'Tis a grand month for arts in Sandpoint. Our local theaters are buzzing with worthy performances, and there's a plethora of live music playing out at venues all across town. Who needs Broadway when you can enjoy fantastic events right here?
- The Kite Runner. American Place Theatre's Literature to Life performance of The Kite Runner, adapted for the stage from the novel, takes audiences on a heartbreaking journey of friendship and betrayal in a society of severe class division. Presented by the Pend Oreille Arts Council March 10 in the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St.
- Macbeth. See William Shakespeare's tragedy as you've never seen it before with performances March 13-14, and March 20-21, in the Heartwood Center. With intense battle scenes and chilling special effects, Michael Bigley's adaptation will leave you stunned. Sponsored by Unknown Locals.
- Venus in Fur. American Laboratory Theatre and Sandpoint Onstage present the Tony Award-winning play by David Ives March 27-28 (and April 3-4) in the Hope Marketplace, 620 Wellington Pl. Directed by Jesús Quintero, this smash hit on Broadway is deliciously seductive. Viewer discretion advised.
- And of course there's The Follies variety show at the Panida this weekend, March 6-7. This annual Angels Over Sandpoint fundraiser is a real show-stopper, though sensitive folks might not approve of The Follies' notoriously bawdry humor.
- Plus find more live music performances in venues all 'round town on the Visit Sandpoint Entertainment Calendar.

   Count your blessings about being in Sandpoint as the St. Patrick's Day Celebration of Music and Traditional Song gets under way March 13 in Di Luna's Cafe, 207 Cedar St. Award-winning traditional musicians Colleen Raney and Hanz Araki will be joined by California-based bouzouki virtuoso Ryan Davidson for an evening of Irish music and song to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Raney grew up inspired by the Irish and Scottish songs and tunes in the rich Irish community in Seattle; internationally recognized flute player and singer Araki is known for his innovative approach to traditional Irish and Scottish music; and Davidson is known for his powerful vocals and soulful style of folk storytelling. Tickets are $15; dinner will be served before the show - and Di Luna's will be serving some traditional Irish fare!

   Then, stick around as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce hosts a St. Paddy's Day-themed Business Afterhours event March 25 at MickDuff's Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St. All are invited to join in the fun at this great networking and social event. Grab a cold brew, play some beer hall games, and exchange business cards with new friends!

    Gearing up for warmer-weather bike and running events could be the furthest thing from your mind, but now is the perfect time to consider a host of Sandpoint-area endurance events; many have already opened registration (check in with event websites for details).
    Here are a few to consider as you make plans for the upcoming June through September period coming up!
- Bay Trail Fun Run, June 7 - 5K and 10K along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.
- CHAFE 150, June 20 - 150 mile, 80 mile, and 30 mile bike ride through Idaho and Montana.
- Jacey's Race, July 12 - 5K and 1K fundraiser for local children with life-threatening illnesses.
- Schweitzer Mountain Trail Run, July 18 - 3.5 and 10 mile trail runs at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
- Northwest YogaFeast, July 24-26 - Captivating weekend for mind, body and spirit.
- Long Bridge Swim, August 1 - 1.76-mile swim across Lake Pend Oreille.
- Spokane to Sandpoint Relay, August 14-15 - Runners and teams traverse 185 miles to Sandpoint's City Beach.
- WaCanId Ride, Sept. 14-19 - 350-mile bike ride through Washington, Idaho and British Columbia.
- Scenic Half Marathon, Sept. 20 - Seventh annual half-marathon, plus 10K and 5K fun runs.

- Photo credit (top): Taken 2/28/15 on Lake Pend Oreille by Brent Flint, bflintphotography.com