Reeder’s Alley Block Party: Music, food & fun

Popular block party rocks historic Helena neighborhood June 8

New & Notable

It’s Summer! Kick off ‘dem shoes and head to historic Reeder’s Alley in Helena for the fifth annual Block Party on Saturday, June 8, 4-10 p.m. Located in Helena’s oldest neighborhood, one of Helena’s most sought-out events draws thousands of people together to celebrate summer in a unique annual shindig.

Love roots and reggae? Tune in to Voice of Reason, making its Montana debut. The Boise-based group delivers “earthy, deliberate, original roots rock reggae,” inspired by the traditional Jamaican sounds of Peter Tosh, Bob Marley ad Bunny Wailer.

Dig blues, folk and rock? The event will open with local musicians the Dan Henry Band, who deftly cover a wide variety of genres from reggae and blues to rock, country, and folk, spiced with a wealth of original music. Also on tap is an event kick-off by Helena Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Wilmot Collins and a performance by the Image Dancing crew.

Pliable playground pieces entertain kids at Reeder’s Alley Block Party.

Hosted by Merlin CCC – a local public philosophy non-profit – this free fundraiser is kid- and dog-friendly, and fun for the whole family. A celebration of community and ideas, history, and wellness in all its forms, the block party also features historic tours and activities for all ages, including Helena’s Playable Playgrounds, life-sized Jenga and Connect Four, a bubble station, cornhole, ping-pong, and more.

Wet your whistle and get your foodie on with more than 11 local food vendors (including Reeder’s Alley locals, Karmadillos and Cotton Top Pastries); microbrews from Blackfoot River Brewing Company, Ten Mile Creek Brewery, and Lewis & Clark Brewing Company; and speciality Reeder’s Alley-themed cocktails. Free water will be provided by Big Spring Water.

Feeling lucky? Look for the roaming toga-clad volunteers who will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win prize packages donated by local businesses. Raffle winners will be announced on stage during intermission.

Reeder’s Alley and Merlin CCC

Proceeds support Reeder’s Alley and philosophy in the community.

Merlin CCC, the nonprofit behind the event, aims to create, develop, and provide a broad-spectrum of unique, fun and accessible opportunities for the Helena community “to do, breathe and live philosophy.”

Reeder’s Alley, at 212 S. Park Avenue, is the oldest intact piece of early Helena and offers a vibrant link to the community’s beginnings. Today, it’s home to a restaurant, caterer, several offices and non-profit organizations, and Visit Helena.

New this year: Governor’s Cup After-Party

The Reeder’s Alley Block Party is partnering with the Montana Governor’s Cup as its official after-party for the race. This means extended hours, more room to dance and play, more activities, more vendors, and more music for everyone.

For a schedule of events, a preview of the musicians, event sponsors and donors, and more information visit merlinccc.org/fundraiser-events/.

Save the date on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/599367257168201/.