Ruckus December 16, 2022

Band defined by camaraderie, not genre

BY RACHEL HERGETT FOR THE CHRONICLE

Ask each member of Bozeman band STiLGONE about the music they play and you’ll get a different answer. Keyboardist Cal Treadway, who drives from Helena for as many shows as he can, calls it “funky and jazzy.” Matt Sloan, who sits in on saxophone, says the sound is “an eclectic collection of different genres and sounds.” It’s “live hip-hop,” according to new drummer Ezra Bowman, referencing songwriter, frontman and guitarist Symon Palmer’s penchant for busting out a rap now and then.

“I grew up in Billings and everyone listened to Wu-Tang, everyone listened to Andre Nickatina,” Palmer said over beers on

Monday. “Hip-hop music was big.”

Palmer, who hid a burned CD copy of Wu-Tang’s explicit debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” under his bed when he was 9 years old, started spitting bars to emulate the attitude of artists he was hearing.

“There’s such a confidence to hiphop music and what rappers do,” he said. “There’s such a swag element and I don’t think I had enough of that.”

STiLGONE’s uniform of choice — whatever outfit they want plus a bolo tie — is both a nod to the gold chains rappers often wear and Palmer’s Wilsall-raised grandfather who often sported them.

Aside from the bolo ties and a desire to rework a few outlaw classics, STiLGONE stays away from country music. The band’s

roots are heavily steeped in soul and funk, with a dose of hip-hop. And the latest iteration — influenced by Palmer’s evolving listening tastes and metal, rock and jam band leanings from bassist Carl Hansen and guitarist Chris Cowan — is heavier.

“It’s more rocking,” Palmer said. “I want to be a little more, like, grimy, you know?”

Palmer cites The Love Darts, a local punk band fronted by Jimi Kehoe, amid bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Alabama Shakes and Idles as those responsible for a “fuzzier” sound.

STiLGONE is also heavier because of Hansen’s love for giant stacks of amps. For his two-man project Reach for Grabtahr, Hansen splits his signal into two separate stacks with different effects, Treadway explained.

“Carl’s the man,” Treadway said, then added “Carl hosts band practice, so we’re obligated to speak highly.”

While the band’s sound has evolved, it does maintain a soulful thread that ties the other sounds together. A more neosoul centered version of STiLGONE was founded by Palmer in 2016, but disbanded before lockdowns for COVID-19 in 2020. At the time, Palmer thought making music was stressing him out and said he was at a low point in his mental health. But it only got worse after he quit playing. Now, he admits he was wrong.

“Music really keeps you (expletive) sane,” Palmer said. “It gives you a goal, it gives you a purpose.”

Rachel Hergett for the Chronicle STiLGONE performs Sept. 11, 2021, at the Filling Station in Bozeman.

Fri 12/16

Happy Hour Open Mic at Last Best Comedy

@ 5pm

Join us for Happy Hour Open Mic with host Jon Jacobs! The perfect end of the week activity Grab your of�ce mates and come try your hand at some comedy Sign-ups start at 5:30pm. Last Best Com‐edy, 321 East Main Street, Boze‐man info@lastbestcomedy com, 406-570-7766

Celtic Quintet

@ 6pm

Music from Ireland, Scotland and places beyond. Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive, Bozeman. knealh49@gmail com

Intermediate Country Swing

@ 6:30pm / $15

Been dancing for a while? Need some styling or new moves? Or need to work on you lead/follow with a new partner This class is for you!! Starlite Bozeman, 622 East Tamarack Street, Bozeman mt countrydance@gmail com, 406570-7422

Friday Night Stand-Up with MK Paulsen at Last Best Comedy

@ 7pm / $20-$25

Originally from a small town in Texas, MK Paulsen is a comedian, musician, writer and performer based in Los Angeles Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@lastbestcom edy com, 406-570-7766

Amy Miller Live in Bozeman

@ 8pm / $20

Amy Miller, a fast-rising talent on the West Coast and national scene, is headlining in Montana after releasing her new special, Ham Mouth. Rad Bikes, 512 North Broadway Avenue, Bozeman. alex @bonedrycomedy.com

Band of Drifters @ 8:30pm

Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steak‐house, 300 Mill St, Gallatin Gate‐way

The Dirty Shame: Outlaw Country at The Murray Bar @ 9pm

Murray Bar, 201 W Park St, Liv‐ingston

Sat 12/17

Montana State Bobcats Mens Basketball vs. Northwest Indian College Mens Basketball @ 4pm

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bob‐cat Circle, Bozeman

1st Annual Big Sky Winter Market @ 5pm

A gathering of local artisans, crafters, cottage goods, and other mountain made businesses Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, 145 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky info@ bigskytowncenter com

Last Best Quest @ 5:30pm

Come satisfy your thirst for ad‐venture, and join our heroes on a fully improvised fantasy quest!

Experience all the action, magic, and chaos an adventure has to offer, from the comfort of a base‐ment. Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@last bestcomedy com, 406-570-7766

///////////////////////////////////////////////////

I'll Be Dead For Christmas, a Holiday Improv show at Last Best Comedy

@ 7pm / $15

The holidays can be tough. Falling in love can be even harder This year, staying alive might just be the biggest challenge of all! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@lastbest comedy com, 406-570-7766

Whiz BANG! An explosion of intoxicating comedy! @ 9pm / $15

Whiz BANG! is an explosion of in‐toxicating comedy! Exciting, highenergy, short-form improv that is so funny it's criminal An hour long show with lots of audience inter‐action! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman. info@ lastbestcomedy com, 406-5707766

12/18

Skate Ski Clinic with the Pro Team @ 12:30pm / $75-$100

Lindley Center, 1102 E Curtiss St, Bozeman

Mon 12/19

@ 8pm

info@lastbestcomedy com, 406570-7766

ARC: Roots in the Sky @ Christmas 2022 @ 7:30pm / $20

a holiday program on themes of searching, innocence, and trans‐formation Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 220 West Main Street, Bozeman. andrewjmajor@ gmail com, 406-686-3536

Live Music: Bozeman Scottish Folk Ensemble @ 2pm

An afternoon of live music with the Bozeman Scottish Folk Ensemble! Playing traditional Celtic tunes featuring guitar, �ddle and voice, this group brings fun and enter‐tainment for all ages Steep Moun‐tain Teahouse, 402 East Main Street, Bozeman manager@ steepmtntea.com, 406-577-2740

The Dirty Shame: The Corral - Outlaw Country in Big Sky @ 8pm

The Corral, Big Sky Meadow Vil‐lage

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas @ 7pm

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bob‐cat Circle, Bozeman

The Ornery Jacks @ 7pm

Live music while you soak! Featur‐ing the Bozeman-based Irish Rock group “The Ornery Jacks” Boze‐man Hot Springs, 81123 Gallatin Road, Bozeman. adam@bh springs com, 406-586-6492

Service

@ 8pm

Industry

Night with The Benn and Abel Band!

Join us for a night of fun and live music with The Benn & Abel Band! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman info@lastbest comedy com, 406-570-7766

Tue 12/20

Beginner Country Swing

@ 7:30pm / $15

Learn Montana's favorite style of dancing! Simple and �uid you will �nd folks dancing country swing everywhere under the big sky! No partner needed! Starlite Boze‐man, 622 East Tamarack Street, Bozeman mtcountrydance@ gmail.com, 406-570-7422

Bone Dry Comedy Hour

Open Mic

@ 8pm

Bone Dry Comedy brings Open Mic night to Last Best Comedy

Join us for a night of fun and live music with The Benn & Abel Band! Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman info@lastbest comedy.com, 406-570-7766

Comedian @ 8pm

The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman

Reggie Watts @ 8pm

The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman

1) “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver, $32.50

2) “Breathless” by David Quammen, $29.99

3) “Stella Maris” by Cormac McCarthy, $26

Thu 12/22

4) “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy, $27.99

5) “The Light We Carr y” by Michelle Obama, $32.50

Chris Fairbanks: The Elm with Reggie Watts @ 8pm The Elm, 506 S 7th Ave, Bozeman Jackson Holte @ 7pm

6) “The Alpha Female Wolf” by Rick McIntyre, $27.95 7) “A World of Curiosities” by Louise Penny, $29.99

Live music while you soak! Featur‐ing the Livingston-based acoustic country artist Jackson Holte Bozeman Hot Springs, 81123 Gal‐latin Road, Bozeman adam@bh springs com, 406-586-6492

“Montana Modernists” by Michele Corriel, $32.95

“Lessons in Chemistr y” by Bonnie Garmus, $29

Wed 12/21

Our weekly open mic is a sup‐portive place to start your comedy journey, try new material, and connect to the Bozeman Stand up scene Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman info@ lastbestcomedy com, 406-5707766 Sc L @ Joi ca at li

ing Center Last Best Comedy, 321 East Main Street, Bozeman

Holiday Party for the People! @ 8pm Join us in kicking off the holidays with our Holiday Party for the peo‐pl Whi Ba Eas las 77

“Starr y Messenger” by Neil deGrasse Tyson, $28.99

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BY GEORGE DICKIE

Melissa George

OF ‘THE MOSQUITO COAST’ ON APPLE TV+

How did you like filming scenes in the Mexican jungle for Season 2 of “The Mosquito Coast”?

Look, I think because I’m so invested in (her character of Margot) that I didn’t really know where I was. I don’t feel I paid attention, to be really honest. I don’t know, if somebody left me there I’d be lost. I had no idea where they dropped me. I had no idea where I was filming specifically.

You knowing, acting is very intense and I think very cerebral and very internal. So often you get your script that you’ve been preparing for months and then you show up and then you have these amazing directors that really push you, some not so much. But the one I love was Metin (Huseyin) and he really got out the best of my character, I feel. And I don’t know where I was, really. I think they say, “OK, you turn left, you turn right, you go to this location.” (Laughs) Because to me, it’s the

dialogue and the performance that I’m really thinking about. I’m not really thinking about much else.

You had some intense scenes with your TV husband, Justin Theroux. How was it working them out with him?

I mean, Justin’s on his path, really. We have such a lovely kind of – we don’t even have to talk or explain what we’re doing. We just respond off each other so well. We’ve worked together since “Mulholland Drive.” That was a role I did with David Lynch ... . And it’s so funny that there’s this familiarity and he was also pivotal in me getting the role and now we’re married in the jungle. It’s kind of an incredible sort of almost like you know each other so well that to work together is just effortless.

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Dutton (Family) Origins (Twentieth) Century (Great) Depression Mountain (West)

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Set yourself up for success with PBS’ ‘Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas’

If planning the Christmas dinner menu is keeping you up at night, Mary Berry has a solution that will have your guests talking about it for years in a special coming to PBS.

In “Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas,” airing Monday, Dec. 19 (check local listings), the chef, author and judge on “The Great British Baking Show” comes forth with her ultimate Christmas feast using recipes that she’s perfected over 50 years.

So in the hourlong program, she’ll prepare a three-course meal that starts with a stilton and sage mini scone canape, followed by a traditional dinner of lemon and herb roast turkey with crispy roast potatoes, ruby red cabbage and apricot and chestnut stuffing. And for dessert, there is a traditional British Christmas pudding and a festive trifle with layers of custard, sponge cake and pear topped with spun sugar.

Berry also drops in on friends who share their own holiday favorites and she gives tips creating a sustainable, cost-conscious centerpiece.

There’s plenty of information here to help the home cook be successful and Berry says it all starts where every project does.

“It’s all about organization and planning,” she says. “Once you know how many guests are coming, sit down and choose the recipes, make your lists, pre-order some things like your turkey. You don’t want to run out of foil or coffee, for instance, so make sure you stock up but with the right amounts – don’t over-order.”

“Then on the morning of the big day, it’s lovely to plan your seating plan so that people enjoy each other’s company, and dress the table well. I like to think of it like a play, a performance.”

Of course, in a challenging economy where everything is more expensive this year, putting on a Christmas dinner can be financially challenging. But there are ways of keeping costs down, says Berry, such as sticking to a shopping list and not over-buying.

Mary Berry

H Z A M Y

J C F M V

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O E S S A E I J O Z N E

D N M L T U P O S A R U Q O A Y O R I G I N S E C J D R U K U M U Z J V P Y P O S D G Y N A C J A P X N I Z B M J I T J O U Z B O J U E H I A N A Z D J S I E T L P J J C N I T A P S J Z T L Q T H K U N N L S D E J O H N U W A Z E J E H Z U D A E L B

P U R A R R C E N T U R Y F W R Y P N Y J A N T T S U K

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1805

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‘A Very Brady Christmas’ unites the ‘Bunch’ again

Countless television characters have been involved in memorable holiday stories, but one of the most beloved involves a reunion of “The Brady Bunch.” MeTV presents the 1988 TV movie “A Very Brady Christmas” Sunday, Dec. 18, and though it involves a dramatic element that wasn’t part of the original sitcom, the actors and characters were so familiar to so many that hardly anyone complained.

Family matriarch Carol (Florence Henderson) is on a mission to get all the Bradys back together at the fashionable homestead for the yuletide, and once they’re all back under the same roof with her and Mike (Robert Reed), the now-grown kids have a lot to reveal. And Mike has his own concerns, thanks to pressure to cut corners on a building he’s designed. Jennifer Runyon replaces Susan Olsen as Cindy, but all of the other main originating cast members are back.

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The holidays can be especially difficult for teens experiencing homelessness.

Donate to HRDC’s Blueprint program today at thehrdc.org/donate

Camaraderie/from 2

Palmer is not willing to reveal the story behind one of the newer songs, “Starships,” but said it is an example of how he is able to channel some of his feelings into writing (though he is still a proponent of therapy).

“It’s a good way to talk to yourself about it before you talk to anyone else about it, which I think is an important part of the process,” Palmer said.

STiLGONE found new life in May 2021, when Palmer, Cowan and former drummer Keelan Evins discussed playing together during a gathering at the Filling Station to honor Joe Knapp, a local musician who had died days earlier.

Hansen threw his hat in the ring to join the band at another memorial gathering for the late musician, this time outside of Clarkston. Knapp, he said, would appreciate his role in bringing the band together.

“He had that effect on people,” Hansen said. “He wanted them to meet musically and be creative.”

Evins left STiLGONE in order to travel this winter, and Bowman has spent the last few months integrating with the band. He started by studying Evins’ drumming, but has added his own flavor as he has gotten more comfortable with the material.

“I’m a firm believer that if you’re going to put your own taste on something, your own spin, you should definitely learn where it came from,” Bowman said.

Bowman has played with bands such as Modern Sons and the Dane Andrew Thompsen Band, but said his own style leans more funk and hip-hop. Bringing that sound from his headphones to a live band has been a welcome challenge as he has discovered new techniques to use the drum kit to bring a similar punch to an electronic clap or an 808 kick. It has also been a joy integrating with the new group of musicians.

“I honestly think we have some of the most talented people doing what they do best,” Bowman said. “It’s great to put them in the spotlight.”

The love and respect between bandmates seems to be core to the band’s mentality.

“(Integrating Bowman) is going really well because everyone gets along really well,” Palmer said. “It’s easy to play music with people you actually like hanging out with.”

Though Palmer writes the lyrics and basic structure of each song, he then brings the shell to practice where the band develops the sound together.

“I like having the camaraderie, the team aspect of it,” Palmer said. “You gotta enjoy it, man, or what’s the point in doing it?”

Lokken Productions presents STiLGONE with Slip Bamboozle and Squirrel Gravy at the Filling Station on Friday, Dec. 16. Music starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at https://fillertickets.com/ or $15 at the door.

STiLGONE and Madeline Hawthorne support Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs at the Elm on New Years Eve. Music starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $28 at https:// logjampresents.com/.

STiLGONE will also be at Tips Up in Big Sky on Jan. 16 and will perform with MINT for KGLT’s Live Wire at Bourbon in Bozeman on Jan. 20. Tickets are available for $15 at www.sellout.io.

Rachel Hergett for the Chronicle

STiLGONE performs Sept. 11, 2021, at the Filling Station in Bozeman.

Solution on page 12

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Questions: Answers:

1) In 1971, the New York Mets traded three players, including this future Hall of Famer, to the California Angels for aging shortstop Jim Fregosi. Who is he?

2) In 1964, the Chicago Cubs swapped future stolen-base king Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals for a pitcher who would win only seven games for them. Can you name him?

3) In 1972, the Cardinals acquired pitcher Rick Wise from the Philadelphia Phillies for this future Hall of Famer. Who is he?

4) In 1974, the Montreal Expos acquired pitcher Dave McNally, outfielder Rich Coggins and a minor leaguer from the Baltimore Orioles for two future all-stars. Who are they?

5) What franchise cornerstone did the Cardinals swap to the Mets in 1983 for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey?

6) In 1992, the White Sox acquired what aging slugger from the crosstown Cubs for future home run king Sammy Sosa and pitcher Ken Patterson?

7) In 1965, the Cincinnati Reds acquired three players from the Baltimore Orioles for this all-time great slugger. Who was he?

8) What aging reliever did the Boston Red Sox acquire from the Houston Astros in 1990 for future all-star Jeff Bagwell?

Ken Singleton and Mike Torrez

BY GEORGE DICKIE

Curry leading the Warriors charge

Don’t look now but here come the Golden State Warriors.

Indeed, after a slow start that saw them lose seven of their first 10 games, the defending NBA champs have caught fire. And leading the way in an 8-3 November surge has been their two-time MVP point guard, Stephen Curry.

In a 10-game span running Nov. 7-27, the eight-time NBA All-Star racked up some impressive numbers, averaging 31.7 points per game on 55.4 percent shooting, to go with 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 6.6 rebounds. And from three-point range, he was absolutely deadly, shooting at a 46.8 percent clip.

But beyond the stat line, there is also leadership. That was evident in a Nov. 27 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Warriors forward Draymond Green got hit with a technical foul late in Golden State’s 137-114 victory for coming onto the court while mimicking an opposing player’s shooting motion. Less than a minute later, Curry intentionally incurred his own “T” for running onto the court waving a towel in a sign of solidarity with his longtime teammate.

For his part, Green appreciated Curry’s gesture, especially given that Curry doesn’t get many technicals. In fact, this was only his third of 2022-23 and it was a $2,000 fine he was happy to take.

Curry can be seen in action Tuesday, Dec. 20, when he and the Warriors pay a visit to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks in the opening game of a TNT doubleheader.

FULL NAME: Wardell Stephen “Steph” Curry II

BIRTH DATE: March 14, 1988

HOMETOWN: Charlotte, N.C.

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6 feet 2 inches/185 pounds

COLLEGE: Davidson (2006-2009)

DRAFTED: Selected in the first round (seventh overall) by the Warriors in 2009

TEAMS: Golden State Warriors (2009-present)

POSITION: Point guard NO.: 30 HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

Eight-time NBA All-Star; four-time NBA champion; two-time NBA MVP (2015, 2016); two-time NBA scoring leader (2016, 2021); NBA steals leader (2016); NBA Sportsmanship Award (2011)