The Arts are waking up in Missoula, along with the bears in the mountains. Singer/spoken word artist Bill Harley, known to all Montana public radio listeners for his work on the children’s show “Pea Green Boat”, will be performing at the University of Montana’s University Theatre on Sunday, May 17, at 2pm. His performances at that venue in 2007 were taped and ultimately won him a grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. The whole family is sure to enjoy his upcoming show.

The fine arts are also thriving. This past weekend, the University of Montana School of Fine Arts honored Monte Dolack and his wife, Mary Beth Percival, for their contributions to the community of Missoula. Saturday night’s “Odyssey of the Stars” recognized the couple as two of the most influential Montana artists of their generation; their art has developed and changed with them over the years, and their influence has been wide-reaching. The artists’ most recent works will be open for viewing at their studio on the next First Friday art gallery open. Smaller versions of their art can be found on the notecards available at our Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast.

There is something for music lovers in Missoula this week too. Jazzoula, a series of concerts featuring local jazz musicians, is the prelude to the University of Montana’s Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival next weekend. Even locals are sometimes surprised by how much talent is hidden in the region. In fact, innkeeper Elaine used to be an active band member with Andrew Goodrich, one one the featured guests at the Jazz Festival this year. Maybe Elaine will surprise us with a performance of her own at the inn!

Plan to stay in our bed and breakfast Missoula, Blue Mountain B&B, and explore some of what Missoula’s art community has to offer this spring. We grew up in this area and it is important to us to support our local artists and community.