Week's many options bring thoughts of thankfulness

| November 22, 2018 12:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Happy Thanksgiving, good friends! I am so grateful to call this sweet town home. And it’s a very busy hometown this week, starting with the Turkey Trot fun run/walk today, the Christmas tree lighting and arrival of Santa on Friday.

Right after St. Nick rolls in, there’s a Friday night concert at the Panida featuring the Redhead Express and the launch of their new Christmas CD (I’ll be there pickin’ some tunes with my pal Fiddlin’ Red as an opening duo — exciting!).

The Shook Twins are at the Pearl Theater on Friday and the Panida on Saturday for their annual ‘Giving Thanks’ concert tour through their hometown and POAC presents the Eugene Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ next Wednesday.

May blessings abound as we embrace the heart of the holiday season.

Thursday, Nov. 22

Turkey Trot Fun Run-Walk

Venue: Travers Park parking lot, 1202 W. Pine St,, Sandpoint.

Time: 9 a.m. (arrive earlier to register)

Join Sandpoint West Athletic Club and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation for the 11th annual Turkey Trot and food drive on Thanksgiving morning. This low-key event features a 5K, 10K or whatever distance you want to run or walk (no bikes and no dogs please). This fun run is free with your nonperishable donation to the food bank. Come early to sign a waiver (minors need a parent or guardian signature) and to drop off food donations.

Admission: Free and open to the public with food donation to food bank.

Information: Call 208-263-3613

Friday, Nov. 23

Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival

Venue: Jeff Jones Square, Third & Main, in Sandpoint.

Time: Refreshments and entertainment start at 5 p.m., Santa arrives at 6 p.m.

It’s a family tradition in Our Fair City to greet St. Nick as he rolls into town to start the Christmas season. Bring the gang and join the fun. Plus, you get to warm up with soup that will be available from five local restaurants.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Redhead Express Christmas CD Release Concert

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

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.

The Redhead’s early study of mountain music along with their acoustic instruments suggests an American Folk influence. However, Kendra’s vocal influences are quite varied, reaching into jazz, blues, rock, pop and both early and modern country music. Some refer to Redhead Express as folk-rock or folk-pop while others like the alternative country label. However, it seems that no matter what they sing, it is uniquely their own.

Special guest artists The Risky Gents (Fiddlin’ Red Simpson & Dave Gunter) and Hope Ambridge.

Admission: Tickets available online at panida.org

Opening Day

Venue: Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Time: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Schweitzer opens the 2018/19 ski and board season with limited operations today through Sunday, running the Basin Express Quad. The resort closes on Monday, but will re-open on Nov. 30, with the full 7-day-a-week operating schedule, weather permitting.

Admission: $45 for full-day adult lift tickets.

Infromation: schweitzer.com

Mike & Shanna Thompson

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

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Grab a glass of wine and relax with the singular sounds of Brian Jacobs. Admission: Free and open to the public.

Miah Kohal Band

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

Time: 9 p.m.

This Sandpoint favorite classic rock/outlaw country band invites you to bring your dancing shoes, as their upbeat music that is sure to get you on the dance floor and keep you there.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Mostly Harmless

Venue: Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Bob Beadling

Venue: Cedar Street Bistro Wine Bar on the Cedar Street Bridge, in Sandpoint.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

What a perfect, intimate venue for enjoying the copious talents of this exceptional pianist.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Devon Wade & Mac Tibbetts

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

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

It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving Devon Wade show at the Beer Hall, back once again! Join Devon and his father, Mac, on drums and their closest friends for a fun holiday get together at the Beer Hall.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Shook Twins

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

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Our very own, nationally renowned Shook Twins are slated to sell out The Pearl once again, so reserve your tickets now. Kaitlyn and Laurie Shook return Thanksgiving weekend for their ‘Giving Thanks’ shows in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

They have shared the stage with national headliners, including JJGrey and MoFro, Ryan Adams, Elephant Revival, Indigo Girls, The BoDeans, and Mason Jennings. If you’ve never seen them, prepare for the Shook Twins show to blow your minds with their epic, eclectic, remixed folk sound. Special guest: John Craigie.

Admission: $20 adults in advance Mountain Mike’s and Bonners Books or online at thepearltheater.org

Information: 208-610-2846

Saturday, Nov. 24

Shook Twins’ ‘Giving Thanks’ concert

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

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Their eclectic style fluctuates from song to song; drawing from their life experience they write about being potters’ daughters, the sway of the subconscious, imagined superpowers and a chicken friend named ‘Rose.’

Shook Twins also pull out unexpected covers on classic hits as well as their friends’ songs. Special guest: John Craigie.

Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door available at Eichardt’s and online at brownpapertickets.com

Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival

Venue: Ponderay Event Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way, in Ponderay.

Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival with local artists and vendors and featuring Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue, plus, in the kitchen, there will be Green Goes Fusion Food – so add lunch to your holiday shopping!

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Mike Wagoner & Utah John

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

Time: 5-8 p.m.

This artistic pairing promises a night of great music, including classic covers and originals alike.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Browne Salmon Truck

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

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

Comprised of Sandpoint locals Drew Browne on bass, Samantha Carston vocals, and Truck Mills guitar this trio plays vintage and contemporary blues, jazz, Latin and more. They don’t play often so don’t miss a chance to hear their awesome sound.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Dangerous Type

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

Time: 9 p.m.

This four-piece rock band plays a wide variety of songs & styles that everyone loves.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Brian Jacobs

Venue: Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Jake Robin

Venue: Cedar Street Bistro Wine Bar on the Cedar Street Bridge, in Sandpoint.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Come join Jake for an evening of smooth vocals and fingerpicking guitar.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Sunday, Nov. 25

Annie Welle

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

Time: 2-4 p.m.

Annie plays a variety of genres from classical to popular and will have your feet tapping! The winery’s stunning, historic 1870 Decker Brothers concert grand piano has recently undergone restorations and repairs and sounds marvelous.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

‘Nutcracker & the Four Realms’

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

Time: 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Richard E. Grant, Eugenio Derbez, Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Misty Copeland, and Jayden Fowora-Knight star in this family fantasy adventure film that transports a young girl into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.

Admission: Tickets available online at panida.org

Monday, Nov. 26

‘Nutcracker & the Four Realms’

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

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Admission: Tickets available online at panida.org

Truck Mills Blues Jam

Venue: Eichardt’s Pub & Grille, located at 212 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

‘Nutcracker & the Four Realms’

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

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Admission: Tickets available online at panida.org

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Eugene Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

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

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., performance starts at 7 p.m.

For the 31st year, Clara’s adventures in the Land of the Sweets come to life on the Panida stage, during this favorite kick-off to the holiday season — part of the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Performance Series.. Keep and eye open for the Baby Mice, Bon Bons, Angels and Party Children — they are all played by local dance students who have been rehearsing at Dance Works!

Admission: $30 adults, $12 for those 18 and under, available at Eve’s Leaves, Eichardt’s, Winter Ridge Natural Foods and at the door (if still available), or online at panida.org

KRFY Fundraiser

Venue: Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

IPA hosts this fundraiser for KRFY Community Supported Radio, with live music by Marty Perron and Doug Bond and Iron Goat Brewing Co. beer on tap, plus raffle prizes, and complimentary appetizers.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Truck Mills & Carl Rey

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

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Acclaimed Sandpoint musician Truck Mills and guest musician Carl

Rey will entertain with great Blues, Folk, Gospel and Jazz.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.