Bloglander

The deluge of Christmas-related festivities pretty much started at Thanksgiving, and it will be relentless through the end of the year. Thankfully, there's some non-holiday fun to be had, too, so peruse our event listings and Staff Picks.

Here are some highlights of the week ahead:

Monday, Dec. 4

MUSIC | The mighty Foo Fighters headline the Spokane Arena Monday night, joined by The Struts opening. Read our story about Dave Grohl's evolution from punk drummer to classic frontman before hitting the show.

MUSIC | Hit The Bartlett for local songwriter Brian Stai's album release party tonight, joined by Ruthie Henrickson.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

THEATER | The Wizard of Oz is classic film and classic book. Check out how it works as a live theater production as it opens a two-night run at the INB tonight.

DRINK | Head to Liberty Ciderworks for a talk led by author Erin James about her book Tasting Cider.

MUSIC | Morgan Saint incorporates a world of sounds in her pop-rooted songs, and she'll showcase them at The Bartlett tonight. Here's a sample:

Wednesday, Dec. 6

WORDS | Head to Neato Burrito and dig some of new Spokane poet laureate Mark Anderson's work.

Thursday, Dec. 7

MUSIC | Read our story about rising star Julien Baker, who will deliver her intensely personal songs in a sold-out show at The Bartlett tonight.

MUSIC | Robert Cray is a Washington legend and a national treasure. The modern bluesman just earned another Grammy nomination, and he'll headline The Bing tonight. Here's a sample:

Friday, Dec. 8

FILM | Head to the Garland Theater for a little holiday fun as George Balanchine's The Nutcracker will screen. A little taste of New York ballet in Spokane for ya.

COMMUNITY | It's the Ice Ribbon Grand Opening at Riverfront Park! Lace up your skates and hit the ice, people!

Saturday, Dec. 9

FILM | It's time once again for the Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival, this year including Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Riding High and music from Howard Crosby and the Hot Club of Spokane.

MUSIC | In case you haven't heard, the Supersuckers are the greatest rock and roll band in the world. They'll be the first ones to tell you. They play The Pin! along with the BombPops and the Bell Rays and local openers. Here's a golden oldie from the band: