Buzz Bin

by Inlander Staff


Hungry for More -- Here at the Buzz Bin, we take our nightlife seriously. And while we're not expecting downtown Spokane to be everything for everyone, we would like to see it fulfill the promises that it's making. Case in point: a recent weeknight spent at the movies should have turned into an enjoyable late night on the town, except that Quinn's and the Elk had both closed their kitchens well before their advertised closing times. With few other dining options, and absolutely no coffee shops available, we found ourselves heading home hours before midnight, dollars burning a hole in our pockets and stomachs grumbling. And while it's understandable that businesses don't want to lose money by catering to a non-existent public, we'd also like to point out that irregular service is a quick way to lose the crowd that you do have. We appreciate the businesses that have taken the first steps towards giving this town a healthy center, but the last thing we need downtown right now is a crapshoot.





Something Different -- Now that the dust from the Oscars has finally settled, we'd like to congratulate the winners of the overlooked Independent Spirit Awards, which were handed out last Saturday. A bracing alternative to the Academy Awards, the Independent Spirit awards honor films and performances that come from independent filmmakers. It's also a completely different production than the Oscars, being hosted by John Waters and featuring decidedly un-Hollywood presenters like Gillian Anderson, Alan Cumming and Christina Ricci.


Memento came away with the most awards, being honored for Best Feature, Director, Screenplay and Supporting Female. Ghost World may have also been overlooked by the Academy, but received Screenplay and Supporting Male honors from the Spirits. Also triumphant among the indies was Am & eacute;lie, which was named Best Foreign Film. So while the Oscars continue to sell tickets and further careers, consider checking out some of the Spirit award winners next time you're renting. You might be surprised at what you missed in all the Oscar frenzy.





Song and Dance -- The CdA Summer Theatre has announced its schedule, and we're passing it along just to keep you in a state of suspended animation for three months. From June 22-August 25, they'll be crooning and tapping in Cole Porter's Anything Goes; two Sondheim musicals, Into the Woods and West Side Story; and the Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite, Oklahoma. Call (800-4-CDA-TIX).





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