‘Leapers’ celebrate their rare birth date in creative ways

Tue., Feb. 25, 2020

In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar, dictator for life and noted fan of time-keeping, modified the Roman calendar to include Leap Year days, adding a “quadrennial intercalary” day – an extra day every four years – in order to better ensure the calendar’s alignment with the changing seasons. Locals Graham Gustafson, Mackenzie Simpson and Michele Carmack shared some of their experiences growing up with such a rare birth date.

A&E >  Books

Authors make the case for romance at Northwest Passages Book Club

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 25, 2020

Romance fiction authors Asa Bradley, Katee Robert, Rebecca Zanetti, and Lucy Gilmore discussed everything from odd fan interactions and the biggest misconceptions about the genre to their individual inspirations and nailing down how to write the perfect romance scene at last night’s Northwest Passages Galentine’s Day event.

A&E

Diverse local writing group releases first anthology

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 24, 2020

The Diverse Voices Writing Group is releasing its first anthology chapbook, a collection of poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction and biography written by local authors.

A&E

‘Doc’ and his DeLorean go to the symphony: ‘Back to the Future’ replica time machine to be featured at Fox concert

Thu., Feb. 20, 2020

When Paul “Doc” Nigh moved to Liberty Lake last year, he brought with him his customized DeLorean modified to the specifications of the “Back to the Future” model.

A&E >  Books

Writing gives physics professor Asa Maria Bradley a romantic angle

Sat., Feb. 15, 2020

After studying, working in and teaching physics for her entire career, it wasn’t until author Asa Maria Bradley moved to Washington and joined a local writer’s group that she considered writing a full-length novel. After experimenting with writing in different genres, Bradley finally turned to her Swedish roots and began work on her Viking Warriors series.

A&E

‘Hiplet’ is a hip-hop take on ballet

Thu., Feb. 13, 2020

It’s not hip-hop. It’s not ballet. It’s “Hiplet,” and it’s coming to the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga.

A&E

Saving Valentine’s Day: 10 ideas for procrastinators

Tue., Feb. 11, 2020

Valentine’s Day reservations are notoriously difficult to snag at the last minute, but all hope is not lost. Why not nix your dinner plans and opt for something different this year?

A&E

If music be the food of love, play on: Leonard and Helen Byrne among 20 couples in Spokane Symphony

Sat., Feb. 8, 2020

On the auspicious date of the “harmonic convergence” of 1987, Helen and Leonard Byrne began their married life amid harmonies of a different kind altogether. Nearly half of the Spokane Symphony is comprised of married couples; the majority of these, like the Byrnes, met and married after joining.

A&E

Locally Writ: Erin Pringle’s cathartic new book is ‘Hezada! I Miss You’

Sat., Feb. 8, 2020

Spokane-based author Erin Pringle, known for her work in shorter-form literature, including “The Whole World at Once” and “The Floating Order,” celebrates the release of her first full-length novel today.

A&E

For the love of the trumpet: Allen Vizzutti joins symphony for Valentine’s-themed concert

Thu., Feb. 6, 2020

If you’ve been to the symphony before, you’ve likely heard your fair share of violin and piano soloists, perhaps a few cellos. But a trumpet? Joining the Spokane Symphony Orchestra this weekend, Allen Vizzutti will perform the rarely heard and famously difficult Tomasi Trumpet Concerto.

A&E

Tommy Orange to speak at Gonzaga’s Visiting Writer Series on Tuesday

Fri., Jan. 31, 2020

As an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, Tommy Orange draws each of his narrators from a wealth of firsthand experience, good and bad. Growing up in Oakland, Orange was bullied and called racial slurs associated with persons of Asian descent.

A&E

Symphony violinist David Armstrong tasked with creating charts for Daddies concert

UPDATED: Fri., Jan. 31, 2020

Between teaching and performing with the Spokane Symphony, David Armstrong, assistant principal second violin, has spent his limited free time pursuing orchestral arrangement and composition, a musical hobby dating back to his college days.

A&E

Working together seamlessly: Steve Perry of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies is ready to share stage with symphony

UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 30, 2020

International modern swing groups like Caravan Palace and Parov Stelar have been drawing the attention of music and dance lovers worldwide for the last decade, and, as we enter the sure-to-be-termed “Roaring 2020’s,” it’s about time for a resurgence.

A&E >  Books

‘American Dirt’ book tour canceled, including Spokane stop, in wake of controversy and threats

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 29, 2020

Citing security concerns, publisher cancels national book tour for controversial novel.

A&E >  Stage

Jim Breuer aims to be ‘inspiringly funny’ in his comedy show, coming to the Bing

Thu., Feb. 7, 2019

Breuer’s passion for metal and the emotional-psychological intensity the genre entails has heavily informed his devotion to the healing qualities he finds in comedy.

A&E >  Music

KISS keeps the spectacle level high with ‘End of the Road’ stop at Spokane Arena

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 5, 2019

After an artistic reveal, the iconic rock band took center stage in Spokane for the final time.

A&E >  Music

Concert review: Dierks Bentley bookends a marathon night of country at the Spokane Arena

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 1, 2019

Country singer and his band go undercover at the Hot Country

A&E >  Music

Concert review: Metallica thrills fans with long-awaited return to Spokane Arena

UPDATED: Tue., Dec. 4, 2018

The iconic metal band wowed on Sunday night with impressive pyrotechnics and special effects and a setlist deep with fan favorites.

A&E >  Music

Masters of Metal: Metallica brings ground-breaking career to Spokane for a sold out show

Fri., Nov. 30, 2018

After more than three decades, Metallica continues to push the limits

A&E >  Stage

Buddy the elf gets the musical treatment in “Elf,” opening this week at Spokane Civic Theatre

Thu., Nov. 22, 2018

Like most film-to-stage play adaptations, “Elf” shares the film’s theme but departs from the plot in a few areas, taking a number of liberties with character changes and settings.