community arts scene taking on a holiday flair
SANDPOINT — The holidays are well under way, as witnessed by this week’s calendar offerings. Along with a POAC pop-up sale, there are art gallery open houses, a classical Christmas concert in Hope and a holiday gathering at the museum, just for starters.
Friday night features the Backcountry Film Festival — a fundraiser for the fine work SOLE does with our area students — at the Panida. Beyond those events, there’s an ample slate of live music to take in.
Ho, ho, ho — here we go:
Friday, Dec. 2
Backcountry Film Festival
Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., film showings start at 7:30 p.m., Friday
SOLE’s annual fundraiser, the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival, is back for the 12th anniversary celebration; features an extra bonus with a local film by Scott Rulander called “Snow School” making the cut!
A community favorite, the event aims to inspire winter adventurers to seek the snow less traveled, while raising funds and bringing awareness to SOLE’s winter programs for schools and area youth.
Admission: $10 general admission (includes one raffle ticket); $20 donation ticket (includes three raffle tickets), available at Eichardt’s Pub, Evans Brothers, The Alpine Shop, and at the box office on the night of the festival.
Information: 208-255-7801
Mobius Riff
Venue: Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.
Time: 7-10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2
In a community that is richly blessed with talented musicians, the artists in Mobius Riff really stand out in the mix. Great players in a classic pub setting, what’s not to like?
Admission: Free and open to the public.
The Powell Brothers
Venue: Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday
These exceptional players offer stunning arrangements of tunes that feature harp guitar, mandolin and more. And did we mention they build the instruments they play? You will be glad you stopped in for some vino and these brothers.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
DJ Josh
Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 9 p.m., Friday
Admission: Free for those 21 and over.
Harold’s IGA
Venue: MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.
Time: 7-10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2
This eclectic duo always nails it with multi-instrumentalism and solid vocals on originals and distinct cover material.
Admission: Free to those 21 and over.
Saturday, Dec. 3
POAC Holiday Pop-Up Craft & Art Sale
Venue: Columbia Bank Community Plaza at the corner of Third & Oak (not the bank, but the building next to Farmin Park), in Sandpoint.
Time: 1-4 p.m., Saturday
Is it true that you survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday and yet you still have names on your holiday gift list that haven’t been checked off? Well, Pend Oreille Arts Council has just the solution for you with its annual Pop-Up Holiday Craft and Art Sale.
Featuring several local artists lined up to sell everything from greeting cards to fine art paintings, reasonably priced with Christmas in mind. There will be ornaments, hand-calligraphed cards, metal sculptures, framed photographs and figurines as well as original oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings. From yard art to wall art there will be something for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member. Refreshments will be served.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
First Free Saturday & Holiday Events
Venue: Bonner County History Museum, 611 S. Ella Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday
Join your friends at The Museum for a day of Crafting, Cocoa and Cookies as we celebrate the holidays at the museum! Enjoy sweet holiday treats, supplies to craft ornaments, silly headbands and holiday cards, plus great deals on gifts in the Museum store. Be sure to check out all the exciting new exhibits.
Admission: Free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of sponsors Jack & Colleen Filipowski and Dave & Mary Daugharty.
Information: 208-263-2344
‘Holiday Ball’ Dance
Venue: Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 7-10 p.m., Saturday
Come celebrate the fun tradition of social dancing in Sandpoint. This holiday themed dance starts with a Night Club Two-Step lesson will be taught by a local professional instructor from 7- 8 pm, followed by general dancing, refreshments, door prizes, mixers, and an overall great time. Please bring an appetizer to share and a donation of non-perishable food for the Bonner County Food Bank. Singles and couples are welcome.
Admission: $9 adults and $5 teens. USA Dance events are alcohol and tobacco free.
Information: 208-699-0421 or visit: www.usadancesandpoint.org
Classical Christmas Concert
Venue: Hope Memorial Community Center, 415 Wellington Place, in Hope.
Time: 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
The Idaho Humanities Council, in partnership with the Memorial Community Center in Hope would like to invite you to a Classical Christmas Concert with pianist, Del Parkinson. This event is free to the public. After Del’s performance, there will be Christmas cookies, a tree lighting ceremony and caroling around the Christmas tree!
Del Parkinson is Professor of Piano at Boise State University and holds a Doctor of Music degree from Indiana State University and a postgraduate diploma from the Julliard School. He has performed in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and throughout the United States. His down-to-earth narration gives the background of each piece in order to heighten the listening experience.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Information: 208-264-5481
Breakfast with Santa
Venue: Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3.
Join that magic man in the red suit for pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, orange juice, coffee and hot cocoa. All proceeds benefit the Sandpoint Teen Center.
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids, includes pictures with Santa. Available in advance at the teen center or Washington Federal Bank.
Sandpoint Waldorf Christmas Faire & Children’s Festival
Venue: Sandpoint Waldorf School, 2007 Sandpoint West Dr., in Sandpoint.
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Unique handcrafted gifts by local artisans, live musical entertainment, puppet shows, delicious homemade food and desserts, creative children’s activities and more!
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Information: 208-265-2683
Christmas Bazaar and Craft Fair
Venue: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Sandpoint.
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday
Artists’ booths, crafts and more. Lunch served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and after Sunday mass.
Event also being held Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
The Four Saxes
Venue: Evans Bros., 524 Church St., Sandpoint.
Time: 2 p.m., Saturday
Come listen and enjoy as The Four Saxes, Rich, Nikki, Cindy and Jeff, perform an eclectic mix from their expansive repertoire. Some selections will get you into the Christmas spirit, while others will set your toes to tapping or have you reminiscing.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Holiday Reception Open House
Venue: ArtWorks Gallery, 214 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 5-8 p.m., Saturday
Meet the artists who show their work at ArtWorks Gallery as you enjoy an evening of good food, fine wine, great art and lively conversation. Plus, discounts on all art displayed at the gallery.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Still Tipsy & The Hangovers
Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave., in Sandpoint.
Time: 9 p.m., Saturday
Get your rockabilly on and be there for an historic night, the last night where smoking will be allowed at the Two-One-Niner. That’s good news!
Admission: Free for those 21 and over.
Scotia Road
Venue: MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., Sandpoint
Time: 7-10 p.m., Saturday
Carve out some time to check out this stellar band, with strong musicianship galore.
Admission: Free and open to those 21 and over.
Bing Crosby Film Festival
Venue: Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague, in Spokane.
Time: Doors open at 10 a.m., films start at 10:30 a.m., Saturday
The 11th annual Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival features some of the best loved films of Spokane’s own Bing Crosby, along with a gallery of photos of the famous entertainer and a special live musical performance, A Tribute to “White Christmas” at 75,” by Hot Club of Spokane, a group of local musicians dedicated to the preservation of jazz, swing and blues.
Admission: $10 adults (good all day), available at the box office and TicketsWest outlets. Children are free.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Christmas Bazaar and Craft Fair
Venue: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Sandpoint.
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday
Several local artisan booths, crafts and more. Lunch also will be served after Sunday mass.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Blobal Fat Tire Day +1
Venue: Schweitzer Mountain Resort Roundabout (across from the fire station).
Time: Free demos from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Group ride at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4
Join the fun for free fat tire bike demos and a group ride. Rentals available on site and snacks and hot drinks will be served. Sponsored by Schweitzer and Greasy Fingers Bike Shop.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
String Music for Christmas
Venue: Coeur d’Alene First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., in Coeur d’Alene.
Time: 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4
The North Idaho College Music Department will present “String Music for Christmas” Directed by NIC Music Instructor April Martin, this free concert will feature music performed by the NIC Cardinal Chamber Orchestra.
Music for this concert features the string students and will include “Christmas Concerto” by Corelli, “Fantasia on Greensleeves” by Vaughan Williams, and “St. Paul’s Suite” by Holst, among others.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Information: (208) 769-3276.
‘Christmas with C.S. Lewis’
Venue: Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague, in Spokane.
Time: 2p.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4
Admission: $17-$27, available at the box office and TicketsWest outlets.
Monday, Dec. 5
Truck Mills Blues Jam
Venue: Eichardt’s Pub & Grille, located at 212 Cedar St.,
in Sandpoint.
Time: 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5
Admission: Free and open to the public.