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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spotlight: Carlile, Franti top Sandpoint lineup

The Festival at Sandpoint concerts were announced Thursday, and you might call it the back-by-popular-demand lineup.

Three of the headliners have been big draws in previous Sandpoint summers at the big white tent. Here’s the full list:

Rickie Lee Jones, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. – The jazz-pop chanteuse of “Chuck E.’s in Love” will perform with her eight-piece band. Openers will be Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. ($34.95)

Brandi Carlile, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. – This big-voiced singer-songwriter is a particular favorite in her native Northwest and was a huge hit at last summer’s festival. ($36.95)

Chris Isaak and Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. – This is the Super Saturday show, featuring the “Wicked Game” singer along with a band fronted by Willie’s son. ($44.95)

“Disney Symphantasy,” Aug. 7, 4:30 p.m. – This is the Family Concert, with the Spokane Youth Orchestra and many other kids’ activities. ($6)

Josh Ritter, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. – The Moscow, Idaho, singer-songwriter-star returns to Sandpoint, where he was a major draw in 2007. Darren Smith opens. There will be a microbrew tasting prior to the concert. ($29.95)

Michael Franti & Spearhead, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. – Franti had another of last summer’s sellout shows. Jason Spooner opens. This is the festival’s designated dance concert, so be prepared to move. ($49.95)

Rodney Crowell, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. – This is the Super Country Saturday show with opener David Nail. ($44.95)

Grand Finale Concert with the Spokane Symphony, Aug. 14, gates open 4:30 p.m. for the Taste of the Stars Wine Tasting – The concert theme is “Spanish Serenade,” featuring classical guitarist Mak Grgic and soprano Hailey Fuqua. Selections include pieces by Rimsky-Korsakov and Bizet. ($34.95/adults, $9.95/youth)

Individual tickets are now available at the festival office in the Old Power House at 120 E. Lake St., Suite 207, by calling (208) 265-4554 or (888) 265-4554, or through TicketsWest outlets (800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

Cray and Prine

Two other new shows to report:

The Robert Cray Band, an old favorite among Spokane blues aficionados, will play the Knitting Factory Concert House on July 2, 8:30 p.m. Cray was a fixture in Spokane clubs before he broke out and became an international star. General admission tickets are $25 in advance through Ticketfly (877-435-9849, www.ticketfly.com) or $27.50 at the door.

John Prine, one of America’s premier singer-songwriters, will play the Bing Crosby Theater on Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $53.50, through TicketsWest.

A Duke talkback

The post-show talkback sessions at Interplayers Professional Theatre are always worthwhile. But this is the one not to miss.

Director Patty Duke will attend the May 29 matinee of “The Miracle Worker” at 2 p.m. and preside over the after-performance discussion.

This means you will be able to hear stories about Helen Keller, Anne Bancroft and Arthur Penn from the woman who was at the center of both the Broadway and Hollywood versions.

She’ll give you insight into “The Miracle Worker” that no one else on earth can give.

The run has been extended through May 29. Tickets are $24, through the Interplayers box office at (509) 455-PLAY or TicketsWest.

‘Snow White,’ 65 years later

The Spokane Children’s Theatre is returning to its roots with its production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which continues through May 29 at the Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside Ave.

“Snow White” was also the first play the troupe ever staged, in 1946.

The Spokane Daily Chronicle reviewer wrote on Nov. 26, 1946, that the woman playing Snow White “was all her small worshippers could ask for.”

As for Prince Charming, he was “indeed charming in looks and action, which well compensated for the fact that his singing didn’t carry beyond the front row.” (Oops.)

Overall, the kids in the audience at the Post Street Theater were “very attentive” during the show and “very impatient” during intermissions.

Here’s hoping the audiences will be just as attentive, 65 years later. The show continues today and Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m., and next Sunday, 1 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for children, $12 for adults, at the door or through TicketsWest.

Manito’s ‘Mozart’

“Mozart on a Summer’s Eve” will be filling Manito Park with music on July 19 and 20, 7 p.m.

This concert is a summertime musical staple in Spokane. This year’s theme will be “Bella Italia!” and the program will include some Rossini along with the usual Mozart.

Verne Windham will direct and Max Mendez will sing.

Tickets are $25 for table seating (including dessert and coffee) or $10 for lawn seating, through TicketsWest.

Swing for Browne’s Addition

Speaking of outdoor shows in the park, the Browne’s Addition Summer Concert Series has been bringing free weekly concerts to Spokane’s Coeur d’Alene Park in July and August since 1996.

You can help this tradition continue by attending a fundraising concert on Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Nyne Bar and Bistro, 232 W. Sprague Ave.

Six Foot Swing and Kari Marguerite and the Seventy-Six will perform. Swing lessons will be provided.

A $15 donation is requested, with proceeds going to the 2011 concert series.

ArtFest on the way

Here’s the biggest event of them all at Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition: ArtFest, coming June 3-5.

This outdoor arts festival will have booths with 140 artisans, beer-and-wine gardens, art demos and a full lineup of live music. Headliners will include Milonga and Big Mumbo Blues.

And this year, parking will be easier. You’ll be able to use the old Safeway lot, only a few blocks from the park. We’ll have more details as the event gets closer.