Bloglander

Are you feeling the love of Valentine's Day week? Whether you're hooked up or rolling solo, plenty to do in the Inland Northwest, as you'll see in our event listings and Staff Picks. Here are some highlights of the week ahead:

Monday, Feb. 12

WORDS | Talk about worth the road trip; Pulitzer-winning author Colson Whitehead is talking at the University of Idaho in Moscow tonight. Read our interview with the man, and start thinking of getting to the Palouse after work.

WORDS | If you can't get to Moscow, Gonzaga is hosting genre-hopping writer Chris Abani as part of its Visiting Writers Series tonight.

Tuesday, Feb. 13

COMMUNITY | Join Spokane Falls Community College as it hosts what is sure to be an interesting discussion of controversial local figure Colonel George Wright. Author Donald Cutler will be on hand to talk about his book Hang Them All: George Wright at the Plateau Indian War, and he’ll be joined by Gonzaga faculty member and Colville tribal member Laurie Arnold, as well as Spokane tribal member Warren Seyler.

BENEFIT | Raise a glass for the puppies at Puppy Love. This year, the Spokane Humane Society’s celebration is taking place at the Maryhill Winery Spokane tasting room. Tickets include a glass of wine, complimentary appetizers and the chance to bid on silent auction packages donated by local businesses and SHS supporters.

Wednesday, Feb. 14

WORDS/COMMUNITY | Lilac City Fairy Tales is an anthology, a live event, and a great way to raise money for Spark Central. This year, some of the featured writers in the new tome will fill the Bing with tales inspired by the prompt "towers and dungeons." A perfect way to spend your Valentine's Day night.

THEATER | The INB hosts Janis Joplin, at least a remarkable facsimile, when A Night With Janis takes the stage for one night only. Tonight is that night.

Thursday, Feb. 15

WORDS | Author Leni Zumas drops by Auntie's for a reading and discussion of her book Red Clocks, a book Library Journal dubbed "a Handmaid's Tale for the new millennium."

FILM | It's time for the Inlander Sips & Cinema screening at Garland Theater of Date Night. Sip a little vino from Maryhill Winery and dig in to this romantic fave. Here's a look at the movie:

MUSIC | Check out the Songwriter Showcase at The Bartlett, where Joseph's Natalie Schepman will play and talk about her craft tonight.

Friday, Feb. 16

MUSIC | I love me some Tom Petty, and this Petty Fever tribute show coming to The Bing looks mighty appealing. But...

MUSIC | This looks even better. Slim Cessna's Auto Club headlines a show at The Observatory, joined by Silver Treason and George Cessna for a night of honky-tonkin' and rockin. Here's a taste of Slim Cessna:

Saturday, Feb. 17

CLASSICAL | The Spokane Symphony is no stranger to the sounds of Star Wars, and they'll show off their chops tackling John Williams' score once again with The Music of Star Wars program Saturday and Sunday.

MUSIC | Headbangers, rejoice! Anthrax and Killswitch Engage are teamed up for a seriously loud tour, stopping at the Knit Saturday.

COMMUNITY | Join the conference of Northwest Buddhists as they host an Introduction to Buddhism class Saturday morning.