You'll be forgiven if, during the daily deluge of COVID-19-related updates, you didn't notice that some seriously great musicians recently booked shows in and around Spokane for later in the year.
Granted, only a fool would pretend to know what lies ahead, but when so many shows in March and April are canceled — and, more importantly, local venues are feeling the pinch of going dark — it's nice to at least imagine getting back to "normal," when we can gather together by the hundreds or thousands and celebrate amazing artists.
Here are some of the shows that went on sale in just the last week. Maybe buy a ticket now — consider it an investment in your own hopes about the future.
TEGAN & SARA
May 18, Knitting Factory
The Calgary natives have spent a couple decades exceeding expectations, moving from indie heroes to full-on pop stars, even performing the insanely catchy Lego Movie anthem "Everything Is Awesome" along the way. A May show seems ... optimistic as of right now. But let's hope it happens. $36, available at sp.knittingfactory.com
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
July 15, Knitting Factory
One of America's best rock bands, the Drive-By Truckers play an electrifying brand of politically potent Southern rawk. I've been fanboying them for about 20 years now, and after living in Spokane more than five years, I finally get to see them in my adopted hometown. You should, too — you won't regret witnessing the storytelling of co-leaders Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. $25, available at sp.knittingfactory.com
WILCO/SLEATER-KINNEY
Aug. 6, First Interstate
Center for the Arts
A double-bill consisting of alt-country royalty Wilco and riot grrrls-turned-experimentalists Sleater Kinney should make for one dreamy night out. On the surface, it might look like an odd coupling, but both bands are rooted in the indie/punk scene. And both have consistently delivered amazing live shows as their respective sounds have evolved. Too bad it's not outside, but I'll take it! $35-$90, available at ticketswest.com
DWIGHT YOAKAM
Sept. 20, First Interstate
Center for the Arts
Perhaps best known for his devotion to the "Bakersfield sound," Dwight Yoakam has spent decades straddling the line between country and rock. He wears tight jeans and a cowboy hat and can honky-tonk with the best of them, but he'll also drop a Queen or Cheap Trick cover that kills every time. I saw him last summer, and he knows how to put on a show. The man has skills. $58-$88, available at ticketswest.com
These are just a few of the new announcements we had as the crisis sunk in. Keep an eye on Inlander.com for updates and the eventual return of life to venues from the Fox Theater to the Bing, Lucky You Lounge to Big Dipper, and beyond — including any changes to previously announced shows. ♦
