THE END IS NEAR: FAILING UPWARD
The last image many of us will have of Mike Leach will be the former WSU football coach's temper tantrum after losing yet another Apple Cup (his seventh straight loss to rival UW), calling the Spokesman-Review's John Blanchette a "sanctimonious troll" while refusing to answer reporters' questions at a press conference. For those who bothered to watch the Cheez-It Bowl, maybe their last memory is the Cougs getting run over by Air Force to secure a losing season. The repercussions for the state of Washington's highest-paid employee? An even bigger paycheck from Mississippi State University, where Leach will make $5 million a year, with incentives for more. Ugh. (DAN NAILEN)
THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST
Some noteworthy new music hits online and in stores Jan. 17. To wit:
Pinegrove, Marigold. The slightly twangy indie-rockers return after a lengthy hiatus.
Della Mae, Headlight. The Grammy-nominated band includes Spokane's own Kimber Ludiker, and pushes beyond bluegrass on their new set.
... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, X: The Godless Void and Other Stories. We will also know you for the album title nearly as long and nonsensical as the band name. (But seriously, folks, this crew rocks). (DAN NAILEN)
BOULEVARD ON THE MOVE
Five years after opening its doors in a historic building at the corner of Monroe and Northwest Boulevard, popular local vintage and home decor shop Boulevard Mercantile is on the move. Owners Dan Webb and David and Joellen Jeffers recently announced that the shop is soon moving to a new, completely renovated space at 1012 N. Washington St. Shoppers can find their favorite vendors at the store's current home, 1905 N. Monroe St., until Feb. 22. A grand reopening celebration at the new location is set for Friday, March 6, from 5-9 pm. (CHEY SCOTT)
LEGENDARY NIGHT
Who can fill the Fox to the rafters on a cold, snowy Monday evening? None other than virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, with sparks seeming to fly off his Stradivarius violin. A production of Connoisseur Concerts arranged by music director Zuill Bailey, the crowd was treated to sonatas by Beethoven, Grieg and Dvorak, but the highlight was when Perlman, accompanied by pianist Rohan de Silva, leafed through his pile of music and played little nuggets of musical genius, culminating with the haunting theme from Schindler's List by John Williams. Bravo! (TED S. McGREGOR JR.)
SPOKANE AT SUNDANCE
The Deepest Hole, the latest from local documentarian and Gonzaga professor Matt McCormick, has been accepted into the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious and longest-running independent film events in the country. The 12-minute short details a bizarre urban legend surrounding a Cold War-era drilling project, during which Russian scientists were rumored to have discovered the underworld. It's possible The Deepest Hole will show up at the upcoming Spokane International Film Festival, so keep an eye out. Sundance kicks off Jan. 23 in Park City, Utah. (NATHAN WEINBENDER)
