SUPER(Y), MARIO
After making solid but unremarkable additions in the transfer portal (with Arizona State guard Adam Miller joining midseason Virginia transfer wing Jalen Warley), Gonzaga men's basketball has again turned to international recruiting to potentially land their next star player... and he calls to mind another guy who likes collecting stars. It was announced last week that 19-year-old Spanish guard Mario Saint-Supery will be heading to Spokane to play for the Zags. A dynamic attacking guard, Saint-Supery has been playing professionally in Liga ACB (one of the top international leagues), put up huge numbers in last year's FIBA U18 EuroBasket (21.4 points and 6.3 assists per game), and has even already suited up for the always fearsome main Spanish men's national team. Here's hoping the Spaniard turns Zags games into a Mario party. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
ENTERING STAGE LEFT...
Spokane's nonprofit Stage Left Theater announced some leadership changes after a year of "intentional planning and community-centered visioning," according to a May 5 press release. This season, Stage Left is implementing a new "tri-leadership" model with local theater standout Dahveed Bullis named artistic director (the first African American in the role at Stage Left, pictured above), Kearney Jordan Olson serving as managing director and James Landsiedel as technical director. "This marks a new era for Spokane theater," Bullis says. "We are dedicated to solidifying Stage Left's legacy as a place where high-quality work is standard. Our focus is on new works, local writers and the true voice of the community. Spokane is not just a place where good art tours — Spokane is a place where great art begins." (MADISON PEARSON)
THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST
Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on May 23.
SPARKS, MAD!
The always eclectic art pop brotherly duo of Ron and Russell Mael turn out more ditties for oddballs on Sparks' 28th studio album.
STEREOLAB, INSTANT HOLOGRAMS ON METAL FILM
After 15 years, the English-French avant-pop band finally puts out a new album of heady dance tracks.
SPORTS TEAM, BOYS THESE DAYS
The English alt-rock band's dry humor about Middle England gets cranked up to less subtle levels with new songs like the materialistic ode "I'm in Love (Subaru)." (SETH SOMMERFELD)
