Fox Line forms here

The first time the Fox Theater opened in 1931, police had to rope off a corridor through the excited crowds. The second time the Fox Theater opens? Well, opera-lovers being what they are, the mob might be a little more decorous.

The Fox Theater’s Grand Opening Celebration consists of five events, reaching all the way past Christmas. Some events will attract a wide community crowd, but others will have a distinct operatic flavor, including the first:

“ International opera star Frederica von Stade with the Spokane Symphony, Nov. 17, 8 p.m. Only a handful of tickets remained as of press time. The Grand Opening Gala Evening package, which includes dinner at the Davenport, sold out months ago.

“ Community Day, a free all-day open house featuring a variety of local acts, Nov. 18, from noon to 8 p.m. This is the community’s chance to tour the new Fox and listen to a continuous lineup of regional entertainers, ranging from the Celtic Nots to the Spokane Symphony.

“ Tony Bennett, the pop-jazz icon, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. The man who brought the world “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” and dozens of other standards, appears with his own combo. Only a few tickets were available at press time.

“ Too Slim and the Taildraggers with the Spokane Jazz Orchestra, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. The Spokane guitar-slinger Tim (Too Slim) Langford and his blues-rock band will have the Art Deco fixtures vibrating when they team up with the big band sounds of the Spokane Jazz Orchestra. Tickets still available.

“ Operatic baritone Thomas Hampson, Dec. 29, 8 p.m. Hampson, an internationally known opera star and the co-chair of the Fox’s capital campaign, will present a “Home for the Holidays” concert with selections from his varied repertoire. Hampson’s previous operatic obligations prevented him from scheduling this show during opening week. Tickets still available.