NUMBER ONE VAN
Despite there being no indoor concerts, summer is an exciting time for classical music lovers in the Inland Northwest. Once the sun begins to shine, the Spokane Symphony ventures outside, playing music in local parks, at wineries and on patios across the region. Now, the symphony will be on the move even more with the help of its new BeethoVAN, a mobile concert stage that travels with the musicians and makes playing music in the wild a bit easier. Catch the Spokane Symphony and its new BeethoVAN on Thursday, June 12, at the Perry Street Market or at the Summer Solstice Concert at Mirabeau Meadows Park on Friday, June 20. (MADISON PEARSON)
THE NB-ZAG FINALS
While Gonzaga got over the hump of college basketball relevance decades ago, it took much longer for Mark Few-era Gonzaga players to make a real impact in the NBA. The Bulldogs didn't really have a consistent alumni contributor until Kelly Olynyk and didn't have a full-time starter until Domantas Sabonis. But nothing says the Zags are a force on the professional level quite like this year's NBA Finals. Both of the last two teams remaining start a Zag, with Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (right) and Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard both being vital contributors to their teams making the title. After splitting the first two games, fans can tune into ABC to watch (at least) Games 4 and 5 on June 13 and 16. No matter which team wins, a Zag will be getting a championship ring. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST
Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on June 13.
NEIL YOUNG AND THE CHROME HEARTS, TALKIN TO THE TREES
Before heading to The Gorge on Sept. 5 with his new band, The Chrome Hearts, the legendary singer-songwriter unveils more biting and ramshackle rock on his 48th studio album.
BABY METAL, METAL FORTH
The creators of the genre kawaii metal (which blends heavy metal with J-Pop) return to keep shredding on the band's fourth LP, getting a little help in that with features by Poppy and Tom Morello.
MISTER ROMANTIC, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
While he's already made a musical impact via his Oscar-nominated turn in Chicago, John C. Reilly's musical path continues as his vaudevillian alter ego Mister Romantic releases his first album, a collection of pop standards and swooning ballads. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
