Spotlight: KISS 98.1 leaps forward in ratings
Normally, the Arbitron radio ratings change only subtly from quarter to quarter.
Not for fall quarter, released last week. KISC-FM (KISS 98.1) leapt from eighth to first place in the local radio rankings, doubling its share in only three months.
It might have something to do with the fact that the station’s longtime rival in the adult-contemporary market, KXLY-FM – the former Classy 99.9 – recently switched to a format called “The River: Quality Rock, True Variety.”
“A lot of people who liked their old format came over to us,” said Rob Harder, KISC-FM program director and morning personality.
KISC-FM also did well with its Christmas music in December.
The station went from a 4.3 share in the previous quarter to an 8.6 share. By the way, The River is in 11th place.
Here’s the new Top Five, ranked according to quarter-hour share, copyright 2007 Arbitron Inc.
1. KISC-FM, adult contemporary, 8.6
2. KKZX-FM, classic rock, 6.8
3. (tie) KDRK-FM, country, 5.7
3. (tie) KEYF-FM, oldies, 5.7
5. KHTQ-FM, active rock, 5.6
Travolta’s ‘Lonely Hearts’
The first-ever Coeur d’Alene Film Festival will screen 50 movies in five locations March 2 through 4. The big news: The festival has landed the new John Travolta-James Gandolfini-Jared Leto-Salma Hayek movie, “Lonely Hearts.”
This is a fitting choice because several scenes in “Lonely Hearts” were filmed in Spokane, including a ballroom dancing scene at the Davenport Hotel.
The film was shot mostly in Florida, with several other locations around the country. It’s about the murder spree of the infamous Lonely Hearts Killers in the late 1940s. Travolta plays the detective who tracks them down.
“Lonely Hearts” will show at the Riverstone Stadium 14 in Coeur d’Alene on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. and March 3 at 3:30 p.m. For ticket information, call (208) 964-4469.
The movie isn’t scheduled to hit the nation’s multiplexes until April.
Mathis tickets
Don’t dawdle if you want to see Johnny Mathis in concert with the Spokane Symphony next Sunday at the INB Performing Arts Center.
I have it on good authority that this concert is approaching sellout. Get on the phone to either the symphony box office (509-624-1200) or TicketsWest outlets (325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).
Off to the Oscars
Carly Jordan, 19, a University High School graduate, is heading to the Oscars courtesy of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Jordan’s name was announced Wednesday as one of four winners of “Ellen’s Oscar Red Carpet Giveaway.” She and a guest will be flown to Hollywood and get bleacher seats for the red carpet festivities.
She was picked because of her essay explaining that she and her mother, Dawn Jordan, have a longtime Oscar-watching tradition which includes a number of strict rules, including: Nobody can attend their party who hasn’t seen all of the nominated best pictures.
Jordan said in her essay that this will be the first time she won’t be able to watch the Oscars with her mom. She is a freshman at the University of Portland.
“Now, we can see it together,” she said by phone Thursday. “I’m taking her with me.”
Upcoming theater alert
Here are a few live theatrical events on the horizon:
“Eastern Washington University: Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” directed by Gene Engene, Feb. 23 through March 3 at the University Theatre Building; and Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music,” March 14 through 17 at the Showalter Hall Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door.
“CenterStage: The local playwrights dinner-theater series continues with “McManus In Love,” the comedy by Patrick F. McManus, Feb. 15 through 23; and “Relative Chaos: The Plumb-Nutts Family Reunion,” a new audience-interactive comedy by Jean Kavanagh, March 22 through April 14. Call (509) 747-8243.
“An Arthur Miller trio: An Arthur Miller convergence is in the air in Spokane, with scheduled productions of “All My Sons” at the Spokane Civic Theatre, Feb. 23 through March 10; “The Price” at Interplayers, April 5 through 21; and “The Crucible” at Gonzaga University, April 11 through 15. Check with the various theaters for further details.
“A Patty Duke extension: The Actor’s Repertory Theatre run of “Humble Boy,” starring Patty Duke, has been extended by three performances, due to demand. It will now run from April 6 through 22. Call (509) 838-4013 for reservations.
‘Letting Go’ with Sweeney
“Letting Go of God,” the acclaimed one-woman show by Spokane’s Julia Sweeney (“Saturday Night Live”), is coming to the Bing Crosby Theater (formerly The Met) for two performances on March 30 and 31, 7:30 p.m.
This show, about faith and atheism, has had a long run in Los Angeles. Sweeney is also preparing to film the show in L.A. on May 5.
Tickets for the performances here are $15 in advance through TicketsWest outlets, on sale Friday.
However, before the main ticket sale begins, special “rush” tickets will be on sale for $10, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in person at the Bing box office only, 901 W. Sprague Ave.
A plethora of cowpokes
Howdy, saddle pals. Don’t forget about two cowboy-related shows coming to the Bing Crosby Theater:
“”Cowboy Love Songs,” with Wylie and the Wild West and cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale through TicketsWest.
“”An Evening with Vaudeville Cowboy Sourdough Slim,” April 23, 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday through TicketsWest outlets, but $10 rush tickets are available at the same dates and times listed above for the Julia Sweeney show.