FRIDAY
With their matching robes, they look like they’re a part of a cult. But Texas-based Polyphonic Spree is just a folk choir, spreading the good news of excessive energy and happiness. Tonight, as part of the band’s 15th anniversary tour, the band is playing its debut album the way it was written — with melancholy and a pensive sound. The Bartlett show (who knows how everyone will fit on that small stage) starts at 8 pm and is $40. Read our preview of the show here. SATURDAY Buffalo Jones is one of those hard-working acts that plays often but takes their time when it comes to getting in the studio. The local rock act releases their second album in a decade’s time at a celebration show happening Saturday at the Big Dipper. The show is $5 or $10 with the album and starts at 8 pm. Read our preview of the show here.
For the Spokane Folk Festival’s 20th anniversary celebration, expect eight stages with nearly every sort of cultural music imaginable. The free celebratory festival runs Saturday and Sunday and plans to host 5,000 people at its Spokane Community College location. See the entire lineup of local and regional artists here.
SUNDAY Paul Rodgers comes to the Northern Quest Resort & Casino Sunday gigging under his own name, which you most likely will not recognize. Chances are, though, as Inlander writer Dan Nailen points out, that if you turn on a classic-rock station and hear his distinct, bluesy howl on one of the many hits he created leading Bad Company (“Shooting Star,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love”) and Free (“All Right Now”), you’ll quickly remember you’ve been hearing Rodgers’ voice for most of your life. Rodgers has also toured with Jimmy Page and Queen. The show starts at 7:30 pm and the cheapest tickets are $65.
Still going strong, the annual Winter Jam is back touring through the Spokane Arena this year with a slew of Christian artists in tow, including Skillet, For King & Country, Jamie Grace, Lincoln Brewster, Family Force 5, NewSong, Love & the Outcome and more. Cost for the Sunday family-friendly show is just $10 and doors open at 5 pm.