Friday, Feb. 5

* Katie Evans, who plays North Town Coffeehouse tonight, isn't a big name by any means. But her spirited singing and acoustic guitar playing is worth checking out. Plus, how can you not like a singer from Austin, Texas, who lists God and "my momma" as her top two influences on her MySpace page, www.myspace.com/katieevansmusic?

Check her out at North Town, 128 N. First St. The show starts at 8 p.m. There is no cover.

* We listed this in last week's 10 Days Out, but for a cause like this we don't mind repeating ourselves. Raw Space in Ellensburg will host a benefit for Haiti tonight with performances by a half-dozen local acts including On Magazine Local Artist of the Year, Star Anna. The show is free but donations are encouraged -- in fact they're kind of the point.

The show goes from 4 p.m. to midnight at Raw Space, 119 E. Fourth Ave. in Ellensburg. For more information, visit www.mycentral.cwu.edu/earthquakerelief.

Thursday, Feb. 11

* Looking for inspiration from "an Asian-American, bisexual feminist who has also worked to overcome Tourette's syndrome? Central Washington University in Ellensburg has you covered. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Magdalen Hsu-Li, who founded Seattle's Chickpop Records label, will share her experiences with racism and gender bias in the arts during a 7 p.m. speech and performance.

The event is set for Central's Student Union and Recreation Center Ballroom on campus. It is free.

Friday, Feb. 12

* Polish those boots, because its time again for Ellensburg's annual Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering. The event, which runs through Feb. 14, features a host of concerts, dances, storytelling and poetry, all in the Old West tradition. Prices for the events vary. You can get the full rundown at www.ellensburgcowboygathering.com.

Saturday Feb. 13

* Red Wine and Chocolate, the Yakima Valley's annual celebration of culinary decadence, begins at dozens of wineries from Yakima to Prosser. The event, which runs through Feb. 15, combines two great tastes that taste great together. Check www.wineyakimavalley.com and www.rattlesnakehills.com for details on what specific wineries are doing for the event.