Bloglander

This weekend is beyond busy for the Inland Northwest music scene — because sometimes we’re not great about spreading performances and concerts out. That just means you have A LOT to check out.

FRIDAY
The Finns call it drama rock, and that description seems to fit this local outfit well. Their music would fit in perfectly in a strangely dark rock musical — probably one with puppets involved. That’s meant as a compliment, as the Finns don’t sound like anyone else in Spokane. Michael Gustafson’s clear-as-day theater vocals paired with the band’s surf-rock drumbeats almost leaves you off balance, but listen a little longer and it all makes sense. Tonight, they release their first LP, Nautilus, at Underground 15. Some of the lyrics are serious, grappling with the nature of existence, while others offer a taste of the absurd (i.e., the use of “meow” in the song “Black Cat”). The free 21+ show starts at 8 pm with Sea Giant opening.

The Bartlett brings in the hippie rockers the Cave Singers tonight. BBBBandits open for the all-ages show that starts at 8 pm. It’s $17 to get in. And next door at nYne are the local rock/Americana acts the Camaros and Silver Treason take over starting at 8 pm. You should probably just go to both shows since you’re right there anyway.

The Pin hosts a double show tonight that promises to get insanely loud. First up are metal acts Keep In Check (a Spokane act releasing their new EP at 2 pm today), Safe And Sound, Umbra, East Sherman At Midnight and F—- Out beginning at 6 pm. Then rocking it out after 10 pm are Rum Rebellion (who have a Celtic flair to their music, check out that flute action!) and Random Noise.


Tonight, many of the who’s who of the Spokane arts scene come together at the Washington Cracker Co. Building for Uncharted Territory, a brand new collaboration between the Spokane Symphony and the producers of Terrain. Local musicians participating include Flying Spiders, Water Monster and Hannah Reader. Expect dance and spoken word as well. Cost is a little steep at $32, but well worth it. Starts at 8 pm.

SATURDAY
Fake St. Patrick’s Day mayhem (the holiday is on Tuesday) starts downtown at noon with the annual parade. After that your musical options are seemingly endless.
- The Bartlett has a St. Patty’s Party featuring Polecat and Folkinception.
- Soul Proprietor’s St. Pat’s Funk Fest at the Big Dipper includes Irish act Floating Crowbar (who’ll also play Hills’ that day).
- Litz’s Bar & Grill features folk punk band Keilidh Shillelagh & the ElektroKelts (who’ll also play the Pin that day) and Angus Scott Pipe Band.
- The annual Pitch-A-Tent party has been moved to the Viking this year. That event includes Nixon Rodeo, Beyond Today, Death By Pirates and more. It's $8 at the door after 3 pm.

As if that wasn’t enough, Widespread Panic (read our story here) plays the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, and Philadelphia surf-rockers DRGN King take over the Baby Bar (read our story on that here). Essentially, walk into any bar/restaurant/music venue Saturday night and you’re bound to find some live music. Crazy.

SUNDAY
Never count Christian music out. Last year, several Christian artists, including Lecrae and Hillsong United, cracked the secular Billboard charts. Sunday, the Rock & Worship Roadshow rolls through the Spokane Arena for another year of family-friendly entertainment. The lineup includes big industry veterans like MercyMe and Crowder (former lead singer of the David Crowder Band) as well as newer Christian chart-toppers like contemporary hymn writer Matt Maher. Obviously, this music only caters to a certain demographic, but it’s amazing how big this Nashville-backed industry has become. $10/door (no tickets required). The show starts at 6 pm.