THIS WEEK: Tons of tunes, Tom Cruise, Land of Plenty and lots of festivals

There is a lot happening in the Inland Northwest this week, starting with a bevy of concerts Monday night. You can find all of your options in our event listings, and some great advice in our Staff Picks. 

Here are some of the highlights for the week: 

Monday, July 20

LIVE BANDS | There is a crazy array of touring musicians dropping by Spokane Monday night. At the INB Performing Arts Center, Harry Connick Jr. will charm the crowd with witty between-song banter while delivering a strong set of poppy jazz and classics. I've seen him a few times, and it's always a fun night. At The Bing, Bruce Hornsby brings his band The Noisemakers to town for a show hot on the heels of his playing with the Grateful Dead during their recent Fare Thee Well shows. I'd hazard a guess that he'll do a Dead song during the show. 

My evening, though, will be spent with the rocking ladies joining up for a show at Northern Quest Resort & Casino Monday night. All are headliners on their own, and together should make for a great night. You can read our interview with Melissa Etheridge right here; she's topping the bill. Blondie are post-punk legends and Debbie Harry still sounds great; they got some rave reviews for a recent show at Madison Square Garden opening for Morrissey. And Joan Jett, the "opener," was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. She's the reason I'm going — can't wait to hear this one: 

Tuesday, July 21

FILM | The Spokane Drive-In Movies pop-up screen pops up in Mead Tuesday night for a screening of Top Gun, Tom Cruise's Cold War fighter pilot flick. 

COMMUNITY | This summer's drought is nothing to be trifled with, and water conservation is always a good idea. Learn some useful tips Tuesday night at the East Side Library at a presentation called Every Drop Counts: Water Conservation Tips. 

Wednesday, July 22

LIVE BANDS | Well, the Alice in Chains show at the Knitting Factory is sold out, so if you want a ticket to that one, you'll have to hit up a scalper. But you can hear another alt-rock hero at The Bartlett, where Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World is headlining a solo show. Should be a treat to hear him in a small space. It would be really cool if he does this Magnetic Fields cover: 

Thursday, July 23

VISUAL ART/LIVE BANDS | This is arguably the coolest local event of the week, as a slew of the region's best musicians, photographers and designer/artists are getting together to create new works sure to be both inspired and inspiring. Spearheaded by Karli Ingersoll, the Land of Plenty is part-art show, part-concert, and all awesome potential for something great. Among the artists involved are Cami Bradley, Mama Doll, Tiffany Patterson and Hannah Reader. Check it out either Thursday or Friday. Here's a sample of one of the works, inspired by a Mama Doll song and featuring the work of designer Danielle Davis and photographer Kaarin Howard: 


THEATER | Musical Singin' in the Rain runs through Sunday at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene, presented by the CdA Summer Theatre. Who doesn't love rain in the summertime? Read a little more about the show here.  

Friday, July 24

FESTIVAL | Liberty Lake launches a new summer festival with Barefoot in the Park, a combo of barefoot soccer tourney, car show and concert. 

SPORTS & OUTDOORS | Make your way up to Clayton this weekend if you're into ropin' and ridin', as the Clayton Pro West Rodeo goes down Friday and Saturday. 

Saturday, July 25

FESTIVAL | Republic is launching a new festival of its own this weekend, and at the Grasshopper Festival, you can munch on the little critters that will be prepared in several ways, from BBQ to chocolate-covered. Pick up the new issue on Thursday to read more about the edible insects. 

FESTIVAL | A little closer to home for Spokane residents, it's the South Perry Street Fair, featuring a slew of live bands all day long, a beer garden and more. 

FOOD & DRINK | River City Brewing is celebrating Christmas in July by breaking out a batch of winter beers for one day only. 

FOOD & DRINK | Need another good excuse to have some tasty beers on Saturday? Hit up the Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl, which combines awesome beer and an exploration of some of Spokane's killer historic buildings.