Destination Downtown by Billings Gazette

Fall 2016

D OW W NTOWN N TOWN

Your comprehensive guide to Downtown Billings

Welcome to Downtown Billings!

Minnesota Avenue

The other side of the tracks page 14

featuredstories

citycenter

New on the Scene: Fresh faces in downtown places ....................... 11-13

Seasonal Events..................................................... 4-9 Calendar.............................................................. 18-19 Style Watch ........................................................ 20-21 Feast! ................................................................. 22-25 Arts & Culture ....................................................28-33 dotORG ................................................................... 34 Backlot .....................................................................35

Pokémon: Plethora of Pokémon brings crowds to downtown Billings ..............................................16-17

We invite you to visit downtown Billings, the heart of our city! From banking to retail to entertainment and nightlife, downtown bustles from sun up to sun down. Cradled by the Rimrocks, Downtown Billings is a regional draw attracting visitors and enamoring its residents with state-of-the-art dining, retail, arts & culture, education and unparalleled healthcare. In downtown you’ll find a wonderful mix of locallyowned and -operated businesses. Our merchants prepare their store fronts with you in mind, and invite you into their shops to peruse their diverse retail offerings. You’ll love the personalized customer service you receive from our downtown businesses. Join us in supporting local, small business by shopping, playing and staying in the heart of our city. Stroll the vibrant streetscapes that lead to our award-winning museums, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, and you’ll know that you are exploring Billings at its best. You won’t be disappointed with our Historic District along Montana and Minnesota Avenues, which offers retail and cultural venues during the day, and turns into the hot spot to be at night with taverns, restaurants, tap rooms and tasting rooms. Need directions to our downtown cinema? Can’t find your hotel? Need a bike? Ask one of the Business Improvement District’s Ambassadors, the Purple People, for directions or ask one of our dedicated-to-downtown bike cops to assist you. Let us help you discover downtown. You’ll find more information and much more in this issue of Destination Downtown and our Downtown Guide and Directory, available at downtown businesses. Whether you are here for a day, a week, or a lifetime, enjoy all that downtown Billings has to offer! We are so pleased to welcome you.

Lisa K. Harmon

Executive Director Downtown Billings Alliance

feast

From Guadalajara’s fajitas to MoAV’s coffee, downtown Billings has food and drink to satisfy anyone’s palate.

page 22-25 Cover photo by Hannah Potes of The Gazette Staff

Destination Downtown is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette. Access Destination Downtown at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott

Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz Content Editors Tara Cady Jordon Niedermeier Charli White

DOWNTOWN

Your comprehensive guide to Downtown Billings

Looking for something to do?

See the calendar of events on pages 18-19.

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Seasonal Events

BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff

Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market

Nothing compels folks to fly out the door on a Saturday morning quite like the thought of a bucketful of Flathead cherries. The market bell tolls at 8 a.m. every Saturday morning in downtown through Oct. 1 this year, beckoning all to sample the harvest season’s best fruits, vegetables and meats. Pick out pumpkins for front-porch decorations or start Thanksgiving meal experimentation early with endless squash varieties. Saturdays until Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to noon Under Skypoint

Burn the Point Performances at NOVA Let this fall be a time to remember, feel and make a wish or two. Performances this season include In Conflict, a compilation of pre- and post-9/11 narratives straight from the lips of Iraq War veterans; Don Pasquale, a comedic opera telling of the schemes of a lopsided love triangle and a children’s operatic adaptation of Cinderella, in which a young au pair arrives on scene by train. Visit novabillings.org for more information. In Conflict at Black Box Theater Sept. 2-11 Don Pasquale at Roebling Theater Oct. 7, 9, 15, 16 Cinderella at Roebling Theater Nov. 11-20

BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff

Burn the Point Labor Day weekend for families and individuals in crisis with the Chase Hawks Memorial Association. This two-day event kicks off Friday with a classic car parade and lively street dance. The following Saturday, take your time fawning over almost 300 cars at the day-long classic car show held at Rocky Mountain College’s campus fields. Admission is $3 ($2 if you bring a Pepsi can). For more information, visit chasehawks.com or call (406) 248-9295. Sept. 2-3 Various locations

Ales for Trails Have a hankering to fill up on quality brews, festive entertainment and amazing eats while supporting the Billings TrailNet? Friend, it’s time you attended Ales for Trails. Food vendors offer good-old-fashioned barbecue and pizza as well as eggrolls, gyros and tacos for the more internationallyinclined palate. Fine wines and regional microbrews accompany silent disco, live music, raffle prizes and the latest installment: giant beer pong. Visit billingstrailnet.org/ales-for-trails for more information. Sept. 23, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dehler Park

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

Color Me Rad Fireworks of colorful powder explode in the air as racers launch into this adrenaline-filled 5k. The perks don’t stop there. With free t-shirts, temporary tattoos and Goo Guard phone cases, the event is always a huge success. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Montana, so unabashedly douse yourself in electric color gels and powders. Visit colormerad.com for more details and to register. Sept. 17 MetraPark

Fall Home Improvement Show

Courtesy Photo‌

Step into this region’s largest home show and expand your home remodeling horizons. Held at MetraPark, the free event typically draws crowds of more than 20,000 and boasts more than 400 exhibits of interior, exterior, landscaping and technology products and services. Prizes total more than $30,000, so put this on your calendar now. Go to billingshomeimprovementshow.com for more information. Sept. 9-11 Expo Center at MetraPark

Saturday Live Kick the school year into high gear with this family-oriented carnival at Pioneer Park benefitting Billings Public Schools and the Education Foundation for BPS. Start off with a 2-mile fun run and 100-yard dash for all ages at 9 a.m. and continue the excitement with face painting, dunking booths, haunted houses and performances featuring choral ensembles as well as local dance groups. Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pioneer Park CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

Autumn ArtWalk Attention all art aficionados: 2016 marks this local tradition’s 22nd season in Billings, so hit the streets with friends and family Oct. 7 for an evening of creative delight. Explore galleries, studios, museums, nonprofits and other businesses and enjoy live music and refreshments while you stroll downtown. For more information or a map, visit artwalkbillings.com. Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Billings

High Plains BookFest and Awards Wordsmiths and book lovers, break out your love of literacy with the High Plains BookFest and Awards. The four-day event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 with a poetry slam at MoAV Coffee House. Culminating in the 10th annual awards banquet Saturday at the Yellowstone Art Museum, this multi-day event is one to mark in your calendars. With the exception of the awards banquet, all events are free to the public. For more information – and to see who the finalists are – visit highplainsbookawards.org. Oct. 6-9 Various locations

HarvestFest Revel in the best smells, sights and tastes autumn has to offer at the downtown market. This annual family-friendly event features the NILE Lou Taubert Cattle Drive and Parade, a merchant gift basket raffle, live entertainment and even a pumpkin pie baking contest, so peruse through the arts, crafts and food vendors at your leisure.

Trick or Treat Downtown

Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Billings

There’s only one time a year where fairies, witches, ghosts and werewolves flock to the streets together, united by their communal hunt for highly-coveted sweets. On Oct. 28, take your young fireman and veterinarian downtown for trickor-treating and other fun Halloween activities. Start at the Downtown Billings Alliance office at 2815 2nd Ave. N. to pick up trick-or-treat bags and route maps.

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff‌

Oct. 28, noon to 5 p.m. Downtown Billings

Billings Historical Haunting Tours The spooky tours return for their 18th year, thanks to refreshed stories of Billings’ wild and wicked side by author Karen Stevens. Participants begin at the haunted Dude Rancher Inn lobby and travel by bus around downtown, seeking out the scariest of sites. Visit montanafunadventures.com to purchase tickets or call (406) 254-7180. Oct. 28-29 Dude Rancher Inn

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

Haunted House and Twilight Tours at the Moss Halloween is coming quickly ‘round the bend, so experience the holiday’s spooky thrill as part of the Twilight and Midnight Madness tours happening at the Moss this October. Each tour lasts 25-30 minutes. There’s no reservations for the Twilight tours, so show up early to get a spot in line. However, reservations are highly recommended for the Midnight Madness tours. Ticket prices TBD. Twilight tours: Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29 and 31; 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Midnight Madness tours: Oct. 28 and 29, 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Moss Mansion

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff‌

Courtesy Photo‌

Holiday Events 8

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Holiday ArtWalk Don’t let brisk wintry weather keep you indoors this December – kick your cabin fever and attend the holiday ArtWalk. Soak in downtown’s creative spirit and perhaps purchase a piece or two. And don’t worry – come snow flurries or dropping temperatures, the event will not be canceled. Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Billings

Holiday Parade & Christmas Stroll Rally the troops – a.k.a. friends and family – for the 32nd annual holiday parade and Christmas stroll. Downtown truly comes alive around the holidays, so get your photo with Santa beginning at 3:30 p.m. and take advantage of live entertainment, pre-parade shopping and warm eats. At 7 p.m., settle in with a hot drink for a joyous parade, broadcasted live. Visit downtownbillingsalliance.com for more information. Nov. 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Under Skypoint

Holiday Food & Gift Festival Don’t miss out on the two-day festival specially designed to satisfy all your holiday shopping needs. Featuring more than 200 booths, there’s bound to be something for everyone at the season’s largest arts and crafts show. Grab some snacks from local vendors and let live entertainment boost your holiday cheer. Admission is $3 at the door or $1 when you bring a non-perishable food item. Go to holidayfoodandgiftfestival.com for more details. Nov. 12-13 Expo Center at MetraPark

Candlelight Tours at the Moss

Picture this: 17 stylishly ornamented Christmas trees, live holiday tunes and glasses of wine waiting to be swirled and sipped. See the mansion in all its regality by the flickering glow of candlelight this December and let your heart be warmed by nostalgic stories of the Moss family. Make your reservation at the Moss Mansion or call 406-256-5100. Tickets are $30 apiece or $55 per couple. Dec. 22, 23, 28-30; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Moss Mansion

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DOWNTOWN

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CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

New on the Scene Fresh Faces in Downtown Places TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com‌ ‌Billings has seen an insurgence of business flocking to its downtown district in recent months. The unrelenting heat created the proverbial ‘breeding ground’ for new constructions, remodels and relocations – and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

GET YOUR ROAST ON‌ As the summer sun distances itself from our neck of the woods, the much-welcome

cooler breeze that follows encourages us to follow Ebon on Facebook to see when wrap our hands around a warm cup of joe at live music is hitting their coffeehouse the many coffeehouses opening downtown. scene.

Ebon Coffee Collective

MoAV Coffee House

Enter Ebon Coffee Collective, located at 2712 2nd Ave. N., and let the sweet aroma of coffee beans filling the air wash over you, inspiring a shifted focus from solely getting caffeinated to that of savoring each sip. Ebon makes fall’s crisp mornings easy, providing not only multiple Montana-made roasts but also freshly-baked pastries with gluten-, dairy-, soy- and egg-free options. Order up and receive your java in an eco-friendly Mason jar. A happenin’ hub for much more than sweet treats, stop in during ArtWalk or

Equally invested in brag-worthy beans is MoAV Coffee House, located at 2501 Montana Ave. Featuring flavorful coffees served right to your table, bask CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌ in the artsy atmosphere that is MoAV by A cup of joe goes a long way at Ebon Coffee coordinating your visit with their fre- Collective, one of downtown’s newest coffee houses. quent musical and artistic guests. No need to leave your pup at home, either. Come with your canine in tow The Coffee Tavern and enjoy the pet-friendly outdoor paIf you couldn’t get caffeinated enough, tio while the weather still permits. For more information on their coffee-in- The Coffee Tavern aims to keep downtown fused concerts, follow MoAV Coffee on Billings awake all through the night, conveniently open 24 hours at 2821 2nd Ave. N. A Facebook.

TAILYR IRVINE/Gazette Staff‌

“All of the galleries on this block are complementary,” Zack Terakedis, owner of Terakedis Fine Art, said of the new art-focused downtown residents.

non-alcoholic nightlife hotspot, stop in for Montana Gallery an after-midnight coffee and stay ‘til the Montana Gallery features just what sun comes up. Night owls can follow The Coffee Tav- the name says: fine art with a local focus. ern’s Facebook for more information. Browse the works of gallery owner Tyler Murphy as well as other artists at the 2710 2nd Ave. N. location. You’ll be sure to recCULTIVATING CREATIVITY‌ ognize the many representations of our reDowntown dedicates five Fridays each gion’s landscape, such as with the Going to year for ArtWalk, but you can get your fix the Sun collection. of local talent the remaining 359-ish days too. Western Art Forum Galleries are spreading downtown like Fellow gallery Western Art Forum puts wildflowers. Forego window shopping and wander inside where oil landscapes scenes, the ‘wild’ in West with their vast collection Western sculptures and thought-provok- of pieces from painters, potters and sculping, abstract masterpieces inspire even the tors alike. Featured artists include owner novice collector to adorn their abode with and painter Kira Fercho as well as general quality regional art. manager Kevin Rose, offering an assortment of contemporary paintings with western

themes at their 2702 2nd Ave. N. location.

Stapleton Gallery

Terakedis Fine Art

Located at 104 N. Broadway in the old Stapleton building, the conveniently-titled gallery showcases magnificent media, including beadwork, acrylic paintings and photography. Jeremiah Young, co-curator alongside Abigail Hornik-Minckler, used his skills as owner and creative director of interior design firm Kibler & Kirch to transform the historic building into a piece of art all its own. Look no further than downtown for your next collector’s item. With a plethora of creative genius to choose from, select the piece that speaks to you and your love of local art. Follow each gallery on Facebook for events, workshops and more.

If you thought Billings couldn’t possibly handle yet another new downtown gallery – think again. Terakedis Fine Art, located at 112 N. Broadway had its grand opening during the Summer ArtWalk. The quality Western art includes that of owner Zack Terakedis’ father, Sam, a wellknown bronze sculptor, in addition to various paintings representing the region from artists spanning Utah to South Dakota. Terakedis, a Montana native, rightly sees downtown as a booming gallery gathering place. “All of the galleries on this block are complementary,” he said of the art-focused downtown residents, like new near-neighbor Stapleton Gallery.

Original Destinations‌ Truth be told, it’s hard to put any new business in a box. Each bring uniqueness to the downtown Billings table. Here’s a list of interesting tenants you should know about.

Rebel River Creative Combine the talents of marketing guru Allyn Hulteng, graphic designer Bob Tambo, prize-winning illustrator Lee Hulteng and retired Billings Gazette photographer Jim Woodcock and you get Rebel River Creative, downtown’s brand development destination. With stateof-the-art technology for radio, television and other advertising aspects, RRC gives voice to businesses, defining each company to its target audience through tactical analysis, design work and media implementation. Look for project examples on rebelrivercreative.com or pay them a visit at 2921 2nd Ave. N.

mer owner of Red Lodge Books & Tea is bringing his tea shop and love for reading to downtown. More than a store, THoB will host book signings, poetry readings, tea tastings, writers’ groups, children’s story times, live acoustic music and more at the 224 N. Broadway location. Follow them on Facebook or at thishouseofbooks.com for more information.

Last Chance Cider Mill and Pub Take a chance on Red Lodge Ales without ever leaving the heart of Billings. Boasting craft brews and several hard ciders, Last Chance joins Montana Avenue’s brewery district at 2203 Montana Ave. with a taproom and apple press unique to downtown. Opening soon, follow Red Lodge Ales on Facebook to ensure you’re first in line.

Stacked: A Montana Grill

Food-truck-turned-downtown-dining location, Stacked offers juicy hamburgers, mouth-watering steaks and many baconThis House of Books wrapped treats for both lunch and dinner. Billings is getting smarter – thanks to Opt for a drink – OK, maybe two – at the BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff‌ downtown’s new bookstore co-op, that 106 N. Broadway location. Check out their Anytime Fitness, Kismet Rugs and Travel Café all have bounced around Billings recently, landing is. Gary Robson, local writer and for- Facebook for a current menu. them in similar spots on downtown’s busy streets. Don’t dismay, these guys are here to stay.

Here to stay Better known as the “downtown shuffle,” some businesses decide they’d rather be across the street or down a block from where they used to be. Anytime Fitness, Kismet Rugs and Travel Café all have bounced around Bill-

ings recently, landing them in similar spots on downtown’s busy streets. Don’t dismay, these guys are here to stay. Let the new locations speak for themselves and make it your mission to frequent each and every one this fall. Who knows, you might find exactly what you’re looking for.

Celebrating Our 26th Year Downtown

TAILYR IRVINE/Gazette Staff‌

Food-truck-turned-downtown-dining location, Stacked offers juicy hamburgers, mouth-watering steaks and many bacon-wrapped treats for both lunch and dinner.

M-F 9-5:30 • Sat. 10-4 | 2819 2nd ave. n. | 245-4612 • 1-877-834-0732 | www.bestmensstorebillings.com

MINNESOTA AVENUE TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com‌

Much of Billings’ downtown was ‌ mapped in the city’s infancy by the Minnesota & Montana Land & Improvement Company, giving birth to two of our most iconic streets’ names. A booming brewery district, Montana Avenue’s miraculous transformation from run-down to “turnedup” takes the spotlight, leaving little limelight for its equally significant counterpart, Minnesota Avenue. Sure, you might know the history – Minnesota Avenue once featured numerous bars and restaurants some famous, some notori-

ous for their lively nightlife – but how well do you know it today? From non-profit organizations to novelty shops, Minnesota Avenue boasts a number of businesses that contribute to Billings’ growing city center. Consider stopping in to say hello during your next drive downtown.

HEADQUARTERS FOR HELPING OTHERS A large network of non-profits belongs to Billings’ central community. Two groups driven to alleviate homelessness reside on Minnesota Avenue: Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley and the Montana Rescue

Mission men’s shelter. Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley (FPYV), a relatively new downtown resident, works to alleviate homelessness with the help of 26 local faith-based congregations. Each congregation takes turns housing families involved in FPYV’s extensive programs. The Minnesota Avenue location serves as the hub for not only administrative work, but also as a safe haven for those in need. Those in their programs are afforded life skills courses as well as case management, family reunification visits, aftercare and School District 2 tutoring. Similar to FPYV, the Montana Rescue

Courtesy Photo‌

The Other Side of the Tracks

Mission’s men’s shelter serves Billings’ homeless population. Located at 2822 Minnesota Ave., adult males receive long-term residency in addition to extensive case management and life skills classes. Both groups function to foster self-sufficiency and healthy futures. The downtown locations are ideal for clients needing access to transportation in addition to housing services. Stop by or visit their pages on Facebook to donate or volunteer.

EATS AND TREATS The Fieldhouse – Minnesota Avenue’s dining destination – keeps it casual, ac-

cording to owner and chef Ben Harman. For the 2601 Minnesota Ave. location, there are “no guidelines” and “everything is subject to change.” Harman likes to keep guests on their toes with frequent menu modifications and Montana-grown ingredients. A New American kitchen, The Fieldhouse boasts wholesome, made-fromscratch meals and features a wide variety of wines. With four local beers on tap and an outdoor patio overlooking railroad tracks, Harmon explains the venue’s inherent intrigue, “People have to experience it.” Whether you dine-in after work or start your weekend with brunch and a mimosa, the range of offerings at The Fieldhouse are all worth sampling. From Montana meats smoked and cured in-house to flathead cherries, rainbow carrots and local cheeses, expect whatever’s fresh and in-season to arrive on your plate straight from the fields of Big Sky Country. For “killer espresso and great dessert,” check out Harman’s latest business venture, a coffeehouse and bakery called The Annex, next door. Featuring breves, lattes and croissants, you could literally spend hours upon hours at the 2600 block of Minnesota Ave. indulging in sweets by day and delectable dishes by night.

SPECIALTY STORES Smiling Dog Records Guitars, mandolins, clarinets, flutes, TAILYR IRVINE/Gazette Staff‌ stereos, 8-tracks – oh, and did we mention Have you ever wanted to get your picture taken with KISS and Prince? The mural outside Smiling Dog Records is almost like the real thing. vinyl records? Fill every music lover’s need with that and more at Smiling Dog Records, located at 2702 Minnesota Avenue. Have you ever wanted to get your picture taken with KISS and Prince? The mural outside is almost like the real thing. Supporting local artists, Smiling Dog Records not only carries classic vinyl (sometimes autographed), but also sells regional musicians’ merchandise. From reTwo groups cords and CDs to the varying music players driven to alleviate needed to transcribe all of the great hits, the homelessness all-inclusive inventory is readily available to reside on Minnesota make your home a concert hall. Avenue: Family Smiling Dog Records is also a venue of its Promise of own. The small, intimate setting serves as Yellowstone Valley the perfect backdrop for local artists. Follow and the Montana Smiling Dog Records on Facebook for future Rescue Mission events. TAILYR IRVINE/Gazette Staff‌ men’s shelter. Whether you dine-in after work or start your weekend with brunch and a CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff For the Funk of It mimosa, the range of offerings at The Fieldhouse are all worth sampling.

The corner of Minnesota Avenue and 27th Street oozes funk, and it’s not just the tunes coming from outside the record shop. For the Funk of It helps jazz up Billings households with 21 vendors’ worth of upcycled, repurposed and reclaimed home décor. Owners Tammy and Melody Fletcher recreate and sell their fair share of furnishings, too. “Inventory changes daily,” said Tammy of the Pinterest-inspired items available for

chitects (located at 2720 Minnesota Ave.) transformed the historic 1916 former Swift & Company Meats building into what is now the highly-acclaimed Swift Building Lofts at 2605 Minnesota Ave. Adjacent to The Fieldhouse, the 12,000-square-foot project has received many accolades. The Swift Building Lofts’ eco-friendly restoration and historic preservation earned the LEED® for WHAT ELSE?‌ Homes Platinum certification and is now an Downtown resident High Plains Ar- ideal downtown living destination. purchase. “We’re quick to stay with trends.” Discover funky finds such as a TVturned-fishtank, snarky canvas print or Unicorn SPiT™ at Minnesota Avenue’s innovative shopping center. Stop in to see what’s new or follow For the Funk of It on Facebook.

Additional ‘experts’ in the Minnesota Avenue “field” include Russ Plath Law, a worker’s compensation, personal injury and disability firm; Steve Harman Law, specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury; and Red Rover Bicycle Collective, a bike service shop and retailer. Can’t stand not knowing more? Get to know downtown’s distinctly different drive, Minnesota Avenue, by boldly crossing the tracks.

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff‌

Plethora of Pokémon brings crowds to downtown Billings

JORDON NIEDERMEIER jniedermeier@billingsgazette.com‌ ‌Gamers have swarmed downtown Billings on a quest to catch ’em all. At the same time, they’re meeting real people and spending actual currency. Pokémon Go has exploded onto Facebook feeds and on streets across America since it was released in July. After downloading the free augmented reality app, players use their smartphone’s camera and GPS capability to find and capture digital creatures hidden in actual locations. Billings players swarm downtown because the area has a concentration of “Pokestops,” landmarks with real-life locations where they can claim free objects and collect more Pokémon. Some players spend hours at hot

spots — like the intersection of North Broadway and Third Avenue North, where three Pokestops are located. Jacob Schmidt drove downtown at about 9:30 a.m. to meet friends outside of the U.S. Bank building and was still playing in the afternoon. More people gather at night and can stay for several hours. Schmidt said he downloaded the game at about 3 a.m. shortly after it dropped on July 6. He’s up to level 14 and has spent up to 12 hours in one day playing. Most of that time is spent walking to find more Pokémon and finding “eggs” for rarer creatures. “Before downloading it I was walking less than 3,000 steps a day, and since I’ve downloaded the game I’m walking 13,000 steps a day,” Schmidt said. Continuous gameplay kills cellphone batteries quickly, so he purchased an external power unit.

Schmidt grabbed the last one Walmart had when he visited. “One of the reasons it was left is it was higher-end as far as cost. I think this one cost 120 bucks,” he said. Since the purchase, Schmidt has pulled three full charges off the extra battery and it still has half of a charge. Other players aren’t as well equipped and have to go home or find a nearby outlet. Pokémon Go player Isaac Geisinger said a lot of people, himself included, like to charge their phone at the Crystal Lounge. The tavern is across the street from a Pokestop at the Northern Hotel, so they don’t have to stop playing. Geisinger said only certain types of Pokémon, like electric and rock types, are available downtown. So players can’t stick to North Broadway and expect to catch all 151. He mixes up his routine and walks near Riverfront Park and Lake Elmo. He’s even planned trips HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff‌ out of town to play Pokémon Jason Chamberlain, 22, right, Go. watches as Chisum Mavity, 19, “On Sunday, my wife left, catches a rare pokémon and I are going to hit up Red while playing Pokémon Go on Lodge in the mountains the corner of 3rd Avenue North to see if there are different and Broadway Avenue. types there,” he said. But a lot of people continue to meet downtown for the social aspect of the game. At level five, players choose one of three teams that correspond with colors: Trent Handlin, 20, wears a the blue Mystic, red Valor hat and t-shirt featuring the and yellow Instinct. Each pokémon “Gengar” as he team has a Billings-specific plays Pokémon Go with some Facebook group and players friends at the corner of 3rd organize meetups to fight Avenue North and Broadway Avenue. other teams in the game. HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff‌ “My bartender on Sunday texted me and there was like 40 who came in playing. It’s awesome,” said Sean Graves, owner of Montana Brewing Co. and Hooligan’s Sports Bar. The Montana Power Building that houses the bars also happens to be a Pokestop. Graves said he started researching Pokémon Go. He’s brainstorming marketing possibilities to capitalize on the phenomenon and in the meantime welcomes players to use his outlets and sip a microbrew. When their batteries aren’t dead, players stare intently at their phones while walking down sidewalks looking for Jigglypuffs and Charmanders. Lt. Mark Cady of Billings Police Department said he has heard of Pokémonrelated accidents in other communities but no incidents so far in Billings. “I guess my only concern is every time there’s something fun and good, someone takes advantage and does something bad with it,” Cady said. HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff‌ “Don’t be paranoid, but be aware of Pokémon Go players congregate on the corner of 3rd Avenue North and Broadway Avenue. your surroundings.”

Always open Sundays 12 – 4 Shop Local, Shop Downtown

2814 2nd Avenue North 259-3624

Photos by Hannah Potes of The Gazette staff

Cozy up in this rich burgundy hooded sweater by Lucy. Oh-so-soft and saturated in warm tones, pair the cowl-neck overlay with a simple white shirt by Tsquared. Combine with a Brave black leather cuff highlighted by a chunky turquoise stone, chic rocker Heet bracelet and a Julio Designs gemstone necklace reminiscent of ice crystals for a look that’s ‘on the cusp of winter.’ Available at Cricket Sweater: $73 Shirt: $49 Leather cuff: $66 Bracelet: $79 Necklace: $36

A touch of sparkle is all you need this season. Showcase your buckram necklace by Julio Designs with this perfect-for-a-rainy-day ensemble by Dylan. Both the scarf and long-sleeve shirt’s muted black and white pinstripes forge a calming backdrop for the long-chained accessory’s silvery stone and grey suede tassel.

Available at Cricket Necklace: $64 Scarf: $29 Pinstripe long-sleeve: $51

A snazzy spin on the crop top and tapered tank, say hello to this sophisticated duo by Eileen Fisher. The olive green and black striped sweater‘s loose-weave crochet elegantly complements the black tank top’s sheer fabric. Strung on a long chain that incorporates transparent beads on one side, this necklace’s brass and silver pendant adds bold shine. Available at Cricket Sweater: $264 Tank top: $223 Necklace: $76

A top that’s reminiscent of the classic woodsman, don’t get caught this fall without this red and black checkered shapedfit shirt by Bugatchi Uomo. Slide on a pair of comfort-waist, four-way-stretch black jeans by 34 Heritage and you’ll be properly outfitted for your next adventure. Available at Desmond’s Shirt: $149 Black jeans: $205

Feast

Pug Mahon’s

The Rex

Doc Harper’s

17 N. 29th St.

3011 1st Ave. N.

116 N. Broadway

There’s nothing quite like onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and meat smothered in squeezed lime and wrapped in a fresh tortilla shell. The steaming-hot fajitas at Guadalajara’s beg to be devoured for all their deliciousness.

“The pork chop sandwich—it’s what we do.” That’s what owner Bill MacIntyre says of his “world’s best” fare. Listen closely for legendary tales while enjoying feelgood food in downtown’s favorite “Irish-y” locale.

For that after-dinner liquid dessert craving, stop in to Doc Harper’s for their garden gin and tonic, featuring Whyte Laydie (or your favorite) gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, tonic water and fresh fruit varieties. Thirsty yet?

Be Safer. Spend Smarter. It’s Simple! Peace of mind. It’s one of the most important benefits a financial institution can provide. With Secure Checking, it’s easier to protect your finances, save money on everyday purchases and enjoy your life.That’s something you can bank on.

760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W

248-1127

www.billingsfcu.org

Gazette Staff

Guadalajara

Gazette Staff

A directory of the best food Downtown Billings has to offer.

A classic dish, The Rex’s gumbo boasts meaty mouthfuls of chicken and spicy andouille sausage immersed in fresh vegetables and sprinkled with scallions. With a mound of rice in the middle, feast your eyes and stomach on the dinner of your dreams.

BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff

401 Montana Ave.

Gazette Staff

2701 1st Ave. N.

2325 1st Ave. N. Visualize this: freshly cracked eggs atop hash browns, mouth-watering green peppers, ham and cheddar cheese. Now imagine ordering the uber-popular Stella Surprise. What remains is your choice: a dollop of salsa or sour cream?

MoAV Coffee 2501 Montana Ave.

“Get them while they last.” That’s what Jake’s Downtown has to say regarding their famous BBQ ribs. Glazed in a homemade huckleberry sauce straight from Flathead Valley Huckleberries, prepare to melt for the slow-cooked fall-off-the-bone meal in front of you.

Siphon coffee manifests through generated steam pressure from its brilliant brew, leaving your heart and tummy filled with the warmth it took MoAV to make such a beverage. Put simply, it’s coffee science at its finest.

Come in and relax with... visit our open air dining pa down and e m o C cooked with real fr rlor a z z i p l a e e taste ow r s S ee h

Pug’s Pork ChoP

Sandwich

Located right between Pug Mahon’s and The Bookie

3005 1st Ave N • 259-1041

Check out our specials on Facebook

259-4190 • 3011 1st Ave N

2501 Montana Avenue • www.moavcoffee.com Mon-Fri 6am-7pm • Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

Courtesy photo

Jake’s Downtown

Courtesy photo

Stella’s

Casual Cuisine

Feast A directory of the best food Downtown Billings has to offer.

Featured restaurants are marked with a shaded box.

Back Porch Deli 207 N. Broadway (406) 254-9519 Bernie’s Diner 19 N. Broadway (406) 867-6767 The Burger Dive 114 N. 27th St. (406) 281-8292 Café Zydeco 2503 Montana Ave. (406) 248-3440 Crazy Mary’s 1404 6th Ave. N. (406) 252-0089 Denny’s 501 N. 27th St. (406) 256-7335 Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 2519 Montana Ave. (406) 969-3909 Dude Rancher Restaurant 415 N. 29th St. (406) 259-5561 Good Earth Market 3024 Second Ave. N. (406) 259-2622 Harper & Madison 3115 10th Ave. N. (406) 281-8550 Hog Wild Cafe/Party Pig Catering 204 N. 22nd St. (406) 839-3154 Lisa’s Sandwich Den 2908 First Ave. N. (406) 252-4282 McCormick Café 2419 Montana Ave. (406) 255-9555 Perkins 825 N. 27th St. (406) 248-8320

Downtown Dining at its

BEST!

Pita Pit 2813 Second Ave. N. (406) 245-7482

Log Cabin Bakery 2401 Second Ave. N. (406) 245-0389

Pug Mahon’s 3011 First Ave. N. (406) 259-4190

MoAV Coffee House 2501 Montana Ave. (406)

Rockets Gourmet Wraps & Sodas 2809 First Ave. N. (406) 248-5231 Soup and Such 2716 Third Ave. N. (406) 294-0148 Stacked: A Montana Grill 106 N. Broadway (406) 534-8702

Rock Creek Coffee Roasters 124 N. 28th St. (406) 896-1600 Starbucks 27 N. 27th St. (in Crowne Plaza) (406) 252-7400 Velvet Cravings 225 N. Broadway (406) 294-0308

Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery 2525 First Ave. N. (406) 248-3060

Coffee/Specialty Shops Big Dipper Ice Cream 100 N. Broadway (406) 534-2350 Broadway Deli & Café 313 N. Broadway (406) 281-8568 Brockel’s Chocolates 117 N. 29th St. (406) 248-2705 City Brew 1131 N. 27th St. (406) 294-4620 Ebon Coffee Collective 2712 2nd Ave. N. (406) 431-4522 Le Lustré Cakes 2719 First Ave. N. (406) 702-1211

The Athenian 18 N. 29th St. (406) 248-5681 Café Italia 2417 Montana Ave (406) 896-9700 Cham Thai & Cuisine 2916 First Ave. N. (406) 256-1812 Ciao Mambo 2301 Montana Ave (406) 325-5100 Don Luis 15 N. 26th St. (406) 256-3355

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant 17 N. 19th St. (406) 259-8930 Guido’s Pizza 3005 First Ave. N. (406) 259-1041

Gracias Gracias Amigos Amigos A Family Mexican Restaurant Serving Lunch & Dinner

L o c at i o n s 245-7477 • www.therexbillings.com 2401 Montana Ave

Ethnic Cuisine

DOWNTOWN – 17 North 29th Street HEIGHTS – 1403 Main Street WESTEND – 1223 Grand Avenue LAUREL – 216 1st Avenue South HAVRE – 335 1st Street

259-8930 245-2151 652-5156 56 628-4117 7 265-1852

La Tinga 113 N. 30th St. (406) 969-8828 Mamacita’s Café 304 N. 19th St. (406) 252-9950 NaRa Restaurant 3 Custer Ave. (406) 245-8866 Sarah’s Mexican Food 310 N. 29th St. (406) 256-5234 Shanghai Village 2926 Second Ave. N. (406) 245-6887 Wild Ginger 2713 Montana Ave. (406) 252-4486

Fast Food‌

Bagel Inc. 3012 Fourth Ave. N. (406) 254-0445 Burger King 520 N. 27th St. (406) 245-7911 Hardee’s 608 N. 27th St. (406) 259-3344 Jimmy John’s 122 N. Broadway

(406) 281-8282 Kentucky Fried Chicken 719 N. 27th St. (406) 259-2641

Fine Dining‌

Bistecca at the Granary 1500 Poly Drive (406) 259-3488 Billings Petroleum Club 27 N. 27th St, 22nd Floor (406) 252-6700 Bin 119 119 N. Broadway (406) 294-9119 Commons 1882 404 N. 30th St. (406) 254-1882 Crowne Plaza Montana Sky 27 N. 27th St. (406) 252-7400 The Fieldhouse 2601 Minnesota Ave., Suite 3 (406) 534-2556

Hooligan’s Sports Bar 111 N. Broadway (406) 259-3328

Lilac 2515 Montana Ave. (406) 969-4959 TEN 19 N. Broadway (406) 867-6767

Montana Brewing Co. 113 N. Broadway (406) 252-9200 The Pub Station 2502 First Ave. N. (406) 894-2020 The Rainbow Bar 2403 Montana Ave. (406) 259-0047 Rock Pile 1207 N. 27th St. (406) 245-5985 Thirsty Street Brewing Co. 3008 First Ave. N. thirstystreet.com Tiny’s Tavern, Inc. 323 N. 24th St. (406) 259-0826 Trailhead Spirits 2314 Montana Ave. (406) 969-1627 Uberbrew 2305 Montana Ave. (406) 534-6960 Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company 2123 First Ave. N. (406) 245-0918

The Rex 2401 Montana Ave. (406) 245-7477 Walkers American Grill & Tapas Bar 2700 First Ave. N. (406) 245-9291

Sports Bars—Bars—Pubs‌

Jake’s 2701 First Ave. N. (406) 259-9375

Angry Hanks 20 N. 30th St. (406) 252-3370 The Bookie 3011 First Ave. N. (406) 245-4900 Carter’s Brewing 2526 Montana Ave. (406) 252-0663 Daisy Dukes 222 N. Broadway (406) 201-8725

Juliano’s 2912 Seventh Ave. N. (406) 248-6400

Doc Harper’s 116 N. Broadway (406) 200-7177

Fresh Seafood, Certified Angus Beef™ Specialties, Spirits, Piano Bar Fri-Sat 245-7477 2401 Montana Avenue

www.2905montana.com 2905 Montana Ave • 406-696-4942

BILLINGS ITALIAN PUB Full liquor license

2713 Montana avenue Downtown Billings 406-252-4486

AVENUE Billings’ Favorite Dining, Dining

Experience

406.591.9535 • 2317 Montana Ave www.NOVAbillings.org

OXFORD

Billings’ Oldest Antique Shop

{ beautiful things }

Shopping &

Entertainment

CLOSE CLOSE

2822 Montana Avenue www.wyhc.org 406-256-6809

Newly Remodeled Still the best drinks in town 2403 Montana Ave. 259-0047

Art & Gift Boutique Custom Picture Framing 2505 Montana Ave. • 252-0122 www.toucanarts.com

HOTEL ANTIQUES

YEARS STRONG Investment Grade Collectibles Retro, Records, Relics, & Rocks 2411 Montana Ave 248-2094

See our

Fall Exhibitions!

Echo: Unspoken Dialects

In the Wind

On view now through October 2, 2016

D o n ’t m is s th is e x h ib it !

Jill Brody: Hidden in Plain Sight OPENING SOON September 1–December 30, 2016

Montana Motorcycle Memories

Vintage Bikes Historic Photos Memorabilia Jill Brody, Kids in Driveway, photograph

www.artmuseum.org 401 North 27th Street Billings, Montana

2822 Montana Ave. • 406-256-6809 • ywhc.org

406-256-6804 Bringing the Exciement of the Performing Arts to Big Sky Country

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ABT Box Office: M-Sat, Noon-5p.m.

(406) 256.6052 | w www.albertabairtheater.org Nov. 18

Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 7

February through December

JAY LENO

Featuring Western and Native American artifacts from the Yellowstone River Valley and a brand new exhibit now open: “Rip-Roarin’ Good Time: Sin in the Magic City”

For your tickets: 406.591.9535 • NOVAbillings.org Red, White, and Brews, September 22, 2016

For the Love of the heArts, February 18, 2017

In Conflict Adapted by Douglas C. Wager September 2–11, 2016

The Magic Flute at Alberta Bair Theater

Don Pasquale

Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

February 25, 2017

Opera by Gaetano Donizetti

Winter Carnival, March 3, 2017 Improv Open, March 4, 2017

October 7 & 9* 15 & 16*, 2016

James and the Giant Peach

Auction of Arias, October 8, 2016 Cinderella Opera by Peter Maxwell Davies November 11–20, 2016 Christmas Cabaret Written by Wendy Carlin & Sondra Baker December 9–18, 2016 The Norwegians Written by C. Denby Swanson January 6–15, 2017 Opera Fest, February 11, 2017

Book by Roald Dahl, Adapted by David Wood

Programs for the Entire Family! After School, Family, Homeschool and Preschool programs throughout the school year! For more information, go to

mtaudubon.org/center

March 10–19, 2017

Love, Loss and What I Wore Written by Nora and Delia Ephron

March 31, April 1–9, 2017

One-Act Operas: The Scarf and Speed Dating The Scarf by Lee Hoiby Speed Dating by Michael Ching April 28 & 30* and May 6 & 7*, 2017 SUDS Written by Steve Gundersen, Bryan Scott & Melinda Gild May 12–27, 2017

Connecting people to place (406) 294-5099 7026 S. Billings Blvd. Find us on Facebook

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for the calender of events

FEAST!

Play with the Symphony: 1St Annual Golf Scramble

Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. | Pryor Creek Golf Course Individual or Teams call 252-3610 or visit billingssymphony.org

Just Dance! Season Opener

Sept. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Alberta Bair Theater Tickets: 252-3610 or billingssymphony.org

Music of the Masters

Oct. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Alberta Bair Theater Tickets: 252-3610 or billingssymphony.org

Psalms & Love Songs: a Chorale Concert

Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. & Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. | St. Patrick Co-Cathedral Tickets: 252-3610 or billingssymphony.org

High Plains BookFest and Book Awards A celebration of the unique voices from the high plains of the U.S. and Canada

October 6-9, 2016 in Downtown Billings Schedule of events at highplainsbookawards.org A project of The Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice and the Billings Public Library. Supported with grants from the William Bingham Foundation and C.M Bair Family Trust

Arts & Culture ALBERTA BAIR THEATER America in concert

Each summer the Billings Clinic Classic fundraises for a specific part of the clinic and 2016 benefits psychiatric services. Support the clinic with a ticket purchase to the Classic and prepare for strong ‘70s nostalgia at the Alberta Bair Theater with the band America. Date & Time: Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Contact the Billings Clinic Foundation at (406) 6574670 for tickets and additional information.

Kansas in concert

Nearly 20 years ago, one of Kansas’ timeless tracks reached No. 1 on classic rock radio. Now, the all-American band of the ‘70s carries into the new millennium with a following both young and old. Longtime fans and first-timers alike can capture the classics featuring the talented work of band newcomers and Kansas originals, drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Richard Williams. Date & Time: Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in concert

You might recognize this hot funk/jazz act from multiple late-night comedy show appearances or Magic City Blues Fest. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue bring the heat with New Orleans-inspired tunes from their three studio albums, including Grammy-nominated Backatown, for a night of brass-infused dancing in your seat. Date & Time: Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org.

Support the Billings Clinic with a ticket purchase to the Classic and prepare for strong ‘70s nostalgia at the Alberta Bair Theater with the band America.

Courtesy Photo

Up With People

musician blurs and the talented ensemble wear multiple hats during the powerhouse performance. Watch with delight as the Dublin-based main character finds his muse and dares to dream again. Date & Time: Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT

For two nights, experience the impacting performances of globallyrecognized arts organization Up With People presented by Billings Kiwanis. Commemorating their 50th anniversary, UWP represents students worldwide as they join together for one or two semesters of Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org. service and song. Support them as they continue their mission to bridge the gap between cultures and communities. Jay Leno Date & Time: Sept. 9 & 10, Noon Get ready for belly laughs and hurting cheeks. Late-night television Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org. legend Jay Leno brings his comedic flair to Billings for two memorable sets of famously funny content. Date & Time: Nov. 18, 6 & 9 p.m. MOMIX Opus Cactus Location: ABT The landscape of the American Southwest comes alive again with Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org. cacti, lizards and fire dancers after Moses Pendleton’s 10-year hiatus. MOMIX Opus Cactus is back with thrilling theatrics and unbelievable performers that capture the enchanting essence of the dry, desert region. Date & Time: Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org.

Scotty McCreery in concert

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery brings his budding country career to the Big Sky for a mid-week musical marathon of his greatest hits. At the ripe age of 22, this American singer has reached the hearts of millions not only through television but also with his top-selling albums and international tours. Date & Time: Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org.

Fame the musical

The twice-transformed story by David De Silva exits the big screen and onto the stage, repurposed from a movie and television show to a motivating musical for all ages. Follow along as the high school-based cast dance and sing their way through four years of fun and self-discovery. Date & Time: Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. Location: ABT Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 256-6052 or visit albertabairtheater.org.

Once the musical

Upcoming

issUes

Broadway comes to Billings with Tony Award-winning musical “Once,” a riveting romantic tale where the line between actor and

BILLINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Music of the Masters

Travelling pianist Brian Ganz takes the BSO&C stage Oct. 15, bringing to life the famous works of classical and romantic composers Handel, Haydn and Beethoven. Dubbed “one of the leading pianists of his generation” by his alma mater, John Hopkins University, Ganz artfully reproduces the sounds of Haydn’s “London Symphony,” Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 4” and Handel’s “Concerto Grosso, Op. 3” for all of Billings to enjoy. Date & Time: Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Location: Alberta Bair Theater Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 252-3610 for tickets.

The Billings Public Library offers expanded programs for all ages. Try the knitting circle or tangle group, take a class on computer basics or join a creative writing group.

NOVA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

For a detailed list of classes, events and other offerings, see billingslibrary.org.

In Conflict

BILLINGS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORALE Just Dance!

Adapted by Douglas C. Wager, “In Conflict” draws from the real experiences of Iraqi war veterans in this gripping play of personal sacrifice and international impact. Discover the dual reality of being both hero and human and prepare for a better understanding of what it’s like being a soldier in today’s world. Date & Time: Sept. 2-3 & 9-10, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 4 & 11, 2 p.m. Location: NOVA Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: Call NOVA at or (406) 591-9535 or visit novabillings.org

The BSO&C and Grand Rapids Ballet Company combine performing forces for a two-part event Sept. 24 highlighting the talents of composers Tchaikovsky and George Gershwin. The first half of the evening features Don Pasquale “Swan Lake,” the love story and Russian folktale of a cursed princessThis comedic opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti and written by turned-swan and the prince who confronts an evil sorcerer in order to win Giovanni Ruffini tells the tale of two lovers on a mission to live happilyher heart. In the second half, ballet dancers perform to the accompaniever-after. However, they must first outwit a wealthy older man who ment of Gershwin’s classics, including “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Porgy wants the woman all to himself. and Bess.” Date & Time: Oct. 7, 9, 15-16 Date & Time: Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m. Location: NOVA Center for the Performing Arts Location: Alberta Bair Theater Tickets: Call NOVA at or (406) 591-9535 or visit novabillings.org Tickets: Call ABT at (406) 252-3610 for tickets.

Don’t forget to aDvertise in... Call Michelle Maki for more information at 406-657-1332 Upcoming 2016 issue: November 23

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

The Billings Public Library is more than just a place to read. With expanded programs for all ages, guests can join a knitting circle or computer class in addition to checking out the latest novel.

Cinderella: A Children’s Opera

Enjoy this operatic twist to the Grimm brothers’ classic fairy tale composed by Peter Maxwell Davies. Follow along as a chorus of kittens, fairy “cat” mother and traveling Cinderella work against time before the clock strikes midnight. Date & Time: Nov. 11-20 Location: NOVA Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: Call NOVA at or (406) 591-9535 or visit novabillings.org

THE PUB STATION The former Greyhound Bus Station at 2502 1st Ave. N. in downtown Billings was converted and opened as a concert venue in late 2014. Serving beer, wine and hard cider, the venue offers local and national acts with several performances each week. For more information or tickets, see 1111presents.com/events-at-pub-station.

RIMROCK AUTO ARENA AT METRAPARK Def Leppard in concert

Just when you thought September couldn’t get any sweeter, Def Leppard arrives in Billings ready to pour some sugar on your mid-week plans. Prepare to rock ‘n roll all night with two more of America’s favorites, REO Speedwagon and Tesla. Date & Time: Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Location: Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark Tickets: Available at metrapark.com or livenation.com

Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown in concert

Hungry for some heavy metal? Sixx A.M. joins two hard-rock heavy hitters for an epic night of head-banging and signs of the horns. If your ears are ringing the next morning, it’s a clear indication you had a great time. Date & Time: Nov. 9, 6 p.m. Location: Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark Tickets: Available at metrapark.com

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire in concert

Right before your very eyes, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire take the stage for a jam-packed performance of classic rock hits. The two bands team up for an incredible encore that shouldn’t be missed. Date & Time: Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Location: Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark Tickets: Available at metrapark.com or livenation.com

In the Wind: Montana Motorcycle Memories

Are you ready to go “In the Wind?” Explore the story of motorcycling in Montana with this exciting exhibit featuring vintage bikes, memorabilia, gear and advertising. Delve into biker culture with vocabulary and phrases, motorcycle etiquette and personal memories. Date & Time: Exhibit on display June 18 – Dec. 17 Location: Western Heritage Center Tickets: Call (406) 256-6809 or see ywhc.org

Echoes of Eastern Montana: Stories from an Open Country

Home never rang so true. Rediscover the Yellowstone River Valley and Northern High Plains’ recent past with actual accounts from the people who traversed them. Diaries, family albums and recipes are just part of the story. Compare and contrast as you follow along with entertaining tales, local music and interactive games. Date & Time: Exhibit on display until Dec. 19 Location: Western Heritage Center Tickets: Call (406) 256-6809 or see ywhc.org

Courtesy Image‌

Yellowstone Kelly is a legend on the western frontier. Join Bill Cole at The Western Haritage Center Sept. 15 for a lengthy discussion of Luther Sage Kelly’s love of Montana.

WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER History on Canvas: J.K. Ralston

James Kenneth (J.K.) Ralston (1896-1987) was a noted western artist who lived in Billings for many years. This exhibit features original paintings and bronzes, including some never-before displayed early pieces from the WHC archive. Date & Time: Exhibit on display until Sept. 1 Location: Western Heritage Center Tickets: Call (406) 256-6809 or see ywhc.org

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HIGH NOON LECTURE SERIES Briskly Venture, Briskly Roam: The Legend of Yellowstone Kelly

Having initially come to the Northern Plains for hunting, trapping and overall exploration, Yellowstone Kelly soon pursued military service during the end of the Indian Wars in response to his growing knowledge of indigenous people and the Eastern Montana landscape. Join Bill Cole as he uncovers what makes Yellowstone Kelly a legend on the western frontier. Date & Time: Sept. 15, Noon Who Owns the Yellowstone River? Location: Western Heritage Center Inspired by the curiosity of Bruce Wendt’s West High class, this WHC Tickets: See ywhc.org for more information. exhibit highlights water rights as discovered through intensive research. Regional civic leaders, farmers and ranchers, recreationists, local Leprosy in Montana: historians and near-the-river residents offer their opinions and concerns, defining just who owns the Yellowstone after all. The Story of Orville Willett Date & Time: Exhibit on display until Dec. 19 Senator Orville Willett of Mineral County was diagnosed with leprosy Location: Western Heritage Center in 1917 during his second term in Montana Legislature and was subseTickets: Call (406) 256-6809 or see ywhc.org quently quarantined for 10 years. Ellen Baumler tells the story of his faith and eventual removal to the federal leprosarium at Carville, Louisiana. Date & Time: Oct. 20, Noon Hoof-it with a Historian: Location: Western Heritage Center Billings Walking Tours Tickets: See ywhc.org for more information. Discover Billings by joining walking tours of the city’s historic locations. Tours run about one hour and twenty minutes and require comfortable walking shoes. These popular events interest both long-time Billings residents and visitors alike. A variety of different tours are offered every Friday morning from June-Oct. Date & Time: Every Friday at 10 a.m. from June—Oct. Location: Western Heritage Center Tickets: Tickets are available at the time of the walk: $10 for adults; $5 for students; children (under 12) are free (up to 2 per paying adult). Each guided walking tour includes a pass to the Western Heritage Center. Call (406) 256-6809 or see ywhc.org for detailed information.

GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION! Jewelry • Baskets • Textiles • Clothing • Instruments

Spiritual I Metaphysical I New Age

223 N. 29th Street Downtown Billings

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 6pm Sat. 10am - 4pm

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Music • Kitchenware • Pottery • Chocolate • Coffee • Tea

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff‌

The Yellowstone Art Museum offers numerous exhibits throughout the fall.

Understanding the 1988 Yellowstone Fires

YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM

Journalist and historian John Clayton dives into what the 1988 fires in Yellowstone National Park meant for the community at large. Asking questions such as, “Have we changed our thinking about the landscape?”, ArtWalk & Jam at the YAM now is your time to reflect on that memorable summer 28 years ago. Museum admission is free during ArtWalk and Jam at the YAM, Date & Time: Nov. 16, Noon so enjoy live music and view the exhibitions. Cash bar and light hors Location: Western Heritage Center d’oeuvres provided. First drink is free for new member sign-ups and Tickets: See ywhc.org for more information.

membership renewals. Date & Time: Oct. 7, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Yellowstone Art Museum Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see artmuseum.org

Bridal Fair

Attention brides-to-be: Say ‘I Do’ to attending Bridal Fair 2016, where local and regional exhibitors gather together for one day of weddingrelated wonder. Meet with the area’s leading experts in everything from photography and planning to venues and veils to make your special day

words, their traces or even the suggestion of language Unleashed: Critters from the in their rich and varied works. Throughout recorded time, artists have used Date & Time: Exhibit on display July 14 – Oct. 19 Permanent Collection visual forms to comment on or express the relationWith animals as their muse, artists draw us closer Location: Yellowstone Art Museum ship between humankind and the spaces we have to animals with related artworks showcasing both the Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see occupied in our collective history and psychology. In wild and the domesticated kind. Both art and animal artmuseum.org this exclusive exhibition derived from special loans lovers will enjoy this critter collection, emphasizing and the museum’s permanent collection, consider the that animals can be as majestic and alive in person as evolution of visual abstraction—in this case, spanning Jill Brody: Hidden in Plain they can be in art. the stretch of time from the late-19th century to today, Sight Date & Time: Exhibit on display from Oct. 28 – from France to New York to Montana. Uncover the history of our Hutterite friends Dec. 30 Date & Time: Exhibit on display through Sept. 4 through the lens of photographer Jill Brody in this Location: Yellowstone Art Museum Location: Yellowstone Art Museum intimate display of photographs. Showcasing daily Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see Boundless Visions: Selections Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see life and how they have deviated from contemporary artmuseum.org artmuseum.org society, this exhibit exposes the Hutterite way of life from the Permanent in an effort to broaden understanding of a notoriously Collection Echo: Unspoken Dialects private colony. Boundless Visions features changing selections The symbolism and intent of written words have Date & Time: Exhibit on display Sept. 1 – Dec. 30 from the YAM’s permanent collections, including a history as long as human memory. Artists have Location: Yellowstone Art Museum art from the late-19th century to the present. This always reveled in the visual beauty of symbols, which Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see long-term exhibition is the only exhibition in Montana indicate everything from the smallest sound to the artmuseum.org where you can learn the region’s artistic story from its largest idea. Echo: Unspoken Dialects reveals the beginnings to the present day. intersections between emotion and reason, ideas and Date & Time: Ongoing exhibit concrete form. Language as the trail of memory is the Location: Yellowstone Art Museum focus of this exhibition. Echo features four leading Tickets: Call YAM at (406) 256-6804 or see Montana artists – Catherine Courtenaye, Michael artmuseum.org Haykin, Kate Hunt and Jerry Iverson – who use actual spectacular. While you’re there, be sure to enter for a chance to win a free wedding and/or reception venue rental. Date & Time: Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Yellowstone Art Museum Tickets: Admission is free. Email events@ artmuseum.org to pre-register or fill out a registration form on artmuseum.org.

Primal Urges

EXHIBITS

dotORG Downtown Billings plays host to worthy fundraisers A Decade of Donations

Seize the opportunity to raise funds for out-of-town families with children receiving local medical treatment and attend the 10th Annual Ronald McDonald House® Corks & Canvas fundraiser Sept. 16. Guests donate to the non-profit organization through event admission, silent and live art auctions as well as a wine pull raffle and reverse bingo. One-hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the local charity. What better way to raise money for a good cause than with a night of mouthwatering wine and Montana masterpieces? While McDonald’s locations also raise funds for families in need, those donation jars only raise one to three percent of what’s required annually, according to this year’s fundraiser co-chair, Kylee Bodley. With wine courtesy of Merry Cellars Winery, appetizers, a four-course meal and art auctions featuring work from Harry Koyama, this classy occasion begs to be attended. An occasion for more impactful giving, the St. Vincent Healthcare and McDonald’s-sponsored event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilands Gold Club. Arrive in semi-formal attire fit for the outdoor venue. Dinner seating commences at 7 p.m. and the delectable dishes will be served at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (406) 256-8006.

Billings Gazette

An occasion for more impactful giving, the St. Vincent Healthcare and McDonald’s-sponsored event begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Hilands Gold Club.

23rd Annual Messiah Festival

For 23 years, St. Vincent Healthcare has hosted a free community concert at the Alberta Bair Theater. This Dec. 4, join four soloists and a volunteer community choir in song, supporting St. Vincent Healthcare’s Meadowlark House, a free “home away from home” for traveling cancer patients and their families. Anyone can join the community choir, with rehearsals happening Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church, Sat. Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church and 2 p.m. the day of the event at the First United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 3:30 p.m., so be sure to rest those vocal chords and find your seat early in preparation for the hour-long event. Interested volunteers, attendees and donors should contact event coordinator Heather Bergeson at heather.bergeson@ svh-mt.org or (406) 237-3638.

SAINTS Ball

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Support St. Vincent Healthcare’s Meadowlark House, a free “home away from home” for traveling cancer patients and their families.

The SAINTS Ball, St. Vincent Healthcare’s premiere fundraising event, will be held Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Radisson Hotel Billings (formerly known as the Holiday Inn Grand). Dine on a decadent dinner designed by regionally recognized chefs 6 p.m. to midnight. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available for purchase until Sept. 23, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 a table and $150 per individual ticket. With a live, silent and challenge auction, there’s no shortage of opportunities to give back to the community. Proceeds support the renovation of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and pediatric patient rooms at St. Vincent Healthcare. Back by popular demand, Salt Lake City band The Groove Merchants steal the show, playing everything from jazz to oldies to top 40 hits. What event coordinator Heather Bergeson considers a “wonderful night and a lot of fun,” the SAINTS Ball is destined to dazzle its attendees. Contact Bergeson at heather.bergeson@svh-mt.org or (406) 237-3638 for more information.

Backlot

Minnesota Avenue

â&#x20AC;&#x152; he signs on Minnesota Avenue in 1975 cast a neon glow upon the busy street. Notorious for its lively nightlife past, Minnesota Avenue was T once home to the Standard Bar, the Western and the Oasis in the post-prohibition era.

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Your Fall 2016 Performing Arts Palette

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ABT Box Office: M-Sat, Noon-5pm | (406) 256.6052

www.AlbertaBairTheater.org

See inside this issue for MORE performances like JAY LENO!

SCOTTY McCREERY

Sept. 11 Oct. 7

** Date change! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 • 3 pm **

Oct. 12 Nov. 10

MOMIX

Opus Cactus