A variety of seasonal outdoor concert and art series bring the community together By Jillian Chandler | Photo Courtesy of Northern Quest Casino
There’s no better way to enjoy the warmer months in the Inland Northwest than spending an afternoon or evening outdoors, taking in fresh air and beautiful scenery. And what better way to unwind and spend time with family and friends than enjoying the sounds at one of the many outdoor summer concert series, or taking in the art during a city-wide artwalk, the area has to offer.
Over the years, outdoor concerts continue to grow, and the community is loving it. You will find people of all ages enjoying the sounds of local musicians on nearly any given day at area venues. Thanks to the support of generous area sponsors, outdoor summer concert series have made themselves a staple to the delight of those in attendance. Here’s just a sampling of the music, and art, that abounds over the next several months right here at home.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is known for more than their award-winning wines and spectacular views offered at their Cliff House Estate in Spokane. 2022 marks Arbor Crest’s 22nd year of their summer concert series. From the beginning of May through the end of September 29, artists from all over the Pacific Northwest take to the stage to perform.
Concerts are held every week, on Thursday and Sunday evenings. “With concert admission costs being $8 (Thursdays) and $15 (Sundays), our guests are able to enjoy the music on one of the most beautiful and historic locations that Spokane has to offer, all without breaking the bank!” affirms Kanaan Shawlee, Arbor Crest’s marketing coordinator. “Country, Rock, Indie, Pop, Soul music and more will all be featured throughout this season's performances.”
Concerts are held in the courtyard at the foot of the Historic Cliff House, providing a sweeping view over the Spokane River and Valley. The community can purchase tickets and VIP seating options at the door of the estate or by visiting ArborCrest.com/concerts-1, where you can also find the full lineup of this season’s performances. All performances take place from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
“We'd like to thank our amazing community and sponsor, Washington Trust Bank, for the continued support throughout the years! We are thrilled to be able to put on another season of concerts for all the great people of the Inland Northwest!” says Kanaan.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino offers its Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts; this year marking its 11th year. Twenty shows have been scheduled for the season—the most concerts of any one summer in its 11-year history!
“The BECU Live venue at Northern Quest is special. It’s an intimate setting where you really can’t find a bad seat in the house. On top of that, there’s an appeal to being able to enjoy live performances in the sunshine and under the stars, all conveniently located less than 15 minutes from downtown Spokane. The icing on the cake is access to free parking and some fantastic resort amenities, including gaming and several choices for dining,” affirms Roxy Davis, entertainment event manager at Northern Quest Resort & Casino.
“If you’ve never been, you’re missing out!” she adds. “This expertly designed amphitheater in Spokane’s backyard ensures that every seat has a fabulous view, and every guest has a great experience. The impressive outdoor venue, combined with the onsite amenities and renowned Kalispel Hospitality, makes Northern Quest a summer staple in Spokane that can’t be missed!”
With new dining options, along with a new nightclub opening in September, plus a new hotel tower bringing nearly 200 new hotel rooms to the property in spring of 2023, “outdoor concerts will just keep getting bigger and better at Northern Quest,” asserts Roxie.
Stone Temple Pilots and Daughtry, Goo Goo Dolls with special guest Blue October, Rockzilla Tour, Bret Michaels and Jimmie Allen, Sam Hunt with Travis Denning, and Lynyrd Skynyrd is just a sampling of concerts you won’t want to miss! To view the complete 2022 Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts lineup, and purchase tickets, visit NorthernQuest.com/outdoor-summer-concerts.
McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene is where the music comes alive Wednesday evenings at Live After 5. This year marks season 10 for this beloved outdoor summer concert series, which continues to outdo the last each and every summer.
“There are many things we incorporate and/or offer that most don’t and make a constant effort to improve and grow. However, I feel that all of the local concert series are well established, well attended and are community assets alongside our Live After 5 Events,” shares Tyler Davis, owner and founder of the Live After 5 events.
Celebrating a decade of bringing the community together through music, Live After 5 is more than the music. Over the years, Tyler is proud to have been a part of several changes that have taken place: altering previous city alcohol policy to allow families to enjoy together without the need of a separate area for drinking; adding the much-needed 3 Phase Power terminals in McEuen Park to allow large production concerts (6,000 capacity) after experiencing a devastating power failure that resulted in an acoustic-only show for Stephen Marley; supporting local nonprofits and providing a substantial economic impact increase to downtown Coeur d’Alene businesses. “Mostly though, I feel proud that we have created a community event that caters to all ages and walks of life to gather on a Wednesday night and enjoy the arts in our beautiful downtown,” smiles Tyler. “Live After 5 is its own identity and has become a destination for thousands of weekly attendees to experience our beautiful park and downtown.”
So what are some of the concerts Tayler is most excited to bring to audiences this summer? Fortunate Youth on July 6, Eric Gales on July 13, Pinky & the Floyd on August 24, “and of course the annual Rub Finale on September 7,” he adds. “But honestly, every week features incredible local, regional and/or national acts, and I am looking forward to a great season at Live After 5 Coeur d’Alene! All concerts take place from 5:30 to 9pm, with the gates opening at 4:30pm. A day pass is $15 for ages 13 and older; 12 and younger are free. Please note, some shows will be $20 for ages 13 and older.
Live After 5 will also return to Post Falls for a six-week run, which kicks off June 23. These concerts are held on Thursdays in Tullamore Park (at Highway 41 and Poleline).
“I would like to say a huge thank you for your support over the past 10 seasons and I look forward to our next 10 years and beyond providing our Live After 5 Events to you!” says Tyler.
To view the lineup for this season’s Live After 5 concerts in both Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, be sure to visit LiveAfter5Events.com.
Another great concert series in Coeur d’Alene not to miss this season is the Riverstone Summer Concert Series, which “brings an amazing lineup at a time when our community needs a healthy outlet more than ever!” states Ali Shute, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.
Beginning Thursday, June 30, and continuing each Thursday in July and August from 6 to 8 pm—plus one special Saturday concert on August 20—the beautiful park in Riverstone draws amazingly talented local and regional musicians, plus openers from area up-and-coming musicians, singers and songwriters, where the community is encouraged to come and “rock out.”
There will be a food truck on-site, along with beer and wine for sale. “Paragon Brewing is the official beer for all the concerts this season,” says Ali. “All beer and wine sales profits go the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.” Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
For more information about these concert happenings at Riverstone, visit ArtsandCultureCdA.org/summer-concert-series.
From July 28 through August 7, the beloved Festival at Sandpoint makes its ways to Memorial Field. Featuring a lineup that always impresses, this is a one-of-a-kind concert experience here in the Inland Northwest. There’s nothing that compares to a concert under the stars on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.
The Revivalists kick off the music series on Thursday, July 28. The festival continues with Chris Janson with LoCash on Friday, July 29; Mt. Joy with The Moss Saturday, July 30; Pink Martini featuring China Forbes Sunday, July 31; Kaleo with Allan Rayman Wednesday, August 3; The Beach Boys Thursday, August 4; Gregory Alan Isakov with Shook Twins Friday, August 5; Lindsey Stirling with Carmen Jane Saturday, August 6; with Spokane Symphony concluding the 2022 Festival at Sandpoint on Sunday, August 7. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit FestivalatSandpoint.com.
Here are a few additional summer concert series you’ll want to check out this season: Downtown Coeur d'Alene Concert Series at Coeur d'Alene City Park and Hayden Concert Series at McIntire Family Park, both presented by Handshake Productions (HandshakeProductions.net/free-concert-series); Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series (Rathdrum.org/rec); and Spokane Symphony Summer Concerts (SpokaneSymphony.org/concerts-tickets/symphony-summer-concerts).
The outdoors only gets better when there’s great live music involved. It’s time to plan your summer concert stops, and enjoy the music all season long.
ARTWALKS & ARTIST STUDIO TOURS
• Spokane First Friday Artwalk First Friday of the Month Year-Round DowntownSpokane.org/first-friday
• Downtown Coeur d'Alene Artwalk Second Friday of the Month Year-Round ArtsandCultureCdA.org/artwalk
• Art Walk in Sandpoint, Presented by POAC June 17 - September 2 ArtinSandpoint.org/artwalk
• Coeur d'Alene Artists Studio Tour August 27 & 28 ArtsandCultureCdA.org/artists-studio-tour
• Artists' Studio Tour of North Idaho September 2 - 4 ArtTourDrive.org
• Little Spokane River Artist Studio Tour September 24 LittleSpokaneStudios.com
