7 Nights Out: The best of the next 7 days
1. Watershed 2016
The annual country music festival returns to the Gorge, this time over two weekends. The first weekend this year features Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church and Jon Pardi, who also stops by the Knitting Factory in Spokane on Saturday. Second weekend is Aug. 5-7.
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Gorge Amphitheatre, 754 Silica Road NW, George
Cost: $199/good all weekend; camping sites $142-$499/weekend, through Ticketmaster.
Info: www.watershedfest.com
2. Charlie Musselwhite
The harmonica player and bandleader has been a force in the blues world for five decades. He came out of the Chicago scene in the 1960s – alongside Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters – and has played with musicians such as Charlie Sexton, Cyndi Lauper (that’s him on harmonica on “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”), G.E. Smith, Robben Ford, INXS, Tom Waits and Jorma Kaukonen. He’s racked up 25 wins as best harmonica player at the Blues Music Awards, was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010 and won a Grammy for his 2013 album with Ben Harper, “Get Up.” He’s playing a free gig as part of the Friends of Pavillion Park summer concert series.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake
Cost: Free
Info: http://pavillionpark.org/
3. Royal Fireworks Concert
George Frideric Handel wrote his Music for the Royal Fireworks in 1749 at the request of King George II of England. For the 37th year, the piece will be performed in Spokane and synchronized with a fireworks show.
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Riverfront Park, floating stage, 507 N. Howard St.
Cost: Free
Info: www.spokanehistoricconcerts.org/
4. Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
Opening night at the Festival at Sandpoint with Grammy award-winning singer and keyboardist. Known for the spontaneity of his live performances, Hornsby draws frequently from classical, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Motown, gospel, rock, blues and jam band musical traditions with his songwriting and seamless improvisations. His 1986 No. 1 debut hit, “The Way It Is,” describing aspects of the American civil rights movement, went multi-platinum and in 1987 Bruce Hornsby and the Range won the Grammy award for best new artist. He won the 1990 Grammy award for best bluegrass album and song, “The Valley Road,” and the 1994 Grammy for best pop instrumental performance. Sandpoint’s own Bridges Home, featuring Dave and Tami Gunter, with Paul Gunter, will be the opening act. Brew Tasting tickets are available for $10 and include a commemorative pilsner glass and premium microbrew tastings. The Brew Fest starts when gates open at 6 p.m.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: War Memorial Field, 855 Ontario St., Sandpoint
Cost: $44.95, through the festival website
Info: (208) 265-4554 or www.festivalatsandpoint.com
5. The Mavericks and Asleep at The Wheel
The Mavericks recorded their critically acclaimed album, “In Time,” and reintroduced music lovers to the band’s genre-defying melting pot of pop music. Asleep at the Wheel, now in their 44th year, continues to introduce the western swing genre to a new generation on tour and take audiences on the ride of a lifetime,
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave.
Cost: $41-$81, through TicketsWest
Info (509) 624-1200 or www.foxtheaterspokane.com
6. Dar Williams
Folk singer-songwriter comes back to the Inland Northwest for mark the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album, “Mortal City.” Her latest release was 2015’s “Emerald.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Chateau Rive at the Flour Mill, 621 W. Mallon Ave.
Cost: $30, through TicketsWest
Info: http://www.performanceplease.com/
7. ‘Dogfight’
On the eve of their deployment, young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery. Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress, rewrites the rules of the game and teaches one of them the power of love and compassion. Studded with impressive songs, an unexpected love affair, and a genuine and charming soul, this is a theatrical journey that stays with you.
When: Friday through Aug. 14; performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: The Modern Theater Coeur d’Alene, 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene
Cost: $24-$27, through the Modern box office
Info: (509) 455-7529 or www.themoderntheater.org/