TONIGHT!!!

RICE QUEEN

Locals RICE QUEEN continue the legacy of punk and hardcore that's long run rampant through the Spokane music scene. Bassist James Hunt and Drummer Joe Swanstrom continue to carry the torch - one they've both been carrying for decades in Spokane bands. This time it's with Swanstrom's son, Jack, who joins the ranks on guitar. Hunt and the younger Swanstrom scream back and forth over the senior Swanstrom's blast beats. It's heavy punk that's exasperated, wrung out and pissed. They'll be playing along side Cursive Wires and Satin Rulz at Mootsy's. Shows start at 10 pm. 

CASH'D OUT

Today, the band features Benson on vocals, Kevin Manuel on guitar, Ryan Thomas on bass and George Bernardo on drums. Off stage, the foursome are contractors, publishers, dive-bar soloists and studio owners. On stage, they perform more than 150 songs - up to four hours - from Johnny Cash's repertoire, including music from the Sun Records and early Columbia era, and music from Cash's live recordings at Folsom Prison and San Quentin.

Benson has the growl, black cowboy tuxedo, pursed lips and manic eyes of Cash on stage. The likeness, he says, is accidental. To maintain the growl, his voice is babied with Ricola cough drops and "all kinds of other shit." And black just happens to be his favorite color. His onstage mannerisms - that's all unconscious, he says. 

Check out the full story here. 

They are playing at the Knitting Factory at 8:30 pm. All ages.

SATURDAY!!!

CHELSEA GRIN

This hard rocking band will be playing The Center , as wellas the bands At the Skylines, I Declare War and Upon This Drawing.

 THE B-52S

To an extent, I'm sure Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj are having a fine time up there onstage, amongst their clouds of streamers and glitter. But if you want to see a pop band having an unabashedly great goddamn time onstage, check out the link to the B-52s performing  "Private Idaho" back in the early '80s. Adding to the fact that they all have ridiculous haircuts and outfits, they run in place the entire time, all the while hitting perfect harmonies. The band is a little slower these days and the beehives are no more. But save for the occasional autotune, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson on "Roam" and "Rock Lobster" just like the old days. Catch them at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino with Berlin. All ages.  

We've been hearing rumors for a little while now, but today we confirmed that the bad news was true: The A Club is closed. 

The 300-capacity downtown rock venue shut its doors at the end of December, operations manager David Lewis confirmed today. "The live venue was a losing proposition since day one," he says, "It was time to stop the bleeding." 

The venue had played host to national touring bands over the past three years, and had been packed to the gills during The Inlander's own Volume Local Music Block Party last June. But the few packed shows didn't keep the place afloat, Lewis says.

The space, on the second floor of the 400 block of West Sprague Avenue, isn't going to sit empty. Lewis says it will be converted to a massive dance club called Club 412, which will open officially on Saturday, Jan. 26.

All shows currently listed on the A Club's website are cancelled, including the El Ten Eleven show that we wrote about in this week's Inlander.

Former talent buyer Quinn Tanzer has moved his booking operations over to a brand new 500-capacity venue, The Center. Watch the Inlander for more on that venue in the coming weeks.

TONIGHT!!!

HILLFOLK NOIR 

Not sure if “junkerdash” is an industrial term, but it’s how Boise band Hillfolk Noir describes their band of honky-tonk. They play mountain music: the kind of stuff you ‘d surely have heard at a tavern off the beaten path and around the bend during the Grapes of Wrath era. Sometimes, it’s slow and filled with hurt — sparse stand-up bass and singer Travis Ward delivering aching songs of heartbreak. In fact, even when Hillfolk Noir is upbeat, the band is still restrained and always keeps its wits. And that’s what makes Hillfolk Noir refreshing: it’s tired, rootsy folk that feels like it comes out after long days of hard work on a chain gang. At the Republic Brewing Company.

Also Friday…

THE HOP!: 20XX (all ages)

MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE: BeGin! Feat. Hannah Reader (all ages)

ON SATURDAY!!!

SHOOK TWINS 

We used to see a lot of the Shook Twins — Laurie and Katelyn Shook — around these parts. But the Sandpoint natives moved to Portland a few years ago, where they’ve taken the folkies there by storm with their strange, witty harmonies and out-of-the-box song. The word “quirky” gets thrown around a lot in articles about the pair, and it really is appropriate: the sisters strum banjos over looping pedals, all the while singing like Tori Amos/PJ Harvey protégés and, sometimes, even beatboxing. That sound has gained them opening slots for big-time acts: Ryan Adams, Laura Viers, Mason Jennings, and the Head and the Heart. At Bing Crosby Theater.

. 

Also Saturday…

A CLUB: Truth Under Attack, Discourage the Curious, Storm Normandy (all ages)

THE HOP!: Holiday Havoc feat. Pest, Wurd One, Mutiny Inc., BenRay, So $icc Entertainment, OnOne, Epik, D-Logic, Enfeeble Ataxia, Jesse B. (all ages)

THE KNITTING FACTORY: Lamb of God, In Flames, HELLYEAH, Sylosis (all ages)

MOOTSY’S: Mirror Mirror, Garlands, Ramblechild

The good news: The Spokane Symphony musicians will be back in their tuxes and playing the music of The Nutcracker when the show opens this week at the Fox Theater.

The bad news: Musicians’ salaries will be cut by 11 percent — setting the pay for core musicians at around $15,600 per year. Management had earlier sought a 13.33 percent cut across the board.

The musicians’ return from a four-week strike was announced Tuesday at a press conference in the atrium of the Fox, where Symphony Board President Peter Moye and Adam Wallstein, representing the musicians, stood side by side behind a podium.

The two sides came to a compromise, agreeing on a new two-year contract, after three days of negotiations that started last Friday. Musicians would also be given three weeks of personal leave time, which Wallstein previously told The Inlander could help musicians looking to supplement their income.

At the podium, Wallstein said that the decision to come back to work wasn’t an easy one for the musicians, who voted Monday night on the new contract terms.

“As we look forward, this will continue to be a challenging time for the musicians,” he said to a small assemblage of media. “But looking at the increased flexibility we’ve built into the contract, the musicians made the painful decision to return to work.

“This has never been a battle between good and evil, but rather a discussion — a debate about where and how to best balance fiscal stewardship and artistic excellence. For now we’ve chosen to put those differences aside,” Wallstein added.  “The task before the musicians last night was to choose between two incredibly painful options, and we made the choice that nothing further could really be gained by staying out on strike.”
Moye added that right now is a critical time for the community to come out to support the organization.

After the two shook hands, and as the media dispersed, Annie Matlow — the symphony’s marketing and public relations director — announced, “The box office is open now!”

TONIGHT!

POOR MOON

Rumor has it that the band developed the sound of its debut self-titled album in a drear, windowless room. If that’s the case the band is good at hiding the dreariness: Poor Moon’s songs consist of strong vocal harmonies and warm, melodic folk guitar. If their sound reminds you of the Fleet Foxes that’s because Poor Moon members are also in that band, and used to be members of Pedro The Lion and Crystal Skulls. As Poor Moon, they strip their music down to the essentials. And that’s a good thing. (At the NYNE, 21+)

MICKEY AVALON

Since his 2006 self-titled debut record, Avalon has won fans with shock. He writes swaggering, suggestive songs (like “My Dick, ” the musical equivalent of an extended “Yo Mama” joke), performs said songs onstage with backup dancers willing to strip down to bedazzled underwear and raps like he’s just rolled out of bed and coughed down a handful of benzos. Avalon tries hard to be in-your-face — and for a lot of people he is. The man himself — with a pelvic tattoo that tells “Thank You” to any girl going downstairs — is slightly gross and unapologetic. And, it turns out, a lot of people want to soak up a little of his controversy. Check out the full story. (At the Knitting Factory , All Ages)

DAYGLOW 2012

It might seem crazy to some, but to others dancing your ass off to electronic tunes while cannons fire neon-colored paint-like product onto you and a couple thousand other revelers is a perfectly fun way to spend a Friday night. And the thing that will provide this to the young (and self-described “young”) concertgoers is Life in Color. This is a touring electronic music show that, in addition to blasting the sounds of some of the most high-profile DJs in the genre and purveying majestic light shows, also sprays neon paint on attendees. Those partiers are, in turn, encouraged to toss paint on each other. Check out the full story here. (Spokane Arena, All Ages)

Also Tonight: The Hop! : Brotha Lynch Hung, Loss Monstarz, Mutiny Inc. (All Ages)

SATURDAY!

LOCH LOMOND

Peyote-trip folk rock meditations has been a label applied to Loch Lomond in the past and that description isn’t far off. Especially present within their track “Wax and Wire” off of their album Little Me Will Start A Storm (2011), which starts off with a hard folk-style wailing, morphing into a series of bird chirpings or a nature walk theme before finally transitioning into a slow ballad finish, constituting a trip in and of itself. The Portland based band has toured with The Decemberists but is making a name for itself as a rocking folk band that delivers new sounds on each track. (Nyne, 21+)

Others Shows On Saturday:

A CLUB: Deuce, Push, Diamond Speedboat, Dj Sho and Kowax (All Ages)

Jones Radiator: Drag Like Pull, Henry Nordstrom, Table Top Joe (21+)

South Perry Pizza Winterfest: Hey! Is For Horses, The Camaros, Folkinception, Real Life Rockaz (All Ages)

After weeks of cancelled shows and a stalemate in negotiations, representatives from the Spokane Symphony and the Symphony musicians say they'll be headed back to the table to negotiate later this week. No date has been set at this time.

"We're hopeful that we can reach an agreement soon," Adam Wallstein, chair of the orchestra committee, wrote in an email to The Inlander. But the musicians' negotiations come with a caveat, he says. "With the recent concert cancellations, we've been out of work for a month now — so any agreement will need to reflect and incorporate those lost wages and services."

With the future of the organization in limbo, the Symphony musicians have planned another "benefit-relief fund" show this weekend. The concert, featuring works from Bach, Beethoven and Kevin McKee, is the second in recent weeks. According to a press release sent today, the concert on Nov. 17 at Shadle Park High School saw an estimated 200 people turned away at the door.

The concert this weekend will be held on Sat, Dec. 1, at 3 pm at Westminster Congregational United Church (411 S. Washington St). The concert is free, but donations of $10 are encouraged. All money will be used to provide the musicians with financial relief, and to cover cost of health insurance premiums.

Looking for an awesome holiday gift for the music-obsessed sibling/spouse/boss/street urchin in your life?

Doug Marsch and his amazing Boise-based band, Built to Spill, bring their beautifully unkempt beards to Spokane again — but this time in a smaller, more intimate (and thusly, more awesome) venue than in recent years here. The band will play with Idaho-bred band Finn Riggins at the Bing Crosby Theater on Saturday, Feb. 9. And tickets go on sale Friday (Nov. 30) at 10 am for $22 a pop. It's a 21 and over show.

Here's one of my personal favorite BtS songs to get you pumped:

TONIGHT!

Rock opera is coming to town — and this time it’s holiday themed. Like Santa, but louder and without the reindeer, the highly theatrical production of Trans-Siberian Orchestra blends rock, classical, folk, Broadway and R&B styles. Long-haired, electric guitar players ride elevators above the crowd and a light show puts you in a trance. This year the band’s performance will be based on the Charles Dickens Tale, The Lost Christmas Eve, and will feature classic Siberian hits like "Christmas Nights in Blue" and "Siberian Sleigh Ride," as well as their hit “Wizards in Winter." It’s cheesy and predictable, but then again so is Christmas, right? Check them out tonight at the Arena. (All-ages)



SATURDAY!

The Camaros, a long-standing Spokane bar-rock band, have reached a stage in the band’s life that they never knew they’d achieve in the first place: this Saturday, the group will release its first recording, a CD with 12 original tracks, brilliantly titled Ladies. And to celebrate, they’re inviting everyone to pack into the Baby Bar to get down to their new cuts. (All-ages until 9)



It's been awhile since we've heard from locals Six State Bender (pictured) — a balls-to-the-wall local rock band that slayed audiences regularly here in the late aughts with songs like "Spokane Drunk City." They're staging a rare resurrection this weekend for a good cause. Guitarist JT Hottinger has rallied the troops for a benefit show to help out his cousin, Leland Johnson, who is in need of a bone marrow transplant due to complications from leukemia. Come out, hear one of Spokane's most beloved rock bands and pony up for a really good cause. The play with the Creeps and Belt of Vapor tomorrow at 8 pm at the A Club. (21)

Also Saturday:

Avenue Pizza, Diamond Speedboat, The Lion Oh My, Bullets or Balloons (All-ages)

The Hop, Ravesgiving feat. DJs Shauk, DIGI, Felon, Daethstar, 4Shurtz (All-ages)

The Swamp, Cursive Wires, Cuss Jar (21)

Zola, Flying Spiders with MJ the Inhuman Beatbox (21)

(Note: Boz Skaggs has been cancelled — see northernquest.com for details)

TONIGHT!

Pedal steel guitar is one of the most evocative sounds in American music, calling to mind rhinestoned cowboy suits, tears-in-beers and high-lonesome vistas. And thanks to this local rock luminary Jamie Frost, the moan of this most idiosyncratic instrument is once again filling Spokane venues. Read our story about Frost in this week’s Inlander and check out his sound this weekend when he sits in on a set with local singer-songwriter Marshall McLean. Read our story on Jamie Frost and his pedal steel adventures here, grab a can of food and head down to the show tonight at Mootsy's. (21)

Smash hits are few and far between, but Beat Connection has found the recipe for success on their album The Palace Garden, released just this past August. The title track “The Palace Garden, 4am,” blends alluring vocals, a chill dance groove and ambiguous lyrics that beg for another listen. The album’s other single “Saola,” keeps the energy high, proving the band has mastered how to make a beat that you can’t help but dance to. The band has come a long way from their Apple GarageBand beginnings in 2008, making their mark on the Seattle music scene in a big way. The band plays tonight at A Club with Odesza and Nude Pop. (All-ages)



Also tonight:

Jones Radiator, House of Ghosts, the Hoot Hoots (21)

The Hop!, Knuckle Deep, the Finns, Unplug, Hotbox, Ian Miles, the Camorra (All ages)

Knitting Factory, Electro Factory feat. DJs Shauk, Beauflexx, Daethstar, Dubthoven

Ugly Bettie's, Flying Circus Show feat. Flying Mammals, Flying Spiders, Scott Pemberton Trio

SATURDAY!

Hoo-wee, how time flies. It was two whole years ago that one of Spokane’s most unique watering holes, Jones Radiator, opened for business in an old radiator repair shop on the eastern-most end of downtown. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. It’s a great spot for sipping a hard-to-find microbrews while talking to the friendly barkeeps. The bar hosts a party this weekend with the musical talent of locals Franklin, BBBBandits and Ampersand. (21)



Alice Cooper ain’t the scary guy you think he might be. In fact, his name isn’t even Alice Cooper. Alice Cooper started out in the late ’60s as a band, and, over time, the singer adopted the band’s name as his stage name. The band and the guy made their stage show into a macabre circus of sorts over the years, chock full of spooky face paint, fake executions and vats of stage blood. And amongst it all, the band honed a poppy shock-rock sound, producing hits like “Poison,” “Feed My Frankenstein” and “I’m Eighteen.” The show at Northern Quest tomorrow is sold out — so get sneaky or listen outside the door, yeah? (18)



SUNDAY!

A new album is always a welcome event for any band’s fans. But with Cursive, it’s not just because it means there’s fresh music to hear and enjoy. It’s more because no one is ever quite sure that there will be a next Cursive album. The band is touring currently on its latest, I Am Gemini, and will play Spokane on Sunday at the A Club with Terrible Buttons and Drag Like Pull. And read our story on the band here. (21)

As of today, there's good news and "meh" news as far as the Spokane Symphony strike goes.

The not-so-great news: as of today, Annie Matlow, Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Symphony, says that the Board has heard nothing but silence from musicians since the strike began earlier this month.

"We have heard nothing from them," she says in an email to The Inlander. "We have been waiting ready to talk but we have heard nothing since they walked away from the negotiations on Nov. 2."

In a press release from the Professional Musicians of the Inland Northwest, the musicians expressed distress over the Symphony's decision to cancel concerts. "The Musicians are disappointed by the cancellation of these upcoming concerts, particularly on behalf of our patrons, but also because we were looking forward to making the music," says Adam Wallstein, a representative for the musicians, in the press release. "All the Society would have to do is offer us a reasonable olive branch and the musicians would be back at the table at the drop of a hat."

But despite the strike and negotiations at a standstill, there's a little good news, too. The Symphony musicians will perform a benefit concert featuring the works of Mozart, Verdi and Beethoven on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 pm in the Shadle Park High School Auditorium. Donations of $10 ($5 for students and seniors) are encouraged, and will be used to provide financial assistance for the musicians, "as well as to help continue health insurance during the strike," according to the press release. A town hall meeting with the musicians will take place after the concert.