Letters To The Editor
Ritzville blues festival offers a ‘great time’
Even though The Spokesman-Review didn’t see fit to mention the Ritzville Blues, Brews & Barbecues in the Happenings page of the Weekend section (July 14), a great time was had by the more than 500 attendees. I would like to submit this as my view of the festivities:
Anyone who traveled westward (July 15) for the Second Annual Ritzville Blues Festival was treated to some fabulous red-hot blues.
The festival was set up with performers alternating all day long between the stage and inside three local clubs. This was perfect to allow everyone a chance to get out of the sun for a while and partake of their favorite refreshments.
The show kicked off just after noon with an “acoustical war” on stage. This was followed by a great hour-long set from Spokane’s own Cafe Blue featuring a sizzling horn section. The next hour was spent inside for various artists including Seattle’s John Hodgkins and then it was back outside for Ritzville’s Robbin and the Bluez Hoodz.
Back inside the musical acts alternated between the clubs and then it was time for a heated display from Portland’s Yo & De Cats lasting almost an hour and a half. One more time recharging inside brought us to the main headliner of the festival: The Duffy Bishop Band whose lead singer reminded many of the sounds of Janis Joplin.
The party broke up after 11 p.m., giving everyone a full day for their $10 admission. This event will be held again next year on the third Saturday of July. I recommend everyone jot it down on their calendars. See you there. Jeff Danner Spokane
‘Bent’ review ignores excellent support cast
It has been said that “there are no small parts - only small actors.” In the recent review of Civic Theatre’s “Bent” (July 25), it would also appear that we have a small reviewer. (Or perhaps “petty” would be a more appropriate choice of words.)
I am outraged by Jim Kershner’s review. His own personal agenda tainted the review. I saw the play. It is one of the most outstanding productions I have ever seen in Spokane. This is due to the outstanding support cast, which Mr. Kershner totally ignores in his review. There were 11 cast members on stage. Mr. Kershner troubles himself to mention four people. He recognizes only the four characters playing homosexuals. He calls these four “the actors.” What does this mean the other seven people were - “furniture”?
This is community theater. ALL of the individuals involved in the production donated their time. At the very least ALL 11 members of the cast should have been mentioned in the review.I was actually awake through the play. I can tell you that Kevin
Gardner was superb in the role of Greta. Roelf Von Erbst’s performance as the Nazi Captain haunted me for several days. Steve Billeter gave great depth as the Toad Nazi, and Raman Larkin and Michael Mills were very effective in their parts as violent Nazi guards. Derrick Jackson Cheney