Calendar

Today

“Relative Chaos: The Plumb-Nutts Family Reunion” - Audience-participation dinner theater written by Jean Kavanagh. Runs March 22-24, 29-31 and April 12-14. 6:45 p.m., CenterStage, 1017 W. First Ave. $39/Thursdays, $43/Fridays and Saturdays (includes dinner and show). (509) 747-8243.

“The Cover of Life” - Three brothers are sent overseas during World War II, which forces their wives to move in with their mother-in-law. Life magazine sends a New York City reporter to write about this small-town story, and she soon discovers a story about dreams and an uncertain future. Runs through March 31. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Spokane Civic Theatre, Firth J. Chew Studio, 1020 N. Howard St. $14. (509) 325-SEAT.

Argentine Tango Classes - Free introduction class every Thursday night. 7:30 p.m., Conexión del Tango, 122 S. Monroe St. Free. (509) 990-2739.

Argentine Tango Lessons - Hosted by Victor Smith. Come with a friend or by yourself, lots of people to meet and dance with. Attire is dressy, but not formal; shoes with leather soles make dancing easier. Held each Thursday. 7:30-9:30 p.m., CenterStage, 1017 W. First Ave. Free. (509) 953-6355.

Beth’s Walking Group - Meets Mondays and Thursdays through April 12. Sponsored by the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department. Registration required. Call for meeting place. 6-6:45 p.m., Spokane. $32. (509) 625-6200.

Free Tax Preparation Sites - Airway Heights - Priority given to lower income taxpayers. Locations: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., Bring valid picture ID, Social Security cards for you, spouse and all household members, copy of last year’s tax return, copy of all 2006 W-2s, 1099 forms for you and spouse; proof of other income from you or spouse; child care provider information. Airway Heights Community Center, 13120 W. 13th Ave., Airway Heights. Free. (877) 211-WASH.

Free Tax Preparation Sites - Downtown - Priority given to lower income taxpayers. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring valid picture ID, Social Security cards for you, spouse and household members, copy of last year’s tax return, copy of all 2006 W-2s, 1099 forms for you and spouse; proof of other income from you or spouse; child care provider information. Thomas S. Foley U.S. Courthouse, 920 W. Riverside Ave., Room 489. Free. (888) 227-7669.

Inland Empire Iris Society - The group hosts its monthly meeting. 7 p.m., Manito Park meeting room, east of the conservatory. (509) 535-8025.

Riverfront Park Carrousel - The Looff Carrousel is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Created in 1909 by Charles Looff, Spokane’s famous Carrousel is a National Historical Landmark and listed on the National Historical Registry. The Carrousel includes 54 carved horses, one giraffe, one tiger and two Chinese dragon chairs. Runs through Oct. 1. Riverfront Park. $2/adults, $1/seniors/children age 12 and under. (509) 625-6600.

Riverfront Park Pavilion Attractions - The Looff Carrousel and Spokane Falls Skyride operate daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours will be extended later in the season. Runs through Sept. 3. Riverfront Park. Carrousel: $2/adults, $1/seniors, military and ages 12 and younger. Skyride: $7/adults, $5/ages 13-17, seniors and military, $4/ages 3-12, free/younger than 3. Youth ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (509) 625-6600.

Rocky Ridge Ranch - Features free range, pastured chickens for eggs and broilers. Thursdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 2:30-4:30 p.m., The Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave. (509) 796-3988.

Friday

“The Secret” - A Spiritual Cinema Movie. In this film is the secret to joy, health, money, relationships, love and everything you have ever wanted. Leading scientists, authors and philosophers reveal the secret that utterly transformed the lives of those who lived it. 7 p.m., Unity Church, 29th Avenue at Bernard Street. Free. (509) 838-6518.

A Tour of Spain - Sample eight wines, cheese and La Brea bread. Reservations and prepayment required. 7 p.m., Rocket Market, 726 E. 43rd Ave. $20. (509) 343-2253.

Girl Scouts Cookie Sale - Booth and direct sales through April 15. Varieties include: All Abouts, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Cafe Cookie, Do-Si-Do’s, Trefoils, Samoas and new sugar-free Little Brownies. $4. (509) 747-8091, ext. 228.

Newsboys “Go Tour” - Christian music. Special guests Kutless and Stellar Cart. Concert is presented by People For Christ Ministry. 7 p.m., Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $18.50-$45.50. (800) 325-SEAT.

Quality Floors and Interiors - “2007 Spring Art Exhibit,” works from The Clay Connection and local artists. Artist’s reception features wine, hors d’oeuvres and music. Friday, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. . 706 E. Sprague Ave. (509) 747-2295.

Salsa Lessons and Dance - Hosted by Victor Smith. Come with a friend or by yourself, lots of people to meet and dance with. Attire is dressy, but not formal; shoes with leather soles make dancing easier. For all ages. Held each Friday. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m., CenterStage, 1017 W. First Ave. Free. (509) 953-6355.

Spokane Symphony Classics: Schuller Returns - Gunther Schuller conducting, with cellist Mark Kosower. 8 p.m., INB Performing Arts Center (formerly Spokane Opera House), 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. $15-35; $9/students purchased night of performance, $5/purchased 6-6:30 p.m. (509) 624-1200.

The West Coast Funnies - Comedy variety show which combines the aspects of sketch comedy with stand-up comedy. Stars Lamont Ferguson, who is the 2005 winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition and has appeared on Comedy Central and opened for Bill Cosby, George Lopez and Steve Harvey. The show is hosted by Kurt Swann. 8 p.m., The Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $22.50. (509) 325-SEAT.

Saturday

“Fete de Ballet” - Presented by Theatre Ballet of Spokane, for all ages. Chickens, turtles, elephants and other animals will be brought to life on the stage in “Carnival of the Animals.” 3 p.m., Bing Crosby Theatre, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $5. (509) 838-5705.

Belly Dance Classes - Nizana is teaching an introductory session of beginning and review belly dance classes to include posture, technique, and intro to styles, music, and more Saturdays; Saturday, . 12:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 918 S. Cedar St. (around back). $10 per class. (509) 326-6622.

Ben Mancke - acoustic guitarist. 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Free Tax Preparation Sites - Cheney - Priority given to lower income taxpayers. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cheney Library, 601 First Ave. Wednesdays, noon-4 p.m., Wren Pierson Community Center, 615 W. Fourth St. Bring valid picture ID, Social Security cards for you, spouse and household members, copy of last year’s tax return, copy of all 2006 W-2s, 1099 forms for you and spouse; proof of other income from you or spouse; child care provider information. Free. (888) 227-7669.

Free Tax Preparation Sites - South - Priority given to lower income taxpayers. Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring valid picture ID, Social Security cards for you, spouse and household members, copy of last year’s tax return, copy of all 2006 W-2s, 1099 forms for you and spouse; proof of other income from you or spouse; child care provider information. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. Free. (888) 227-7669.

Gala and Auction - Spokane Preservation Advocates celebrating a decade of historical advocacy training. Elegant dinner, fine wines, music, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will support SPA. 6 p.m., Masonic Center’s Grand Ballroom, 1108 W. Riverside Ave. $50. (509) 624-5136.

Hurricane on the Bayou IMAX Weather Class - Starting at Mobius, students will learn about wild and wacky weather by doing some cool experiments like making your own air cannon. Afterwards, walk over to Riverfront Park to see the movie “Hurricane on the Bayou” after taking a private IMAX projector room tour. Please bring a sack lunch to eat before the movie. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mobius Kids, lower level of River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. $25/general, $20/ages 6-19, IMAX movie ticket included. (509) 624-KIDS.

Lewis and Clark Parents Dance and Silent Auction - Presented by the Lewis and Clark High School Booster Club. 7:30-11:30 p.m., South Hill Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. $20. (509) 624-7947.

Magic Show - Features Garry Carson, a top-rated Las Vegas magic act who has performed at the MGM Grand. Presented by Carson Entertainment and the Northeast Kiwanis Club. Proceeds benefit the Northeast Kiwanis Clubs “Camps for Kids,” a program which provides low and middle-income children camp experience. Ferris High School, Auditorium, 3020 E. 37th Ave. $10. (509) 328-2944.

Origami Class: Making Paper Butterflies and Tulips - Call for reservations. Two classes, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Sacred Grounds: Coffee, Tea and Specialty Shoppe, 12212 E. Palouse Highway, Valleyford. $4, includes supplies and beverage. (509) 747-6294.

Quality Floors and Interiors - “2007 Spring Art Exhibit,” works from The Clay Connection and local artists. Artist’s reception features wine, hors d’oeuvres and music. Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 706 E. Sprague Ave. (509) 747-2295.

Youth Book Group - Discussion of the Newbery Medal-winning book “The Higher Power of Lucky” by Susan Patron. 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Cafe, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Sunday

“Best of the Civic” - Features a variety of musical numbers from more than 20 shows and includes performances by a number of local actors in celebration of the Spokane Civic Theatre’s 60th anniversary. 7:30 p.m., Spokane Civic Theatre, Main Stage, 1020 N. Howard St. $30. (509) 325-SEAT.

“The Tales of Beatrix Potter” - Presented by Ballet Spokane. Children’s performance series and greet the story characters in the lobby following the performance. Shows at 3 and 5 p.m. Benefits Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program in collaboration with Ballet Spokane. Interplayers, 174 S. Howard St. $5/general, receive $1 off ticket price with a new children’s book. (509) 455-PLAY.

Friends of Manito - Sundays in the Garden - Discover what’s new in the plant world for 2007 with Plant Manager Janis Saiki. 2 p.m., Manito Meeting Room, east of the Gaiser Conservatory. (509) 456-8038.

Gimme the Mike - Sundays, through April 22. All shows at 6:30 p.m., except April 15 at 6 p.m. All ages. Northern Quest Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Free.

New York, New York and Dances with the Stars - Presented by The Spirit of Spokane Chorus. See our local celebrities perform some fancy footwork in a flashy salsa dance and tempting tango! Robyn Nance, KXLY 4 news anchor and Dave Sposito KZZU Radio will “dance” into your hearts as they join the championship Spirit of Spokane Chorus, Barbershop Quartets, and Pages of Harmony Chorus in a musical adventure on Broadway. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cancer Care Foundation and North Idaho Cancer Center. 3 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $15/adults, $12/seniors and students. (509) 325-SEAT.

Monday

Sevendust - Heavy metal music. 6:30 p.m., Big Easy Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave. $22. (509) 325-SEAT.

Tuesday

Author Patrick McManus - In his mystery “The Blight Way,” he introduced the delightful town of Blight, Idaho, held together with duct tape, ingenuity and the skills of Sheriff Bo Tully. McManus returns with a follow-up, “Avalanche.” Arrive early for best seating. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore auditorium, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Ballroom Dance Lessons - With Sheri Addington, focusing on the Four Classic Ballroom Steps: Beginning with East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Fox Trot and Waltz. Held Tuesdays. 7:30-9:30 p.m., CenterStage, 1017 W. First Ave. $5. (509) 953-6355.

Chimaira, He is Legend, Takeover, Concrete Grip - metal/thrash. 7:30 p.m., The Blvd. (333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.). $16/in advance, $19/at the door. (509) 325-SEAT.

Friends of the Cheney Library Book Discussion Group - Discusses “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers. 7 p.m., Spokane County Library, Cheney Branch, 610 First St., Cheney. Free. (509) 893-8280.

Vermonster Eating Contest - Benefits Wishing Star of Spokane. Sixteen teams of four high school or college students are being invited to compete by eating 20 scoops of ice cream, four bananas, four ladles of hot fudge, three chocolate chip cookies, one fudge brownie, 10 scoops of nuts, two scoops of toppings and tons of whip cream. Deadline for entry and donations was March 10. The event takes place Tuesday for “Sweet 16 at 6 p.m.;” Wednesday for “Elite 8” at 6 p.m.;” and Thursday for “Final 4” at 6 p.m. Championship round is March 31 at noon. Each member of the winning team will receive ice cream for a year. Ben and Jerry’s, River Park Square. Entry per team is a minimum $100, top 16 fundraising teams earn right to compete. (509) 455-8500.

Wednesday

“A Brave, New World: Examining Bioethics and Culture” - Human Cloning, Stem-cell Therapies, Genetic Engineering, with speaker Wesley J. Smith. Presented by Spokane College Women’s Association. Noon., Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive. $14, includes lunch. (509) 465-0362, reservations by March 24.

Author Cheryl Strayed - One bereaved family’s life in her first novel, “Torch,” in which small-town radio advice dispenser Teresa Rae Wood, diagnosed with aggressive cancer, tries to keep her family together. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore Cafe, 402 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 838-0206.

Contra Lessons and Dance - For beginners, singles and couples. Every Wednesday through June. 7 p.m., lessons; 7:30-9:30 p.m., dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Spokane Women’s Club, Ninth Avenue. at Walnut Street. $5. (509) 226-2882.

Toastmaster Demonstration Meeting - Uptowners Club will be sponsoring. Noon-1 p.m., River Park Square, Kress Gallery behind the food court. on Level 3. (509) 928-4544.

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Next Thursday

“Aida” - Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical about a love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess taken from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. Winner of four Tony awards. Runs through April 1. INB Performing Arts Center (formerly the Spokane Opera House), 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. $30-$52.50. (509) 325-SEAT.

“Fire and Grace” with Aladsair Fraser and Natalie Haas - Presented by St. Andrew’s Society. 7 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $20. (509) 325-SEAT.

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“Sustaining Excellence and Enthusiasm in Health, Relationships and Work” - Leadership Connection monthly breakfast lecture with speaker Robert Maurer. 7 a.m.-noon., CenterStage, 1017 W. First Ave. $75/general, $25/students. (509) 323-3572.

Pepper - Rock music. With The Mad Caddies. 7 p.m., Big Easy Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave. $12. (509) 325-SEAT.

Photos with Live Bunnies - March 29-31. No appointment needed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Super Shots Portrait Studio, 601 W. Main Ave., skywalk level of the Washington Mutual Building (between Crescent Court and Parkade). $15-40. (509) 624-5658.