Summer 2020
DOWNTOWN
Your comprehensive guide to Downtown Billings
Welcome to Downtown Billings Dear readers, As senior editor of Destination Downtown, my goal with this publication is to involve the community in every way possible. It is essential for me to give our arts, culture, businesses, and people a voice. I have great things on the horizon and look forward to working together to preserve and honor downtown Billings. Thank you for reading and supporting Destination Downtown.
THIS ISSUE Tierney - stock.adobe.com
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featuredstories Montana author’s novel becoming movie Russell Rowland’s ‘Cold Country’ adapted Business spotlight: Produce depot Art and About Where to go for local artwork Music Scene Spotlight on downtown music
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Style Watch................................................. 10 Feast............................................................14 Poet Spotlight............................................. 15
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In early to mid-March, COVID-19 stopped the downtown business district in its tracks. Establishments temporarily closed unless deemed necessary. The music scene dispelled to a deafening hush. Restaurants echoed of emptiness where the clinking of glasses and laughter once filled the air. The sidewalks were that of a modern-day dystopia. Yet, it took little to no time for the community to come together to build a new version of what we needed to stay afloat during the stay-at-home order. Virtual events took shape as musicians, dancers and artists of all kinds found ways to share their craft and much needed joy. Restaurants opened their doors for take-out orders and delivery services. Downtown was alive, behind closed doors. The collective support of this community was – and is – louder than fear, silence, and uncertainty – and it showed that we truly are in this together. Stay safe, follow guidelines, take care of each other.
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Charity Dewing Senior Editor
feast
Destination Downtown has a Facebook group where members can post anything about downtown businesses, events, people, places, food, art, movies and everything in-between.
Downtown restaurants have something to satisfy every appetite. See what’s on the menu this season and book your reservation.
Join the group “Destination Downtown” and promote your downtown life.
Destination Downtown is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.
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Senior Editor of Special Sections Charity Dewing President Dave Worstell
Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Designer Matt Arroyo
Access Destination Downtown at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections
BIN 119
Photo by LARRY MAYER of The Gazette Staff
Montana author’s novel
becoming movie Russell Rowland’s “Cold Country” has been purchased and is in early stages of production By CHARITY DEWING cdewing@billingsgazette. com
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fter the release of his latest novel, “Cold Country” in November 2019, Billings author Russell Rowland got an email from a casting director Paul Schnee wanting to adapt his book to the screen. Schnee is known for casting popular films like “The Girl on the Train,” “The Help,” “Winter’s Bone,” “Spotlight,” and “The Dallas Buyers Club.” He told Rowland he wanted to buy the rights to his book. “I was absolutely stunned, and thrilled,” said Rowland. “I’ve had a few nibbles on previous books, but it’s never gotten to this stage before. And I was particularly happy that it came from this team because I loved “Winter’s Bone.” Once the agreement was made, the steps from book to movie began to take place. “Debra Granik, the director of ‘Winter’s Bone,’ has agreed to be an executive producer, so we’re hoping that once we get to that stage of the process, she will also agree to direct,” said Rowland. The novel, based in late1960s Paradise Valley, was inspired by a time in Rowland’s life when his father took a job as a ranch manager outside of Sheridan. “This ranching community was very tight-knit, and there were also several hands that had been work-
ing on that same ranch for many years who weren’t thrilled about an outsider coming in to manage the place. It turned out to be a very difficult year for our family. So, I used that setting and threw in a murder for a little dramatic effect. I also moved the story,” said Rowland. This is not the first fictional book in which Rowland has drawn on personal experience or landscape. “All of my books have focused on some aspect of what it means to live in Montana, and how it impacts the people here. The main theme of this one is just how difficult it can be to be an outsider in a small rural community. But it also explores how everyone feels like an outsider to some extent,” said Rowland. “Cold Country” is the first novel Rowland has written with a narration taking on several points of view. “I’ve always been stubbornly devoted to writing from a single point of view, but this story required a different approach. It ended up being quite a challenge, but I enjoyed taking it on,” said Rowland. Writing about the state he lives in and loves is no small task. Representing not only the backdrop of Big Sky Country, but also creating authentic characters that readers can connect with, is essential to the development of his work. “The most important thing to me, especially when it comes to writing about Montana, is getting
it right. I want the reader to believe that my books were written by someone who has lived what I’m writing about. So for instance, this book opens with a scene about a boy and his father skinning a dead calf and using the hide to cover an orphaned calf in hopes the cow who just lost the dead calf will take on the orphan. That was lifted directly from my experience as a 10-year-old kid,” said Rowland. Now in the beginning phases of his first cinematic reworking, Rowland approaches each step with practical expectation, but hopes filming will be in Montana to maintain the authenticity he has captured in his novel. “I am just happy that someone who is this accomplished in the film world thought my story was worthy of this,” said Rowland. For more information on “Cold Country” visit russellrowland.com.
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Author of Cold Country, Russell Rowland. Courtesy photo
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Keeping it fresh at the Produce Depot By CHARITY DEWING cdewing@billingsgazette.com When the Produce Depot opened its doors in late November 2019, owners Casey Anderson and Chris Stinson were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic reception from the community. The support was so great that the depot closed up shop around Christmas to regroup and restock to better maintain supply and demand. Since then, and in the wake of COVID-19, the Produce Depot has halted in-store shopping, offering pickup and delivery only – and the response has been only good. “Even before this – we had great feedback,” said Anderson. “When we had the store open to the public, one issue we faced was the line out the door – which turned customers off.” To maintain and preserve the health of the community, Anderson and Stinson developed an online pickup and delivery service, to provide a safe way for clients to receive minimally-handled produce in a low (to no) contact method. “This has allowed us to reach more people – we have gained more customers,” said Anderson. On the Produce Depot Facebook page, customers agree that the product and service is outstanding – but it is often the affordability that continues to be a big selling point for the large bags of fruits and veggies. The bags, full of fresh vegetables and fruits, are not customized per customer. Shipments come to the Produce Depot, first and foremost, through local farmers when available – and then from West Coast markets. The large shipments, and quality, is dependent upon the season – which is how Anderson and Stinson maintain reasonably priced bags. “Volume metrics allow the price point to remain low and reasonable – we deal in high volume amounts of products across the state, which allows us the ability to offer affordable, good produce – as well as provide our community with good fresh food,” said Anderson. The Produce Depot also offers weekly subscriptions. While customers cannot fully customize bags, special requests
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are considered. “We cap (sales) at 250 bags a day. We anticipate growing – and the subscriptions help us with that to count on people rather than guess the ballpark number,” said Anderson. While potential clients may be apprehensive about receiving a bag of produce they did not select, the overall response has been positive. The bags push shoppers out of their comfort zones with maybe one or two items – and the Facebook page is full of photos and recipes from local shoppers. “We love to see the photos and encourage people to share their recipes,” said Anderson. Stinson even started an online segment called ‘Cooking with Chris,’ providing easy recipes with some of the weekly bag items. “The recipes aren’t too fancy – they are achievable for anyone,” said Stinson. “We want to work with chefs all over state,” said Anderson. “We would love local celebrity chefs to be part of “Cooking with Chris” and prepare amazing dishes, inspiring people to eat at their local restaurant and shop at the Produce Depot.” For more information call (406) 6986760, visit producedepotmt.com, or check out their Facebook page.
Produce Depot business partners Casey Anderson, left, and Chris Stinson bring out a box of fruit as they talk about the new produce retail and wholesale space in downtown Billings on Tuesday. CASEY PAGE PHOTOS, Billings Gazette
Art&
About
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If you are out and about, check out these local artists with exhibitions at some favorite downtown galleries.
Montana Bankers Association by Keith Feeley
On display at Anderson Art Studio. Courtesy photo
has what dad wants for Father's Day
Majestic Mountain by Laura Marie Anderson On display at Anderson Art Studio. Courtesy photo
Montana Vintage Clothing Est. In 1998 Specializing in 1970’s and older
112 N. 29th St. • 248-7650 Mon-Sat 10-5:30
M-F 9:30-5:30 • Sat. 10-4 2819 2nd ave. n. | 245-4612 • 1-877-834-0732 www.BestMensStoreBillings.com
CASEY PAGE, Billings Gazette
Artist Ellen Kuntz with one of her new pieces for a show at Kirks’ Grocery, “Women’s Work.”
Featured Artist: Ellen Kuntz
Burn the Witch
Ellen Kuntz explores an intersection of “feminine domains” utilizing embroidery and textile arts to examine the experience of confronting trauma. Unlike traditional textile arts which demonstrate precision and order, trauma healing is often necessarily chaotic— its greatest advances made not in the placing of new threads, but in the ripping out of old ones. Sewing oneself back together requires first finding oneself in pieces. This is women’s work.
by Ellen Kuntz
Psychotic Girl by Ellen Kuntz
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neltje: dialogue of my mind & tell me, why flowers? On view through October 18, 2020
North x Northwest: Women’s Work
On view through October 4, 2020
equal: a work in progress
On view through September 17, 2020
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yellowstoneartmuseum • we are OPEN! Call 406.256.6804 for details. 401 North 27th Street • Billings, Montana • www.artmuseum.org
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Cell Wall
by DANI the Bohemian On display at Barjon’s Books. Courtesy photo
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Ouroboros by DANI the Bohemian On display at Barjon’s Books. Courtesy photo
Always open Sundays 12 – 4 Shop Local, Shop Downtown
2814 2nd Avenue North 259-3624
Music
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Upcoming bands at the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
Letter to the community
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Courtesy of the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
Grant Jones
By Kerry Sherman of Dead Presleys and the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
ome days I feel hope. Some days I feel sadness. Some days I feel motivation. Some days I feel panic. People smarter than me say this is a completely normal stress response to our current situation. They even call it a grief response. We’re grieving for what we’ve lost, and we’re scared that we may never get it back. The COVID-19 situation is changing more rapidly than we can possibly follow. The live entertainment industry has ground to a halt and will likely be one of the last to return to normalcy — whatever that new normal looks like. I honestly have no idea what the music industry, Billings, the country, or the world will look like tomorrow, much less by the time this is published. I’m focusing on what I can control right now. What can we do with the information we have? What can we actually control in this moment? Create. Now, I’m not one of those people that think everyone should be “productive” right now. It’s not that simple, because again, we’re in a state of shock and grief. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed. Sometimes we’re just proud that we actu-
Courtesy of the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
Grant Jones
When an artist hits as hard in an intimate coffee shop as he does on a stage backed by Billings’ best musicians, you know they have something special. You just can’t argue with good songwriting. At the risk of sounding “basic,” Grant Jones just hits me in the feels. Raw authenticity, dynamic guitarwork, and thoughtful prose create an incredibly relatable and introspective brand of folk Americana. He frequently performs solo at a variety of Billings events, and gets together with his full band and a few times a year, which features heavyweight Billings musicians Parker Brown, Erik Olson, Keller Paulson and Phil Griffin.
Kerry Sherman
Courtesy photo
ally showered. However, in the moments where we do feel hope and motivation, we do have the opportunity to create something, and process what we’re going through. That’s one of the only things that we have control over right now. To be creative beings. In the moments I daydream about feeling the pulse of live music again, I get very excited about what that might look like. Hundreds and thousands of creative individuals bursting at the seams to show the world what they’ve created. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Bringing Big City Living To Small Town Plates 115 North 29th Street • Billings, MT 59101 • 406.200.7530 Open 7am - 1pm Daily thesassybiscuit.com
9 Courtesy of the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
Deathwish
Courtesy of the Pub Station Taproom and Concert Hall
Calvin and the Coal Cars
Deathwish
Calvin and the Coal Cars
As I get older, I find myself mellowing out a bit (as one does). Deathwish is not mellow, and I still have a huge soft spot for heavy, chaotic, in-your-face hardcore/punk/metal. Especially the kind that’s performed with precision and comes from an authentic place. Front man and songwriter Riley Haynie puts it ALL out there both emotionally and physically. Deathwish songs are short (usually under 3 minutes), but it’s a non-stop freight train, yet somehow still groovy in its own way. Every musician is locked in and precision-tight while still headbanging, jumping, breaking things, and sweating everywhere. I feel bad for all of their necks. Someone gift these boys a massage.
I’ve been saying that Billings needs a really, really good alt-country band for a few years now. The genre is exploding and Montana loves it. Well, ask and you shall receive. Front man and namesake Lee Calvin writes country songs that could fit just as well in the 90’s as they do in 2020. Like the other artists on this list, they feature top-flight musicians. You can’t fake alt-country. It demands excellent musicianship, while staying loose and authentic. The Coal Cars are just smart, talented, good dudes that seem to keep getting better and better. Their music makes me want to throw on a trucker hat and crack a cold one, except I just can’t pull off a trucker hat like Lee does. The boys recently released their first album, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
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Style Watch Photos by Casey Page of The Gazette Staff
Cricket Clothing Co. The pastel-striped blouse is light and airy below the peony-colored blazer, which is possibly even lighter than the blouse. Look like a pro while keeping your cool. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. Shirt: $89, Jacket: $140
It is all about accessories. Layers of teardrop necklaces with crystal and stone beads can make even the dullest of outfits look absolutely fabulous. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. Prices vary
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Stripes and patterns are in. We love this breezy summer look — especially the nautical shorts with the bowtie belt. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. Shirt: $62, Shorts: $99
Simple and chic — this look is timeless. What is better than a trendy tee? A fabulous denim skirt that brings this effortless and modish look together. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. Shirt: $58; Skirt: $99
Nothing brings an outfit together like a toffee-brown leather accessory — classic and classy. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. HOBO bag: $300, HOBO wallet: $150 Shoes: $130
Looking hot while staying cool is easy when you shop at Cricket Clothing. The camo shorts are perfectly complimented by the navy green knot-tied tee. Available at Cricket Clothing Co. Shorts: $102; Shirt: $57
Desmond’s
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The Johnnie-O pastel colored, button-up shirt paired with dark blue jeans and Fluchos sneakers is a versatile and dapper look. From hipster-chic to a dad night on the town, every dude will look debonair. Available at Desmond’s Shirt: $115; Pants: $118; Shoes: $209
When it comes to dashing summer attire, Desmonds has the latest fashion trends. The tangerine-colored Tommy Bahama Island Zone collar shirt is a relaxed fit for hot days. Pair it with the “ocean deep” colored shorts to create a fashionable and leisure look. The navy blue MOVE performance shirt offers a textured feel for a more refined look. Add the gray Tommy Bahama cargo shorts for a day-date on the town. The Olukai “Trench Blue” sandals complete both casual-cool looks. Available at Desmond’s Sandal: $70; Orange shirt: $100; Blue shirt: $100; Gray short: $100; Blue short: $110
FATHER’S DAY IS NEXT SUNDAY. (hint...hint) 3300 Infidel OTF Auto The Infidel has a cool factor that is hard to describe without physically experiencing it. This Benchmade knife features an automatic out the front (OTF) opening system that can be engaged in seconds using the thumb slide on the handle. It is also equipped with a steel deep-carry pocket clip for easy transportation and concealed carry capability, plus a MOLLE compatible soft knife sheath. Made in USA.
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Billings Army Navy
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Whatever the outdoor activity, the TRU-SPEC cargo shorts have you covered. Not only stylish but functional — the polyester/ cotton ripstop material is durable yet comfortable. Available at Billings Army Navy. Shorts: starting at $39 Grunt Style puts a new spin on patriotic wear. American made, 100% ring-spun cotton, comfortable, tagless, itch-free design that salutes veterans and provides relaxing attire for indoor and outdoor activities. Available at Billings Army Navy. Grunt Style merchandise: prices vary
Vibrant colors, cool designs, created from recycled material and made to last, Gumbie flipflops are ideal for many summers to come. Available at Billings Army Navy Sandals: starting at $30
We Are Open!
Regional authors including Spur-Award-winning Keith McCafferty, Fulbright scholar Precious McKenzie, and Montana Poets Laureate Melissa Kwasny and M.L. Smoker Official bookseller of the High Plains Book Festival
BOOKS GIFTS TeA TOYS GAMeS eVenTS & MOre! ArT
YOUR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY-OWNED BOOKSTORE & TEA SHOP 224 N BROADWAY DOWNTOWN BILLINGS (406) 534-1133 WWW.THISHOUSEOFBOOKS.COM FOLLOW US ON
Montana Vintage Clothing
Fun and flirty, this vintage look is a timeless floral beauty that calls to the Audrey Hepburn in all of us. Add the black clutch, beads, sunhat, heels and shades for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Available at Montana Vintage Clothing Dress: $42; Necklace: $12; Purse: $12 Shoes: $22; Sunglasses: $45
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We love the cool appeal of this paisley prince. Top off this whole look with a fun sun hat and retro shades to make this vintage ensemble smokin’ hot. Available at Montana Vintage Clothing Shirt: $349; Sunglasses: $8; Hat: $18
Billings Cultural Partners
Summer 2020
Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Our 1893 cabin and large lower level feature the history of the Yellowstone River Valley with displays on Plains Indians, ranchers, firearms, & more.
NEW IN 2020: Joseph Medicine Crow Women’s Suffrage • Firearms
1950 Terminal Circle, Billings, MT 59105
The Sassy Biscuit Co. 115 N 29th St.
Bin 119
CASEY PAGE Billings Gazette
CASEY PAGE, Billings Gazette
Feast
A directory of the best food Downtown Billings has to offer.
119 N. Broadway Blackened shrimp and grits served over a creamy parmesan polenta and topped with house-made, fresh pico de gallo — this dish is simply divine.
The “Cobbler” is a cinnamon-vanilla waffled pressed biscuit with house-made lemon butter and warmed blueberries, topped with a chantilly cream. Is your mouth watering, too?
115 N 29th St. Like it hot? “The Buffalo Jumper” features buffalo fried chicken tossed in sassy Mary mix and topped with pickled garlic aioli and carrots with a side of house-made cabbage slaw.
Bin 119 119 N. Broadway Bin 119 takes tapas to the next level. Savory and sweet, slow-roasted pork belly is covered in a honey glaze and served over parmesan asiago polenta and topped with a honey sauce.
Gazette staff
The Sassy Biscuit Co.
Gazette staff
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Poet Spotlight Water Bearer I always wanted to be a fire girl, burn through minds like branded memory horses ash stained on the inside of a shirt collar, bold enough to take notice of when putting on in the morning but not enough outside to give away your secret stuck to you smoke in the lids, leaking out liquids are you crying because you want to or because it makes you look less hard? I used to wonder what it would be like to let you inhale me, you always held your breath when I came near too scared of the tumor I’d give your heart are you listening? Can you stop and let me thaw your knuckles bloodied from your own bedroom wall? I know your body is aching, can’t help but want to singe off the knots you tied deep in your brain stem but maybe you should just take a hit, light up green magic to ease you into unraveling and I want to be that fire too, safety taken out hot in the hands
BY JANA RICHTER
a cuss whispered into burnt epidermis sends you straight off cliff side Though, if I’m being realistic, I am probably something else completely; the water held in the basin next to the fire, force strong enough to suffocate small flame but will make a monster grow larger than life stubborn mover, boat shaker rock you left and right and leave you queasy over the ferry trash can like that time you were 8 and almost puked on your mother, how you liked to tell that story while folding a napkin at the corners, needed an excuse for your hands so they wouldn’t distract from your plot and I can still remember your fingers in the kitchen sink, scrubbed 8 times over hoping to wash the unseen dirt away though you knew it’d never be lost completely and perhaps I am that water too, a rinse not clean but not dirty, a creek in the middle of springtime shivers on impact but slowly settling in the furious softness of it all, how it hangs in the air for too long but leaves you dim and thirsty when it’s finally gone.
Parallel Universe If you were the universe I think I’d see you clearest through cherry blossom leaves and apple slices with caramel; Worn linen, shirt stains with jokes of “saving this for later” soil on the left knee. you’d feel most like wet earth, The after rain play in the garden hands caked in flower beds so far you could feel yourself sinking, let it take you away, leave your limbs quivering on impact mouth filled with fresh roots Did I ever tell you the way it felt to feel tethered?
BY JANA RICHTER
BIO: Jana Richter is an AmeriCorps VISTA in Billings from St. Louis. She works for the NADC-Billings Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center providing health care access and education to the Native American communities in Yellowstone County. In recent years, writing poetry has become Jana’s favorite outlet for expressing some of the most vulnerable corners of her life, and she is very thankful for the poetry community’s overwhelming support and encouragement of her writing these past few months. She hopes to continue bringing more attention to the arts in Billings, which so desperately need more love and acknowledgement.
Submission guidelines
Poems can be submitted to cdewing@billingsgazette. com. Poetry must be original and unpublished work that has not appeared in print, on websites or blogs.
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a floating girl grounded by vines you grew out of your eyes dark and dancing like spun records Does it even matter now? Somewhere out there, a parallel universe lays on top of you, traces your edges with hands that never choke up and grazes the ear with whispers of wanting, with dreams of worlds where it wasn’t stuck wondering why it’s bursting at the chest, coughing up carcasses it once thought were bees but came off the tongue torn butterflies, and why they all remind me of you.
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