Rampage, nominated the best new Northwest blues band performs at Bobbi's famous rez bar in Plummer, Idaho Nov 21 and 22, 28 and 29. Rampage is based in Spokane but their roots are on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, where they started playing in '03.

Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Zakk Wylde, and ZZ Top, vocalist and lead guitarist Robb Boatsman brings his unique presentation to cover tunes that rock the crowd. He was the first runner up at Spokane's '06 Guitarmageddon and his band received a standing ovation at the Inland NW Blues Society's April '08 meeting. They also set the bar for new blues bands at this year's Ritzville Blues & Brews fest.

Shot for Sure, formerly Thunder Road performs at Worley's Coeur d'Alene Casino's Nighthawk Lounge on Nov 21, 22, 28 and 29. They are a country band with a touch of classic rock.

The Coeur d'Alene Casino & Resort is planning a big Thanksgiving Buffet all day Nov 27. Breakfast is from 7 am to 11 a.m. and the dinner spread will be layed out from 11:30 am to 9 p.m. in characteristically hospitable Coeur d'Alene Nation style. How does turkey, salmon, prime rib, hickory smoked ham, roast leg of lamb and shrimp cocktail sound for starters?

Get Christmas trees at the Forever Green Tree Farm near St. Maries, and Rusty Gate Tree Farm near Harrison beginning Nov 28. Both farms allow you to cut your own trees or they will cut them for you. Pre-cut trees are also available.

Rusty Gate Tree Farm is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 - 4 p.m. They have a big variety of Christmas trees. From the Hwy 3/Hwy 97 'Y' head toward Harrison and go west on Ogara Rd. at Kootenai school for 1/2 mile. 208-689-9868.

Forever Green Tree Farm presents An Old Fashioned Christmas with tree cutting and the Holiday Gift Shop open until Dec 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed through Sunday. The gift shop features many items made by local crafters, wreaths and tree stands. Tour the grounds on a horse drawn wagon and warm up around the fire with hot chocolate and cider on Dec 7 and 14 between noon and 4 p.m. Find them 7 1/2 miles south of St. Maries on Hwy Three.

Four on the Floor will play at the Coeur d'Alene Casino's Nighthawk Lounge on Dec. 5 and 6. They will rock One Shot's in Harrison, Idaho on New Year's eve. This tight local band plays one great dance tune after another.

Christmas in St Maries and the annual Holiday Craft Bazaar at the Eagles happen Dec 6. There will be games for children, food vendors, pictures with Santa and hay rides. The lighted parade starts at 5 p.m.

The Two Feathers Art Gallery will have an open house Dec 6 from 10 to 4 p.m. with free beer, wine and snacks. This working gallery features local artist Linda Schardine's fused glass jewelry, pottery, paintings and gourds. LG Senelly will perform around noon. Look for baloons on the sign one mile south of St. Maries on Hwy 3.

Darrel Sullens presents works in oil at an open house reception at the St. Maries Art Gallery Dec. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. Founder of Ra-Tel's Art Supply, Sullens is a nationally known painter based in Spokane with ties to the south lake Coeur d'Alene area. Wine and snacks will be served. The gallery is at 704 Main.

Harrison's second Annual Winterfest Celebration is Dec 7 from 1 - 6:30 p.m. Bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in the city park. Local musician and songwriter, LG Sennelly, will be on hand with Christmas carol entertainment. There will be activities for the kids, hayrides, food and a tree lighting ceremony. Local shops will be open with good quality art and craft items made by Inland Northwest artists.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Favorite Recipe Bake and Art Sale in the St. Maries Art Gallery, Dec 13. from 10 to 5 p.m. This is a fundraiser for improvements to the gallery floor. Donations of baked goods (include recipe) and art will be happily accepted. Call Linda 245-3655 for info or just drop them off at the gallery at 10:00 a.m. on Dec 13th.

The Ryan Larsen Band performs at the Carlin Bay Resort Dec 13.

Catch the talented one-man band PJ Destiny at the Coeur d'Alene Casino every Thursday evening. Karaoke with Rich Love is on Wednesdays.

On December 14 at 2 p.m. the Empire Theatre in Tekoa welcomes back the "show that brought down the roof". It's the 2nd Farmers' Christmas Show with tenor Wes Wagner and harpist Leslie Stratton Norris. For information on showtimes and reservations check out the Empire Theatre website. The intimate 280-seat venue is run by an enthusiastic group of volunteers who bring a variety of live performances to the south lake area. The Footlights Gallery, which displays works of local artists on show days is still available for the Dec 14 performance.

Sandy will bring Karaoke back to Carlin Bay on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Her selection of tunes is heavy on country and mellow pop hits. There is also Karaoke with Rick and Jackie at the Korner Klub in St. Maries, Idaho every Saturday at 9 p.m.

Can't decide whether to heat the house or buy groceries? There is relief one night a month at least at Souper Tuesday, when the Presbyterian Church at 1100 College Ave. in St. Maries provides a free nutritious meal on the last Tuesday of the month. Bring the family for some good food and fellowship.

It doesn't hurt to call and confirm showtimes, restaurant hours, etc. before heading to the south end of the lake. If you have an event to share, just send an email with contact info to promo@southlakecda.com. Photos are desired for musical talent.