Past Events

Cokie Roberts Celebrates SPR 35th with Politics, 'Capital Dames'

Spokane Public Radio

Published May 14, 2015 at 7:30 PM PDT

1 of 2

Cokie Roberts at the Bing on May 14, 2015

Janean Jorgensen / Spokane Public Radio

2 of 2

The audience at the Bing Crosby Theater enjoyed Cokie's anecdotes about women's letters during the Civil War.

Cokie Roberts surprised singer Ann Fennessy by coming out during the "Sing Along" portion of the evening's entertainment.

NPR political commentator and best-selling author Cokie Roberts returned to Spokane's Bing Crosby Theater on May 14, 2015 with the latest chapter in her series on women in our nation's history.

Spokesman-Review Interviews Cokie Roberts

April marked the 150th year since the Civil War ended, and her latest book, Capital Dames brings to light the lives of women in Washington D.C. during that era. Cokie enjoyed sharing some of her more interesting research, including stories about Mary Todd Lincoln and Clara Barton.

Listen to Cokie Roberts On the Civil War and Mary Todd Lincoln

The evening began with a collection of songs from the Civil War era sung by Ann Fennessy, accompanied by Dr. Jody Graves on piano.

Cokie Roberts's Spokane appearance was part of SPR's 35th anniversary celebration. All proceeds benefited stations KPBX, KSFC, and KPBZ.

The event was possible thanks to donors Design Spike, Journal of Business, Mountain Gear, and Strong Solutions. Thanks also to Auntie's Bookstore, Wildflowers and TicketsWest.

Listen to Cokie Roberts political analysis on Morning Edition