Musicfest features young performers

Young musicians and dancers from throughout the Northwest will again gather in Spokane starting Sunday for the annual Musicfest Northwest competition.

In addition to two evening concerts downtown (see information box), the public is invited to watch performances throughout the week, mostly at Gonzaga University. Festival programs are available for $6 at each division’s check-in desk.

The ballet division will be at Dance Center of Spokane, 1407 E. 57th Ave., and the organ division at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave.

One highlight will be Thursday afternoon’s piano playoffs, in which four “adjudicator’s choice” winners will compete for the opportunity to perform at the Festival Highlights Concert.

KPBX-FM (91.1) will feature Musicfest activities, including live performances and interviews with festival participants, Monday through Friday next week from 10 a.m. to noon.

Musicfest is open to performers from elementary through post-graduate level in ballet, brass, flute, guitar, organ, piano, reed, string and voice.

For more information, see www.musicfestnorthwest.org or call (509) 327-3455.