Bloglander

There are three weekends left this summer. Get out and enjoy them with some live outdoor (and in) music while you still can. This weekend’s blog is set up a bit differently, by venue rather than day. It will all make sense below.

EVENTS

BARTFEST
Happening all weekend at the Bartlett and nYne, Bartfest is finally here, and it looks like even KEXP in Seattle recommends that you should go to it (although we don't appreciate their line: "Finally! A reason to go to Spokane!"). The price is a bit steep at $90 for the weekend, but there are cheaper day options as well. Read our preview for the event, and listen to No Age, playing Friday at 9:45 pm, below. 

NEWPORT MUSIC FEST
Stay a day, stay the weekend. Either way, at the Newport Music Festival you’ll hear the glorious sounds of acoustic Americana wafting throughout Newport City Park. The big acts this year include Blackberry Bushes String Band, Wild Coyotes, Howling Gaels, Big Red Barn, Panhandle Polecats and more. For those who want to do more than just listen, workshops and jam sessions are offered over the course of the three-day event. In case you missed any of the recent regional bluegrass festivals, this is your time to revel in the waning days of summer surrounded by old-time-style music. Cost ranges from $10-$40 and free for 12 and under.

HILLYARD HIPPIE HAPPENING
If there’s one thing hippies do really well, says new Inlander music intern Molly Smith, it’s peacefully gathering to jam out and celebrate being hippies. The “happening” begins and ends Saturday at Market Street and Queen Avenue with Jimi Hendrix’s version of “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by various artists, and in between features at least seven local artists, including Tommy G, Six-Strings n’ Pearls and a jam session that might even include you. The all-ages event is free and goes from 10 am to 6 pm.

SHOWS

THE BIG DIPPER
Friday, after a year in the making, local three-piece (and a 2014 Inlander Band to Watch) Blackwater Prophet finally releases their first album. Recorded in a friend’s basement, the new work features everything you’ve come to expect from their loud and sometimes spacey shows — eight tracks of powerful, fuzzed-out psychedelic rock, likely to make you want to listen over and over again. After two and a half years of playing around the Spokane area, this show is also the kickoff for Blackwater Prophet’s first regional tour. The album sells for $8 and it’s free to get into the all-ages show.

Saturday, BBBBandits and Bad Motivators are taking over the Big Dipper stage. These awesome bands start at 7:30 and the all-ages show is $5.

THE VIKING
Saturday, Lavoy and Sea Giant and Stone Cold Slumber Party and Griffey want to thrill you with their electronic/rock ways. The local acts perform at 5 pm. Also, the Viking offers free popcorn, something that’s always important to remember.