Musical Moments in Missoula:
Missoula’s Scenic SYMPHONY: Missoula brings music to the heart and soul year-round. The Missoula Symphony, under the direction of Darko Butorac, is spectacular for a town this size and various concerts span the different seasons (including Missoula’s Symphony in the Park). You won’t want to miss April 26th and 27th, 2014 when the symphony features “Lord of the Ring” with guest soloist Eric Ruske on French Horn.
All That JAZZ: For me, the season of Spring seems to truly renew the town’s musical spirit! Come late March, Missoula ushers in a variety of vibrant sounds with a special flourish. In fact Friday, March 28th, 2014 kicks off U of M’s 34th annual Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival. Every year, this festival brings in some of the best soloists and ensembles in the region as well as the U.S. The talent rivals that of a big city and turns Missoula into a magical place of bold sound and bright lights. Big Band, Dixieland, Blues, Bebop- you name it… there’s lots of rhythm and style to go around! This year’s guest artists include Clipper Anderson (Bass), Dana Landry (piano), Dave Pietro (sax), Erik Applegate (bass), Jim White (percussion), and Vern Sielert (trumpet). Young and old will enjoy Friday and Saturday evening performances in the Dennison Theater at 7:30 p.m. Daytime jazz clinics at U of M’s School of Music are always an inspiration to college, high school and middle school students. Some of my best high school and college memories revolve around this festival, started by Lance Boyd in the 1980’s. Rob Tapper now organizes this top notch, two-day celebration of music and musicians. So, if you’re trying to “drum up” something to do, count this fantastic jazz festival in! Please click on the following link for TICKET and master class information or call 243-6885.
From SOUL to ROCK and ROLL: Several other “spring flings” to enjoy include Montana Jam- Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (April 5th at the Top Hat Lounge, 134 W. Front St.). Their music crosses several genres, from soul to rockin’ roll- including songs from The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Hot Chocolate and other sometimes spontaneous selections. The Top Hat brings a wide range of musical venues to Missoula- it’s definitely worth checking out!
Blue for BLUEGRASS: Missoula’s premier bluegrass Ruby Jewel Jamboree- The Kathy Kallick Band will perform on April 7th, 2014 at Ruby’s Inn. Kallick is well known in bluegrass circles and just released her 17th album! The Ruby Jewel Jamboree started in 2010 and is a tribute to Ruby Erck who founded Ruby’s Inn. Ruby’s daughter, Phyllis Erck, is president of the Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association. The goal of her musical endeavor is to bring talented bluegrass bands and performers to Montana and the West. Instead of hosting one large bluegrass event, talented names like Junior Sisk and Bradford Lee Folk ,will be spread out through both the spring and summer.
CELTIC Class: As the summer heats up, stop by Caras Park to take in The Celtic Dragon Pipe Band and other talented performers during Missoula’s Celtic Fest: July 25-26th, 2014. The big tent looking out over the Clark Fork River is the perfect way to cool off in the heat of summer. Other 2014 Caras Park events offer tons of family fun both in the shade and the sun!
Enjoy an evening out and then come back “home” to Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. If your adrenaline is still pumping, then sit down and improvise to your heart’s content on the living room grand. You can also relax in a comfy chair and listen to the old player piano. If what you really need is some good old fashioned shut eye, enjoy a soak in your private jetted tub followed by a restful night of sleep.
