Spokane Symphony: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back There’s an argument to be made that Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back has the greatest score of all time. Not only does the master John Williams carry over his timeless themes from the original film, but he adds an all-time spine-tingling menacing classic: “The Imperial March.” Hearing the Spokane Symphony perform the score on its own would be an absolute blast, but seeing them perform along with a screening of the cinematic jewel that is The Empire Strikes Back? Well, that’s as perfect as a Star Wars Day can be. Under the direction of conductor Morihiko Nakahara, the Spokane Symphony’s film events are always a treat, but it may be impossible to top this one. May the Fourth be with you all!
Poetry to Music Music and poetry are deeply interconnected in so many ways. Lines flow melodically, words rhyme, and both art forms express emotions. So it’s no surprise that this annual event exists. Each year, music composition students from local universities try their hand at turning their favorite poems into stunning pieces of music at Poetry to Music, hosted by the Spokane Symphony Associates. The event promotes the work done by local music professors and students all while raising funds for the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. This year’s featured student artists hail from Gonzaga and Eastern Washington universities, studying under Michael Kropf and Jonathan Middleton, respectively. Also in attendance is Chris Cook, Spokane Poet Laureate from 2019-21, and Spokane Symphony’s current second trumpet player.
Bach to the Future: A Musical Journey Through Time Holy Names Music Center in west Spokane was leading an ordinary life. But 2024 is not its year. YOU could be the one to change all that, when the nonprofit music education center presents the Archie Chen and Rhona Gouldson-Chen event “Bach to the Future: A Musical Journey Through Time.” For the fundraiser concert, Holy Names sends audience members 300 years back in time to meet the forefathers of modern music. Bach and his inventions had serious repercussions on future events! Now, through their concert attendance and financial support, locals can help Holy Names’ co-executive directors keep the nonprofit music school alive, sending Holy Names Music Center “Bach to the Future.” So don your favorite denim and red puffer vest, strap in, and get ready for the ride of your life. Do you mean this sucker is musical?
Coeur d'Alene Blues Festival There are many signs that spring is upon us: the sun emerging from hibernation, flowers blossoming, birds chirping, allergies flaring and — for a certain sect of music lovers — the arrival of the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival. The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s annual bash brings a host of talent together for a weekend of varied musical experiences. While Saturday night’s “Five Band Festival” — featuring soulful powerhouse headliner Sugaray Rayford and locals like Justyn Priest — may be the straightforward main event, there is also a blues cruise on the lake, a bourbon and blues shindig, a Sunday blues brunch, and free lounge performances. The artists may be singing the blues, but Blues Fest attendees certainly won’t be.
Sacha's Supper Club: Paris After Dark A night Coco Chanel would dream of: Travel to midcentury Paris for a glitzy, glamorous evening of supper and song. The educational nonprofit Sacha’s Supper Club hosts “Paris After Dark” in the Marie Antoinette Ballroom at the Historic Davenport Hotel. Bring out your pearls, bowties and berets for an immersive and effortlessly elegant evening. After an indulgent three-course dinner of lobster bisque, coq au vin vol au vent and mousse au chocolat, dance the evening away to Paris Chanson’s sultry French soundings, with additional vocalists Veronique Forget and Sacha Boutros. Listen to the unwinding story of a century of French song. Give into nostalgia and spend an evening luxuriating in the house of Dior. When the sun comes up, you may never want to say au revoir.