The Meadowlark Music Festival returns to Women’s Park in Helena for the third year Sept. 7, with acts from Gypsy jazz to Latin grooves and punk-inspired folk. From noon-10 p.m., the third annual event offers abundant live music, market vendors, local food and drink, and daytime kids activities. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to The Friendship Center.
“Thanks to a small group of volunteers, the Lost and Foundation and more than 100 generous sponsors, Meadowlark has continued to grow year after year,” said festival founder Micah Eller. “2019 is set to be the best festival yet.”
Festival headliner Hillstomp, based out of Portland, Ore., plays folk music in its purest form – from loud and gritty, to intricate and poignant. The punk-blues duo of Henry Hill Kammerer and John “Lord Buckets” Johnson is known for unique versions of traditional material and energetic live performances.
Festival attendees can dance in the grass to Gypsy jazz, hot swing and deep trance grooves by Banshee Tree of Boulder, Colo. The line-up also features four Helena bands: Los Marvelitos, Latin-inspired music; NightCare, alternative rock; Dogjam, Americana; and Tammie Jones, country rock. Dammit Lauren & The Well, a soulful alternative rock band from Big Sky, adds to the mix.
Food trucks, microbrews, cider and cocktails, and games round out the festival, as well as dance performances by Helena Oula and REDS, a local Latin, hip-hop and break-dance group.
The Meadowlark Music Festival was launched to provide outdoor music and promote locally sourced food while supporting local non-profits. The event has raised more than $7,500 for local organizations over the last two years. Festival partner, The Lost and Foundation, is a non-profit organization made up mainly of musicians volunteering their time and talent to help those in need.
This year’s beneficiary, the Friendship Center, is the only shelter in Lewis and Clark, Jefferson, and Broadwater counties that provides a safe haven and a broad range of support services at no charge for anyone who has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking.
Tickets are $12-$15 and available online at www.meadowlarkhelena.com.