Gloria Steinem | Oct. 4
Words
In 1963, Gloria Steinem went undercover and worked as a Playboy Bunny at New York City’s Playboy Club so she could write a scathing article on the degrading ways female employees were treated there. It was a pretty gutsy move during an era when women were still expected to be perfectly polished, docile housewives. Several years later, Steinem had become a pivotal leader at the forefront of the women’s liberation movement of the late ’60s and ’70s. You can hear her speak about how far women have come during the past 40 years when she visits the University of Idaho as part of its Women’s Center’s 40th Anniversary celebration. (CS) University of Idaho ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, Free, 7:30 pm
Feminist Film Series | Oct. 4, 16, 17
Film
In the midst of a big slate of lectures and discussions in its fall programming, Eastern Washington University’s Women’s Studies Center is hosting a trio of documentaries examining some pretty revolutionary moments and ideas in feminism. Live Nude Girls Unite! (Oct. 4) chronicles the efforts of a group of (sexy) dancers in the mid-’90s to unionize, in an effort, among other things, to end a discriminatory race-based wage policy. Playing Unfair (Oct. 16) is a look at how, 30 years after Title IX, journalistic coverage of women’s sports still lags far behind men’s and still focuses more on sexuality than prowess. The Pill (Oct. 17) is a history of the development of the contraceptive pill — which would revolutionize women’s control over their bodies (and all of our sex lives) — following the “devout Catholic gynecologist” who advocated for the pill and the biologist who developed it. (LB) EWU Monroe Hall, Free, all events at noon.
Visual Arts Tour and Terrain | Oct. 5-6
Visual Arts
In terms of Fall Arts events, these two days in October are perhaps the granddaddy of them all. On Friday and Saturday nights, Spokane will be inundated with gallery showings and arts shows that aren’t really art galleries but become one for these awesome explosion of culture in the Inland Northwest. On Friday night, you can see some of best of the Inland Northwest’s innovative culture at Terrain, an event that brings together nearly 200 pieces of visual arts in basically any format you can readily think of: music, poetry and multimedia performances for a one-night throwdown at the Music City Building. Now in its fifth year, Terrain continues to grow, serving as a showcase of the region’s creativity. (MB) Downtown Spokane
Beyond Pink Fashion Show | Oct. 5
Benefit
It’s a fashion show where the models strut in even fewer clothes than usual. But it’s not for the sake of sleaze; it’s for saving women’s lives. This designer bra fashion show was started by two women who wanted to raise money to help others pay the costs associated with thermography, a digital thermal imaging exam for early detection of breast cancer. The bras worn by the models are anywhere from sultry — feathered, bedazzled, tasseled — to zany — bulldogs and flowerpots. All designed with wit, detail and elegance. (JM) Masonic Center, $35, 5-9 pm
Scarywood Haunted Nights | Oct. 5 - 27
Holiday
For some, the best part about living in this part of Washington is being so close to Silverwood. Again, that’s just some people. Sadly, the amusement park’s season is over, but that doesn't mean that Silverwood has closed its gates. Rather, the park has a new theme to accompany this special time of year. Scarywood promises to thrill and frighten its visitors more than usual with its haunted attractions, including a backwards ride on the already terrifying Timber Terror roller coaster and a to-die-for drive on Zombiewood Express. Only the most courageous will survive Halloween at this park. (KS) Silverwood Theme Park; $20-$35; Wed-Thu, 6:30 pm-11 pm; Fri-Sat, 7 pm-1 am
Shaolin Warriors | Oct. 8
Performance
Spin kicks, deadly blows and stark precision. Kung Fu is wicked, in the completely awesome way, of course. The Shaolin warriors will be bringing their Kung Fu to the stage in a dynamic theatrical production. As disciples of the Shaolin schools in China, they will be displaying their martial arts expertise as well as illustrating their Zen philosophy and way of life. (JM) Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, $27-37, 7:30 pm
The Crazy Cool of Nellie McKay | Oct. 9
Music
Nellie McKay is pretty much the epitome of a triple threat artist, maybe even a quadruple or quintuple threat — and not because she has a clothing line, a perfume line and a couple of hit songs. This 30-year-old dynamo is the real deal, and you can see so for yourself when she performs in Spokane this fall. McKay has five full-length albums under her belt, has starred in feature-length films (P.S. I Love You) and on Broadway (The Threepenny Opera), composes original music, plays five instruments and there’s even a ballet based on one of her albums. Yeah, she’s pretty much done it all. (CS) Bing Crosby Theater, $24-$27, 7:30 pm
Glenn Miller Orchestra | Oct. 10
Music
When you think of big band music, Glenn Miller is a name that should come to mind almost immediately. The jazzy, swing-y sound of the saxophones, trumpets and clarinet backed up by a bouncing bass line conjure up images of an bygone era, when a night on the town consisted of twirling around the dance floor until your feet ached. Thankfully, Glenn Miller’s famed orchestra has withstood the test of time and still tours around the world, though Miller hasn’t been a member since he went missing in action over the English Channel in 1944. If you’re “In the Mood” for hits like “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “I’ve Got a Girl in Kalamazoo,” you’re in luck, because the orchestra takes the stage in Sandpoint this October. (CS) Panida Theater, $10-$20, 7:30 pm
Brian Regan | Oct. 13
Comedy
If you haven't caught one of Brian Regan's hour-long stand-up specials on Comedy Central, listened to his CDs or seen him live the multiple times he's made stops in Spokane on his highly successful tours, chances are you have still heard some of his jokes. With a hilarious stage presence and a way of wise cracking you don’t hear as much anymore, this comedian dominates his live shows. Whether it's your first time seeing him or hundredth, Regan's clean humor and physical delivery will leave you with one of those laughed-too-hard stomach aches. (KS) INB Performing Arts Center, $71, 8 pm
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis | Oct. 16
Music
OK, Macklemore is just too cool for school. For one, he can rock a second-hand fur coat while riding a two-sizes-too-small blue scooter like nobody’s business. And that’s just in the video for his single “Thrift Shop,” the first from his upcoming album The Heist. He’s also a Bumbershoot alum, playing three times in the last five years, and played Sasquatch in 2011. The Seattle-born rapper — real name: Ben Haggerty — and producer Ryan Lewis have been steadily gaining attention over the last few years, especially with the July release of their single “Same Love,” which supports gay marriage. Fingers crossed he brings the fur coat and scooter on tour with him. (AP) Knitting Factory, $20-$23, 8 pm
Jersey Boys | Oct. 17-Nov. 3
Theater
Perhaps one of the most anticipated theatrical presentations to come to Spokane in recent years, Jersey Boys is taking over the INB this fall for two dozen performances. That’s right, Jersey Boys, the story of the unlikely rise to massive stardom of the Four Seasons, will set up shop in downtown Spokane for 24 shows. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Wait a second, I don’t even know a single Four Seasons song,” well, you’re lying to yourself because this mid-1960s pop powerhouse likely inundated your subconscious with songs like, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “What a Night” and plenty other toe-tappers likely to strike a familiar chord. But it’s not just music. The musical dives into the hardscrabble background of Franki Valli and company as they rose from obscurity to the top of the charts. (MB) INB Performing Arts Center, $32.50-$132.50, times vary
The Pumpkin Ball | Oct. 20
Benefit
This is essentially trick-or-treating for adults. Now in its ninth year, the Ball invites you to dress up in formal attire and try to get the best loot possible during the high-end live and silent auctions. There will also be dancing, a live band and, of course, a pumpkin carving contest. With 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, the Pumpkin Ball is a chance for you to make a difference and have fun, all without having to raid your kids’ candy bags. (AP) Spokane Convention Center, $150 for individuals, $1,200 for a group table, $2,000 for a corporate table, 5:30 pm
Jake Shimabukuro | Oct. 22
Music
Musician Jake Shimabukuro is bridging musical genres that seem oceans apart with his four-stringed ukulele. Jazz, rock, folk and traditional Hawaiian are just some styles that can be found on his previous album. His upcoming October release, Grand Ukulele, features rockabilly, surf rock and covers of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” The Hawaiian musician, who started playing ukulele at age 4, is nothing short of brilliant. Need proof? Check out the viral YouTube vid where his hands glide up and down the uke to the tune of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” (JM) Bing Crosby Theater, $30-$45, 7:30 pm
World Trophy Accordion Championship | Oct. 23 -27
Music
A prestigious, albeit offbeat, music competition is coming to Spokane — and the United States — for the first time. It is the 62nd Trophée Mondial, which draws accordionists from all over the globe to vie for the title of 2012 World Trophy Accordion Champion. The Spokane Symphony and accordionists will be opening the five-day event with a concert at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox at 7 pm. Daily competitions and nightly concerts will be at the Bing Crosby Theater. For a more casual — and less expensive — setting check out the accordionist open mic at River Park Square Mall. You’ll want to see the mastery while it’s here, because next year the championships are in Russia. (JM) Bing Crosby Theater; $15-$25 for evening concert, $5 for daily competitions, passes for entire event also available; 9 am-10 pm
Allen Stone | Oct. 26
Music
This Chewelah-born soul singer has been garnering more and more attention over the last few years, thanks to his smooth, R&B-tinged vocals. In the last year alone, Allen Stone has completed a European tour and released his self-titled sophomore album, which hit No. 2 on the R&B/soul iTunes chart and No. 9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. He’s also performed on just about every late night talk show there is, including Conan and Late Show with David Letterman. He’s set to embark on another cross-country and European tour soon so I’d catch him while you can. (AP) Knitting Factory, $12.50-$13, 8 pm
Odyssey Youth Center Phantom Nights | Oct. 27
Benefit
Every year, the kids at Odyssey Youth Center — which works with at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens — put on their ghoulish garb and paint their faces in (delightfully) monstrous makeup for the grand masquerade ball. This year's event is inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and attendees of this spooky shindig can dance to live music, partake in silent auctions and enjoy some delicious food and drinks. Halloween fun and the chance to help the teens all in one night make for the perfect excuse to put on a ridiculous costume and have a few drinks. (KS) Spokane Masonic Center, $50, 7 pm
Loretta Lynn | Oct. 27
Music
Back when country music was all frilly plantation dresses and songs about your daddy, women like Loretta Lynn dominated the hearts of the industry. Perhaps best known as the Coal Miner’s Daughter, Lynn rose to be a country superstar from her humble roots as one of eight kids growing up in a tiny cabin in the Kentucky wilderness. Lynn gave her career new life in the early 2000s with Van Lear Rose, a collaborative album with Jack White, of the White Stripes. At 80 years old, this woman still plays concerts, still releases new music and still wears those fantastic, frilly dresses onstage when she performs. (LS) Northern Quest Casino, $50-$65, 7:30 pm
