Walter Wolfman Washington brings blues to the Montana Folk Festival.
Uptown Butte is filled with an astonishing array of music and dance July 7-9 during the Montana Folk Festival. New this year is the Montana Folk Feast on July 6.
The three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, arts and ethnic cuisine offers continuous performances throughout the weekend on six Uptown stages, including a dance pavilion, a family stage, and the Original Mine Yard, with its stunning views.
Recent additions to the line-up include Walter “Wolfman” Washington from New Orleans, soul, funk and R&B; The Feedel Band, east African jazz; Grammy-winning guitarist and bandleader Albert Lee, country and rockabilly guitar; Jamie Fox, Metis fiddler; the Balinese All Stars, a multi-generational collective of exceptional musicians and dancers; and Los Hermanos Herrera, youthful representatives of representatives of Mexico’s rich musical landscape.
Also contributing to the flavors of this year’s festival: The Quebe Sisters, western swing; The Gibson Brothers, bluegrass; Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band, reggae; the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band; The Maguire Family Band, Irish; Doreen Ketchen’s Jazz Band, New Orleans jazz, and many more.
Food courts, marketplaces and a family area are also among the offerings. Although events are free, festival-goers are encouraged to “Pony Up” with a contribution in the colored buckets of $20 for an individual and $25 for a family to ensure the festival continues for years to come.
Call 497-6464 or visit montanafolkfestival.com.
Montana Folk Feast
New this year is the Montana Folk Feast, 6-8:30 p.m. July 6 at the Montana Dance Pavilion, located in Uptown Butte. The fundraiser aims to help sustain the Montana Folk Festival while celebrating the quality and variety of fine food in Montana.
The best and brightest stars that shine on Montana’s culinary landscape present signature dishes and showcase Montana’s rich and diverse dining possibilities for the sophisticated and appreciative palates of patrons and festival supporters.
Tickets are $100; call 565-2249 or visit mtfolkfeast.eventbrite.com.