Hey, internet. Back again with some fun Northwest updates. Since school's been out for almost 5 days now, I've been diving head-first into the activities Spokane has to offer.
First up, Poetry Grandslam at the Empyrean:
This event occurs bi-monthly at the Empyrean, but it was my first time. The poets were amazing, and just by attending, I discovered a new layer of Spokane. For example, did you know that we are home to some of the best slammers in the history of ever? Now you do. Andrea Gibson was the featured poet (http://www.andreagibson.org/home/home.html) and she was fabulous. Her poems were really heart-wrenching and spoke about equality and ending violence. Check out the links below for more info:
Next event, BOBfest 2009. (http://www.myspace.com/bobfest08)
(Pictured second) BOBfest is an annual Battle of the Bands competition held in Riverfront Park. This year the participants were Executive Smack, Falling in Absence, Raw Nerve, City of Ember, Purple State, Ekson Tide, Green Light go, Act One Scene One, Lazarus, Arete, In Cold Daylight, Olaf Olaf Olaf, and The Chasing. I caught the middle of the show and saw Ekson Tide, Green Light Go, Act One Scene One and Lazarus. Green Light Go was my favorite, with just three guys short of being Big Band. They sounded like a renovated Mighty Mighty Bosstones; More horns and less scream for an upbeat and catchy sound. Act One Scene One showed promise and was fun to listen to, but their singer needs to work more on developing his voice. It sounded a little weak in comparison to the strong guitar lines. In the end Green Light Go won it all. Congratulations
Event three, Gay Pride Festival
I stumbled upon this event by accident and couldn't stay too long but the energy was great. Everyone was happy and friendly and the crafts were cool. The stands were set up behind Riverpark Square and included a stage with a live band and bouncy castles. It was hosted by OutSpokane (http://www.outspokane.com/) and was a huge success.
Final Event, Mark Ward concert at Rocket Market
(Pictured first...That's me, my friend Kelli, Mark Ward, his dog Frankie, and my twin, Kellie) The Rocket Market (http://www.rocketmarket.com/) holds free outdoor concerts every Saturday. They start around 8 and are always packed and family friendly. I went with a few friends last Saturday and saw Mark Ward, a local singer/songwriter (http://www.myspace.com/markwardmusic). He performed some music off his latest album, Little Lights, and it was a fun night for all!
Well that's it for my Spokane culture week in review. What did you do this week? Anything fun I missed?
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man oh man, katie! you've had quite the first week of summer! (and HOLY COW, am i jealous! :D)
ReplyDeletefirst off - the poetry slam! sounds amazing! i really wish our school's "end of the year slam" could be this popularized. slams are always a really cool, open atmosphere in which to unleash your writings - LOVE EM'!
second - BOBfest! We Voxxers have got to plan a little 'band-battle' of our own, we've definitely got enough music-lovers on the staff!! :)
third - gay pride festival! I really wish i could have heard about this! how did you find it by surprise, katie?? i love to see people act out for what they believe, and i'll bet this was a really great and positive example of that!
fourth - MARK WARD?!? right on!! ahhh! (*small squeal!) where can we pick up his album?
Well Gay Pride was happening at the same time as Bobfest, so I sort of stumbled through on my way there.
ReplyDeleteAnd Mark Ward's album can be purchased digitally through iTunes or his myspace (http://www.myspace.com/markwardmusic)
and he also sells him at his shows...schedule can be found on his myspace!
to the myspace i go!
ReplyDelete:)