Diverse choices fill local entertainment venues

SANDPOINT — The weather this month has shown an enormous amount of variety — sunny, spring days, wet rainy ones and even a few snow flurries in the bargain. Fortunately, the cultural offerings are just as diverse, as witnessed by this week's calendar. As always, there's a host of great films on the big screen at the Panida, as well as a solo piano concert with Allen James Teague on Friday night.

Saturday brings an open house at the new Art Place Sandpoint, NIC hosts a dramatic comedy on the Boswell Hall stage and here at home, live music is busting out all over.

Let's get with it:

Thursday, April 13

'Frantz'

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

This French film by François Ozon follows a grieving German widow in the wake of World War I whose interest is piqued by a Frenchman with apparent ties to her late husband. Filled with intrigue, loss, and romance, Frantz is a striking drama with a lush palette. Pascal Marti's cinematography is on full display, offering haunting frames and beautiful compositions to accompany the film's tangled web.

Tickets available at the box office and online at: www.panida.org

Open Mic Night

Venue: MickDuff's Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 6 p.m.

Hosted by Doug Bond & Kevin Dorin, all local artists over 21 years of age are welcome for a fun and open night of playing at the Beer Hall! Come out for a positive environment to share your passion or just come to take it all in. All levels of performers are welcome. The set will be recorded live and artists will have access to the audio! Also, this an opportunity for you to work with a professional sound guy who will work to mic you up and get your levels to show the best version of you.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

'Backstage' Volunteer Night

Venue: Pearl Theater, 7160 Ash St., in Bonners Ferry.

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Interested in volunteering in the arts, but wondering where to start? Check out 'Backstage' — a new, monthly volunteer night event featuring theater tours and interactive brainstorming meetings. Bring your ideas!

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Information: 208-610-2846 or online at www.thepearltheater.org

'Dead Man's Cell Phone'

Venue: NIC's Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave., in Coeur d'Alene.

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Production also runs on April 14-15 and April 20-22)

Have you ever walked by a lit window at night and taken a quiet moment to observe the people within? Does your mind ever wander to what their lives may be like or where their stories lead? Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Lindsay Teter, this dramatic comedy explores how an incessantly ringing cell phone dramatically changes a woman's life. Intended for mature audiences due to content.

Admission: Free and open to the public (no infants, please).

Information: 208-769-3220

Friday, April 14

Allen James Teague

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Allen James Teague brings his signature style of piano artistry and storytelling to the Panida for a one-night-only performance. Teague, a creator and performer for three decades, will present pieces from his acclaimed albums, Poet's Heart, Falling Leaf and Sparrow and Winter Rain, along with new material. Appearing with Teague will be guest artist, hammered dulcimer player Dan Eskelson.

Teague is a filmmaker, composer, writer, pianist, painter and actor. He moved to Sandpoint in the summer of 1986. While exploring the town, he walked through Cedar Street Bridge and found the old upright piano between artist kiosks on the main floor. Teague had never played a note away from home but he raised the lid. Half an hour later when he stopped playing, he was met with applause from the 40 some people gathered around behind him.

The Panida recently donated a piano to the Creations location at Cedar Street Bridge and now a concert honoring all that a piano led to seems appropriate. The grand on the stage of the Panida will fill and delight all who attend.

Admission: $12, available at the box office and online at: www.panida.org

Miah Kohal Trio

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 9 p.m.

A slimmed down version of the full Miah Kohal band, but just as rockin' in this trio format!

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Tom Catmull

Venue: Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 5-8 p.m.

As a songwriter from Missoula, Tom brings a sound of country, blues, folk and pop. He is a story teller and enjoys making both acoustic and electric guitar sounds to wrap a melody around.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Ron Greene Venue: MickDuff's Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Ron Greene is heading north for another special night at the beer hall.

Ron has been a dynamic musical presence as a professional musician and solo artist, spending the last decade performing throughout the Northwest and West Coast. As a soloist Greene's intimate stage presence has gained him a reputation as a passionate singer.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

'Dead Man's Cell Phone'

Venue: NIC's Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Production also runs on April 15 & 20-22)

Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Lindsay Teter, this dramatic comedy explores how an incessantly ringing cell phone dramatically changes a woman's life. Intended for mature audiences due to content.

Admission: Free and open to the public (no infants, please).

Information: 208-769-3220

'Uncharted!: The Four Seasons Reimagined'

Venue: Washington Cracker Co., 304 W. Pacific, Spokane.

Time: Doors at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m.

This unique version of Vivaldi's classic is an innovative and original performance featuring the work of several local artists and musical collaborations between Symphony musicians and variety of Spokane area bands.

Admission: $25-$75, available at the box office of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, by calling 509-624-1200, or online at www.spokanesymphony.org and at all TicketsWest outlets.

Saturday, April 15

Art Place Sandpoint Open House

Venue: Art Place Sandpoint, 120 S. Second Ave. (Second & Lake), in Sandpoint.

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Art Place Sandpoint is a new art center business start-up as of April 1. Vickie Edwards, the founder and owner, looks forward to connecting the amazing local artists that want to teach and those who are eager to delve into new mediums. Artisan Crafts and Fine Art Workshops available daytime, evenings and weekends. Come by and meet the instructors, ask questions, sign up for upcoming workshops and browse our new and developing art gallery of instructor and student work. Cookies and coffee all day.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Information: 228-920-0796 or visit online at: www.artplacesandpoint.com

'Frantz'

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.

This French film by François Ozon follows a grieving German widow in the wake of World War I whose interest is piqued by a Frenchman with apparent ties to her late husband.

Pascal Marti's cinematography is on full display, offering haunting frames and beautiful compositions to accompany the film's tangled web.

Tickets available at the box office and online at panida.org

Mike Wagoner

Venue: Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy a collection of originals from country-rock to ballads and soulful folk, with a peppering of humorous songs throughout.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Brian Jacobs & Friends at 219 Lounge

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave.

Time: 9 p.m.

Solo acoustic guitar with great vocals and special accompaniment from a friend.Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Live Music

Venue: MickDuff's Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 7-10 p.m.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Arbor Public Market

Venue: Cedar Street Bridge, corner of First & Cedar

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

'Dead Man's Cell Phone'

Venue: NIC's Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave., in Coeur d'Alene.

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Production also runs on April 20-22)

Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Lindsay Teter, this dramatic comedy explores how an incessantly ringing cell phone dramatically changes a woman's life. Intended for mature audiences due to content.

Admission: Free and open to the public (no infants, please).

Information: 208-769-3220

'Uncharted!: The Four Seasons Reimagined'

Venue: Washington Cracker Co., 304 W. Pacific Ave., in Spokane.

Time: Doors at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m.

This unique version of Vivaldi's classic will be held in Terrain's home space on the ground floor of the Washington Cracker Co. Each movement will showcase original creations — from poetry to hip-hop — each inspired by the music.

Admission: $25-$75, available at the box office of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, by calling 509-624-1200, or online at www.spokanesymphony.org and at all TicketsWest outlets.

Monday, April 17

Truck Mills Blues Jam

Venue: Eichardt's Pub & Grille, located at 212 Cedar St.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Wednesday April 19

Hiawatha Drum Circle

Venue: Hope Memorial Community Center, 415 Wellington Place, in Hope.

Time: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Hosted by Jack Green, this is a drumming for peace, abundance, and the healing of Mother Earth. A journey through the spirit world (this is not a class).

Admission: Free and open to all ages.

Information: 208-304-9300 or e-mail: jackgreen7712@gmail.com

Thursday, April 20

'The Shack' film and producer discussion

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

'The Shack' producer, Brad Cummings will be at the Panida for the Thursday showing of the film. Brad is one of the co-authors/collaborators of The Shack. This special visit is sponsored by Kochava and is for one night only.

The film also will show on April 22-23 at the Panida.

'The Shack' is an adaptation of the popular 2007 novel by William P. Young, which focuses on a man who suddenly receives a mysterious letter urging him to return to the site of the abandoned shack deep in the Oregon hills.

Tickets available at the box office and online at panida.org