ARENA UPGRADES
The Aug. 30 Jelly Roll concert at the Spokane Arena marks the venue's first show back after the PFD closed it for a $10.2 million renovation. Concertgoers will notice dynamic new lighting throughout the Arena's bowl. The wraparound ribbon board was switched to LED that will reduce energy use by about two-thirds and a new dynamic lighting feature can be synced directly with live performances. Along with some back-of-house improvements, multiple suites were also renovated, while retractable seating on three sides of the Arena was replaced, too — a move that will speed up changeovers between athletic events. (E.J. IANNELLI)
SHARMA SAYS
In July, the New York Times released a list of "The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century." It proved divisive among keyboard warriors and bookworms alike due to a lack of Indigenous voices. In response, Spokane Public Library's writing education specialist and local author Sharma Shields compiled a "21st Century Book List for the Northwest." Every title was written by a Northwest author or is affiliated with a Northwest tribe and appears in the Spokane Public Library's collection. Titles include The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford, Wild and Distant Seas by regular Inlander columnist Tara Karr Roberts, The Liberators by Seattle poet/author EJ Koh and many, many more literary wonders. Head to spokanelibrary.org/blog for the full list. (MADISON PEARSON)
THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST
Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on Aug. 30.
A$AP ROCKY, DON'T BE DUMB. The rapper's latest LP finally drops after he initially said he was "done" in late 2022. (Clearly we were the dumb ones for believing him then.)
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, WILD GOD. Cave unfurls more dark, gnarly, and twisted baritone poetry on his band's 18th LP.
LAURIE ANDERSON, AMELIA. The avant-garde musician crafts a 22-song concept album about Amelia Earhart's doomed final flight. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
