Folk singer, artist Karli Fairbanks to play album release party at IPA

July 23, 2025

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Karli Fairbanks has led many lives over the years. The Spokanite began her career steeped in folk songs that cut deep and hard, playing at venues like The Empyrean that cultivated a music scene in Spokane. Later, after The Empyrean closed, Fairbanks and her then-husband opened The Bartlett, which became an incubator for talented musicians in the Pacific Northwest until sadly it, too, closed its doors.

Fairbanks helped create another hotspot in Spokane in Lucky You Lounge, began releasing solo music under the moniker Windoe, joined a soul-pop band called Super Sparkle, released several albums with indie rock band Cathedral Pearls and scratched an itch for country bangers in another band called Alcohol & Feelings.

Karli Fairbanks in another life. Photo by Erick Doxey

All along the way, her visual art has accompanied her music career — a poignant counterpoint to the visceral songs Fairbanks creates and releases into the wild.

Nearly two decades later, Fairbanks has released a new album under her own name. Stay Radiant is a full circle moment for Fairbanks, showcasing her ethereal, yet grounded songs that have defined her musical career over the years.

Fairbanks will sing tracks from Stay Radiant at a special album release show from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at Idaho Pour Authority. This ticketed show is a chance to sit and listen to the music in an intimate, connected atmosphere.

Stay Radiant is a peaceful album. With Fairbanks’ velveteen voice leading 13 tracks that swing between joyful radiance and introspective melancholy, the work feels complete and triumphant. Recorded with Sandpoint’s own Justin Landis at his Johnny Long Studio, Stay Radiant is one of those albums in which everyone can find something to love.