Local talent featured as theater opens again

Seven performers graced the stage at the Grand Theatre on Saturday night in an open-mic concert that was the first event in the theater on Grand Coulee's Main Street in years.

Between 30 and 40 people attending were treated to a variety of acts.

Tim Brooks played traditional native American flute songs; Keith Jorgensen played blues songs on harmonica; Randy Spotts played flamenco guitar; Leah Whalawitsa sang an a capella version of "Say Something" by A Great Big World, a song made popular by Christina Aguilera. Jamie Nyteburg gave a dramatic performance that included singing a song and reading Chief Joseph's "I will fight no more forever" speech; Curtis Manthey sang original songs at his keyboard; and Cori Thornton closed the night with original singer-songwriter style songs, accompanying herself on guitar and mandolin.

The two-hour concert was streamed live on Facebook, and a video is still available to see on the Music & Beyond Facebook page.

Faran Sohappy, who owns Music & Beyond, located in the theater, hosted the event.

"This has been a long time coming," Sohappy said. "We are starting to make things happen for the Grand Theatre."

Sohappy said he plans to have another open mic event in March.