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1600 S. 3rd St. West West
[2] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
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Sale prices effective through thr ough July 14, 2015
Cover illustration by Kou Moua
News
Voices/Letters Lies, a bridge and the Smith River ..........................................................4 The Week in Review Bison injury, Osprey loss and the Jesus statue ............................6 Briefs White Pine Sash, city budget and “InstaMeets” ....................................................6 Etc. The GOP rift..............................................................................................................7 News Festival tours try to trace Maclean’s footsteps on Blackfoot .................................8 Opinion Missoula’s terrible taxi services deserve competition from Uber ..................10 Opinion An Iraq war veteran finds his way back to himself .........................................11 Best of Missoula .........................................................................................Special Insert
Arts & Entertainment
Arts Chasing Time studies the culture of one-room schools ........................................14 Music Dirty Bourbon, Hot Rize/Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers and Neil Young and Promise of the Real .......................................................................15 Books Christine Carbo turns Glacier into a crime scene..............................................16 Books An environmental journalist says we shouldn’t hate invasive species...............17 Film Me and Earl defies coming-of-age pitfalls ............................................................19 Film A director’s style is lost in Self/Less’s rote thrills...................................................20 Film Bigger is better in Magic Mike XXL.......................................................................22 Movie Shorts Independent takes on current films.......................................................23 Flash in the Pan Popeye’s little helper .........................................................................24 Happiest Hour Grizzly Gin & Tonic .............................................................................26 8 Days a Week Our biggest paper ever ........................................................................27 Mountain High unReal.................................................................................................49 Agenda Kids Art Exhibit: Destination Imagination!....................................................50
Exclusives
Street Talk .......................................................................................................................4 In Other News ..............................................................................................................12 Classifieds....................................................................................................................C-1 The Advice Goddess...................................................................................................C-2 Free Will Astrolog y ....................................................................................................C-4 Crossword Puzzle .......................................................................................................C-8 This Modern World...................................................................................................C-11 PUBLISHER Lynne Foland EDITOR Skylar Browning PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Joe Weston ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Heidi Starrett CIRCULATION & BUSINESS MANAGER Adrian Vatoussis DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Christie Anderson ARTS EDITOR Erika Fredrickson CALENDAR EDITOR Ednor Therriault STAFF REPORTERS Kate Whittle, Alex Sakariassen, Derek Brouwer COPY EDITOR Gaaby Patterson EDITORIAL INTERNS Mary Bradley, Bonnie Chan ART DIRECTOR Kou Moua GRAPHIC DESIGNER Charles Wybierala CIRCULATION ASSISTANT MANAGER Ryan Springer ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Steven Kirst, Ariel LaVenture, Toni LeBlanc, Jake Brown ADMIN, PROMO & EVENTS COORDINATOR Leif Christian CLASSIFIED SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tami Allen FRONT DESK Lorie Rustvold CONTRIBUTORS Ari LeVaux, Scott Renshaw, Nick Davis, Matthew Frank, Molly Laich, Dan Brooks, Rob Rusignola, Chris La Tray, Jed Nussbaum, Sarah Aswell, Josh Wagner, Lacy Roberts, Migizi Pensoneau
Mailing address: P.O. Box 8275 Missoula, MT 59807 Street address: 317 S. Orange St. Missoula, MT 59801 Phone number: 406-543-6609 Fax number: 406-543-4367 E-mail address: independent@missoulanews.com
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missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [3]
[voices]
STREET TALK
by Mary Bradley and Bonnie Chan
Asked Monday, July 6, at Caras Park This week marks the Indy’s annual Best of Missoula issue. If you could pick one thing that’s best about Missoula, what would it be? Follow-up: And the worst? Richard Workman: Well, we’ve been here two hours. We haven’t been here very long at all. I would say … Fort Missoula. Hit the road: This is unfair, but from a tourist’s point of view, there aren’t many things to do in Missoula. Nice town, very clean, people are very friendly, but there’s nowhere in the town itself that we think, “We must go and do that”—aside from the carousel, possibly.
Erica Bloom: The people here. I’ve been visiting all my old friends and professors this week, so it’s kind of why I’ve come back. Nostalgia: That I don’t live here anymore. That’s probably the No. 1 thing.
Kristen Dillon: I’ve only been here six days in my whole life, but I really like the market they do. It’s a scorcher: It’s hot. I’m from Alaska, so it’s really hot here.
Josiah Wheeler: Location. There are so many natural resources and awesome opportunities. I love to fish and hunt, and there are plenty of opportunities around here. Living in excess: I think there is far too much drinking in Missoula. It’d be that, or I think there’s a lot of money wasted with casinos.
Tausha Reynolds: I’d have to say the free buses. Helping hand: Probably the amount of homeless people.
[4] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Unethical precedence In the last paragraph of Kevin Taylor’s column he writes, “Her lies matter because she is co-opting roles that belong to someone else” (see “Her lies matter,” July 2). This position condones an unethical precedence for some “greater good”! Before I begin let me say that the NAACP has the right to hire whomever they want. If they want to hire someone who’s life is a lie, so be it. It’s their organization and they are responsible for it. A person’s lies matter in the context of that person telling the lie has taken their character and ethics and thrown them into the toilet, for their own self enhancement. And once they do that their life becomes akin to the shell of a dead scarab beetle, mostly solid on the outside but empty on the inside. Just because you want it to be doesn’t mean it is! And if they lie about something as important as their life how easy is it to lie about everything else? Doubt will always linger in the minds of people associated with that person. Once duped always forearmed! A lie should not be accepted just because something good may have come from it. Because the pretender tarnishes whatever has emanated from that lie by leaving a questionable layer of slime upon any good deed associated to that person. And our children so quickly learn today that truth, honor and responsibility are no longer traits that should be followed. One is responsible for one’s actions, except if you don’t want it to be—then you lie! A person’s word is their bond, unless if you don’t want it to be— then you lie! If a lie is accepted in any context, no matter the benefits derived, then we all become less as human beings. Peter E. Bugoni Missoula
Save the Smith One of Montana’s most pristine rivers is in danger of becoming Montana’s newest mining disaster. Famous for its blue ribbon trout designation and its beautiful scenery, the Smith River generates more than a million dollars of revenue for the state each year. This river is in trouble if we the people of Montana don’t do something to stop a Canadian mining
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company with no mining experience from receiving a permit to mine at Sheep Creek at the headwaters of the Smith. Mining in Montana has a rich history and there are no simple right or wrong answers to the issue. History, however, shows us a long list of failed or abandoned mines still affecting communities all across the state, from tainted drinking water to destroyed habitats and ecosystems resulting in diminished fish and game populations. Long after the profits and benefits of a mine have been forgotten, the damage to the air and water will remain. We must not allow the Smith river to join the long list of costly failed mining disasters. We must convince our Department of Environmental Quality not to risk one of
“Our beautiful state, our home, means more to us than the resources that can be exploited from it.” our state’s best rivers in the name of profit. We must stand together as Montanans and tell the state government and mining companies alike that the need for mined resources does not outweigh the need for clean water and air. Our beautiful state, our home, means more to us than the resources that can be exploited from it. We must be stewards of the land and protect it for future generations. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality and urge them not to issue a permit for this mine. Thomas Breck Missoula
Raging debate Whether or not to build a new bridge across the Bitterroot River between South Avenue and Blue Mountain is still
a raging debate. What isn’t debatable are the impacts building a new bridge and tearing down the old one will have on wildlife near the river. Riparian areas are the most productive wildlife habitat in Montana, and the easiest to damage with development. The physical imprint of the bigger bridge and right-of-way will likely require the toppling of hundreds of trees and shrubs, from ancient Ponderosa pines and cottonwoods to riverbank birch, hawthorns and willows. This is exactly the kind of habitat that supports deer, bear and a high diversity of avian species, from hummingbirds to Bald Eagles, and which we have less of every year in the valley floor. I’ve personally observed over 30 species of birds breeding in this immediate area and many more species migrating through. When the old steel bridge is removed so too will disappear one of the deepest holes in this stretch of the river, a key refuge for fish through hot summers. And the proposed bridge will be constructed right where O’Brien Creek empties into the Bitterroot, a place where Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has invested funds and effort to improve the creekside willows and other plants to cool this “extremely important spawning tributary” for trout. Public investments in fish habitat will be largely lost here. The nearby hunting perches of osprey and eagle will too as hydrologists also state that some portion of the roughly 10-acre island upstream of the historic bridge will rapidly erode after removal. This new backdoor into Missoula from the Bitterroot Valley will undoubtedly cause higher vehicle volumes and speeds through the Blue Mountain Recreation Area, so more collisions with deer, bear, turkeys, elk (and probably even pets and pedestrians). Presently the traffic across the old Maclay bridge is so light and leisurely that I’ve watched deer amble right across the one-lane span, with motorists happily waiting for them to do so. A full Environmental Impact Statement is needed to fully assess if the South Avenue project can go forward. Ben Deeble Missoula
etters Policy: The Missoula Independent welcomes hate mail, love letters and general correspondence. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number for confirmation, though we’ll publish only your name and city. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. Preference is given to letters addressing the contents of the Independent. We reserve the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Send correspondence to: Letters to the Editor, Missoula Independent, 317 S. Orange St., Missoula, MT 59801, or via email: editor@missoulanews.com.
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [5]
[news]
WEEK IN REVIEW
VIEWFINDER
by Amy Donovan
Wednesday, July 1
A 68-year-old Georgia woman in Yellowstone National Park is airlifted to a hospital after being gored by a bison, marking the fourth bison encounter this summer that’s led to an injured visitor. Park officials issue a reminder that can be paraphrased as “Yes, giant wild animals can kill you.”
Thursday, July 2 The Missoula Osprey’s four-game winning streak ends after a sloppy performance against Great Falls. Osprey infielders commit errors on the game’s first two plays, helping the Voyagers storm out to an early 3-0 lead and an eventual 8-5 victory.
Friday, July 3 Due to high temperatures and low flows, “hoot owl” fishing restrictions go into effect on waterways including the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks prohibits fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight to reduce stress on fish.
Saturday, July 4 Missoula residents who hiked up Waterworks Hill to watch Southgate Mall’s Fourth of July fireworks display were also treated to a rousing rendition of Katy Perry’s “Firework”—or at least the parts of the chorus that two unidentified young women seemed capable of remembering.
Sunday, July 5 At an especially windy and dusty edition of the 73rd Annual PRCA Rodeo in Drummond, Missoula’s own Dustin Jenkins wins the bull riding competition with an eightsecond ride.
Monday, July 6 Welding begins on artist George Ybarra’s metal sculpture in Silver Park, titled “Perseverance and Passage.” The large-scale work is slated to be ready for a First Friday reception in August.
Tuesday, July 7 The Freedom From Religion Foundation argues in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Whitefish Jesus statue violates the Establishment Clause because it sits on public land. A judge had previously ruled the statue could remain.
A skateboarder takes a few final runs before sunset on July 5 at MOBASH Skatepark.
Social media
Glacier hosts photo walks In a photo recently posted on Glacier National Park’s official Instagram feed, smiling visitors stand on the beach of a glassy Lake McDonald with sunlit, jagged peaks visible in the distance. It would be a pretty typical scene of summer at the park, except the group is holding up signs reading “#GlacierNPS” and “#LakeMcDonaldIM.” The snapshot is from a recent installment of Glacier’s new “InstaMeet” and photo walk series, where park rangers and visitors get together for the purpose of taking pictures to share online. At first, the emphasis on social media might seem a little antithetical to the idea of escaping civilization to visit a wild place with spotty cell service. But really, the meetups are about creating a community for people who love Glacier’s scenery, says Jacob Frank, a visual information specialist at the park. Groups of up to 50 people, both young and old, have attended the photography sessions.
“People share ideas, photography tips, their favorite hikes, what they’re seeing out there,” he says. “The last couple ones have been fun to sit back and watch all the visitors take over, complete strangers interacting, sharing social media, sharing their handles on social media. We’ve been really happy with the reaction.” Frank says he came up with the idea in 2014 while helping to launch an Instagram account for Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and suggested Glacier try the events this year. The “InstaMeets” are specifically oriented toward Instagram users, although participants are welcome to share their photos however they like. Amy Dempster, a marketing and communications manager for the Glacier Park Conservancy, attended some of the photo walks and frequently posts views of Glacier and surrounding country on her personal Instagram handle, @theamydempster. “It’s a little interesting,” Dempster says, “because social media really depends on people being online, and when you’re in Glacier, you’re primarily offline. But you
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[6] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
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still have the opportunity to take all the photos and upload them when you’re in cell range.” One of Dempster’s recent shots is a photo of two friends using a selfie stick on Logan Pass. In another, a white thimbleberry blossom peeks out from leaves on a Many Glacier hike. “For all the things we can say, sharing the images of it is really what captures people’s attention and makes them want to visit more than anything,” she says. Glacier hosts photo walks and meet-ups throughout the rest of the summer, including a July 16 hike to St. Mary Falls and a July 23 sunset gathering at Lake McDonald. Kate Whittle
City budget
Victims’ advocates sought With lower revenues and increasing demands, Missoula City Council faces tough decisions as it shapes the
[news]
White Pine Sash
Neighbors sue over cleanup Calling the decontamination planned for the White Pine Sash site inadequate, five Northside homeowners with land impacted by the pollutants are suing against the company responsible for the cleanup. The suit, filed last week in Missoula County District Court, seeks to force Huttig Building Products to remediate portions of the former industrial site more thoroughly than what the Montana Department of Environmental Quality has required. It marks the latest development in a decadeslong dispute just as cleanup finally nears. The plaintiffs’ properties are part of a small group of homes just east of the Scott Street Bridge, where elevated levels of PCP, dioxins and other hazardous compounds were found in the groundwater. Earlier testing by DEQ, however, determined the contaminants were not seeping into homes or surface soil at levels dangerous to occupants’ health. The state’s remediation order requires treatment of the groundwater and excavation of contaminated soil at the facility, followed by monitoring to make sure the levels eventually drop to established thresholds. Those steps aren’t enough, according to the plaintiffs. Their lawsuit argues that Huttig has violated the homeowners’ state constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment� by failing to adequately restore their properties or protect them from future contamination. Suing the company gives the property owners a voice in the remediation process “and allows them to
BY THE NUMBERS Dollars donated to install air conditioning at the Missoula Animal Control shelter. The effort began last week with a request for electric fans to keep the pets cool.
$13,860
tell the polluter what they want done to their property,� says Tim Bechtold, a Missoula environmental lawyer representing the plaintiffs. “It’s their right to have their property cleaned up all the way.� The lawsuit appears to draw upon a 2007 Montana Supreme Court decision that upheld a $15 million judgment against Texaco, whose refinery had leaked benzene into the town of Sunburst. The landmark opinion held that property owners with a personal stake in their tainted land are entitled to have it restored beyond DEQmandated levels, even when the cost to do so exceeds the property’s financial value. The DEQ announced last winter its decision on White Pine Sash’s future, and the plan was immediately contested. Neighbors, led by the North Missoula Community Development Corporation, wanted the site cleaned to residential standards to keep development options open and to scrub what director Bob Oaks describes as a Superfund stigma that hangs over the Northside. The site’s current and former owners argued for less-stringent d commercial cleanup in line with its past inha C by photo dustrial use. The DEQ split the difference, requiring half of the remaining 19-acre undeveloped plot be cleaned to each threshold. The decision put remediation in sight—unless the parties challenged it in court. So far, neither Huttig nor Oaks’ group have indicated they’ll sue. “We didn’t get what the community deserved,� Oaks says, but he’s unsure the group would be successful in a lawsuit against DEQ. It’s unclear how the homeowners’ lawsuit might complicate state-ordered remediation. A timeline drafted by Huttig in May indicated work could begin this fall and stretch through 2019. The company declined to comment on the property owners’ lawsuit or the DEQ remediation order. Derek Brouwer ar de r
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I just recently finished the Krakauer book,� von Lossberg says, “and the sort of broader topic of sexual violence and sexual assault and all of the range of services that are needed for multiple agencies, it’s a really important thing for us to respond to.� Regardless of whether MCC qualifies for the contractor exemption, Martens expects the group to keep an eye on the saw certification proposal throughout the public comment phase, which ends Aug. 17. Kate Whittle
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2016 municipal budget, particularly when it comes to funding aid for victims of domestic and sexual violence. One request comes from Missoula City-County Relationship Violence Services, which offers crisis management and counseling at its walk-in office, as well as criminal advocacy in the courts. Division manager Shantelle Gaynor says they’re hoping the city will pitch in to replace a federal grant that expired in 2014. “What we’re trying to make sure there’s funding for is the civil advocates,� Gaynor says. “They help with walk-in clients, folks who are in crisis in the moment, folks who need an order of protection.� RVS already receives about $150,000 from the city. It’s seeking almost $50,000 more to pay for a full-time equivalent position. The office has seen a steady rise in clients, which Gaynor partly attributes to increased awareness in the wake of the recently concluded Department of Justice investigation on how the city and county handled sexual assault cases. She points to a recent report from the Missoula County Sheriff ’s Department indicating that it served more orders of protection in the last six months than ever before, with as many as 72 in a single month. Most victims seeking orders of protection come to RVS, which is the only location in the county to offer trained assistance with the paperwork. “So what happens is when our advocates are all busy helping other people, we have to shut the front door,� Gaynor says. RVS has also been strained because it provides a part-time criminal advocate for the Missoula City Attorney’s Office, who helps usher people through the legal process if they decide to press charges. This year, the city attorney has asked for about $52,000 to expand that to a full-time victim services coordinator. At press time, neither position has been added to the city budget, which could be approved as soon as July 13. Missoula Chief Administrative Officer Dale Bickell says council is working with a “challenging year� thanks to low tax revenues. The mayor’s proposed budget already asks for a $285,000 cut from the general fund. “We’re still expecting to have low revenues ... and so that’s why we’re not funding much in the way of new requests,� Bickell says. City Councilman Bryan von Lossberg says he and other council members, like Emily Bentley, are hoping they can partially fund the victims’ advocate positions, or that grants can fill some or all of the gap.
ETC. For Will Deschamps, election night 2014 stands as one of the most profound moments in his tenure as chairman of the Montana Republican Party. The Missoula resident spent the evening hanging out in the Flathead with U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke, but it was the Senate returns that truly commanded his attention. Steve Daines’ victory generated a chorus of cheers and Deschamps joined in, proud to see the seat fall into Republican hands for the first time in more than a century. Deschamps’ six years heading the state GOP came to an end recently after party delegates voted to replace him with state Rep. Jeff Essmann, the Billings conservative who stands on the more extreme side of a deep party rift. That rift has plagued Republicans almost since Deschamps walked in the door, and even Deschamps himself admits the chairman is, in this instance and in his experience, powerless. “The principles in that rift have to decide that they want to solve the problem,� Deschamps says. “And no chairman—not the new one, not me, not the one before and not the one after this one—is going to be able to fix that until and unless those two or three factions decide they want to fix it.� Yet Deschamps insists the party has grown more representative of its majority in recent years, citing continued electoral gains in legislative and statewide races. The right candidates are being recruited and getting elected, he says, and “that’s pretty much the proof in the pudding� that the bulk of Republican voters are on board with the GOP’s current heading. The argument flies in the face of moderate conservatives who believe certain planks in the party platform represent the extreme agenda of a select few, as well as the successful passage of Medicaid expansion earlier this year, when the GOP rift played a major role. Shortly after his election in 2009, Deschamps told the Indy he hoped to “gain some traction� for the Montana GOP. Six years later he feels he’s succeeded. The party’s candidate pool is deep, he says, and there’s now an actual working relationship with the Republican National Committee. All that remains to be done, it would seem, is to mend the rift. But if Deschamps felt powerless to unite his fellows, odds aren’t good the new leader will even bother trying.
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missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [7]
[news]
On the fly Festival tours try to trace Maclean’s footsteps on Blackfoot by Alex Sakariassen
Fly rods chatter against the front windshield as Jerry O’Connell steers his Subaru along the dusty washboard road between Montana Highway 200 and Clearwater Junction. He jabs a finger in the direction of a ponderosa grove, talking about a great hole in the Clearwater just beyond, about how it’s fed in spring and fall by cooler waters skimming along the surface of Salmon Lake and fishes great during those times. Come July 11, O’Connell will pass this exact spot while leading the first of two Blackfoot River fishing-hole tours as part of the upcoming Seeley Lake literary festival “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean.” But pinpointing spots from the pages of Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, published in 1976 and based on events from 1937, is hardly exact. “The book gives some details,” O’Connell says, specifically referencing a passage where Maclean’s brother Paul swims to a midstream rock and begins shadow casting. “It’s upstream of the Clearwater bridge, and he writes it’s where the Blackfoot ‘roars its loudest.’ Well, the river’s pretty darn loud coming through the canyon a few miles up. There’s a few stretches with big rocks in the middle. It could be one of several places.” For the purposes of his tour, O’Connell has settled on a set of rapids at a sharp bend roughly halfway between Clearwater Junction and Sperry Grade. Perhaps this isn’t the spot where Paul Maclean emerged soaked from the Blackfoot, “shook himself duck-dog fashion” and sent his fly dancing in long, low arcs over the water. It’s a strong candidate, though, and enough of an evocative backdrop to add weight to O’Connell’s live reading of the passage. The tours, which take place July 11 and 12, are part of several outdoor opportunities folded into the festival’s schedule. Coordinator Jenny Rohrer says other tours will focus on stewardship projects along the Blackfoot as well as the wildland firefighting elements contained in Young Men and Fire, Maclean’s acclaimed novel documenting the tragic Mann Gulch Fire of 1949. The festival also includes presentations by Maclean’s son John, author Pete Dexter and others, and tickets have already been purchased by people in Virginia, Texas,
[8] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
photo by Alex Sakariassen
Jerry O’Connell will lead two tours of Norman Maclean’s fishing holes along the Blackfoot River as part of a festival honoring the late author. While the exact spots are impossible to pinpoint, O’Connell says A River Runs Through It offers just enough description to narrow down their locations.
California, Illinois and Alabama. Rohrer says many are making this part of their “Norman Maclean pilgrimage,” and the outdoor offerings are a critical component. “I don’t think you can look at the work of Norman Maclean without seeing the beauty of Seeley Lake and getting on the Blackfoot,” she says, “or at least seeing the Blackfoot from the shore.” While there are a lot of myths and urban legends about the film, O’Connell, who founded the nonprofit Big Blackfoot Riverkeeper organization, says he doesn’t plan to do much debunking during his tours. He’s already familiar with the rich history of the area, having crafted tours in the past around Native American trails and the passage of Meriwether Lewis through the valley. Imparting these lessons, he says, is far more valuable to understanding Maclean than talk of Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. “The history of the Blackfoot Valley was a huge part of his writing and his spirit,” O’Connell says. “It shaped the man as much as the book.” The ancient trail used by Lewis passes close to another critical stopping point on O’Connell’s tour: The hole where the three Maclean men last fished together, before
Paul’s murder in Chicago. Standing on the bluff where he believes Norman and John likely sat when “the universe stepped on its third rail” and Paul wrestled a huge trout to shore, O’Connell makes his case by mapping out the book’s description of foliage, shadows and sunset. After fishing the hole himself for a bit, O’Connell strolls back a quarter-mile to a stretch of water nearer his car. Clouds of caddis and golden stones hover above the water, twisting and contorting like wisps of mist caught in a light breeze. A fish breaks the surface below a band of cliffs opposite O’Connell and crashes back with a meaty splash. O’Connell lets out an excited “o-hooo,” brings his rod over his head and drops a fly a few yards upstream, letting the current take it straight over the trout’s last known position. There’s a sudden tug on his line, but before he can set the hook it slackens again. “Darn,” he says. “Almost had him.” The rush of adrenaline does, however, remind O’Connell of a time when a trio of trout fought over his fly right in front of him. It was in this exact spot, his story begins … asakariassen@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [9]
[opinion]
Taken for a ride Missoula’s terrible taxi services deserve competition from Uber by Dan Brooks
Thanks to a bill sponsored by Sen. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, ride-hailing services like Uber can apply for licenses to operate in Montana starting this month. On behalf of every Missoula resident who has tried to call a cab at bar close, I would like to offer Sen. Buttrey a fruit basket or something. You have saved hours and hours of my life. Uber is great. It consolidates the act of hailing, paying for and tracking a cab within a simple smartphone app. It is cheap and handy in metropolitan areas, but it will be particularly welcome in Missoula, whose two existing taxi services are relentlessly, comically bad. But not everyone is thrilled with Uber’s impending arrival. Speaking to the Indy’s Kate Whittle, PSC Commissioner Bob Lake worried that the new carrier would get insufficient regulatory oversight from his agency. He was concerned Uber might enjoy an unfair advantage. “If you dilute any market, especially with somebody coming in that does not have the same set of rules that the regulated one does, the guy that’s not regulated is gonna win that battle,” Lake said. He went on to worry that if Uber put local cab companies out of business, it might leave consumers with fewer options. Let us consider the logic of that claim a moment. It takes work to argue that adding another taxi service will leave riders with fewer options, but Lake imagines a dystopian future where people like Uber so much that Yellow Taxi and Green Taxi can’t get fares. To this scenario I say: good. The two cab companies now operating in Missoula deserve to go out of business, and it is only their PSC-supported duopoly that has kept them in customers thus far. Perhaps spending much of my adult life in New York City inflated my taxi standards to an unrealistic level.
[10] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
But the taxis in Missoula fail to satisfy even the rudiments of customer service. For the last six years, I have been trying to decide which of the two companies is worse, but just when I think I’ve settled it, the runner-up lunges ahead. For a long time, I thought the worst taxi service in town was the one that showed up an hour late to take me to the airport, then—after I told the driver I had approximately 20 minutes
“In Missoula, regulation by the PSC has allowed taxi service to sink below what a free market would allow.”
to make my flight—stopped at the dorms to pick up another fare. That’s not a taxi; that’s a shuttle. But the next time I flew, the other taxi service outdid them by not picking me up at all. I refused to call that service for a long time, but then I waited in the rain 90 minutes for the other one. After about a half hour, I called and learned that my cab was five minutes away. A half hour after that, I called and learned it would be another five minutes. A half hour later, I called and received instructions to have sex with
myself, followed by laughter. That is the behavior of a company that knows you have no better option. Because there are only two cab services in Missoula, neither of them needs to be on time or keep enough cars on the road to offer pickups within an hour. Neither even needs to be polite. Ostensibly in competition, Yellow Taxi and Green Taxi have colluded to provide an abysmal level of service—because who else are you going to call? The PSC has abetted this duopoly by making it very difficult for new cab companies to get off the ground. Insofar as Lake and his colleagues were supposed to use their regulatory authority to ensure good public service, they have done a terrible job. But because Uber is technically not a cab company but a “transportation network carrier”—a broker between customers and independent drivers— Lake’s agency has less authority over it. That may prove to be a problem. Internationally, Uber drivers have been implicated in controversies ranging from sex assaults to surge pricing— problems that are less common among more closely regulated professional hacks. I am generally a fan of regulation as a means to curb such abuses. But in Missoula, regulation by the PSC has allowed taxi service to sink below what a free market would allow. This town’s market for cab rides is about to get a lot more free, and I sympathize with the owners of Yellow Taxi and Green Taxi not at all. Probably, Uber will offer service that is faster, cheaper and more reliable than what they currently provide, and they will have to either get better or go out of business. Perhaps they are doomed. Perhaps they wouldn’t be, if they had showed up on time or been a little nicer when they didn’t. Dan Brooks writes about politics, culture and the invisible hand of economic justice at combatblog.net.
[opinion]
Healing lands An Iraq war veteran finds his way back to himself by Grant Wideman
I lived on Padre Island, Texas, during my formative years. I knew the names of all the plants, animals—vertebrates and non— the weather and best fishing and surfing spots. I surfed, ate and lived from the sea. I served as an Air Force munitions specialist staff sergeant, with two deployments in service of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one year in Korea. Afterward, I spent nearly five years stateside under the influence of multiple, doctor-prescribed medications. One after another, I received each and every anti-depressant, anxiety and sleeping aid they offered. By 2012, my personal life had fallen apart, leaving me alone to deal with my “moral injury.” This was a term I only learned about last year. My diagnosis of PTSD didn’t fit the textbook explanation. My job did not involve boots on the ground, and I never had to shoot or be shot at. All I did was build bombs. None of us knew what happened when the planes came back empty. None of us even thought about it at the time. So like many veterans, I finally had to save myself, moving alone to Colorado and finding immediate solace in the mountains. It was quiet there and so much bigger than my problems. I found myself feeling alive and in the moment; I cried every day and every night while on an eight-day solo camping trip. Responding to a call to from a long-distant home I’d forgotten about, I walked through woods I’d never seen and wandered like I did as a child, peering up at the stars. I was home alone and fine with it. It was the medication that I wanted and needed. My experience led me to work closely with organizations dealing with conservation and threats to our lands. For most of us, the war, the fight and the need to serve never leave us. It wasn’t long after finding
like-minded veterans here in Colorado that I once again found my purpose, my fight and a new sense of mission. If someone had told me that I would return from my service to face a fight to protect the public land I have relied on for my personal and emotional health, I would have laughed. It is almost comical. Some members of Congress—some of them even veterans themselves—are proposing legislation to sell off America’s forests and recreation lands, block the president’s ability to designate new monuments and gut the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the
“I cried every day and every night while on an eightday solo camping trip.”
hugely successful program that has preserved the Flight 93 National Memorial, Civil War battlefields, national parks and forests, and local parks and trails in every county and in every state in the nation. I'm not laughing anymore. In fact, I recently traveled with a delegation of veterans to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress to let them know that I see this as a serious and offensive assault on the very land I swore to protect.
During my visit I emphasized the deep relationship between veterans and America’s landscapes—tens of thousands of American veterans visit public lands every year. These are the lands on which service members are able to hunt, fish, camp and, most importantly, heal as they transition from active duty. Service members have a unique understanding of the importance of protected public lands as a place for men and women to recreate after returning from strenuous military missions, to recover and reconnect with family and friends. I left Washington, D.C., with a positive feeling—my first experience talking with elected officials was a good one. America’s national forests, wildlife refuges, parks and public lands are part of our national identity. That’s why our public lands should be protected and open to everyone to experience and enjoy, not sold off to special interests. Now, our powerful American idea of preserving our open spaces for current and future generations—defended by generations of bipartisan leaders and American soldiers—is under attack. Powerful special interests are encouraging our congressional leaders to sacrifice our most treasured parks, wilderness and wildlife areas and national monuments for short-term economic gain. Public lands are one of our nation’s proudest and most sacred traditions, and a gift that we give to our children and grandchildren. As veterans, the protection of these special places is a promise that we cannot let this Congress walk away from. Grant Wideman is a contributor to Writers on the Range, a column service of High Country News (hcn.org). He lives in Nederland, Colo., where he is an avid outdoorsman and naturalist.
Photo courtesy of Wil Stewart
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [11]
[quirks]
CURSES, FOILED AGAIN – Jamie L. Gordon, 30, told police she was “struck in the head with a bowling ball” by a robber, who took $2,100 from the safe at the bowling alley where she worked in Decatur, Ill. When the manager arrived and gave permission to view the surveillance video, Officer James Weddle observed Gordon pick up a bowling ball and “strike herself twice in the back, left side of her head,” then drop to the floor, where she remained for 13 minutes until another employee found her. Confronted with the evidence, Gordon admitted taking the money and gambling away most of it on the bowling alley’s slot machines before conking herself on the head “to make it look like she had been robbed.” (Decatur’s Herald-Review) While police searched for drugs at the Akron, Ohio, home of Andrew Palmer, 46, a United Parcel Service driver delivered a package, addressed to Palmer, containing four pounds of marijuana. (Cleveland.com)
HANDYMAN FOLLIES – Canadian authorities deported Tom Rolfe, 24, for fixing cracks in the wall of his girlfriend’s Edmonton apartment. Even though the British man, visiting on a tourist visa, was doing the repairs for free, officials pointed out that immigration rules prohibit tourists from performing any work that a Canadian could be hired to do. (Ottawa Sun) LAWMAKERY – Warren Jones, a city councilor in Jacksonville, Fla., introduced a bill making it illegal for homeowners to back into their own driveway. Jones said the proposal would crack down on the visual blight caused by owners parking inoperative vehicles backwards so officials can’t read license plates, which Florida requires only on the rear. If the vehicle tag isn’t visible from the street, the measure requires the owner to write down the information with 2-inch-tall letters and post it where city code enforcement inspectors can easily see it from the street. (Jacksonville’s The Florida Times-Union)
WHEN NICOTINE PATCHES AREN’T ENOUGH – China is resorting to public humiliation to punish smokers. Besides increasing the fine for smoking in public buildings to 200 yuan ($32.20), officials post the names of those who break the law three times on a website to shame them. (The Washington Post) LIGHTNING JUSTICE – Lightning set a house on fire in Cape Coral, Fla., but firefighters contained the blaze. While clearing the house, they uncovered a marijuana-growing operation, prompting police to arrest homeowner Jaroslav Kratky, 65. (Fort Myers’s WBBH-TV)
SLIGHTEST PROVOCATION – Police reported that a 28-year-old man was grilling on his patio in Buffalo Grove, Ill., when his upstairs neighbor complained about the fumes coming into his apartment. When the man ignored him and continued grilling, the upstairs neighbor “retorted by throwing a stool and chair down” to the patio, police said. (Chicago Tribune) Police arrested Anh Nguyen, 42, after she argued with a department store manager in Newark, Calif., over the price of a Michael Kors purse. She succeeded in getting a discount but then “began to scream and curse at the manager” because she was still unhappy with the price, police Cmdr. Mike Carrol said. When a loss prevention officer tried to escort Nguyen from the store, she reportedly threw a temper tantrum and bit the officer’s leg. (San Jose Mercury News)
MENSA REJECT OF THE WEEK – Adam Hirtle, 30, told police in Colorado Springs, Colo., that he removed his boot and shot himself in the foot on purpose because he wanted to see how it felt. After satisfying his curiosity, he “placed his boot back on his foot and then intentionally shot himself in the foot” a second time, police said. (The Denver Post) HAPPY ENDING – After spending 46 years without knowing her father’s identity, Melonie Dodaro, a social media consultant in Kelowna, British Columbia, turned to Facebook and located him in just 72 hours. Cees de Jong, originally from the Netherlands, has been living in Thailand for the past 16 years, performing as an Elvis impersonator, an actor and a musician using the name Colin Young. “I guess he’s very, very well-known and a little bit famous in Europe,” Dodaro said, adding she plans to visit her father and his two children, Elvis and Priscilla. (CBC News)
POOPY POOPERS – Days before Germany’s new interior ministry headquarters opened in Berlin, authorities reported that someone broke in and stole all the toilet seats, faucets and toilet-paper holders. The thefts occurred two months after burglars stole all the faucets from the new intelligence agency Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) headquarters. (Britain’s The Telegraph) Newcomers to rural Loudon County, Va., are causing sanitation problems by not tending to their septic systems or not knowing that the systems need to be cleaned out regularly. “Let’s just say there are folks from Eastern Loudon that had, say, lived in suburbia their entire lives, had been on public water and sewer their entire lives, they move out to some beautiful little hamlet … and all they really know when they buy their house out here is, ‘cool, well and septic, no water bill,’” Algonkian District Supervisor Suzanne Volpe said. “Most of them don’t realize that there’s a problem until the kids come in from the backyard and go, ‘the ground’s all muddy back there, Mom, and it smells funny,’ and by that point they have a serious problem.” (Washington’s WTOP Radio)
[12] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
h, summer in Missoula. The time of year when the days are long, the weather is hot (like, really hot) and all of us scatter to our favorite spots along the river, in the mountains and, generally, out of Dodge. In many ways it’s the best time to be in Montana, but it can also be tough to stay connected with friends and the community because we’re all so busy wringing every last sweaty drop out of the season. If only there were some sort of citywide celebration, something that brought everyone off the river and out of their office and away from their hammock to revel in all the stuff that makes Missoula great. No, we’re not talking about the Willie Nelson concert (although that was pretty cool). We’re talking about something free, entirely community-driven, something everyone—even you—perhaps contributed to in some small but significant way. Wouldn’t that be great? Wouldn’t that make the summer even better? As luck would have it, the Independent’s 21st annual Best of Missoula issue arrives just in time. For starters, you have access to all 180-plus cat-
O
egory winners and finalists, each selected by votes from you, our readers. It includes upsets, reigning champions and upstarts nipping at heels, all of which make for some pretty good reading in the backyard, by the pool or on the car ride to Glacier. We’re also marking the occasion with another blowout bash at Caras Park in downtown Missoula. On Thursday, July 9, there will be live music from Tom Catmull’s Radio Static and Wartime Blues, family-friendly activities from Robo Surfer and the Missoula Children’s Museum, and tons of food and drink vendors. It’s completely free to attend, and runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. We know you have a lot going on this summer, but it’d be swell to see you there. The river can wait until tomorrow.
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
[2] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS Jeff Medley Jeff Medley is a man of many faces. On the Wilma Theatre stage he’s known as Riff Raff. At Stage 112 he goes by Mr. Rogers. Perhaps you’ve even made the acquaintance of Percival Limburger, the retired horserace announcer from Boca Raton who blows into town now and then. To see him in character, you’d think the insanely talented and endlessly entertaining Medley is a born extrovert. But Medley says he’s perfectly content hiding in a dark corner, reading a book. “Maybe that’s the easy part,” he jokes, “pretending to be someone else so I don’t have to be Jeff Medley.” But as much as Missoula loves Percival, Merlin and all the rest, it’s clear the community is just as fond—if not more so—of the man behind the masks. Finalists, Best Actor/Actress 2. Reid Reimers 3. Howard Kingston
BEST ARTIST Monte Dolack If you had to pick a contemporary artist who’s hugely responsible for shaping people’s view of western Montana, Monte Dolack would be a pretty good fit. Since the 1970s,
The Lil’ Smokies
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [3]
Dolack has painted vibrant, sometimes fantastical landscapes inspired by his home scenery, appealing to both the fine art scene and commercial print trade. His work graces everyday Missoula life in many ways, from our Bayern beer bottles to the posters for the Western Montana Fair. Though he’s built a national reputation, Dolack and his wife, Mary Beth Percival, decided long ago that Missoula was a more fruitful environment for their work than big city life. “I’m just wedded to the landscape and to nature,” Dolack says. Dolack’s Front Street gallery closed this summer after 22 years in business, but the artist assures us he’s passionate about continuing his work and cranking out new pieces for years to come. Monte Dolack: dolack.com Finalists, Best Artist 2. Courtney Blazon courtneyblazon.blogspot.com 3. Hadley Ferguson hadleyferguson.com
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[4] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
BEST BAND The Lil’ Smokies The Lil’ Smokies leave scorch marks wherever they play. In the two years since they dropped their debut album, these progressive bluegrass pickers have cemented their spot atop Missoula’s roots music scene. Beer-fed and bluegrass-bred, the six versatile musicians have driven the equivalent to Mars and back, playing shows and festivals all over the West, from Colorado to Washington, Reno to Whitefish. Their latest triumph was winning the band competition in the 42nd Telluride Bluegrass Festival last month, the true acid test for world-class bluegrass outfits. The Lil’ Smokies have arrived, and it’s looking like they’re going to be here for a while. The Lil’ Smokies: thelilsmokies.com Finalists, Best Band 2. Tom Catmull’s Radio Static tomcatmull.com 3. Wartime Blues wartimeblues.com
BEST DANCER Joy French In some arts scenes, in some cities, competition and the jealousy it breeds can be destructive. Within the Missoula dance community, competition has been replaced by collaboration, and never is that more apparent than in the generous contributions of Joy French. As the founder and artistic director of Bare Bait Dance, she brings a full schedule of contemporary dance concerts to the community, while cultivating the individual talent of those who comprise her homegrown company. In addition, French dances with Missoula’s other modern dance company, Headwaters, directed by Amy Ragsdale, as well as the educational outreach outfit directed by Karen Kauffman, CoMotion Dance Project. French doesn’t just limit her efforts to the stage—she also organizes the annual Kinetoscope film festival at the Roxy featuring international films uniting dance and cinema. If there’s something happening in dance in Missoula, French is more than likely behind the effort, and striving to bring the art form to new and exciting levels. Joy French: barebaitdance.org Finalists, Best Dancer 2. Heather Adams ddcmontana.com 3. Kali Lindner oulafitness.com
BEST FILMMAKER Andy Smetanka Chances are, if you see only one stop-motion, Super-8, feature-length documentary based on a collection of oral histories of World War I created from hundreds of thousands of handrazored paper silhouettes this year, it’s probably going to be And We Were Young. Andy Smetanka’s stunningly beautiful and achingly grim masterpiece was the crown jewel of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in February, and the Kickstarter-funded movie is just now inching its way around the indie film circuit. Smetanka, a longtime Missoula creative rabblerouser, is
STAFFPICK>>> Best Hashtag Montanans don’t generally take kindly to outsiders. It’s a sentiment we see expressed in bumper stickers, neighborhood squabbles and sports bars all the time, but never is it more heightened than in the realm of politics. During the most recent legislative session, a fierce battle erupted over the proposed expansion of Medicaid. After the House passed a bill that would extend service to 70,000 more Montanans, an outside group called Americans for Prosperity, funded by the Koch brothers, released a statement denouncing the vote. “This decision,” said AFP director Zach Lahn, “stands directly against the voices of millions of Montanans who have made it clear that they do not want more Obamacare.” Strong words, but just one problem: There are not millions of Montanans. Those celebrating the vote—and perhaps looking to put outsiders in their place—pounced on the gaffe with a tongue-in-cheek hashtag, #MillionsofMontanans. Gov. Steve Bullock got things started by asking his Twitter followers, “What else have other #MillionsofMontanans done?” U.S. Sen. Jon Tester chimed in that they all wished they had his flattop haircut. Another user suggested #MillionsofMontanans were really good at hide-and-seek, while someone else wondered if all our cows counted among the #MillionsofMontanans. Then seemingly #MillionsofMontanans piled on with a version of the same closer: #MillionsofMontanans believe AFP knows nothing about Montana. The hashtag lives on even today, leaving many to surmise that, yes, #MillionsofMontanans is by far the year’s best.
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [5]
keenly aware of the adage, keep throwing things at the wall ’til something sticks. And We Were Young knocks the damn thing clean over. Andy Smetanka: vimeo.com/andysmetanka Finalists, Best Filmmaker 2. Damon Ristau 3. Andrew Rizzo
BEST GALLERY Dana Gallery Each First Friday, scores of art fans mob the Dana Gallery to scope out some of the finest Western art in the region. Owner Dudley Dana knows how to satisfy that popular craving for images of cowboy poets, majestic bison and mountainous landscapes bathed in crimson sunsets. Last month, the gallery’s Icons of the West exhibit featured a playful portrait of Lyle Lovett, which, along with some cartoonish sheep sculptures in the window, satisfied a different sort of craving: While Dana relishes Western art tradition, he doesn’t think twice about adding in humor, whimsy and a touch of weird for his always appreciative patrons. Dana Gallery: 246 N. Higgins Ave • 721-3154 • danagallery.com Finalists, Best Art Gallery 2. Monte Dolack Gallery (Gallery is now online only) dolack.com
3. The Brink Gallery 111 W. Front St 728-5251 thebrinkgallery.com
BEST MOVIE THEATER The Wilma Theatre Funny enough, this award comes as the Wilma is currently closed for renovations. New owner Nick Checota says the historic theater will continue showing movies when it reopens this fall, and hopefully show new releases on limited runs. “We’re going to continue to do films, we’re just going to do them differently,” he says. His intent is to preserve the character of the grand 1,000-seat theater, which was built in 1921 and decorated with Louis XIV-style gold trimmings. He’ll maintain that majesty while giving it some muchneeded improvements, like new chairs, an expanded lobby and digital projectors. The Wilma will also continue hosting outdoor-film festivals, special indie screenings and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. So the doors might be closed right now, but we have a lot to look forward to in the years to come. Wilma Theatre: 131 S. Higgins Ave • 7282521 • thewilma.com Finalists, Best Movie Theater 2. Roxy Theater 718 S. Higgins Ave
[6] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
728-9380 theroxytheater.org 3. Carmike Cinemas 3640 Mullan Rd 541-7469 carmike.com
BEST MUSEUM Missoula Art Museum For many art lovers, the Missoula Art Museum is a required stop on the First Friday circuit. First Fridays at MAM are typically packed affairs, with people crowding in the galleries to hear artist talks about exhibits like Theo Ellsworth’s Thought Clouds and the Andy Warhol Collection. Of course, First Friday isn’t where the action stops. MAM is open the rest of the month, too, with art classes, live music, readings, special talks and kids’ day camps. Since 1975, MAM staff have long worked to include an intellectually stimulating mix of contemporary works in beautiful photography, unusual ceramics, large-scale installations and too many other mediums to count. And because of the generosity of its members and the community, MAM doesn’t charge admission. It’s a place that strives to make art the kind of accessible community asset that it deserves to be. Missoula Art Museum: 335 N. Pattee St • 728-0447 • missoulaartmuseum.org
Finalists, Best Museum 2. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula 3400 Captain Rawn Way 728-3476 fortmissoulamuseum.org 3. Children’s Museum 225 W. Front St 541-7529 childrensmuseummissoula.org
BEST MUSICIAN Tom Catmull It’s been just over two decades since Texas native Tom Catmull rolled into Missoula with his soul-searching, swingable blend of Americana. If there’s one thing the guitarist has been thankful for all those years, it’s the level of support he’s felt from the community whose hearts and feet he so quickly won over. “Missoula seems to support it,” Catmull says of his music, and of art in general. “They want it. Not just need, want.” The status of “musical staple” can make it challenging for an artist to adopt a new style, but Catmull has done exactly that in recent years with the aid of an electric guitar. He’s fortunate, he says, in that the newer stuff “filters slowly” into local eardrums, allowing him to pepper a solo gig at a local brewery with a few newer originals that might still surprise even his most loyal listeners. Tom Catmull: tomcatmull.com
Local Yokel
Finalists, Best Musician 2. John Floridis johnfloridis.com 3. Bob Wire bobwiremusic.com
BEST NEW BAND Local Yokel Remember when everyone was into saying “YOLO” all the time? Well, now it’s time to start saying “LoYo”—as in Local Yokel, Missoula’s new bluegrass-inspired band. The fivepiece outfit has been worming its way into the hearts and minds of the string community lately, opening at Top Hat shows and making quite the impression. In their anthemic song “Demons,” vocalist/guitarist Ethan Ryan sings about Missoula: “This city calls my name, when I am worlds away/laying down my head at night I dream about the day/when I return to the place that I now call my home/it’s the land of the hills and pines/ooh! I’m comin’ home.” Aw, LoYo. The feeling is mutual. Local Yokel: facebook.com/localyokelmt Finalists, Best New Band 2. Mesozoic Mafia facebook.com/mesozoicmafia 3. FUULS facebook.com/fuuls
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Slikati Slikati is the nom de guerre of Tom and Tonya Seiler, a husband-and-wife photography duo who have been shooting weddings, portraits and events since 2010. (Slikati means “to paint, depict or take a picture” in Croatian.) Weddings are Slikati’s main fare, but above all, the Seilers prioritize joy in their photography. “We’re happiest when we have a shoot where people
are happy and celebrating something, whether a graduation or getting married,” Tom says. In fact, the Seilers, who themselves just got married in June, photographed their own wedding. Granted, they weren’t planning to—their best friend, also a photographer, was lined up to shoot—but something came up last minute and their photographer couldn’t make it to the event. “I said, ‘Well, I guess everybody at the wedding gets to be photographer,’” Tom says. “We set up the shots and then had a family member press the button.” If the Seilers can manage to shoot their own wedding, just imagine the magic they can work with yours. Slikati: 126 E. Broadway St, #11 • 274-0592 • slikati.com Finalists, Best Photographer 2. Brian Powers bpowphoto.com 3. Mike Williams 736 S. Higgins Ave 549-4474 mikewilliamsphotography.com
BEST WRITER James Lee Burke The New York Times Sunday Book Review recently interviewed Stephen King and asked the bestselling author what he intended to read next. “Wayfaring Stranger, by James Lee Burke,” King said. “He’s a gorgeous prose stylist. Nearly in his 80s now, I think, and as good as he ever was. Such a thing gives hope to those of us who are getting on in years.” Funny thing about Burke: He’s given hope to so many of his readers, in so many ways, over the years. For one, good tends to prevail over pure evil in his books. For another, Burke didn’t reach his current esteemed status without his novel The Lost Get-Back Boogie being rejected more than 100 times. Perhaps most importantly, he remains one of the most
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [7]
generous, good-hearted and engaged local celebrities, and that goes a long way in this town. James Lee Burke: jamesleeburke.com Finalists, Best Writer 2. Gwen Florio gwenflorio.net 3. Josh Wagner joshwagner.org FASHION & BEAUTY
FASHION & BEAUTY
BEST COSMETICS Smooch Cosmetic Boutique Some beauty trends help define the style of a decade: Think the bold cat-eye liner of the 1960s or the blush-contoured cheeks of the 1980s. Smooch Cosmetic Boutique owner Ellie Schroeder says if there’s a top trend of the 21st century so far, it’s healthy skin. In her Main Street shop, which she opened five years ago, she stocks a variety of high-quality potions and powders to help enhance your natural features. “We try to stock things that are hard to find anywhere else,” she says. She recommends Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue gel cream, a combination moisturizer, foundation and SPF 30 sunscreen that’s hypoallergenic and paraben-free. The cream comes in an elegant, simple package—just like Smooch itself. Smooch Cosmetic Boutique: 125 E. Main St • 541-1600 • smoochcosmeticboutique.com Finalists, Best Cosmetics 2. Skin Chic Southgate Mall 541-8464 skinchic.com 3. Ulta 3275 N. Reserve St 541-9155 ulta.com
Smooch
[8] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
BEST DAY SPA BEST FACIALS Sorella’s Day Spa We might be known for our ability to hold our own against mountains, whitewater rapids and bears, but sometimes we just wanna be pampered for a day. Enter Sorella’s, which since 1997 has offered hot stone massages, seaweed detox wraps, raindrop therapy and all other manner of services to make you weep into your aromatic lavender bath. When it comes to facials, Sorella’s menu selection includes a pineapple peel, a pear and poppy seed microderm facial and a pumpkin latte hydration facial, each of which is guaranteed to leave your face both luminous and scrumptious. Sorella’s Day Spa: 207 E. Main St • 721-3639 • sorellasdayspa.com Finalists, Best Day Spa 2. Spa at the Peak 5000 Blue Mountain Rd 251-8200 peakmissoulaspa.com 3. Cedar Creek Spa 110 Caras Drive 543-0200 cedarcreekspa.com Finalists, Best Facials 2. Skin Chic Southgate Mall 541-8464 skinchic.com 3. Spa at the Peak 5000 Blue Mountain Rd 251-8200 peakmissoulaspa.com
BEST EYEWEAR Uptown Optical Once again, Mary Shull’s Uptown Optical shows why her boutique approach to optics
photo by Amy Donovan
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [9]
has become a Missoula institution. This owner/optician knows her fashion as well as her eyeballs, and her eclectic selection will have you looking stylish and seeing well. Whether it’s a pair of authentic vintage frames she inherited from her father’s optometrist business or a cutting edge European fashion statement from Prodesign, Morel or Etnia, Uptown’s on-site lab will have you set up in the, ahem, blink of an eye. Uptown Optical: 111 N. Higgins Ave, #107 • 327-9988 • uptownoptical.com Finalists, Best Eyewear 2. Rocky Mountain Eye Center 700 W. Kent Ave 541-3937 rockymountaineye.com 3. Specticca 319 N. Higgins Ave 549-5700 specticca.com
BEST HAIRSTYLIST Katt Ahlstrom, Canvas Studios Katt Ahsltrom has a reputation. She has a reputation for being bold but sweet, edgy but diplomatic, assertive but empowering. She has the kind of natural, effortless people skills that only the best and most effective psychologists, CEOs and ambassadors possess. But Ahlstrom, who owns Canvas Stu-
dios, knows something those other highpowered types don’t: she knows how to make curls shine and come alive. She knows how to make your color pop. She knows how to unlock the secrets of your hair. In other words, she’s one powerful woman. Katt Ahlstrom, Canvas Studios: 429 Madison St • 926-1440 • canvasmissoula.com Finalists, Best Hairstylist 2. Kim DeAnda, Tangles Hairstyling 275 W. Main St 728-0343 tanglesmt.com 3. Carly Jenkins
BEST JEWELRY Rockin Rudy’s One of the most mesmerizing jewelry cases at Rockin Rudy’s features butterflies. The shimmering, boldly colored earrings and pendants preserve and showcase real butterfly wings for those who like a naturalist twist to their accessories. No guilt necessary, because these butterflies were collected after they lived until a ripe old age and died naturally on a magical preserve in the Equatorial Rainforest. And the proceeds go to low-income families and help conserve land that is increasingly in danger. Such forward thinking jewelry is not uncommon at the beloved shop, which also offers locally made brass
[10] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
pieces and exquisite wearable art from places like San Francisco and Turkey. Rockin Rudy’s: 237 Blaine St • 542-0077 • rockinrudys.com Finalists, Best Jewelry 2. Studio Pandora 211 N. Higgins Ave, #102 549-5100 studiopandora.com 3. Adair Jewelers 1325 S. Reserve St 721-4025 adairjewelers.com
BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING Kid Crossing Babies aren’t easy creatures to live with. They cry and stay awake all night and poopstain everything. That means you need clothes—and then probably more clothes— without breaking the bank. Kid Crossing is a dream for sleep-deprived parents. It’s a resale shop that sells gently used kids’ clothing and equipment. If you want to try a swing to get the little monster settled, you’ll likely find one there. If—and when—the swing no longer does the trick, you can go back and buy a sling. And when that runs its course, there’s always a vibrating chair. Kid Crossing is selective about what it buys, which means its selection is carefully curated and not junky. Their
three-hour sales and end-of-season bag sales offer parents a chance to really stock up on cute and functional items, which is at least one reason Mom and Dad can rest a little easier. Kid Crossing: 1940 Harve Ave • 829-8808 • kidcrossingstores.com Finalists, Best Kids’ Clothing 2. La Stella Blu 612 S. Higgins Ave 317-1074 lastellablu.com 3. Whippersnappers 127 N. Higgins Ave, #B 728-7400
BEST LINGERIE Victoria’s Secret So what, exactly, is Victoria’s big secret? Is it the world’s sexiest lingerie? Is it killer fit and style? Is it the location of the superfortress where the galaxy’s hottest supermodels stash their clothing? Yes, yes and yes. But it’s not all teddies and baby-dolls. Whether it’s swimwear, loungewear or that slinky number that brings out your inner sexy beast, Victoria’s Secret makes it their mission to connect you with the gamut of ladies’ intimate wear. Their frequent sales and bra-fitting events keep the quality accessible, and the experts at the Southgate Mall store spend the time to make sure you’re wellfitted and totally satisfied with your selection.
STAFFPICK>>> Best Trail that Nobody Uses We all rave about hiking the North Hills. It’s time the South Hills received its due. The South Hills Trails System includes nearly a dozen different routes that provide excellent views of wildflowers, wildlife and the Missoula Valley—all from a different perspective than the well worn and often crowded Waterworks Hill. If you’re looking for a good example, try the Tonkin Trail, which starts just off the elbow where Garland Drive meets Clearview Way. The gravel path leads through private property, around a horse pasture and then cuts directly up the hill toward Hillview Way. It’s not a strenuous hike by any means, but it offers unobstructed views of the old water tower and Blue Mountain, a few glimpses of the Bitterroot River and, especially as you approach Hillview, a panoramic vista of Missoula that’s best experienced at sunset. Comfy benches for men are located just outside. Victoria’s Secret: Southgate Mall • 7211811 • victoriassecret.com Finalists, Best Lingerie 2. Adam & Eve 1401 W. Broadway St 549-4688 adamevemt.com 3. Mood Boutique 208 N. Higgins Ave 549-4000 mood-boutique.myshopify.com
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING Dillard’s Men are funny creatures when it comes to buying clothes. The whole “asking for help” thing isn’t really part of the shopping vocabulary, which probably explains why Dillard’s is so often voted Missoula’s go-to. Men’s department manager Eric Beeson has crafted his customer approach specifically to help break down that wall. “I’ll often use the line, ‘Tell me what’s on the list today’ or, ‘Tell me what you’re hunting today,’” he says. It helps that Dillard’s has everything from business attire to Cancun beachwear. But for Beeson, there’s more to the experience than ties and slacks. “It’s a combination of what we offer … and the relationships we build.” Dillard’s: Southgate Mall • 721-3100 • dillards.com Finalists, Best Men’s Clothing 2. Betty’s Divine 509 S. Higgins Ave 721-4777 bettysdivine.com 3. Desmonds 129 N. Higgins Ave 728-8233 facebook.com/desmonds-for-men
BEST MEN’S HAIRCUTS Man Cave Forget flatscreen televisions, kegerators and garages rank with dude smell. The basement stylists at the corner of Pattee and Broadway have put a new spin on the phrase “man cave.” No fancy bells and whistles at this barber shop. Just a straightforward trio of options: haircut, haircut with a shampoo or hot shave—and none for more than $25. If he weren’t too busy combing his mustache or turning hunks of
wood into cool stuff, Nick Offerman might be inclined to give the Man Cave a standing ovation for its Best of Missoula victory. Then again, clapping isn’t the manliest of expressions. Best to stick with a congratulatory head nod or maybe a firm handshake. Man Cave: 315 N. Pattee St • 542-2283 • mancavemissoula.com Finalists, Best Men’s Haircuts 2. Boom Swagger Salon 204 S. 3rd St W 830-3192 boomswaggersalon.com 3. Canvas Studios 429 Madison St 926-1440 canvasmissoula.com
BEST SHOE STORE Hide & Sole Picking out proper footwear is serious business in a valley where the weather can turn from a sunny day to a blizzard at the drop of Mark Heyka’s hat. The staff at Hide & Sole are well acquainted with this, and they’ll advise you on finding footwear with the right traction and comfort you want, whether it’s cushy Tevas for summer adventures, supportive Merrell hikers or sturdy calf-high Borne boots. But first, of course, Hide & Sole staff will insist you get your feet measured for a proper fit—and if you need to take your time and try on everything in the store, that’s all right, too. The patience, personal attention and selection of top-notch brands has made Hide & Sole a Missoula favorite for years. Hide & Sole: 236 N. Higgins Ave • 543-1128 • hideandsole.com Finalists, Best Shoe Store 2. Dillard’s Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com 3. Runner’s Edge 304 N. Higgins Ave 728-9297 runnersedgemt.com
BEST TANNING SALON Brown Sugar Tan Spa Missoula definitely ain’t no Hawaii, which is especially evident when the snow is piled a foot deep. But that doesn’t mean you can’t
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The Man Cave
look like you just spent a week sunning yourself on a tropical island—especially because both Brown Sugar locations also sell flip-flops and beachwear. If you’re in a rush, the mystic spray booth can get you from pasty to golden in 60 seconds flat. Or you can opt for the Sundazzler, a high-performance standup bed at the Reserve Street location that Brown Sugar’s website describes as “nine minutes of vertical bliss.” With 50 bulbs guaranteed to tan every crack and cranny, who are we to argue? Brown Sugar: 1220 SW Higgins Ave, #3 • 541-4441; 3275 N. Reserve St, #B • 8303130 • facebook.com/missoulabrownsugar Finalists, Best Tanning Salon 2. Rayz of Lite 1575 Benton Ave, #E 543-0205 missoulatanning.com 3. Sunshine Factory 1533 South Ave W 721-7722 sunshinefactorytanning.com
BEST TATTOOS Blaque Owl Tattoo When Blaque Owl owner Mike “Schaf” Schaefer was driving back to Missoula from Portland, Ore., after a tattoo expo, he was trying to think of something cool to call his tattoo shop. “Black” was definitely a part of the name, he decided, and “owl” seemed to fit. After making a slight adjustment to the spelling and securing a prime spot on Higgins Avenue, Blaque Owl came into its own and, for the fourth year in a row, makes a permanent mark on this category. Blaque Owl: 307 N. Higgins Ave • 543-0688 • blaqueowltattoo.com Finalists, Best Tattoos 2. Painless Steel 1701 S. 5th St W 728-1191 painlesssteeltattoo.com
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photo by Robin Carleton
3. American Made 234 W. Front St 721-3830 missoulatattoos.com
BEST THRIFT STORE Secret Seconds If you’ve only got $20 in your pocket and you’re looking for something awesome, the YWCA Secret Seconds has enough home furnishings, cute accessories and classy duds to make even Macklemore jealous. Secret Seconds’ two locations, on West Broadway and Kensington, offer a curated selection of handy household items at bargain prices—plus the occasional high-end investment, like vintage midcentury dining sets. Whether it’s as big as a couch or as little as a pair of new earrings, you can feel better about your purchases knowing that net proceeds benefit the YWCA’s programs, such as the Pathways Domestic and Sexual Violence services and the GUTS young women’s leadership program. Secret Seconds: 1136 West Broadway • 549-1610; 920 Kensington • 541-3210 • facebook.com/ywcasecretseconds Finalists, Best Thrift Store 2. Goodwill 2501 S. Reserve St 549-6969 facebook.com/missoulagoodwill 3. Bargain Corner 200 S. California St 543-4926 facebook.com/bargaincornerthriftstore
BEST WAXING The Wax Bar Having hair forcibly removed from the body is not a prospect that many people relish—at least not by anyone we know. The fact that customers think fondly of the waxologists at The Wax Bar is surely a testament to their
skill. Customers routinely describe their experience at The Wax Bar as “comfortable,” “professional,” “welcoming” and “nearly painless.” Could it be that Kay, Talia, Courtney and Amanda are transforming waxing into an experience that locals actually look forward to? The Wax Bar: 125 W. Main St • 317-1780 • thewaxbarmissoula.com Finalists, Best Waxing 2. Canvas Studios 429 Madison St 926-1440 canvasmissoula.com 3. Grizzly Bare 725 W. Alder St, #14 290-9299 missoulawaxing.com
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING Betty’s Divine Say, hypothetically, you were the kind of person who didn’t know how to dress fashionably. And just say you happened into Betty’s Divine on a Friday afternoon looking for something—anything—that would make you look just a bit more stylish for a night out. Owner Amy McQuilkin and her staff are the gurus of how to dress not just decent, but fabulous. And not just fabulous in the Sarah Jessica Parker way (though, that’s possible, too) but in the easygoing, living-the-good-life, Missoula
way. The clothing store, which has a great reputation for putting on fashion weeks, giving money back to the community and treating its employees really well, features things like Montana-made T-shirts, colorful tights, tomboyish button-ups, 1990s-style boots, quirky dresses and elegant skirts that can be the mode of your transformation. You might go in a little rough, but you’ll come out a more polished version of you. Betty’s Divine: 509 S. Higgins Ave • 721-4777 • bettysdivine.com Finalists, Best Women’s Clothing 3. Dillard’s Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com 3. Cloth & Crown 329 N. Higgins Ave 542-2626 clothandcrown.com
BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUTS Boom Swagger Salon There are certain professional aspects to how Boom Swagger Salon operates that probably make some customers really happy—stuff like annual Aveda training, staff development sessions and other proactive steps the crew takes to stay on the cusp of what’s hot and trendy in the world of hair. But for a large contingent of regulars, what mat-
ters most is how we’re treated when we walk into the salon. It starts with the offer of a beverage and the type of friendly conversation usually reserved for good friends. Shampoos involve a scalp massage that instantly soothes even the most uptight and hurried customer. However you want your cut and/or color, the stylists make it happen with an expert’s touch. The only thing that trumps the sense of indulgence and much-needed relaxation during this lavish experience is the confidence of walking out the door knowing we look good and feel as strong as ever. Boom Swagger Salon: 204 S. 3rd St W • 8303192 • boomswaggersalon.com Finalists, Best Women’s Haircuts 2. Canvas Studios 429 Madison St 926-1440 canvasmissoula.com 3. Tangles Hairstyling 275 W. Main St 728-0343 tanglesmt.com
Hat has steadily transformed from a dive-y watering hole to a trendy music venue. But the backbone of the venerable establishment’s latest incarnation is good grub, and the Top Hat’s small plates menu has quickly become a staple in Missoula’s food scene. Of particular delectableness are the sautéed brussels sprouts and the bacon-wrapped dates served with buttermilk blue cheese, but why stop there? The Top Hot also serves up flatbreads featuring Manchego cheese and a variety of toppings, and a newly released line of specialty burgers. Chances are, you’ve already found out that the beauty of small plates is that you can eat ’em all. Top Hat Lounge: 134 W. Front St • 7289865 • tophatlounge.com Finalists, Best Appetizers 2. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula 3. Tamarack Brewing Company 231 W. Front St 830-3113 facebook.com/tamarackmissoula
FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DRINK
BEST APPETIZERS Top Hat Lounge Over the past few years, thanks to new ownership and an extensive remodel, the Top
BEST ASIAN FOOD BEST DESSERTS Mustard Seed Mustard Seed isn’t joking when it bills itself as an Asian restaurant—pan-Asian fare,
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with a big menu offering cuisine from Thailand, China, Japan and the Hawaiian islands. Perennial favorites include the spicy green beans and the chicken osaka, and portions are big enough that you’ll likely have leftovers to take home. Same goes for Mustard Seed’s desserts, which are big enough to share. That’s especially true with their popular Chocolate in Three Acts. But, hey, we won’t blame you if you’re not in the mood to share. Mustard Seed: Southgate Mall • 721-7333 • mustardseedweb.com Finalists, Best Asian Food 2. Sa Wad Dee 221 W. Broadway St 543-9966 sawaddeemissoula.com 3. Iza Asian Restaurant 529 S. Higgins Ave 830-3237 izarestaurant.com Finalists, Best Desserts 2. Bernice’s Bakery 190 S. 3rd St W 728-1358 bernicesbakerymt.com 3. Black Cat Bake Shop 2000 W. Broadway 542-9043 blackcatbakeshop.com The Notorious P.I.G.
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photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST BAKERY Bernice’s Bakery With so many holidays crowding the calendar, it can be hard to keep track from one to the next. Unless, of course, you’re staring into the business end of Bernice’s pastry case. From gingerbread men to hot cross buns, Missoula’s favorite Third Street bakery has developed a reputation for cranking out tasty, festive treats. Even UM’s spring graduation, marked by a tray full of frosted sugar cookie mortarboards, is a cause for a celebratory sweet-tooth indulgence. Of course, with all those cupcakes and toffee bars, it’s hard to imagine a day at Bernice’s that isn’t a holiday. Bernice’s Bakery: 190 S. 3rd St W • 728-1358 • bernicesbakerymt.com Finalists, Best Bakery 2. Black Cat Bake Shop 2000 W. Broadway St 542-9043 blackcatbakeshop.com 3. Le Petit Outre 129 S. 4th St W 543-3311 lepetitoutre.com
BEST BARBECUE BEST NEW RESTAURANT The Notorious P.I.G. The best advertisement for the new barbecue joint on Front Street is probably as simple as standing outside its front door, closing your eyes and taking in the aroma wafting from the kitchen. The breeze carries a sweetsmoky scent of the holy combination of fire, smoke and meat, enriched with salt and spice and sugar. Notorious P.I.G., which has roots to some famous barbecue joints in St. Louis, wasted no time since its April opening in luring carnivores to its platters of pulled pork, ribs and beef brisket, all smoked over local cherry and applewood. P.I.G. staff fire up the smokers at 4 a.m. every day, often going through as many as 80 racks of ribs at a time. Once they sell out, the doors close—and then nothing but the scent remains. The Notorious P.I.G.: 247 W. Front St • 926-1344 • thenotoriouspigbbq.com Finalists, Best Barbecue 2. Famous Dave’s 2915 N. Reserve St 541-7427 famousdaves.com 3. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 2730 S. Reserve St 540-4091 dickeys.com Finalists, Best New Restaurant 2. Thomas Meagher Bar 130 W. Pine St 540-4402 thomasmeagherbar.com
3. Face Club 147 W Broadway St 926-2556 faceclub888.com
BEST BARISTA Lexi Richardson BEST COFFEE HUT Florence Coffee Company When we catch up with Lexi Richardson via cellphone, she’s working in the garden. More specifically, she’s working in the garden of one of her regulars from Florence Coffee Co.’s Pattee Creek Market location. “Yeah,” Richardson says with the same cheerful, generous, oh-shucks charm she exudes every morning while serving some of the best Americanos, mochas and lattes in the valley, “I have some really great customers that I’ve gotten to know pretty well.” Richardson’s not playing around when it comes to her rapport with customers. She confesses she once tried to count the regulars who visit her every day— she lost count after 64—and she figures she’s talked with each one, if you total their brief daily visits over her four-plus years at the same location, roughly nine hours. “I like to actually get to know them a little bit, connect with them on a personal level,” she says, with something of a modest understatement. Richardson’s exemplary customer service makes up just a fraction of what puts Florence Coffee Co., with its four Missoula locations, at the top of the always-competitive Best Coffee Hut category. But her positive, infectious attitude is indicative of a company that treats its employees well, knowing those employees will pass along the good vibes to sleep-deprived customers in need of a caffeine fix and a cheery start to their day. “I enjoy what I do,” Richardson says, “and part of that is because of who I get to see every day.” Florence Coffee Company: Multiple locations • 546-3538 • florencecoffeeco.com Finalists, Best Barista 2. Jenny Lynn Fawcett, Burns St. Bistro 3. Lauren Ward, The Loose Caboose Finalists, Best Coffee Hut 2. The Loose Caboose Multiple locations 541-1748 loosecaboosemissoula.com 3. Liquid Planet 223 N. Higgins Ave 541-4541 liquidplanet.com
BEST BREAKFAST Catalyst Café The Catalyst started out as a tiny coffee cart on Higgins, switched to brick-and-mortar and, over the years, created an empire. It’s a quaint empire, but one that dominates the downtown
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breakfast scene. Its strategy? For one, the cheddar potato casserole side dish, which is served in place of humdrum hashbrowns. Recently, the restaurant upped the ante with the addition of a green chile/pepperjack potato casserole (you can still get homefries or fruit, instead). The menu is diverse, with a combination of classic egg-and-bacon dishes, as well as bold specials like “Big Hot Mess”—a meat, potato, eggs, biscuit and veggie concoction served with maple paprika cream gravy. If any dish were worthy of such an empire, that would be it. Catalyst Café: 111 N. Higgins Ave, #111 • 542-1337 • thecatalystcafe.com Finalists, Best Breakfast 2. Paul’s Pancake Parlor 2305 Brooks St 728-9071 paulspancake.com 3. The Shack 222 W. Main St 549-9903 theshackcafe.com
Lexi Richardson, Florence Coffee Co.
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BEST BRUNCH Burns St. Bistro There are few things in this world that demand scrumptiousness more than the meal you consume directly after waking up late— and, let’s face it, hung over—on a weekend morning. Enter Burns St. Bistro, where the menu rotates with the seasons because the ingredients are as fresh as they come. As regulars know, this is the place to go if the hunger gods are demanding protein. The brunch burger comes with candied bacon and an egg on top. An over-easy egg also comes atop the mouth-watering pork chile verde, biscuit sandwich and veggie browns. And if you order a brunch burger with candied bacon and bacon on the side, no one’s going to bat an eyelash. Burns St. Bistro: 1500 Burns St • 543-0719 • burnsstbistro.com Finalists, Best Brunch 2. Caffè Dolce 500 Brooks St 830-3055 caffedolcemissoula.com
photo by Robin Carleton
3. TIE: Catalyst Café 111 N. Higgins Ave 542-1337 thecatalystcafe.com Old Post 103 W. Spruce St 721-7399 oldpostpub.com
Finalists, Best Budget Lunch 2. Taco del Sol Multiple locations 327-8929 tacodelsol.com 3. Bridge Pizza 600 S. Higgins Ave 542-0002 bridgepizza.com
BEST BUDGET LUNCH Five on Black Fast food and great food are not necessarily mutually exclusive. When you have 30 minutes or less for lunch, like most of us, you want it all: cheap, fast and delicious. Tom Snyder, founder and owner of Five on Black, gets that. His Brazilian-inspired fare is assembled before your eyes by a quick and courteous staff, and the fresh, quality ingredients provide downtown lunch hounds with a healthy and nutritious alternative to the standard drive-though menu. Their spicy coconut sauce lives up to its name and the spit-roasted chicken will make you forget every chicken nugget you ever had. The business has become so popular, in fact, that a second location is opening this summer at Southside Crossing. Five on Black: 325 N. Higgins Ave • 926-1860 • fiveonblack.com
BEST BURGER Missoula Club In a city that takes its meat seriously, winning the readers’ choice for best burger is a rare feat—or should we say a mediumrare feat? This year the longtime favorite Mo Club takes back the crown from recent upstart Five Guys. The win is a testament to a good burger with no frills—the kind where you get your choice of single, double or triple patty, cheese, raw or grilled onions, and all of it on a toasted bun with pickles, for an even Abe Lincoln. The fanciest thing about this burger is that you can ask for horseradish. Bonus: You can watch your patty sizzling away while you post up at the bar and peruse the old Griz photos wallpapering the joint or chat with your fellow barflies about the game on the TV. Like we said, no frills. The Missoula Club: 139 W. Main St • 728-3740
STAFFPICK>>> Best Way to Burn Beer Calories A top speed of 5 mph might not sound like much. But when you’re sweaty, slightly inebriated and singing along to Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” time and distance suddenly seem like antiquated concepts. It’s been almost two years since brothers Tom and Alex Snyder debuted Thirst Gear, Missoula’s giant green pedal-powered trolley, and business continues to boom. Thirst Gear now offers four threehour tours every day, blending the booziness of a multi-brewery trek with the wooziness of an afternoon on the exercise bike. Not a bad workout for $25 a person, and you’d be hard pressed to find a greener way to party between brewery A and brewery D. If that’s not enough, the jealous stares from pedestrians and passing motorists are guaranteed to make the next beer taste even sweeter.
photo by Amy Donovan
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Finalists, Best Burger 2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 820 E. Broadway 830-3262 fiveguys.com 3. TIE: Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com Flipper’s Tavern & Casino 125 S. 3rd St. W 721-4895 facebook.com/flipperscasino
BEST CATERER Two Sisters Since its inception in 2008, Two Sisters Catering has become a reliable favorite in Missoula for any large party or gathering. Operating on location or in the Governor’s Room of the historic Florence building, Two Sisters has a menu to fit the mood of your shindig. Want a platter of stuffed mushrooms followed by Cod Beurre Blanc and Lemon Curd Parfait? They’ve got it. How about some hushpuppies with fried chicken and peach cobbler? No problem. Let Two Sisters know what you want and they’ll make it work, tastefully folded napkins and all. Two Sisters: 111 N. Higgins Ave • 549-3005 • twosisterscateringmontana.com
Finalists, Best Caterer 2. Bravo! 224 N. Higgins Ave 541-4900 bravocatering.net 3. Silk Road 515 S. Higgins Ave 541-0752 silkroadcatering.com
BEST CHEF Abe Risho, Silk Road To many of Missoula’s foodies, this is Ray Risho’s town—we just get to live in it. The Risho family is epicurean royalty, and their heir apparent is Chef Abe Risho. The chief kitchen alchemist at the Silk Road routinely travels the world, bringing back recipes, techniques and flavor profiles from exotic places like Asia, Africa and India. The popular tapas restaurant on the Hip Strip, which he runs with brother Sam and Sam’s wife Elise, is also the home of Abe’s Silk Road spice line. The Rishos’ philosophy is not to hoard or guard their intricate spice formulas, but to share these flavors with Missoula. And we’re all better for it. Silk Road: 515 S. Higgins Ave • 541-0752 • silkroadcatering.com Finalists, Best Chef 2. Bob Marshall, Biga Pizza 241 W. Main St
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728-2579 bigapizza.com 3. Beth Higgins, Two Sisters Catering 111 N. Higgins Ave 549-3005 twosisterscateringmontana.com
BEST COFFEE Black Coffee Roasting Company The past year has been one of rampant growth for Black Coffee Roasting Company, as evidenced by the gradual introduction of ginger beer, kumbucha, tea and artisanal toast to the coffee shop’s menu. Perhaps the biggest news came last fall when Black Coffee finally made the move from its cozy quarters on Wyoming Street to the spacious Spruce Street quonset hut it now occupies. The amount of space and extent of the renovations alone demonstrate how strong a following these self-professed coffee geeks have fostered among Missoula’s caffeine addicts; the shop’s first Best of Missoula win clinches it. Black Coffee Roasting Company: 525 E. Spruce St • 541-3700 • blackcoffeeroastingco.com Finalists, Best Coffee 2. Florence Coffee Company Multiple locations 546-3538 florencecoffeeco.com
3. The Loose Caboose Multiple locations 541-1748 loosecaboosemissoula.com
BEST CONVENIENCE STORE Grizzly Grocery In a time and place where local and organic food win out, the term “convenience store” isn’t always the sexiest category to be in. Lacey Marquesen, who took over as owner of Grizzly Grocery last year, gets it. Over the past several months she’s added more organic produce and artisan products to the shelves and switched over to serving local joe from Black Coffee Roasting Company. The store is a longtime winner because the previous owners had already created a neighborhood market feel, even adding the coffee and deli shop just before selling. Marquesen is continuing the tradition. It’s a place of convenience, but one that doesn’t feel like just a pit stop. Grizzly Grocery: 447 Hill St • 721-2679 • grizzlygrocery.com Finalists, Best Convenience Store 2. Ole’s on Orange 923 N. Orange St 721-2170
Abe Risho, Silk Road
photo by Amy Donovan
3. Holiday on Higgins 605 S. Higgins Ave 721-6911 holidaystationstores.com
doubt, caffeinated) bakers bringing us our bear claws, our Boston cream pies, our oldfashioneds, our jelly rolls and our maple bars, we salute you. Rosauers: 2350 S. Reserve St • 721-5430 • rosauers.com
BEST DELICATESSEN Tagliare Tagliare makes serious sandwiches. Megadeath, for example, one of the deli’s most popular orders, is made with layer upon layer of hot sopressata, pepperoni, hot cappicola, ham, smoked mozzarella, pepperoncinis, tomatoes and “feisty slaw.” That’s only one of a dozen sandwiches to choose from, each named after a legendary rock band and each handed over the counter wrapped in white butcher paper with a couple of napkins tucked neatly into the folds. It’s a no-nonsense approach deserving of the best deli around. Tagliare: 1433 S. Higgins Ave • 830-3049 • facebook.com/pages/tagliare
Finalists, Best Doughnuts 2. Tandem Doughnuts Clark Fork Market and other locations 239-3997 tandemdoughnuts.com 3. Black Cat Bake Shop 2000 W. Broadway St 542-9043 blackcatbakeshop.com
Finalists, Best Delicatessen 2. Worden’s Market & Deli 451 N. Higgins Ave 549-1293 wordens.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S. 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com
BEST DOUGHNUTS Rosauers Some chains might use mixes or frozen dough to make their doughnuts, but not the Rosauers bakery department. The supermarket’s doughnuts are handmade from scratch every morning by bakers who arrive at the store when some of us are just getting home from the bars. It’s no secret around town that a box of a dozen Rosauers doughnuts are sure to brighten any morning meeting or brunch gathering. To the tireless (and, no
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Montana Club It can be hard to take your kids out to a restaurant, what with the crying and the picky eating and the food scattered all over the floor. Luckily, there’s the Montana Club, where it’s understood that even people who chose to procreate get to be out in public sometimes without leaving the tots at home. The Montana Club’s kids’ menu features comfort food like pizza and corn dogs, as well as drink and dessert options catered specifically to them, such as the Tootie Fruity and Peanut Butter Fudge Meltdown. And after the inevitable sugar crash? The Montana Club offers a full bar for the big kids at the table. Montana Club: 4561 N. Reserve St • 541-8141 & 2620 Brooks St • 543-3200 • montanaclub.com Finalists, Best Family-Friendly Restaurant 2. Red Robin Southgate Mall 830-3170 redrobin.com 3. Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [19]
BEST FOOD CART/TRUCK Beastro Leave it to the creative minds behind Burns St. Bistro to run a food truck stocked with appealing twists on classic bar foods. Consider the Big McMack, a tribute to Bistro co-owner Jason McMackin, that features a grass-fed beef patty topped with pickles, onions and special sauce. For an extra few bucks, you can—and yes, you should—get a double patty. Or you might go with another of the cart’s ever-rotating options, like smoked pork street tacos or beer-brined chicken wings served with Montanalina barbecue mustard sauce. There’s also lighter vegetarian fare, like hummus served with warm pitas or falafel. Most days of the week, the Beastro cart is parked outside Draught Works. And wouldn’t you know, just about everything on the menu is perfectly accompanied by a craft beer (or three). Beastro: 543-0719 • burnsstbistro.com Finalists, Best Food Cart/Truck 2. El Cazador 728-3657 elcazadormissoula.com 3. Masala 370-9407 masalamt.com
BEST FRENCH FRIES James Bar The french fries at James Bar exist in the perfect balance between crispy and welloiled. For those of us who don’t love either an overly battered fry or a soggy one, these fries are perfection. But there is a problem: You have to choose between the classic sea salt flavor, spicy garlic, truffle or Greek (oregano, garlic and lemon), which is a maddening position to be in. They are all so good! Not to mention all the sauce choices like ketchup, mango ketchup, ancho ketchup, caper tartar sauce and ranch. Oh, and there’s a second problem: The delectable fries come in a giant cone-shaped receptacle that is big enough for sharing. And you don’t want to share, do you? “They’re my fries!” you want to scream when they arrive at the table. But you don’t do that—because you’re an adult, and there’s plenty to go around. James Bar: 127 W. Alder St • 721-8158 • jamesbarmontana.com Finalists, Best French Fries 2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 820 E. Broadway St 830-3262 fiveguys.com
Everyone Deserves A Smooch
Smooch Cosmetic Boutique 125 East Main Street - Downtown missoula
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Everyone Deserves A Smooch [20] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Black Coffee Roasting Co.
photo by Robin Carleton
3. Hoagieville Multiple locations 541-8031 hoagieville.com
BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT Big Dipper On a warm summer night, you’ll find what seems like all of Missoula mingling together under the Big Dipper’s distinctive neon sign, chatting while waiting in line, sharing sundaes at the outdoor picnic tables, trying to choose between white mint Oreo and maple walnut ice cream. The community aspect of this little ice cream hut is almost as noteworthy as its innovative flavors and fragrant waffle cones. This local institution, currently marking its 20th anniversary, deserves some sort of special celebration. We suppose that means more than a trip to its own counter for a Salted Starship Brownie. Big Dipper: 631 S. Higgins Ave • 543-5722 • bigdippericecream.com Finalists, Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt 2. Sweet Peaks 420 N. Higgins Ave, #D 549-0028 sweetpeaksicecream.com 3. U-Swirl 1220 SW Higgins Ave, #1 926-1967 u-swirl.com
BEST LIQUOR STORE Grizzly Liquor The last time we stopped by Grizzly Liquor a few things stood out. First, it looked like the selection of Montana-made libations had expanded—again. Then we noticed the posted list of scores from a recent whiskey tasting, conveniently positioned right next to Grizzly Liquor’s extensive selection of whiskeys. Third, as we were processing the enticing options of both the Montana-made section and everything from the whiskey tasting, one of the friendly staff asked if we needed help making a selection. Here’s the thing: You can swing by any casino on any block and pick up a bottle of whatever. But if you’re looking to explore, to experiment with a new spirit, to discover the latest little-known bargain, to find something that will be a conversation starter at your next dinner party or potluck, do yourself a favor and swing by this locally owned and operated business. You’ll not only find a staggering selection to choose from and great prices at Grizzly Liquor, but you’ll also meet an incredibly knowledgeable and approachable staff—and discover your new favorite liquor store. Grizzly Liquor: 110 W. Spruce St • 549-7723 • grizzlyliquor.com Finalists, Best Liquor Store 2. Krisco Liquor 1300 S. Reserve St 549-7242 kriscoliquor.com
Diner will have you feeling nostalgic in no time. Uptown Diner: 120 N. Higgins Ave • 542-2449
3. Diamond Jim’s 900 East Broadway • 829-9898 1605 S. Russell St • 541-6711 diamond-jims-casino.com
BEST MILKSHAKE Uptown Diner Oh, the best of times, when we were all wearing poodle skirts and varsity jackets, going on dates at the local diner and sucking on milkshakes thick enough to eat with a spoon. Then again, there were Soviet tensions abroad and depressed housewives at home, so forget that. But luckily for us in 2015, Uptown Diner has preserved the happier parts of decades gone by and encapsulated them in a milkshake that has dominated this category since the Cold War first started (roughly speaking). Between the pile of whipped cream on top of your oldfashioned milkshake glass to the silver cup full of the second half of your shake, Uptown
Finalists, Best Milkshake 2. Big Dipper 631 S. Higgins Ave 543-5722 bigdippericecream.com 3. Butterfly Herbs 232 N. Higgins Ave 728-8780 butterflyherbs.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree One of the main reasons most of us live in Missoula is the outdoors. We can’t bear to spend any time inside, if we can help it. That’s why Missoula’s outdoor dining options are so vital to our livelihood, our psyche, our very being. Not to be too melodramatic about it,
STAFFPICK>>> Best Missoula Instagram Account Black Coffee Roasting Co.’s Instagram feed goes way beyond latte foam swirls. The account, which you can find at instagram.com/blackcoffeeroasting, is inspiring even if you’re a teetotaler when it comes to caffeine. BCRC co-owner Jim Chapman’s photos document life well lived and celebrate everything that’s gorgeous about western Montana. Recent posts include beautifully framed shots of hiking trails, glowing sunsets, starry evening skies and, of course, up-close views of luscious, chocolaty espresso pouring into mugs at Black Coffee’s Spruce Street shop. Chapman says he’s made the deliberate choice to not be strictly about product placement. “I really want it to be more about why we all live here,” he says.
Alpine North
Exper t, Effective, Caring
Women’s Health and Dance Medicine
Alpine Downtown
AlpinePTMissoula.com
Best of the Best Congratuations to Morgan and Brent for representing Alpine!
Runner’s Clinic
Alpine South
Sports Performance Clinic Vestibular and Balance Clinic
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [21]
3. Bridge Pizza 600 S. Higgins Ave 542-0002 bridgepizza.com
but this basically makes Finn & Porter’s gorgeous outside patio overlooking the Clark Fork one of the most treasured spaces in town— you know, next to the open spaces and public parks and whatnot. At Finn & Porter, you can sip on a cocktail, eat a perfectly cooked steak and visit with friends. Those are things we need to experience—before we head back out into the wilderness. Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree: 100 Madison St • 542-4660 • finnandporter.com/missoula Finalists, Best Outdoor Dining 2. Caffè Dolce 500 Brooks St 830-3055 caffedolcemissoula.com 3. Iron Horse 501 N. Higgins Ave 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com
BEST PIZZA Biga Pizza It’s hard to believe that it’s been nine years since Biga Pizza first threw open its doors to the ravenous masses. In fact, it only seems like yesterday that chef Bob Marshall and his wife, musician and allaround cool artist, Cindy, lit the fire in what is now a cozy neighborhood pizzeria. The pies are made from scratch with an ever-rotating selection of artisan and seasonal ingredients, which is what makes it a winner in the eyes of many. Don’t care about all that foodie lingo? All you need to know is that the Vesuvio will blow your mind—just like the volcano. Biga Pizza: 241 W. Main St • 728-2579 • bigapizza.com Finalists, Best Pizza 2. Bridge Pizza 600 S. Higgins Ave 542-0002 bridgepizza.com 3. MacKenzie River Pizza Company Multiple locations 721-0077 mackenzieriverpizza.com
Finn & Porter
BEST PIZZA DELIVERY Bridge Pizza True story: Weekend night, chili warming on the stovetop and, in the waning hour of sunlight, a spontaneous jaunt to the local sledding hill for a little fun. The sledding couldn’t have been better, but when we returned home the house smelled rank. Something had happened to the old stove, burning the chili into what looked like tar. Starving and more than a little relieved the house didn’t go down in flames, we did what any Best of Missoula voter would do in a similar situation: We called 542-0002 and asked for a couple of pies, stat. Before we could fully fumigate the house, a friendly driver from Bridge Pizza pulled up with a large Madison (prosciutto and pineapple chutney on white) and a small pepperoni. We were saved, satiated with good food—and happy to reward our delivery driver with a big tip. Bridge Pizza: 600 S. Higgins • 542-0002 • bridgepizza.com Finalists, Best Pizza Delivery 2. TIE: Zimorino’s 1250 W. Broadway 541-7437 zimorinos.com
[22] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
photo by Amy Donovan
Pizza Hut Multiple locations 251-4417 pizzahut.com 3. Howard’s Pizza 2010 South Avenue W 721-2011 howardspizza.com BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE Taco del Sol Taco del Sol is not only a great place to avoid coworkers for an hour, but an easy one to find, too. Just pick one of its four locations farthest from your workplace and you’re good to people-watch, read the Indy or scroll through your Facebook feed in peace. Plus, Taco del Sol’s top-notch fish tacos, dripping five-napkin burritos, creamy horchata and utilitarian selection of canned beers make for good fuel for afternoon productivity—or long chats at the water cooler. Taco del Sol: Multiple locations • 327-8929 • tacodelsol.com Finalists, Best Place to Eat Alone 2. Five on Black 325 N. Higgins Ave 926-1860 fiveonblack.com
BEST PRODUCE BEST SALAD BEST SUPERMARKET BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD Good Food Store When it comes to groceries, i.e. DIY meals, Good Food Store’s name proves selfexplanatory. Step inside this nirvana of a supermarket and you’ll find yourself wandering, as in a dream, through piles of organic kale, avocados, beets and mushrooms; perusing a bulk aisle filled with grains you’ve never even heard of; contemplating local grass-fed beef and free-range eggs; and wondering if you need a new bamboo cutting board shaped like Montana. It’s no surprise that GFS is regarded as Missoula’s best destination for fresh produce and pantry sundries—but wait, there’s more! GFS also boasts a salad bar and prepared food section that will make even non-vegetarians salivate. From wok bowls piled high with protein, sauce and veggies to vegan and gluten-free soup options, GFS is truly, as it bills itself, “one of Montana’s natural wonders.” Good Food Store: 1600 S. 3rd St W • 541-3663 • goodfoodstore.com Finalists, Best Produce 2. Orange Street Food Farm 701 S. Orange St 543-3188 orangestreetfoodfarm.com 3. Farmers’ Markets Downtown Missoula (seasonal) Finalists, Best Salad 2. Romaines 3075 N. Reserve St, #N 317-1829 romainessalads.com 3. Iron Horse 501 N. Higgins Ave 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com
Finalists, Best Supermarket 2. Orange Street Food Farm 701 S. Orange St 543-3188 orangestreetfoodfarm.com 3. Pattee Creek Market 704 SW Higgins Ave 721-2456 facebook.com/pages/pattee-creek-market
3. TIE: Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com The Silk Road 515 S. Higgins 541-0752 silkroadcatering.com
Finalists, Best Vegetarian Food 2. Five on Black 325 N. Higgins Ave 926-1860 fiveonblack.com 3. Romaines 3075 N. Reserve St, #N 317-1829 romainessalads.com
Finalists, Best Restaurant Service 2. The Red Bird 111 N. Higgins Ave, #100 549-2906 redbirdrestaurant.com 3. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula
BEST RESTAURANT BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE BEST ROMANTIC DINING Pearl Café In a city full of locavores, regional ingredients like Idaho trout, Snake River steak and Ninemile Columbian ground squirrel are an easy sell. Enhancing these menu items with a crumble of French cheese and a glass of Spanish red requires a deft culinary touch, the kind regularly on display at the Pearl Cafe. There are no wrong choices here, only delicious and romantic ones. And if narrowing down the options proves too tricky, the wait staff is always ready with a suggestion or two. Pearl Café: 231 E. Front St • 541-0231 • pearlcafe.us Finalists, Best Restaurant 2. The Red Bird 111 N. Higgins, 549-2906, redbirdrestaurant.com
Finalists, Best Romantic Dining 2. The Red Bird 111 N. Higgins Ave, #100 549-2906 redbirdrestaurant.com 3. Plonk Wine Bar 322 N. Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com
BEST RESTAURANT WINE LIST The Red Bird If you can comfortably pronounce “Hibou de Nuit Gewürztraminer” then you should probably head over to The Red Bird for a celebratory bottle of wine, if you’re not already ordering it from the menu. But if you are perhaps not as well trained in pronouncing German wines, The Red Bird has a selection that is both satisfying to sip on and not as difficult to pronounce. Ranging from white to rosé to red and all the bubbles in between, the Red Bird has claimed another
MI S SS K OU N Eco-friendly A LA Cleaners H T "Missoula's Clean Spots"
BEST DRY CLEANER BEST LAUNDROMAT
Beastro
photo by Robin Carleton
146 Woodford St. 728-1948
960 E. Broadway 728-1919
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [23]
Union owned & operated. 208 E. Main • 728-7980
Live Music Every Friday & Saturday Night
* Never A Cover * Thanks to our loyal customers for voting us Best Place to Dance In Missoula 15 years running!
win with its extensive and delicious wine list. The Red Bird: 111 N. Higgins Ave, #100 • 549-2906 • redbirdrestaurant.com
tour the beer globe now and then. Orange Street Food Farm: 701 S. Orange St • 5433188 • orangestreetfoodfarm.com
Finalists, Best Restaurant Wine List 2. Plonk Wine Bar 322 N. Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com 3. Caffè Dolce 500 Brooks St 830-3055 caffedolcemissoula.com
Finalists, Best Retail Beer Selection 2. Worden’s Market & Deli 451 N. Higgins Ave 549-1293 wordens.com 3. Pattee Creek Market 704 SW Higgins Ave 721-2456 facebook.com/pages/pattee-creek-market
BEST RETAIL BEER SELECTION Orange Street Food Farm There’s a lot of beer in the world, and the folks at Orange Street Food Farm have made it their business over the years to put as much of it into the hands of Missoulians as possible. Local seasonals and regional craft brews are in good supply, but adventurous beer drinkers will find some unusual foreign gems as well. With the dawning of another Missoula summer, Food Farm regulars have been gorging themselves on a citrusy little German import called Schofferhofer grapefruit hefeweizen. While it’ll never really replace everyone’s favorite Montana staples, there’s something to be said for a grocer that recognizes the need to
BEST RETAIL WINE SELECTION Worden’s Market & Deli You don’t have to be an oenophile to know that Worden’s wine selection is the real deal. Worden’s wine room features rows of bottles at every price point, from affordable basics like Yellowtail to pricier vintages from Italy and France. Helpful signs also point out Wine Spectator magazine’s top-rated vintages, in case it’s all too much to choose from. Whether it’s a picnic in the grass or you’re celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime moment with loved ones, Worden’s will likely have just the right tipple. Worden’s Market & Deli: 451 N. Higgins Ave • 549-1293 • wordens.com
STAFFPICK>>> Best Way to Launch into Space Though we’ve certainly dreamed about it—especially after seeing the 1986 movie—some of us never got to go to space camp. And some of us are still crying about it. The good thing is, we live in a place where stars and planets are visible from backyards and hilltops. Plus, we have the incredible Blue Mountain Observatory where you can view the universe on summer nights during public observing nights.
photo courtesy of Todd Goodrich
More recently, the University of Montana opened a planetarium for public and private shows. Inside the Star Gazing Room in the basement of the Payne Family Native American Center, audiences get to see magnificent projections of constellations and other space objects. The 50-minute visual feast also focuses on different topics, including star lore, new solar physics discoveries and information on current space missions. The twice-monthly, Friday night shows cost $6 for adults, $4 for kids ages 12 and younger, and tickets are available on eventbrite.com. Apparently the high-tech projector is able to show both real-time objects plus depict what the Missoula sky will look like 100,000 years into the future. All that, and you don’t even have to eat freeze-dried ice cream.
[24] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Finalists, Best Retail Wine Selection 2. CVS 1902 Brooks St 728-1380 cvs.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S. 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com
BEST SANDWICH SHOP Doc’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop Doc’s describes its famed Hangover Stew as a “tummy-warming blend” of various veggies and herbs, but the same may as well be said for every item on the menu. Walking in the door of this downtown staple is to leave behind the mundane world of club sandwiches and peanut butter with jelly. The devil’s in the details, with garnishes of chopped apple, grated carrot, avocado and pineapple-apricot jam spicing up every brand of deli meat that once squawked, oinked or mooed. Served hot or cold, every medley of flavor in the Doc’s arsenal is enough to warm the stomach and please the palate. Doc’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop: 214 N. Higgins Ave • 542-7414 • docsgourmet.com Finalists, Best Sandwich Shop 2. Tagliare 1433 S. Higgins Ave
830-3049 facebook.com/pages/tagliare 3. Dan’s Soup and San 2700 Paxson St, #M 549-7263 danssoupandsan.com
BEST SEAFOOD BEST STEAK The Depot When you’re a long day’s drive from the nearest ocean, finding great seafood can be harder than locating a hint of humility from Floyd Mayweather. But for those of us who never met a shellfish we didn’t like, The Depot offers a wide variety of the finest bounty of the sea. If your taste for meat runs to the more terrestrial, The Depot shares Jake LaMotta’s philosophy about steak: “Don’t overcook it! You overcook it, it’s no good. It defeats its own purpose!” At The Depot they hand-trim their prime cuts of beef daily to prepare tenderloins that are seasoned and cooked to mouth-watering perfection. Whether you’re going 12 rounds with a 14-ounce New York strip or tucking into The Depot Steak—an 8-ounce tenderloin topped with Alaskan king crab and Béarnaise—it’s a guaranteed knockout. The Depot: 201 Railroad St W • 728-7007 • depotmissoula.com
Finalists, Best Seafood 2. Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree 100 Madison St 542-4660 finnandporter.com/missoula 3. Sushi Hana 403 N. Higgins Ave 549-7979 sushihanamissoula.com Finalists, Best Steak 2. Lolo Creek Steakhouse 6600 Hwy 12 W, Lolo 273-2622 lolocreeksteakhouse.com 3. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula
shop’s ambiance home with you. Butterfly Herbs offers an extensive section of bulk herbs, spices and teas for every palate and price range, all presented in old-fashioned apothecary style jars. As you make your selection, you can also pick out all the right tea accoutrements, including delicate china and festively decorated mugs, and host a tea party worthy of “Downton Abbey.” Butterfly Herbs: 232 N. Higgins Ave • 728-8780 • butterflyherbs.com Finalists, Best Tea 2. Lake Missoula Tea Company 136 E. Broadway St 529-9477 lakemissoulateacompany.com 3. Liquid Planet 223 N. Higgins Ave 541-4541 liquidplanet.com
BEST TEA Butterfly Herbs For decades, Butterfly Herbs has been a second home for local artists, poets and writers. It’s impossible to calculate how many creative ideas and collaborations have been hatched at the back counter over pots of tea. When picking out something to sip for your next eureka moment, Butterfly Herbs lets you choose among loose-leaf options, from exotic white teas to soothing, aromatic rose-mint herbal blends. You can also take some of the
BEST WAITER/WAITRESS Cheryl Nickey, Jakers Jakers recently updated its menu, a pretty common occurrence at restaurants as seasons, chefs and trends change. But you know what doesn’t change at Jakers? The calming presence of Cheryl Nickey, the decade-plus server who works this busy bar and grill like the seasoned veteran she is. Even during the restaurant’s most chaotic shifts—think Happy
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [25]
Hour and weekend nights—Nickey maintains the same accommodating and friendly stance that makes a couple feel like they’re the only ones in the joint. What’s even cooler is that Nickey has a freakish ability to remember those she’s waited on before, so the next time that couple comes in chances are she’ll greet them with a smile and a sincere, “Good to see you two again.” Finalists, Best Waiter/Waitress 2. Rory Johnson, Burns St. Bistro 3. Carl Sievers, Red Bird BEST WINGS Desperado Sports Tavern When it’s fourth and long, bottom of the ninth with two outs, and you’re down by a free throw with five seconds left, there’s only one question you can ask yourself: Do I go with buffalo, teriyaki or sissy sauce? At the Despo, it’s hard to make the wrong call. There have been pretenders to the wings throne over the years, but Missoula’s popular sports bar reigns supreme. Their menu is bursting with hardcore stadium food to match the big screens ’n beer atmosphere, but the wings are far and away the glistening stars of their bill of fare. Or call an audible and order the gizzards—your companions will never see it coming. Desperado Sports Tavern: 3101 S. Russell St • 549-9651 • facebook.com/pages/desperado-sports-tavern
Finalists, Best Wings 2. Buffalo Wild Wings 2615 Radio Way 829-9464 buffalowildwings.com 3. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula
BEST MEXICAN FOOD El Cazador There’s an old adage that’s old because it’s true: The farther north you get from Mexico, the harder it is to find decent Mexican food. Once again, El Cazador proves the exception by bringing Missoula a lot closer to Old Mexico. For 20 years, Alfredo Hernandez and his family have offered a menu full of Mexican favorites prepared in a traditional style. No trendy Latin fusion or Southweststyle amalgams here. From the mole to the guacamole, from the homemade chips and salsa to the salmon enchiladas, El Cazador’s cheerful staff serves it up in a comfortable, festive atmosphere. One word of caution: When your server says the plate is caliente, you must resist the powerful urge to touch it. El Cazador: 101 S. Higgins • 728-3657 • elcazadormissoula.com
[26] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Finalists, Best Mexican Food 2. Fiesta en Jalisco 3701 Brooks St, #A 728-1323; 4888 N. Reserve St 543-7757 fiestaenjalisco.net 3. Taco del Sol Multiple locations 327-8929 tacodelsol.com
GOODS & SERVICES
GOODS & SERVICES
BEST ADULT STORE Adam & Eve Packed with an impressive amount of inventory, Adam & Eve is well-versed in all things sexy. Serving both men and women, this store has just the right item to spice up your sex life, whether you’re on the hunt for lacy lingerie, a penis-shaped pinata or a new battery-powered buddy. Adam & Eve’s no judgment zone lets customers peruse at peace for whatever may fulfill each and every kink. And yes, there is a Fifty Shades of Grey section. Adam & Eve: 1401 W. Broadway St • 549-4688 • adamevemt.com Finalists, Best Adult Store 2. Fantasy For Adults 2611 Brooks St 542-1801 fantasyforadultsonly.com
3. Midnight Dreams 2700 Paxson St, #C1 542-6227 midnightdreamslingerie.com
BEST ANTIQUES Montana Antique Mall Everything has a price tag at the Montana Antique Mall, but the mind-bogglingly packed store also serves as a de facto museum where you can peruse everything from World War I paraphernalia to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pins circa 1990. Just make sure you keep track of the time—with four floors of antiques, you may not be noticed when the shop closes for the day, and the owners assure us that ghosts do indeed inhabit the building. Don’t worry, though, they don’t tend to cause trouble. Perhaps they’re just trying to hang out with their old possessions. Montana Antique Mall: 331 Railroad St • 7215366 • montanaantiquemall.com Finalists, Best Antiques 2. Zootown Thrift 1444 W. Broadway St 552-7732 zootownthrift.com 3. Circle Square Second Hand Store 519 N. Higgins Ave 549-3512 2ndhand.com
BEST AUTO REPAIR Kent Brothers Shop owner Eddie Joy has a pretty good idea why folks prefer to take their ailing rigs to Kent Brothers. For starters, customers are generally pretty impressed that the mechanics remember not only their names but the names of their dogs. There’s more to it than just treating customers like personal friends, though. One thing Kent Brothers aims for, Joy says, is to “take the mystery out of the work.” That means articulating to people exactly what’s going on under the hood and helping them understand how Kent Brothers goes the extra mile. “People appreciate that we fix their cars, fix the problem,” Joy says, “rather than just replace the parts.” Kent Bros Automotive: 127 S. 4th St W • 728-1747 • kentbrothersautomotive.com Finalists, Best Auto Repair 2. Roemer’s 240 E. Broadway St 549-6425 repairautomissoula.com 3. Unique Auto 1414 Montana St 728-3144 missoulaautoservice.com
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION Missoula Federal Credit Union Serving as a member-owned cooperative, the Missoula Federal Credit Union puts the power in the people’s hands, and then gives even more back to the community. Marketing Director Ginnie Morey says the credit union not only offers low fees and interest rates, but the employees also dedicate themselves to serving Missoula far beyond the counter. With free classes for first-time homebuyers, rewards for MFCU debit and credit card users and more than 2,500 hours of volunteer work logged by employees, this credit union invests in both its customers and the community. Missoula Federal Credit Union: Multiple locations • 523-3300 • missoulafcu.org Finalists, Best Bank/Credit Union 2. First Security Bank Multiple locations 728-3115 fsbmsla.com 3. First Interstate Bank Multiple locations 523-4200 firstinterstatebank.com
BEST BIG BOX STORE Costco Adopting the Missoula lifestyle comes with certain necessities. Our penchant for barbecuing, for instance, means you’ll always be the hero if you show up with beer, chips and dip. You’ll want to pack tubs of trail mix for weekend hikes. Chilly winters require a
drawer full of wool socks. Hosting a First Friday reception calls for magnum bottles of wine and mini brownies. And for all this and more, our readers have voted Costco the best place to snap it all up—and grab a bite of the popular free samples while they’re at it. Costco: 3220 N. Reserve St • 543-6445 • costco.com Finalists, Best Big Box Store 2. Target 2420 N. Reserve St 543-4000 target.com 3. Walmart 3555 Mullan Rd 829-8489; 4000 Hwy 93 S 251-6060 walmart.com
BEST BOOKSTORE The Book Exchange The Book Exchange’s Brooks Street shop is sort of like Doctor Who’s Tardis: It might seem small on the outside, but inside, you can spend hours wandering its aisles. The cozy shop stocks gently used and new paperbacks and hardcovers for every interest, from guides to pagan witchcraft to Hemingway classics. The discounted prices and exchange program make it easy to load up your basket with deals. On hot summer days, the Book Exchange’s air-conditioned confines make it an especially appealing spot to while away the hours. The Book Exchange: 2335 Brooks St • 728-6342 • booksmontana.com Finalists, Best Bookstore 2. Fact & Fiction 220 N. Higgins Ave 721-2881; 5 Campus Dr 243-1234 factandfictionbooks.com 3. Shakespeare & Co. 103 S. 3rd St W 549-9010 shakespeareandco.com
BEST CAR WASH Happy Days Did you drive through mud? Yes. Park under a birdhouse? Yep. Let your kids become Picasso reincarnate with markers? Of course. Whatever the cause may be, Happy Days can turn your frown upside down as Missoula’s best car wash. Even if encrusted dirt is the reason your car’s frame is still together, Happy Days offers a gentle yet effective wash. So, go out and get dirty again, because this trusty stop—which has retained its place atop this category—isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Happy Days: 2500 Brooks St • 728-5527
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [27]
Imagination Station
Finalists, Best Car Wash 2. Dazzlers 2610 Radio Way 728-6262 3. Splash 2050 Cooper St 721-3743
BEST CDS & MUSIC BEST STORE FOR GIFTS Rockin Rudy’s We went to Rockin Rudy’s to do some boots-on-ground reporting for the local institution’s latest round of Best of Missoula wins. After scoping out some of the newest merchandise, like the sweet line of clothing from Soul Flower (organic cotton, recycled fibers, low-impact dyes, cool designs) and perusing the always stocked selection of CDs from local artists, and then stopping at the listening stations to sample some of the latest releases, we took the time to interview perhaps the most recognizable employee in the store, Saul. Despite our best efforts to get Saul to ruminate on Rockin Rudy’s reign, the store cat sat stoically and refused to do anything but purr. His message seemed to be: It’s good to be the king. Rockin Rudy’s: 237 Blaine St • 542-0077 • rockinrudys.com Finalists, Best CDs & Music 2. Ear Candy 624 S. Higgins Ave 542-5029 earcandymusic.biz 3. Hastings 2501 Brooks St 542-1077 gohastings.com Finalists, Best Store for Gifts 2. Green Light 301 N. Higgins Ave 541-0080 greenlightmt.com
[28] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
photo by Amy Donovan
3. Artists’ Shop 127 N. Higgins Ave 543-6393 missoulaartistsshop.com
BEST COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP Re-Compute Like its website and storefront, Re-Compute is no-nonsense. They fix computers. All kinds, all brands, since 1998. Though we don’t like to admit it, sometimes things break. Sometimes you end up on Re-Compute’s front steps at 8:59 a.m., banging on the door sobbing, praying they can save your 1,000-page manuscript about mutant grizzly bears trapped in the Berkeley Pit. They’ll be there. They also recycle electronics, so you know where to take that first-gen iMac when it’s time for an upgrade. Re-Compute: 1337 W. Broadway St • 5438287 • recomputecomputers.com/missoula Finalists, Best Computer Repair Shop 2. Computer Guys 2240 South Ave W 542-2800 computerguysmt.com 3. The Techxorcist 1122 Jackson St 542-3232 techxorcist.net
BEST DRY CLEANER BEST LAUNDROMAT Green Hanger Clothes can be fickle. One accidental toss into the dryer and your favorite red shirt not only turned everything else a shade of pink, but it is now hugging you in all the wrong ways. Thankfully, Green Hanger’s dry cleaning services can handle your clothes with care while being nice to Mother Earth, too. This environmentally friendly stop has two locations that both offer card-accepting
STAFFPICK>>> Best Place to Witness Human Triumph Over Human Mistakes The Milltown Dam was built in 1908 at the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot to bring hydroelectricity to the sawmills in Bonner. But mere months after the dam was constructed, a record-breaking flood washed tons of heavy metals from the Butte and Anaconda mines and deposited them behind the dam. By the early 1980s, Bonner residents were finding arsenic in their drinking water and the Milltown Dam site became part of the largest Superfund complex in the western U.S. This story has a happy ending, though. Beginning in 2003, the state of Montana began implementing a “Three Rs” plan—remediation, restoration and redevelopment—to the area, including the creation of a new state park. Thanks to a joint effort by state groups and volunteers, the overlook at the newly minted Milltown State Park is now open to the public and the rest of the park is slated to open later this year. Fishing, hiking and picnics in a former Superfund site? We consider this to be a wonderful example of humans working together to restore the damage wrought by humans. Once the park opens for picnicking, let’s each raise a toast to teamwork. washers and dryers while giving customers free laundry soap, too. While waiting for these large-capacity machines to do their thing, customers can also surf through the web on the Green Hanger’s free WiFi. Green Hanger: 960 E. Broadway St • 7281919; 146 Woodford St • 728-1948 • greenhangermissoula.com Finalists, Best Dry Cleaner 2. Missoula Textile 111 E. Spruce • 543-5171 1201 Burlington Ave • 543-7798 missoulatextiles.com 3. Fresh Natural Cleaners 1132 SW Higgins, #220 542-8100 freshnaturalcleaners.com
Finalists, Best Laundromat 2. Sparkle Laundry 812 S. Higgins Ave 721-5146 3. Grimebusters 1202 W. Kent Ave 721-3429 grimebusters.findalaundry.org
BEST FLORIST Bitterroot Flower Shop In Victorian times, giving a bouquet of flowers was an old-school version of sending a text message, and each flower had a specific meaning. Daisies indicated the sender’s loyal love and innocence. Daylilies were flirty. Gardenias said “you’re lovely.” Striped carna-
tions meant “Sorry, maybe some other time.” Azaleas said, “Take care of yourself for me.” When words just aren’t enough, you can express a thousand sentiments with the array of bouquets from Bitterroot Flower Shop. The florist offers delivery, custom designs and big-scale event services, and it’s been a Missoula favorite since it opened in its Higgins Avenue location in 1946. If you’re looking for a little something to suit any occasion, we’d suggest the “Growler for Two,” which is a glass growler filled with fresh blooms and tagged with a gift certificate for Draught Works. If we had to translate that one for the Victorians, we’d say it means that a true-blue Missoulian loves you. Bitterroot Flower Shop: 811 S. Higgins Ave • 542-0309 • bitterrootflowershop.com Finalists, Best Florist 2. Garden City Floral 2510 Spurgin Rd 543-6627 gardencityfloral.com 3. Habitat Floral 211 N. Higgins Ave, #101 543-0967 habitatfloralstudio.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE Wagner’s Home Furnishings Someone recently stopped by our of-
fices and dropped off a stack of early editions of the Indy—mostly from 1993, when the paper cost 50 cents—and a few late’80s issues of the local daily paper. Among the latter, we couldn’t help but notice a retro looking full-page ad for Wagner’s, touting the company’s then-35 years of “offering service before, during and after the purchase.” Another 28 years later—Wagner’s first opened on East Front Street in 1953— not much has changed with how this Missoula staple does business. Oh, sure, the styles and offerings are updated, and there’s a modern storefront at SW Higgins Avenue, but it’s still the same family-owned operation that local customers have come to know and trust. In fact, the tagline from that 1988 ad is still used by Wagner’s today: “Because we believe home should be the nicest place you ever go.” Wagner’s Home Furnishings: 916 SW Higgins Ave • 7283214 • wagnershomefurnishings.com Finalists, Best Furniture Store 2. The Living Room 2610 S. Reserve St 721-1340 thelivingroomfurniture.com 3. Furniture Row 3411 N. Reserve St 728-3700 furniturerow.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [29]
BEST GARDEN CENTER Caras Nursery If summer was encapsulated into one happy and bright flower, it would be a geranium at Caras Nursery. Described by employees as being one of the garden center’s top choices, geraniums sit among a veritable field of colorful options at Caras. After three generations and more than 100 years in business, Caras tackles all things indoor, outdoor and Christmas—and keeps its doors open no matter what season it is. Caras Nursery: 2727 S. 3rd St W • 543-3333 • carasnursery.com Finalists, Best Garden Center 2. Pink Grizzly 1400 Wyoming St 728-3370 facebook.com/pink-grizzly-greenhouse 3. Garden City Garden Supply 1000 E. Broadway St 830-3443 gardencitygardensupply.com
BEST GREEN BUSINESS Home ReSource Home ReSource has made interesting use of the smartphone app Instagram in recent months. Moving beyond photos of available materials and construction project ideas, the reuse center is now teasing future home improvement shoppers with images
from its deconstruction projects around Missoula. Consider it a sneak peek at the goods, a preview of the planks and beams destined to hit shelves in the weeks or months to come. Home ReSource has already helped redefine what it means to be green in this town. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that they found a use for the hashtag “reclaimedlumber.” Home ReSource: 1515 Wyoming St • 541-8300 • homeresource.org Finalists, Best Green Business 2. Green Light 301 N. Higgins Ave 541-0080 greenlightmt.com 3. Garden City Garden Supply 1000 E. Broadway St 830-3443 gardencitygardensupply.com
BEST HEAD SHOP Piece of Mind If you’re looking to toke in style, Piece of Mind’s got you covered with a dizzying selection of pipes and accessories. Need something for that special smoker in your life? How about a locally crocheted lighter pouch or a hand-carved antler pipe or a Rasta-themed one-hitter? Or, for the one who has everything, consider the “Bud Bug,” a cute, auto-
[30] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
mated grinder that takes “tobacco” in a compartment on its back, then scoots along a table and “poops” out packable portions. “We try to carry things at the forefront of glass art, but also something you can drop on the ground without worrying,” says manager Sarah Exum. Piece of Mind: 123 W. Main St • 830-3206 • pieceofmind.net Finalists, Best Head Shop 2. Mellow Mood 630 S. Higgins Ave 728-0777 facebook.com/pages/mellow-mood-missoula 3. Atmosphere Smoke Shop 115 W. Main St 728-4420 atmomt.com
BEST HARDWARE STORE Ace Free popcorn is only one of the best things about Ace. The hardware store, which has two locations in Missoula, doesn’t get any better for do-it-yourself types working on the next big project. It is literally a nuts-and-bolts store, but it’s curated for people who like to wander. We happen to like it for gifts. Need a stocking stuffer? There’s a package of brand new bungee cords for your adventurous loved one. Need a present for the cooking maniac in you life? The wall of dutch oven accoutrements is
to die for. The only problem is, it’s hard to get out of there with only the item you came in for. In fact, sometimes it’s difficult to get out of the store at all. Hardware like this can be seductive. Ace: 2301 Brooks St • 728-3030; 905 E. Broadway • 721-9690 • montanaace.com Finalists, Best Hardware Store 1. Home Depot 2725 Radio Way 523-0901 homedepot.com 2. Home ReSource 1515 Wyoming St 541-8300 homeresource.org
BEST HOBBY/CRAFT SHOP Treasure Chest Calling the Treasure Chest a hobby shop is like saying Willie Nelson smokes a touch of the weed now and again. The venerable arts and crafts and hobby mecca just off Brooks Street is a Missoula institution, an outfitter of dreams, the wind beneath our hot glue wings. Whether you’re creating your own world from scratch or looking to blast off into space to find a new one, the Treasure Chest has the tools to fuel your imagination. Painting supplies, crafty bits, model trains, doll-making, beading, RC cars and aircraft, whatever kind of creative hobby you’re into, the Treasure Chest proba-
bly has not only the goods, but the expertise to guide you. Treasure Chest: 1612 Benton Ave • 549-7992 • treasurechesthobbies.com Finalists, Best Hobby/Craft Shop 2. Michael’s 2850 N. Reserve St 542-0128 michaels.com 3. Jo-Ann Fabric 1900 Brooks St 543-5244 joann.com
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES Cost Plus World Market In a city with a bohemian vibe, it’s natural that you might want to find a fittingly groovy set-up for your pad. Cost Plus World Market, which recently opened near Southgate Mall, stocks decor and furnishings that Janis Joplin would totally dig, like silk pillows, paisley-print dinnerware, jewel-toned sofas and much more—and you don’t have to be a rockstar to afford any of it, either. Cost Plus World Market: 3025 Paxson St • 542-6669 • worldmarket.com Finalists, Best Home Accessories 2. House Design Studio 133 N. Higgins Ave 541-6960 housedesignstudio.net 3. Real Deals 2150 South Ave W 830-3059 realdeals.net/missoula
BEST HOME APPLIANCES Fred’s Appliance Appliances to cool things. Appliances to freeze things. Appliances to heat things. Ap-
Quick Paws
pliances to clean things. Whether you’re looking to whir, blend, grill, dice or nuke, there’s an appliance for it and Fred’s probably has it. The appliance superstore, with eight locations in the stretch between eastern Oregon and western Montana, has a reputation for good in-store selection and personable service. And perhaps best of all, a trip to Fred’s can have you talking with a real person, and save you from reading 7,562 online comments about 56 different blenders. Fred’s Appliance: 4949 Buckhouse Ln C • 251-7132 • fredsappliances.com Finalists, Best Home Appliances 2. Lowe’s 3100 N. Reserve St 329-1800 lowes.com 3. Sears 800-697-3277 sears.com
BEST HOME ELECTRONICS Best Buy While a couple of local home electronics behemoths have gone the way of the woolly mammoth in the last few years, Best Buy remains the favorite source of all things that need either AA batteries or a USB cable. Our lives are increasingly tied to the grid and the knowledgeable dudes and dudettes in the royal blue golf shirts continue to provide the know-how to keep us all connected and happy. In a world where our refrigerators dispense hot water and our phones can tell us when it’s time to feed the dog, it’s comforting to know that the Geek Squad is out there, fully prepared to explain things like 802.11 and bluesnarfing. Best Buy: 2640 N. Reserve St • 829-0409 • bestbuy.com
photo by Amy Donovan
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [31]
STAFFPICK>>> Best Place for an Impromptu Performance Sitting outside of Hunter Bay Coffee on Higgins Avenue is a piano draped in a blue cover, waiting for a passerby to find it worthy of a musical moment. For another season, this Play It Missoula! piano will join the sounds of the streets–along with a few other pianos placed around downtown–in a community project to showcase visual art and music. Beginning in 2014 as a partnership between the Downtown Business Improvement District and the University of Montana Keyboard Society, these pianos allow Missoulians to connect with one another and the community through each stroke of a key. Designed to enhance the culture that is Missoula, the pianos are revealed in early June as hand-painted works of art and are available to anyone to play, whether it’s Chopin’s “Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor” or “Hot Cross Buns.” Finalists, Best Home Electronics 2. Costco 3220 N. Reserve St 543-6445 costco.com 3. Walmart 3555 Mullan Rd 829-8489 4000 Hwy 93 S 251-6060 www.walmart.com
BEST LAWYER Marty Judnich Sometimes you take the car out for a nightcap and wind up with the red-and-blue flashers in your rearview. Whether you did anything wrong is irrelevant, because either way you’ll be stuck with a labyrinth of legal obligations as soon as the cop touches pen to paper. You don’t want to navigate them alone, and Marty Judnich is just the guy to call. Judnich specializes in personal injury and DUI cases, and he takes a particular interest in keeping up with the ever-changing stipulations of DUI laws that can be intimidating to the layman. Marty Judnich: 2419 Mullan Rd, #B • 721-3354 • judnichlaw.com Finalists, Best Lawyer 2. Nate Wagner 201 W. Main St 728-0810 dmllaw.com 3. Paul Ryan 218 E. Front St, #210 542-2233 paulryanlaw.com
BEST LODGING DoubleTree Hotel The DoubleTree has won this spot enough times that our readers—and their visiting friends and family—already know about the hotel’s laid-back luxury, comfy rooms, riverside view and excellent customer service. So let’s talk about the cookie. Whenever you check in to the DoubleTree in Missoula, you’re handed a warm chocolate-chip cookie. It’s a simple welcoming gesture, but that description doesn’t do justice to the deliciousness of that world-famous cookie. Yes, world famous. DoubleTree proudly boasts that
[32] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Christie Cookie Company holds the secret recipe to a treat that’s handed out approximately 77,000 times a day or 28 million times a year at hotels from Missoula to Malaysia. We’re not suggesting these cookies are the reason DoubleTree wins this category so often, but they certainly don’t hurt. DoubleTree Hotel: 100 Madison St • 728-3100 • DoubleTree Missoula Finalists, Best Lodging 2. C’mon Inn 2775 Expo Parkway 543-4600 cmoninn.com/missoula 3. Holiday Inn - Downtown 200 S. Pattee St 721-8550 ihg.com
BEST MOTORCYCLE/ATV DEALER Grizzly Harley-Davidson There’s a secret hand sign shared between motorcycle riders as they pass each other on the open road. It serves as a simple “hello,” but symbolizes the entire culture riders inherit with owning a bike. Grizzly HarleyDavidson keeps its doors open seven days a week for anyone interested in joining the family with new and used bikes, along with all the accessories a biker could need. Whether customers are thundering through the valley on a day trip or going across the country, Grizzly Harley-Davidson offers all the preparation one could need. Grizzly Harley-Davidson: 5106 E. Harrier • 721-2154 • grizzlyhd.com Finalists, Best Motorcycle/ATV Dealer 2. Maverick Motorsports 4950 N. Reserve St 549-4260 mavmotorsports.com 3. Five Valley Honda 5900 Hwy 93 S 251-5900 fivevalleyhondayamaha.com
BEST NEW RETAIL STORE Kohl’s As we were writing this blurb, Kohl’s was advertising a weekend sale that offered $10 off any purchase of $50 or more. Thanks, Kohl’s. No, really. It’s hard enough to stay fo-
cused on work during a beautiful Missoula summer day, but now you’ve got us daydreaming about new sheets for our bedroom, a new bathing suit, perhaps a new Keurig coffeemaker and any number of other things offered at the department store within the recently built—and still expanding—South Crossing complex. With such great everyday prices and frequent sales, at least we know we don’t have to rush out right this minute to get our shopping in. But on second thought, this blurb is pretty much written so … Kohl’s: 3640 Brooks St • 251-9836 • kohls.com
for a while, but also someone who has some stake in the community. General Manager Jason Nordberg says that’s one of the dealership’s best attributes—employees who are interested in building positive relationships with their customers, not hassling them out of a buck. Karl Tyler also makes generous contributions to local organizations like Watson Children’s Center and the YMCA, so you know they’re in it for more than the shiny cars. They want to support the community around their customers, too. Karl Tyler Chevrolet: 3663 N. Reserve St • 721-2438 • gmofmontana.com
Finalists, Best New Retail Store 2. Cabela’s 3650 Brooks St 203-5400 cabelas.com 3. Cost Plus World Market 3025 Paxson St 542-6669 worldmarket.com
Finalists, Best New-Car Dealer 2. Lithia 4001 Brooks St 532-1300 lithiachryslermissoula.com 3. Bitterroot Motors 3943 Brooks St 888-712-2964 bitterrootford.com
BEST NEW-CAR DEALER Karl Tyler Chevrolet If you head over to Karl Tyler to buy a car or truck, you won’t get bombarded by some slick-haired, fast-talkin’, flip-phone-ona-belt-clip kind of salesperson. You’ll get someone who’s been around the business
BEST PAWN SHOP Liquid Assets Missoula’s most beloved pawn shop relocated last fall, but Liquid Assets is still going strong. Just as dedicated to customer service and reliability as before, owner Kevin Pfau consolidated Liquid Assets and his Liberty
Safe business into one new building on Highton Street in East Missoula. With the new storefront up and running, Liquid Assets now has better parking than the former downtown location, so customers can visit this perennial Best of Missoula winner at their leisure without having to worry about where to leave their cars. Liquid Assets: 615 Highton St, East Missoula • 542-6606 • liquidassetsmissoula.com Finalists, Best Pawn Shop 2. 1st Interstate Pawn 3110 S. Reserve St 721-7296 facebook.com/pages/1st-interstate-pawnmissoula 3. Riverside Pawn 1300 Clark Fork Dr 728-7296 riversidepawninc.com
BEST PET CARE/BOARDING Quick Paws Walking to Big Dipper and back after work isn’t your dog’s idea of “exercise.” Some pets need a little extra oomph to get their energy out each day and for them there’s Quick Paws. Owner/operator Charla Hoshor has been serving Missoula’s hike-needy dogs for more than a decade with a fleet of six Subarus and 18 employees. Most of their hikes take place on
private land with water access for when Fido gets hot, but they also maintain the only outfitters permit for hiking dogs off leash in Lolo National Forest. Going on vacation? They’re a catch-all service for boarding, hiking and home care, open every day of the year. Quick Paws: 1720 S. 3rd St W • 721-1943 • quickpaws.net Finalists, Best Pet Care/Boarding 2. Missoula Pet Au Pair 2500 S. Garfield St 493-0853 missoulapetaupair.com 3. Alpine Canine 3275 N. Reserve St, #D 541-4453 alpinecanine.com
BEST PET SUPPLIES GoFetch! There is a pup named Bella who was once a part of a wedding party. Prepped with what is now known as Fetching Formal Wear, that pup was ready for a night of celebration thanks to the inventive idea of GoFetch! and its owners, who can make collars with ties with a customer’s request. But beyond crafting adorable formal wear, GoFetch! offers toys, food and training for all of Missoula’s furry friends. GoFetch!: 3275 N. Reserve St, #G; 3800 Russell Square, #1500 • 7282275 • gofetchdog.com
Loan & Liquidation Company
CHECK US OUT IN-STORE OR ONLINE! liquidassetsmissoula.com 20
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I-90 & Highway 200 East Missoula • 542-6606
Thank You, Missoula, for voting us #1 19 years running missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [33]
Finalists, Best Pet Supplies 2. PetSmart 2850 N. Reserve St 549-9188 petsmart.com 3. Petco 3662 Brooks Ave 251-1362 petco.com
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY Garden City Property Management First-name basis isn’t just for bartenders and baristas, a fact Garden City Property Management prides itself on. “Usually we know your name and address when you come into the office,” says GCPM’s Lisa Gohrick. That’s just one small part of the company’s overall mission to provide professional-yet-friendly service. It’s widely known that GCPM offers new renters a one-year Costco membership, and the company strives to make moving an easy, stress-free process. In other words, before the ink on the lease is even dry, GCPM is working to make sure renters are, in Gohrick’s words, “happy in their homes.” Garden City Property Management: 422 Madison St • 549-6106 • gcpm-mt.com Finalists, Best Property Management Company 2. Real Estate Management Group 3011 American Way
532-9300 re-mg.com 3. Summit Property Management 800 Kensington Ave, #112 549-3929 rentspm.com
BEST RANCH SUPPLY STORE Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Montana’s a bit of a rough-and-tumble place, where the outdoors double as both workplace and playground. Tough boots, warm tops, snowblowers and chainsaws— these tend to qualify as the bare necessities around these parts, and Murdoch’s has them all under the same roof. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a livestock grower, it’s hard to imagine a better spot for one-stop shopping. And for those who still aren’t sold on Murdoch’s being the epitome of the Western lifestyle, look no further than the shop’s Father’s Day Gun Sale. It doesn’t get more Montana than that. Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply: 2801 W. Broadway St • 5492355 • murdochs.com Finalists, Best Ranch Supply Store 2. Cenex 4570 N. Reserve St 543-8383 cenexmt.com
[34] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
3. Axmen 7655 Hwy 10 W 728-7020 axmen.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Anne Jablonski Buying a house in Missoula can be a pretty wretched experience if you don’t know what you’re doing. While you’re busy at work or picking up the kid from guitar lessons, that dream home can be on and off the market before you have time to make an offer. Anne Jablonski’s there to handle the heavy lifting of buying or selling your new place. Past customers rave about her prompt correspondence and ability to negotiate sweet offers. Anne Jablonski, Portico Real Estate: 445 W. Alder St • 546-5816 • movemontana.com Finalists, Best Real Estate Agent 2. Liz Dye, Portico Real Estate 445 W. Alder St 531-4508 homemissoula.com 3. Mindy Palmer, Berkshire Hathaway Montana Properties 1020 South Ave W 239-6696 mindypalmer.com
BEST STORE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Morgenroth Music John Mayer, Carrie Brownstein and John Wicks all had to start somewhere. While it probably wasn’t at Morgenroth, this music store could just as well be training future rockstars. Boasting the largest printed music selection in western Montana, this crew knows all things instrumental and is eager to share the knowledge through instrument sales, rentals, training and more. Even if customers rock a little too hard, they’re happy to help out by fixing up instruments, too. Morgenroth Music: 1105 W. Sussex Ave • 5490013 • montanamusic.com Finalists, Best Store for Musical Instruments 2. Electronic Sound & Percussion 819 S. Higgins Ave 728-1117 espmusic.com 3. Outlaw Music 724 Burlington Ave 541-7533 outlawmusicguitarshop.com
BEST TOY STORE Imagination Station If you are a small child pressing your tiny nose against the window at Imagination Station, you might see a display teeming with dinosaurs
or a toy with “crushing jaws” that leaves dinosaur tracks in the dirt. You might also see jurassic eggs that hatch dinos or a scaly dinosaur mask with spooky yellow eyes or a robot dinosaur that can be powered by the sun or the paleontology set that lets you dig for bones. And that’s just one window pane. Imagination Station is a local shop that takes its toys seriously. It’s got that Santa’s workshop appeal, where even adults can’t help but feel a little bit giddy. Imagination Station: 227 N. Higgins Ave • 926-3325 • facebook.com/missoulasimaginationstation Finalists, Best Toy Store 2. Rockin Rudy’s 237 Blaine St 542-0077 rockinrudys.com 3. Target 2420 N. Reserve St 543-4000 target.com
BEST USED-CAR DEALER Eide Motors Next time you’re coming down Lookout Pass and smoke starts billowing from the hood, do yourself a favor. Put it in neutral and coast into Eide Motors. Tell them you want to trade your college beater in for something that gets you to the ski hill and back with no problems, no jimmying the ignition, no stopping halfway to top off the oil. Eide Motors ain’t no hooptie lot, but they also won’t make you sell an organ for reliable transportation. They’ll collaborate with one of six different local banks to find you the best financing and offer a wide range of cars and trucks with low miles and reasonable prices. Eide Motors: 3010 S. Reserve St • 721-2323 • eidemt.com Finalists, Best Used-Car Dealer 2. TIE: Flanagan’s 1776 Stephens Ave 721-1381 flanaganmotors.com Lyman Motors 2900 S. Reserve St 728-0000 lymanmotors.com 3. Jim’s 1801 W. Broadway 543-8269 jimscarsmissoula.com
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC/HOSPITAL Four Paws It might be a joke that everyone in Missoula has a dog, but it’s also not far from the truth. When your dog—or cat or ferret or turtle—has an issue, Four Paws is there to provide top-notch care. Vet clinic waiting rooms aren’t fun, no matter how many free treats they have on the counter, and the folks at Four Paws do
their best to get you in and out quickly with the help you need. Dr. Patti Prato works calmly and swiftly with animals, and tries to make the experience as painless as possible for your pet (and you). Four Paws: 2625 Connery Way • 542-3838 • facebook.com/pages/fourpaws-veterinary-clinic Finalists, Best Veterinary Clinic/Hospital 2. Pruyn Veterinary Hospital 2501 S. Russell St 829-8150 pruynvet.com 3. Missoula Veterinary Clinic 3701 Old Hwy 93 251-2400 missoulavetclinic.com
VX[GEV \T^V E\TG ] ZV F\V _CXVEF [XV TG V VD BT# FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS…
FOR CHOOSING WAGNER’S AS THE
As a Thank You for voting for Wagner’s Home Furnishings, please enjoy our special gift to you:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic From homeopathy to IV therapy to nutritional consultation, Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic has the tools to aid whatever ails you. More importantly, their physicians work to understand the concerns of patients on a holistic scale. Instead of leaving an appointment with a list of confusing medications, the people at Black Bear might recommend subtle lifestyle changes first. Penicillin’s nice and all, but if drinking more water and hiking the “M” can do the same thing, why not do your body a favor? Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic: 2831 Fort Missoula Rd, #105 • 542-2147 • blackbearnaturopaths.com
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Finalists, Best Alternative Health Care Provider 2. Red Willow Center 825 W. Kent St 721-0033 redwillowcenter.org 3. Golgi Clinic 113 W. Front St. #201 541-8886 thegolgiclinic.com
BEST CHIROPRACTOR Anthony Lambert If you go to any number of Missoula’s family-friendly events, including the Kids’ Fair, Baby Fair or Women’s Fair, you’re going to find Anthony Lambert in the middle of it. The family oriented chiropractor is a big supporter of such community affairs, and at his office he often sees whole families at a time, getting their spines aligned and making life that much more comfortable for them. No matter who you are, with kids or without, Lambert shows people how to not give up on their bodies. His adjustments are always swift and confident—just like his jokes. Anthony Lambert: 1290 S. 3rd St. W • 541-9355 • missoulachiropractic.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [35]
Finalists, Best Chiropractor 2. Linda Matz, Matz Family Chiropractic 1519 S. Reserve 549-2006 matzfamilychiropractic.com 3. Ivan Van Eerden 225 Hickory St 541-6400
BEST DENTIST Ike Heaphy Sometimes the best judge of character is the company you keep. Ike Heaphy, who’s won this category four of the last five years, has a reputation that speaks for itself. He’s friendly, approachable and respectful with his patients—even, or especially, those patients who perhaps haven’t been as diligent with the toothbrush as they should be. But in addition to Heaphy’s calming presence, we think this victory is at least partly thanks to his amazing staff. With a gentle touch and a thorough approach, the dental hygienists in his office make your teeth look sparkly even before Heaphy comes in for a peek. It’s a total team effort here—and it’s the patients who end up winning. Ike Heaphy: 712 Kensington Ave • 543-8347 • ikeheaphydds.com
imity, fancy high-tech equipment. But let’s talk about bedside manner. It’s not like Blue Mountain Clinic doesn’t have affordable care or a central location or plenty of cool gadgets to check your wellbeing, but it’s their attention to and respect for their patients that we think puts Dr. Eric Ravitz and the rest of the Blue Mountain crew at the top of these categories every year. They listen. They put you at ease. They communicate. And they take the time to smartly address whatever’s going on with your aches, pains or other ills. As one long-time patient told us after a particularly stressful scare, “They don’t make me feel like something is wrong with me. They make me feel like there’s just something we have to figure out.” Eric Ravitz, Blue Mountain Clinic: 610 N California St • 721-1646 • bluemountainclinic.org Finalists, Best Doctor/Healthcare Provider 2. Joey Banks, Blue Mountain Clinic 610 N California St 721-1646 bluemountainclinic.org 3. Lar Autio, Western Montana Clinic 500 W. Broadway 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com
Finalists, Best Dentist 2. Annette Dusseau, Family Dental Group Southgate Mall 541-2886 familydentalgroup.net 3. Thomas Farago 1547 S Higgins Ave, #C 549-6081
Finalists, Best Health Clinic 2. Western Montana Clinic 500 W. Broadway 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com 3. Partnership Health Center 401 Railroad St W 258-4789 co.missoula.mt.us/phc
BEST DOCTOR/HEALTHCARE PROVIDER Eric Ravitz BEST HEALTH CLINIC Blue Mountain Clinic There are a lot of reasons people choose a health care provider these days—cost, prox-
BEST GYNECOLOGIST Jennifer Mayo, Western Montana Clinic “I absolutely love my job,” Jennifer Mayo says when asked why she thinks she might be Missoula’s favorite gynecologist. “I love working with the women of Missoula and taking care
Christine White at Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic
[36] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
photo by Amy Donovan
BEST OPTOMETRIST Jeffrey Lebsock, Costco Life’s too short to waste time squinting at a food truck menu or avoiding certain seats in the theater. Like any other organ, you can damage your eyes by not taking care of them. Keeping your prescription up to date is important for the longevity of your vision, and Jeff Lebsock’s become a fast favorite among Missoula patients looking for quick, affordable eye care. After buying that gallon of hummus, stop by his office in Costco for a prescription appointment. Jeffrey Lebsock, Costco: 3220 N Reserve St • 728-7371 • costco.com/optical.html
of them in such a personal way, being a part of their lives and making that particular part of their health care comfortable.” Mayo, who has run a private practice with her OB/GYN colleagues at Western Montana Clinic for five years, is looking forward to some change this year: In early August, she shifts her obstetrics practice to a new Labor and Delivery unit at St. Patrick Hospital. But her in-office gynecological practice stays the same, as does her personable demeanor. “I’ve built quite a nice population of women who come back to see me year after year. I hope and think I make people feel relaxed,” she says. A good quality in a gynecologist, we think. Jennifer Mayo, Western Montana Clinic: 500 W. Broadway • 7215600 • westernmontanaclinic.com Finalists, Best Gynecologist 2. Janice Givier 2835 Fort Missoula Rd, #200 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com 3. Beverly Braak, Women’s Choice of Missoula 2831 Fort Missoula Rd 327-3875 womenschoiceofmissoula.com BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST Sarah Velin, Matz Family Chiropractic Matz Family Chiropractic won’t give you a few karate chops on the lumbar and call it
Jeffrey Lebsock
good. Their services aim to promote all the more serious, long-term benefits of massage therapy like reduced blood pressure, a boosted immune system and general mental health. A quality massage should do more than leave you all blissed out and smiling for a couple hours, and Sarah Velin knows how to work to prevent problem areas that can become worse if ignored. Sarah Velin, Matz Family Chiropractic: 1519 S Reserve St • 549-2006 • matzfamilychiropractic.com
photo by Amy Donovan
Finalists, Best Massage Therapist 2. Farrah Lachina 1048 Burlington Ave, Suite 100 396-1385 farrahlachina.amtamembers.com 3. Sophia Lewis, Spa at the Peak 5000 Blue Mountain Rd 251-8200 peakmissoulaspa.com
Finalists, Best Optometrist 2. Kimberly Everingham, Rocky Mountain Eye Center 700 W. Kent 541-3937 rockymountaineye.com 3. William Thomas, Family Vision 2106 Oxford St 549-2541 missoulafamilyvisioncare.com
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER Laura Bender Laura Bender is a holistic personal trainer with 30-plus years of fitness under her belt and she isn’t going to let you phone it in. As
Cheers! Encore!
Chef Ryan Boehme | 541.4900 | 224 N. Higgins bravocatering.msla@gmail.com | www.bravocatering.net missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [37]
a student of Deepak Chopra, she has a lot of love for meditation and healing, but she’s no mild-mannered hippie. You’ve got stress in your life? Is your caffeinated brain working on overdrive? Spill it, sister. Bender believes wholeheartedly that you can’t fix your body if you don’t fix everything else in your life and her fiery directness is not to be trifled with. Laura Bender, Bodies by Bender: 113 W. Main St • 546-7716 • bodiesbybender.com
ical Therapy specializes in getting you back from the latter and feeling the former. With a passion for science, medicine, fitness and helping people, Dodge helps develop and guide patients through treatments that get them back on the hill, trail, bike or mountain as quickly as possible, and in a way that has them performing at an even higher level. Brent Dodge, Alpine Physical Therapy: 5000 Blue Mountain Rd • 251-2323 • alpineptmissoula.com
Finalists, Best Physical Therapist 2. Morgan York-Singer, Alpine Physical Therapy 5000 Blue Mountain Rd 251-2323 alpineptmissoula.com 3. Tim Messer, Active Physical Therapy 1410 S Reserve St 829-9600 activeptsports.com
Finalists, Best Personal Trainer 2. Stephen Pitts, Peak Health & Fitness 5000 Blue Mountain Rd 251-3344 peakmissoula.com 3. Rhea Black, Momentum Athletic Training 214 1/2 E. Main St 541-7474 momentumat.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST Brent Dodge, Alpine Physical Therapy Missoula residents tend to play hard. That means we attack ski hills with vigor, push ourselves on trail runs, battle through the burn on bike rides and choose the most challenging route up the mountain. With these pursuits comes triumph and, unfortunately, the occasional injury. Brent Dodge at Alpine Phys-
BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR Brian Baty, Inner Harmony Patience. It’s one of the keys to yoga and it has served Brian Baty well not only in his teachings, but also within this category. Back in 2009, he took the Best of Missoula crown. For the past five years he’s placed as a finalist, but come up just short of the top billing. Patience. Deep breath. Stay within yourself. Baty did those things and now the teacher at Inner Harmony Yoga has found his place back on the Best Yoga Instructor summit. Brian Baty, Inner Harmony: 214 E. Main St • 581-4093 • yogainmissoula.com Finalists, Best Yoga Instructor 2. Celeste Ambrose, The Women’s Club 2105 Bow St 728-4410 thewomensclub.com 3. TIE: Missy Adams runwildmissoula.org Jennifer Hoover, Hot House Yoga 127 N Higgins Ave #9 541-9642 hothouseyogamissoula.com
NIGHTLIFE
NIGHTLIFE
Brian Baty, Inner Harmony Yoga
[38] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
photo by Amy Donovan
BEST BEER SELECTION The Rhinoceros You could be forgiven for spending a lot of
STAFFPICK>>> Best Film Class for Non-Majors On the first Sunday of every month, the Ole Beck VFW hosts a curious little gathering of film aficionados and drinking buddies. Newtflix, hosted by cinema buff Newton Wise, features films he loves but that time has not always been kind to, including the 1980s horror flicks Critters and Night of the Creeps, and B-movie classics like Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Newtflix isn’t a hushed, solemn movie screening. Rather, it’s an interactive affair, with helpful commentary from Newton, people yelling at the screen, arguments over trivia facts and general wisecracking. On warm summer evenings, the VFW cranks up the fans and starts the films a little bit later, as people wander in from sunny adventures to cool down. Whether Sundays are the end of your weekend or just the start, Newtflix makes even the cheesiest of movies into a memorable experience. The half-price drink special doesn’t hurt, either. time at the Rhinoceros without noticing either the Colonel Sanders portrait on the ceiling or the giant rhino head bursting out of the wall, because at the Rhino, it’s all about the gleaming rows of tap handles behind the bar. The Rhino stocks dozens of local microbrews and international imports, including specialties like the latest limited edition of Deschutes’ Black Butte Porter or quadruple Belgians. You can put on a little mini brewfest of your own every week on Taster Tuesday, where a 7-ounce pour of any beer will set you back about $2 or so. The Rhinoceros: 158 Ryman St • 721-6061 Finalists, Best Beer Selection 2. Dram Shop 229 E Front St 540-4303 dramshopmt.com 3. TIE: Tamarack Brewing Company 231 W. Front St 830-3113 tamarackbrewing.com Top Hat Lounge 134 W. Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com
BEST BAR BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC Top Hat Lounge When St. Paul and the Broken Bones played the Top Hat in February, the crowd seemed almost hypnotized by the raucous soul band’s antics. Jaws were literally dropping. Here’s a band that’s technically great, but you have to see them live to get the full experience—and the Top Hat is a perfect place to fall in love with such a band. The thing is, the music venue hosts top-notch bands like this all the time. Upcoming shows include heavyweights like Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement and Ryan Bingham, plus no shortage of local favorites like Lil’ Smokies, Local Yokel and Locksaw Cartel. The music venue once again wins for best place to hear live music, but it also swipes the coveted honor of Best Bar. With the help of owner Nick Checota, the establishment has made a transition from being a beloved blues dive to a place that has maintained its character while updating its décor and offerings. Now, even on the nights no live music is performed, the bar draws in all walks of life
looking for a good spot to throw back a drink and simply hang out. Top Hat Lounge: 134 W. Front St • 728-9865 • tophatlounge.com Finalists, Best Bar 2. James Bar 127 W. Alder St 721-8158 jamesbarmontana.com 3. Charlie B’s 428 N. Higgins Ave 549-3589 Finalists, Best Place to Hear Live Music 2. Sunrise Saloon 1805 Regent St 728-1559 sunrisesaloonandcasino.com 3. Union Club 208 E. Main St 728-7980 facebook.com/pages/union-club-bar
BEST BAR FOOD James Bar Gourmet lobster sliders paired with caper tartar and tomatoes. Slow-cooked bison stewed with rich Moose Drool ale. Thinly shaved ham with swiss on marbled rye. Even a decadent eggs benedict, which recently joined a medley of other mouth-watering selections at the James Bar. All that and it still doesn’t begin to cover the dinner menu, where executive chef Noel Mills whips up the best of the best in bar food for whenever hunger strikes. James Bar: 127 W. Alder St • 721-8158 • jamesbarmontana.com Finalists, Best Bar Food 2. Top Hat Lounge 134 W. Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com 3. Dinosaur Cafe @ Charlie B’s 428 N. Higgins Ave 721-3808 facebook.com/pages/the-dinosaur-cafe
BEST BAR FOR A STIFF POUR BEST POOL TABLE Al’s & Vic’s It may seem bold for a bar to call itself the closest thing to “Cheers” in Missoula. But the
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friendly mix of suits and pitted work shirts isn’t the only similarity bolstering this Al’s & Vic’s claim. Regardless of whether it’s the weekly double SKYY vodka special or the generous flourish with which these bartenders pour a drink, it’s enough to make old Sam Malone blush. And for anyone looking to knock a cue-ball around, arriving with Norm Peterson-like promptness is strongly advised. Because in a pool hall like this, the tables won’t be open for long. Al’s & Vic’s: 119 W. Alder St • 728-4804 • facebook.com/AlsandVics Finalists, Best Bar for a Stiff Pour 2. Charlie B’s 428 N. Higgins Ave 549-3589 3. The Rhinoceros 158 Ryman St 721-6061 facebook.com/therhinobar
Lyndon Johnson, Jakers
[40] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Finalists, Best Pool Table 2. Union Club 208 E. Main St 728-7980 facebook.com/pages/union-club-bar 3. Flipper’s Tavern & Casino 125 S. 3rd St W 721-4895 facebook.com/flipperscasino
BEST BAR TO HOOK UP Stockman’s Who knows what’s in the air at Stockman’s? It might be the two-dollar Cold Smoke drafts or the dollar games of Hoop Fever and Mega Buck Hunter or the tantalizing aroma of fry bread and pork sandwiches wafting over from the Blue Bison Grill. Whatever it is, Stockman’s consistently
photo by Robin Carleton
snags the vote for the best place to end your night doing the no-pants-dance. Stop by to watch a game and try out your best pick-up lines, so long as you keep it consensual. Stockman’s: 125 W. Front St • 5499668 • missoulastockmans.com Finalists, Best Bar to Hook Up 2. The Rhinoceros 158 Ryman St 721-6061 facebook.com/therhinobar 3. Iron Horse 501 N. Higgins Ave 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com
BEST BARTENDER Lyndon Matthews BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST MARGARITA Jakers Bar & Grill Missoula’s Southside is going through something of a renaissance. There’s the new South Crossing complex, a new local brewery and the forthcoming bike trail that will finally safely connect Missoula cyclists to Lolo. Through all of that change, one thing has remained the same for this often overlooked part of town: Jakers. Playing the roll of neighborhood bar and grill, Jakers pulls in huge crowds with its generous
Happy Hour offerings (two-for-one on all beer, house wine and well drinks), signature margaritas (order the Cadillac; you can thank us later) and friendly staff (including Mr. Matthews, tops among Jakers’ collection of expert mixologists). It can sometimes be two-deep at the bar and a wait for a table, but it’s worth it to fight the crowds—especially before all the new development in the area brings in even more people. Jakers Bar & Grill: 3515 Brooks St • 721-1312 • jakers.com/missoula Finalists, Best Bartender 2. Jack Metcalf, Al's & Vic's 119 W. Alder St 728-4804 facebook.com/alsandvics 3. Ann Hancock, Rhinoceros 58 Ryman St 721-6061 facebook.com/therhinobar Finalists, Best Happy Hour 2. Top Hat Lounge 134 W. Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com 3. Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree 100 Madison St 542-4660 finnandporter.com/missoula
Finalists, Best Margarita 2. Fiesta en Jalisco at Rowdy’s Cabin 4888 N. Reserve St 543-7757 fiestaenjalisco.net 3. James Bar 127 W. Alder St 721-8158 jamesbarmontana.com
BEST BLOODY MARY Tamarack Brewing Company Upset alert! Since this category first emerged, Snowbowl’s Last Run Inn has had a vice grip on the trophy. But this year Tamarack Brewing sneaked into the top spot by offering essentially breakfast in a glass. On Saturdays and Sundays, a bartender will pour a shot of your choice into a pint glass and let you do the rest, with options of house-made tomato juice mix and garnishes including cheese cubes and bacon. In summertime, Tamarack stocks the bar with fresh produce, making a Bloody Mary part of any complete breakfast. Tamarack Brewing Company: 231 W. Front St • 830-3113 • tamarackbrewing.com Finalists, Best Bloody Mary 2. Last Run Inn - Montana Snowbowl 1700 Snow Bowl Rd 549-9777 montanasnowbowl.com
3. Montgomery Distillery 129 West Front St 926-1725 montgomerydistillery.com
BEST BREW Cold Smoke Scotch Ale BEST BREWERY Kettlehouse Brewing The past year has been a busy one for Kettlehouse Brewing Company. Gold medal wins, human foosball tournaments, a new production facility under construction in Bonner—good news abounds in owner Tim O’Leary’s taprooms. But if there’s one thing that keeps craft beer fanatics coming back day after day, it’s that the Kettlehouse has never lost sight of what it does right. That’s why the brewery introduced Missoula this spring to the latest in river-friendly beer vessels, the 32-ounce aluminum “crowler.” Kettlehouse knows how much the community loves a little Cold Smoke to go, and it’s never finished exploring ways to meet that demand. Kettlehouse Brewing Company: 313 N. 1st St & 602 Myrtle St • 728-1660 • kettlehouse.com Finalists, Best Brew 2. Double Haul IPA, Kettlehouse 3. Eddy Out Pale Ale, Kettlehouse
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Finalists, Best Brewery 2. Draught Works 915 Toole Ave 541-1592 draughtworksbrewery.com 3. Bayern Brewing 1507 Montana St 721-1482 bayernbrewery.com
BEST CASINO Flipper’s Tavern & Casino Last September, throngs of locals showed up in the Flipper’s parking lot in support of the man who makes the casino what it is. Bartender Donny Morey has been the friendly, mustachioed face of Flipper’s for the better part of two decades and when he was diagnosed last year with bladder cancer, Flipper’s rallied to his side. The fall fundraiser—affectionately named Donnypalooza—pulled in thousands of dollars to help Donny with his medical bills, making it a fitting testament not only to the casino’s loyalty and passion but also to the indelible mark Donny’s bar-side smile has left on the Missoula community. Flipper’s Tavern & Casino: 125 S. 3rd St W • 721-4895 • facebook.com/flipperscasino Finalists, Best Casino 2. Magic Diamond 1210 W Broadway St 728-2999
3. Diamond Jim’s 900 East Broadway 829-9898; 1605 S. Russell St 541-6711 diamond-jims-casino.com
BEST COCKTAIL SELECTION Plonk Wine Bar Plonk is a festive place to go for cocktails, whether you’re sitting on the sidewalk patio, gathered inside the romantic dining area or clinking glasses up in the airy rooftop garden. Sound fancy? It is. Especially when you’re drinking a GFC, aka Great Fucking Cocktail. The ginger-infused vodka mixed with basil and citrus is the establishment’s most popular drink. But the fact that Plonk won best selection might speak to its ridiculous menu of muddled cocktails. If you haven’t been in this summer, check out the newest flavor on the menu: muddled banana daiquiri. Plonk Wine Bar: 322 N. Higgins Ave • 926-1791 • plonkwine.com Finalists, Best Cocktail Selection 2. Montgomery Distillery 129 W. Front St 926-1725 montgomerydistillery.com
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3. Iron Horse 501 N. Higgins Ave 728-8866 www.ironhorsebrewpub.com
BEST ELECTRONIC DJ Kris Moon It’s not always easy to tell—especially if you’re new to the electronic music scene— what kind of magic a DJ is creating at his or her turntables. But with Kris Moon it’s pretty easy to see he’s working really hard at creating something extraordinary. His constant movement on stage gives the distinct impression of an artist at the height of a manic state of inspiration. His mixes transition smoothly, even between genres. But probably the most important thing about Moon is that he appeals
to underground and Top 40 crowds alike, because he plays both types of music without totally overdoing it on either end of the spectrum. As one of his fans said, “His sets are never boring. He’s someone who makes DJing an art form—and he’s one of the nicest, most modest people I’ve ever met.” He’s a tough to beat beatmaster. Kris Moon: krismoon.com Finalists, Best Electronic DJ 2. Aaron Traylor 3. Colin Hickey
BEST KARAOKE BAR Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes Karaoke can be experienced on many levels. There are the old hands who know their material so well they belt out their song with-
STAFFPICK>>> Best Way to Feed Your Lazy-Ass Self Almost all TV sitcoms include an episode where the beleaguered dinner-party host has to find some way to salvage a burnt—or nonexistent—meal. The solution? They order some kind of fancy takeout, place it on their finest china and pass it off as their own cooking. Missoula’s Riversong Gourmet has the kind of delicious fare that beleaguered, lazy or overworked foodies would love to serve up to their guests—or, for that matter, eat any night of the week. The catering company’s True Food Soup Club allows you to place individual orders for gourmet meals, such as syrah braised beef short ribs with kale, heirloom tomato gazpacho with roasted garlic, olive bread, Moroccan cashew spread and Zestos garnacha Rose wine. It’s a la carte, so you can mix and match the items you want, and everything on the menu changes each week, including the wine. Soup comes in one-quart jars and bread is full-sized loaves, which means you can feed about three people for $40–$50. Just don’t try the old sitcom switcheroo. It always ends in disaster.
out a glance at the lyrics monitor. There’s the after work crowd who have stayed a drink or two past happy hour and wind up goading each other into taking the stage, only to become story fodder for the next office Christmas party. Then there’s the voyeur set. They never participate, but come to watch the brave and crazy get up there and provide some entertainment, whether it’s hilarious or sublime. Whatever karaoke subset you inhabit, the Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes is Missoula’s favorite place to spark up the mic. Bowl Dog Lounge: 1615 Wyoming St • 7215263 • missoulabowling.com Finalists, Best Karaoke Bar 2. Lucky Strike 1515 Dearborn Ave 549-4152 facebook.com/pages/lucky-strike-bar-casino 3. The Badlander 208 Ryman St 549-0235 facebook.com/pages/the-badlander
BEST LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES The Oxford Saloon & Cafe It’s just after midnight on Higgins Avenue. You’re hungry and maybe a little tipsy. Shining in the near distance reads a red neon sign, “OXFORD.” As if it were a saving grace, the Oxford Saloon & Cafe’s beckoning omelets or its half-pound hamburger finds its way to your table and slips the Oxford right into the ranks of the Indy’s Best of Missoula. Open 24 hours, the Ox has rooted itself right into the Missoula culture and stayed there for 132 years. The Oxford Saloon & Cafe: 337 N. Higgins Ave • 5490117 • the-oxford.com Finalists, Best Late-Night Munchies 2. Pita Pit 130 N. Higgins Ave
The Oxford Saloon & Cafe
541-7482 pitapitusa.com 3. The Walking Moustache 206 W. Main St 549-3800 walkingmoustache.com
BEST PLACE TO DANCE Union Club It’s no secret that weekends at the Union Club are the best place to head in search of a little less talk and a lot more action. On any given Friday, you’ll find revelers young and old twirling and two-stepping to live music from bands including Cash for Junkers and Tom Catmull’s Radio Static. You don’t need a bolo tie or fancy footwork to join the fun, either— it’s a come-as-you-are kind of joint where people dance until the lights come up. Union Club: 208 E. Main St • 728-7980 • facebook.com/pages/union-club-bar Finalists, Best Place to Dance 2. Top Hat Lounge 134 W. Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com 3. Sunrise Saloon 1805 Regent St 728-1559 sunrisesaloonandcasino.com
BEST SPORTS BAR Press Box There was a day earlier this year that presented quite the quandary to sports fans. Saturday, May 2 featured NBA playoff games, NHL playoff games, the Kentucky Derby, a baseball rivalry game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, a full slate of Premier League soccer from across the pond, the third day of the NFL draft and Manny Pacquiao taking on Floyd Mayweather in the so-called “fight of the
photo by Robin Carleton
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century.” Unless you have a multi-television setup in your fan cave and an on-call caterer supplying all the bar food and drinks you can handle—and if you do, please can we be friends?—May 2 required some serious advance planning and all-star-level remote control skills. Or, for the seasoned veterans, it meant a trip to the reigning champion of local sports bars, The Press Box. With banks of TVs tuned to all the day’s games, a full menu of munchies and a fully stocked bar, The Press Box provides the easiest play call on a day like May 2. Press Box: 835 E. Broadway St • 721-1212 • pressboxsportsbar.com Finalists, Best Sports Bar 2. Red’s Bar 217 Ryman Street 728-9881 redsbar.net 3. TIE: Desperado Sports Tavern 3101 S. Russell St 549-9651 facebook.com/Desperado-Sports-Tavern Tamarack Brewing 231 W Front St 830-3113 tamarackbrewing.com
PEOPLE & MEDIA
PEOPLE & MEDIA
BEST ATHLETE Zack Wagenmann It didn’t take Kirk Herbstreit to notice who was a difference-maker during Griz football games last season. It seemed like whenever the defense needed a stop or a big play, No. 37 with the shaggy hair flapping from the corners of his helmet came screaming off the edge for a sack, strip and fumble recovery. Zack Wagenmann’s career at UM put him among the prestigious program’s all-time elite. The former Sentinel product finished with three All-Big Sky first-team selections, a conference Defensive Player of the Year award after his senior season and school career records in sacks, tackles for loss and fumble recoveries. If not for a foot injury suffered during off-season workouts, Wagenmann would’ve heard his name called during the 2015 NFL draft’s later rounds. Instead, the outside linebacker finds himself in Arizona, trying to make the Cardinals’ roster as an undrafted free agent. Our
money says he continues to stand out and sticks at the sport’s highest level. Finalists, Best Athlete 2. Mike Foote 3. Tres Tinkle
BEST JOURNALIST Erika Fredrickson, Missoula Independent The current state of journalism can be a morbid topic, what with the layoffs and the cheap click bait and the constant handwringing over what newspapers will look like in five (or less) years. But within all the anxiety and negativity a few hard-nosed veterans continue to plug away at stories that matter. They’re not afraid of messy topics, complicated subjects and unconventional narratives. They connect with and cultivate sources. They earn trust. And despite all the noise happening around the industry they continue to do what they do best: write a damn good story. Erika Fredrickson does these things week in and week out for the Independent, filling our paper’s arts section and feature slot with the sort of moving profiles and meaty topics that make people think, reflect and care. We’re lucky to have her in our pages, and grateful that our readers recognize what she brings to the community with her work. Erika Fredrickson, Missoula Independent: missoulanews.com Finalists, Best Journalist 2. Gwen Florio, gwenflorio.net 3. Dan Brooks, missoulanews.com
BEST METEOROLOGIST Mark Heyka It’s a thankless gig, being a meteorologist. When you nail the forecast, and everyone has had a chance to plan accordingly, you rarely have people stop you on the street and say, “Hey, Mark Heyka, thanks for the heads-up on the frost warning last night. You saved my heirloom tomatoes.” But when the weather takes an unpredictable turn, people tend to hurl their scorn not at Mother Nature, but at the science-loving men and women who publicly try to predict her behavior. It’s not fair. Still, KECI’s Kansas-bred storm watcher does it all with aplomb, and Missoula loves him for
STAFFPICK>>> Best Way to Own A Piece of Missoula History In Missoula, one man’s trash is another man’s nostalgia, even if it’s held together with red duct tape. Locals turned out in droves behind the Wilma Theatre this June in the hopes of snagging a seat or four or five from the historic downtown venue. Owner Nick Checota, who purchased the Wilma earlier in the spring, had the old seats removed as part of the ongoing summer renovations and decided to sell them as mementos for $10 a pair to anyone who showed up. The offer started as a simple Facebook post, but when the day finally arrived, it quickly became clear that demand had outpaced supply. Checota sold every seat on the main floor and still had dozens of people waiting in line. Some managed to snag yet-to-be-removed balcony seats. Others were left with no option but to hope extras would wind up on Craigslist. Overall, the evening proved a powerful example of just how much Missoulians love their local icons—and how much owning a piece of one would mean.
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it. He’s knowledgeable, he’s adorable and he’s usually right. Mark Heyka, KECI, nbcmontana.com/keci Finalists, Best Meteorologist 2. Erin Yost, KPAX • kpax.com 3. Russ Thomas, KPAX • kpax.com
BEST NEWSCAST KPAX BEST TV PERSONALITY Jill Valley, KPAX There’s an old belief in politics that voters will support the candidate they’d want to sit down and chat with over a beer. It’s a little different in the news business—trust, accuracy, etc.—but the same sentiment remains. We watch those with whom we relate, and in Missoula that continues to be the imminently chill, confident, classy and no-B.S. Jill Valley. Valley has been a mainstay in our market for decades, and while her KPAX colleagues are newer to the scene, they still do their part to help produce the region’s top newscast. We’re talking about Erin Yost’s weather forecasts and Derek Buerkle’s sports reports and Dennis Bragg’s essential Twitter feed, just to name a few. As Buerkle may put it, Valley is a clear MVP, but KPAX isn’t winning this trophy without such a strong supporting cast. Jill Valley, KPAX: kpax.com
Finalists, Best TV Newscast 2. KECI nbcmontana.com/keci 3. ABC FOX abcfoxmontana.com Finalists, Best TV Personality 2. Mark Heyka, KECI nbcmontana.com/keci 3. Heidi Meili, KECI nbcmontana.com/keci
BEST POLITICIAN Mayor John Engen The summer started with a bang for Mayor John Engen. The city emerged victorious in June from a long and heated legal battle over ownership of Missoula’s water utility, and the mayor publicly proclaimed the court’s ruling a “community vindication.” But the fight for what he sees as more efficient and effective local control of the city’s water is just one of the many ways Engen has opted to work in the public’s interest. From working the starting line at the annual YMCA Riverbank Run to facilitating discussions of expansive redevelopment projects along the Clark Fork, Engen continues to serve as a constant in our everchanging city, and another Best of Missoula win is a strong indication that locals appreciate having him in their corner.
Finalists, Best Politician 2. Rep. Ellie Hill 3. City Councilman Adam Hertz
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY Aaron Traylor, Zoo 107.5 You’re not likely to forget the gregarious persona or impressive height of Zoo 107.5 FM’s Aaron Traylor, the self-proclaimed “Tallest DJ in America.” Traylor got his start at stations around the Northwest, including Boise and Spokane. He’s made himself a staple of the Missoula commercial radio scene, and the social media aficionado frequently posts on Twitter about both fly fishing and cutting-edge remixes. You can also learn about his adventures in the music biz in his self-published ebook, The DJ Chronicles: A Life Remixed, the “based on a true story” tale of a precocious teen DJ reaching the top of the charts. Aaron Traylor, Zoo 107.5 FM: 549-1075 • 1075zoofm.com Finalists, Best Radio Personality 2. Craig Johnson, The Trail 103.3 721-6800 trail1033.com 3. Leah Lewis, U 104.5 829-9630 facebook.com/u1045
BEST RADIO STATION The Trail 103.3 In human development, when children reach the age of 10 they begin to move from viewing life as a child to a more adult point of view. Children begin to gain some independence, and start to approach that wonderful stage of growth called puberty. Luckily, The Trail 103.3 can’t develop pimples and we don’t see it losing its playful innocence anytime soon. But this year it is celebrating its 10th birthday and another Best of Missoula win as the best radio station in town. The Trail 103.3: 721-6800 • trail1033.com Finalists, Best Radio Station 2. KUFM 89.1 243-4931 • kufm.org 3. KBGA 89.9 243-6758 • kbga.org
BEST UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA PROFESSOR Garon Smith Professor Garon Smith, aka G. Wiz, retired earlier this spring after 24 years of teaching. His final lecture occurred on the Oval, complete with the professor wearing his signature wizard hat and performing educational magic tricks for a loving crowd. “He understands his audience isn’t all chemistry majors,” says fellow chemist Dick Holmquist, who served as
The Morgenroth Music Center has been making music across Montana since 1957 by offering our customers high-quality, reasonably priced instruments to meet their needs. Today, our passion only intensifies as we have grown to provide the greatest selections of instruments, music, and accessories in the state, and a friendly staff of professionals to assist you.
1105 W. Sussex Missoula • 549-0013 • montanamusic.com Mon-Fri 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [45]
Smith’s aid for 6 years. “He’s made it so anybody with curiosity can learn. I never went by his room when it wasn’t full of eager [college] kids.” Smith has often taken students outside the classroom—to hazardous waste days, for instance—to apply their skills. “He took the memorizing out of chemistry,” Holmquist says. “And even with his wizard shows he made sure his students were learning real chemistry.” Smith now leaves big shoes to fill on the UM campus, as well as in this category. Finalists, Best UM Professor 2. Robert Stubblefield 3. TIE: Garry Kerr Mehrdad Kia
BEST WEBSITE missoulaevents.net Spending just a couple of minutes on missoulaevents.net confirms what many of us already know about the number of goings-on in town. Take a random Wednesday: You could start the day by taking an educational bike ride to identify wildflowers, then join a guided tour through MAM, stop at Caras Park for Out to Lunch, celebrate the music of Phish at the Top Hat and end the day with a trivia night. Missoulaevents.net lists any diversion you could possibly want to know about and puts it right at your fingertips. That means there’s really no reason to be bored on any day of the calendar year, unless you want to be. Finalists, Best Website 2. Make It Missoula makeitmissoula.com 3. Combatblog combatblog.net Zack Wagenmann
[46] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
photo courtesy of Todd Goodrich
SPORTS & RECREATION
SPORTS & RECREATION
BEST BIKE SHOP Missoula Bicycle Works Missoula Bicycle Works picked the right city to set up shop, as Missoula’s streets are sprinkled with bikers each and every day. Owner Alex Gallego, who can be found right alongside his employees inflating a tire, is no stranger to recognition in the Garden City. Last year, Missoula Bicycle Works was named one of America’s Best Bike Shops by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, which reviewed the stores by sending in mystery shoppers. Whether you’re a mystery shopper or not, Missoula Bicycle Works works to please. Missoula Bicycle Works: 708 S. Higgins Ave • 721-6525 • missoulabicycleworks.com Finalists, Best Bike Shop 2. Hellgate Cyclery 316 N. Higgins Ave 549-8785 hellgatecyclery.com 3. Bicycle Hangar 1801 Brooks St 728-9537 bicycle-hangar.com
BEST BOWLING ALLEY Westside Lanes Twelve strikes in a row equals a perfect game. Missoula’s favorite place to throw the rock goes one better with yet another Best of Missoula title. For 30 years, the sprawling Westside Lanes and Fun Center just off Russell Street has provided a year-round haven for kids and adults in search of some civilized diversion. Thirty-six lanes stand oiled and ready to service Missoula’s numerous weeknight leagues, and their pro shop is second
to none. So when you’re ready to roll your way into the next round robin, you and Donny can get a lane. Rent one for an hour for about 17 bones or clams or whatever you call them. Westside Lanes: 1615 Wyoming St • 721-5263 • missoulabowling.com Finalist, Best Bowling Alley 2. Five Valley Bowling Center 1515 Dearborn Ave 549-4158 facebook.com/pages/five-valley-bowling-center
BEST FISHING GUIDE Stacy Jennings Over her years of guiding, perennial Best of Missoula winner Stacy Jennings has found herself imparting the same bit of fly-fishing wisdom to many clients: This is supposed to be fun. Those are easy words to lose sight of, even for the most accomplished anglers. “Tension is probably the biggest enemy in fishing,” Jennings says. But Jennings’ work as a family therapist makes her doubly qualified to help people release that tension and find rhythm. Sadly, she hung up her guiding hat a little over a year ago when her private practice, Missoula Family Therapy, picked up steam. If there’s one thing she misses, she says, it’s the “opportunity to connect with folks and be a part of their happy day on the river.”
Finalists, Best Fishing Guide 2. Joe Sowerby, Montana Flyfishing Connection 370-2868 montanaflyfishingconnection.com 3. Chris Dombrowski
BEST FLY-FISHING SHOP Grizzly Hackle In the opening pages of his novella “A River Runs Through It,” Missoula author Norman Maclean described his father as not only a fastidious fly fisherman but an avid tier of fishing flies. Strong chance then that he would have looked at the west wall of Grizzly Hackle with the wonder of a kid in a candy store. The spools of thread, baggies of hackle and tufts of elk hair and moose mane are enough to make the mind swirl with possibilities as boundless as trout in the Blackfoot. For those tempted by but not yet indoctrinated into the art of tying, Grizzly Hackle is quick to offer tips and even courses. Why stop at the rod and reel? Rev. Maclean sure didn’t. Grizzly Hackle: 215 W. Front St • 721-8996 • grizzlyhackle.com Finalists, Best Fly-fishing Shop 1. Kingfisher Fly Shop 926 E. Broadway St 721-6141 kingfisherflyshop.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [47]
3. TIE: Missoulian Angler Fly Shop 802 S. Higgins Ave 728-7766 missoulianangler.com Blackfoot River Outfitters 3055 N. Reserve St, #A-1 542-7411 blackfootriver.com
BEST GOLF COURSE University Golf Course There’s something about the old growth trees, the natural riparian beauty of the water hazards and the comforting presence of a looming Mount Sentinel that helps soothe the pain of four-putting a par 3 on the University Golf Course. The clientele skews somewhat older than the other courses in town, so the pace of play is a little more relaxed, giving you the time to look around and appreciate the pulchritude of Missoula’s favorite urban course. University Golf Course: 515 South Ave E • 728-8629 • umt.edu/golf Finalists, Best Golf Course 2. Canyon River Golf Club 1268 Bandmann Trail 721-0222 canyonrivergolfclub.com
3. Larchmont Golf Course 3200 Fort Missoula Rd 721-4416 larchmontgolfcourse.com
BEST HEALTH CLUB Peak Health & Wellness Center Missoula’s premier health club wowed local fitness nuts with the opening of its downtown location a couple years ago. Now, it’s on the verge of finishing a $1.4 million, 6,600-square-foot expansion and remodel of its original Blue Mountain facility that raises the chin-up bar again. The dynamic new look adds plenty of natural light to the weight room, tons of additional Life Fitness equipment, updated locker rooms and a cool mini turf football field for agility drills. All of that comes in addition to the already spacious lap pool, circular track, full basketball court and adjacent indoor tennis facility—plus that still-new downtown location. “It’s exciting to see it all coming together,” says director Susie Turner. Exciting, indeed, and perhaps even inspiring for those apathetic couch potatoes among us who now have even less of an excuse to not visit the gym. Peak Health & Wellness Center: 5000 Blue Mountain Rd • 2513344; 150 E. Spruce St • 317-1960 • peakmissoula.com
[48] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
Finalists, Best Health Club 2. The Women’s Club 2105 Bow St 728-4410 thewomensclub.com 3. The Source 255 S. Russell St 541-3114 thesourcemissoula.com
BEST PLACE FOR PADDLE SPORTS GEAR The Trail Head Water is an integral part of the Missoula lifestyle. But with all these rivers, lakes and rapids it seems that no two people float on it the same. For years now, The Trail Head has catered to every aquatic outlet locals could dream up with an exhaustive line of top-brand boats. The shop also offers a host of rental options including stand-up paddleboards and pack rafts, ensuring even the latest Missoula arrivals have ample opportunity to dip their toes and find out where water fits in their lives. The Trail Head: 221 E. Front St • 543-6966 • trailheadmontana.net Finalists, Best Place for Paddle Sports Gear 2. Strongwater Mtn Surf Co 614 S. Higgins Ave 721-2437 strongwatermtnsurf.com
3. REI 3275 N. Reserve St 541-1938 rei.com BEST PLACE TO GET A SNOWBOARD Edge of the World It’s tough to shred without a board that’s suited for the task. Luckily, Edge of the World is the beating heart of the local snowboarding and skateboarding scene. The always-knowledgeable staff’s mission is to hook you up with the perfect snowboard to fit your style, whether you’re a novice just struggling your way down the mountain or a pro who’s starring in an extreme snowboarding video. While you’re there, the friendly folks can also help you find the right pair of goggles or wax your board for free. They’ll have you riding powder—once there’s powder to ride—in no time. Edge of the World: 618 S. Higgins Ave • 721-7774 • edgeoworld.com/zoo Finalists, Best Place to get a Snowboard 2. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com 3. Gull Ski & Snowboard 2601 W. Broadway St 549-5613 gullski.com
Bob Ward & Sons
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE BEST STORE FOR GUNS Bob Ward & Sons If you grew up in Missoula, it’s possible Bob Ward & Sons was a big part of your youth. You might have gotten your first pair of winter boots there, signed up for your first fishing and hunting licenses and picked out your first sleeping bag for family backpacking in the mountains. When you were old enough you probably went there to buy your first tent and a Coleman stove (which you still have because they never die). And with every purchase you went on to achieve some new outdoor milestone, which is one reason the store has continued to be a hometown favorite. As in previous years, Bob Ward & Sons also received the honor of Best Store for Guns. Mark Anderson, director of operations, says that win is partly due to reliability. “We work hard to have relevant, exciting and trending inventory at the best prices,” he says. “And we have knowledgable and pleasant staff.” After 98 years, the area’s oldest and largest sporting goods store still has our back—like family, only much less annoying. Bob Ward & Sons: 3015 Paxson St • 728-3220 • bobwards.com Finalists, Best Sporting Goods Store 2. REI 3275 N. Reserve St 541-1938 rei.com 3. The Trail Head 221 E. Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net Finalists, Best Store for Guns 2. Axmen Firearms 5175 Hwy 93 S 251-3399 axmenfirearms.com 3. Cabela’s 3650 Brooks St 203-5400 cabelas.com
photo by Robin Carleton
BEST STORE FOR MOUNTAINEERING GEAR REI If REI administrative specialist Tait Brink has one piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers, it would be to get proper instruction and be safe. That’s why the Reserve Street store takes the time to flesh out how backcountry savvy each customer is. “Everybody, I guess, is trying to find something different in the mountains,” Brink says. Does someone need ice axes and crampons, or just a sturdy pair of boots? Have they scaled Montana’s loftier peaks, or rarely left the city limits? For REI, Brink says, it’s not just about getting the customer what he or she wants. It’s about giving them what they need. REI: 3275 N. Reserve St • 541-1938 • rei.com Finalists, Best Store for Mountaineering Gear 2. The Trail Head 221 E. Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net 3. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com
BEST STORE FOR SKIS Gull Ski & Snowboard There was one time when an Indy staffer became a human snowball as she crashed and burned on a snowboard. Yes, she was fine and so was the board. But as Gull employees will tell customers, skis can be easier to learn, since skiers feel they have more control with each foot fastened to a single ski. Luckily, Gull can prep skiers for the instant they feel they are perhaps losing a bit of control on that black diamond trail they might be regretting. Not only are skis tested out by the Gull crew, they have all the proper equipment to help prevent customers from ever following our tracks and becoming a human snowball. Gull Ski & Snowboard: 2601 W. Broadway St • 549-5613 • gullski.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [49]
STAFFPICK>>> Best Category We Forgot For the past few years we’ve ended our 180-category or so Best of Missoula online ballot with an open-ended question—Best Category We Forgot—and each year we’ve been tickled by your senses of humor and pleasantly surprised at the number of worthy suggestions. This year proved no different, as the answers ranged from “Best Glory Hole” (no answer added) to multiple votes for “Best Burrito.” We use the more serious submissions to help form future ballots, which means you could see something like “Best Distillery,” “Best Concert of the Year,” “Best Market Vendor” or “Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary” in 2016, but probably not “Best Reason to Call Jon Krakauer’s Book Horrible Even Though You Haven’t Read It.” Perhaps something more abstract (“Best Kept Secret”) or artistic (“Best Poet”) could sway our Best of Missoula panel, or maybe they’ll be hungry for something savory (“Best Soup”) or sporty (“Best Sports League”). However the ballot changes next year—and it does change subtly every year— we’re pretty sure this last ballot question will remain. Finalists, Best Store for Skis 2. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com 3. The Trail Head 221 E. Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net
UNIQUELY MISSOULA
anniversary with a special lineup of musical favorites from past events. That means the Dead Winter Carpenters, Lil’ Smokies, Hot Buttered Rum and Reverend Slanky will serve as Missoula’s latest welcoming committee. Finalists, Best Festival 2. Garden City BrewFest 3. TIE: Celtic Festival Day of the Dead
UNIQUELY MISSOULA
BEST CHURCH CHOIR St. Francis Xavier After two and a half years of time off, Choir Director Gina Lapka returned this past fall to a group of 20 to 25 dedicated and hardworking singers at St. Francis Xavier ranging from high school age to in their 80s. It’s a group that goes above and beyond, Lapka says, by taking time outside of practice to learn and perfect each piece of music. Along with the singers, Lapka has has been working with a trumpeter through the year to round out the choir’s heavenly sound. If parishioners are lucky, they may be able to catch this award-winning group singing its favorite and most beautiful song, “Ubi caritas.” St. Francis Xavier: 420 W. Pine • 542-0321 • sfxmissoula.com Finalists, Best Church Choir 2. Holy Spirit 130 S. 6th St. E 542-2167 holyspiritmissoula.org 3. St. Anthony’s 217 Tremont St 543-3129 stacp.org
BEST FESTIVAL River City Roots For many newcomers arriving in Missoula for UM’s fall semester, the River City Roots Festival serves as an introduction to what this town is all about. The free event celebrates art, music and frolicking in the streets (just because we can). Plus, there are competitions like a four-mile run and stand-up paddleboard race, as well a weekend-long family-friendly festival. This year, Roots Fest celebrates its 10th
[50] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2015
BEST LEADER OF THE REVOLUTION Rep. Ellie Hill She doesn’t quote the Bible on the House floor. She’s not a bloviating puppet for the NRA, nor is she a science-dissing shill for Big Milk. She works for you, plain and simple. Ellie Hill has a heart as big as the sky and her revolution is a fight for human dignity. During the most recent legislative session—her third—the Missoula representative put Tea Party ideologues in their place again and again, railing against bonehead bills that would make life more dangerous and difficult for people across the state. She helped win the biggest fight of the session with the expansion of Medicaid, a victory that will provide thousands with medical coverage. From her days advocating for the homeless at the Pov to her stellar leadership and compassion in Helena, she’s fought the good fight with unwavering courage and a clear-headed mission to make the quality of life better for all Montanans. Finalists, Best Leader of the Revolution 2. City Councilman Adam Hertz 3. Mayor John Engen
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION YWCA The YWCA recently joined a pilot advocacy project that would help them combine forces with other nonprofits that share their mission: ending racism, sexism and other injustices. As part of the project, the YWCA hosted a forum to back Medicaid expansion and extend health care to a part of the local population often pushed to the wayside. In a town with so many nonprofits, the YWCA consistently rises to the top of the pack as a powerhouse leader of so-
including Out to Lunch, two different brewfests and a classic car show, just to name a few. That means that no matter the season, Caras Park is the place to go for a slice of Missoula life, in all of its quirkiness and glory.
cial justice. The organization is now 104 years old, and the wisdom and leadership gained over that time really shows. YWCA: 1130 W. Broadway • 543-6691 • ywcaofmissoula.org Finalists, Best Nonprofit Organization 2. Watson Children’s Shelter 4978 Buckhouse Lane 549-0058 watsonchildrensshelter.org 3. Missoula Food Bank 219 S 3rd St W 549-0543 missoulafoodbank.org
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ FUN A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow If you spend enough time in Missoula raising kids, these places tend to mark your children’s growth. Early on, it’s about sitting in chariots on the carousel and hoping your kid doesn’t puke. A year later, it’s graduating to a horse that doesn’t go up and down and whiteknuckling a ride without the aid of a parent, or having the courage to slide down one of Dragon Hollow’s steeper slides. Another year, it’s free carousel rides on Thanksgiving Day and getting halfway on the park’s monkey rings. Before long, the kids are getting competitive about grabbing the carousel’s golden ring and rolling their eyes when Dad asks if they want a push on Dragon Hollow’s tire swing. So far, our kids
Finalists, Best Place for People-Watching 2. Farmers’ Markets 3. Southgate Mall Finalists, Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners 2. Farmers’ Markets 3. The “M”
River City Roots Festival
haven’t outgrown the place—and, as parents, we know we never will. A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow: 101 Carousel Drive • 549-8382 • carouselformissoula.com Finalists, Best Place for Kids’ Fun 2. Children’s Museum 225 W. Front St 541-7529 childrensmuseummissoula.org 3. spectrUM 218 E. Front St 728-7836 spectrum.umt.edu
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS Caras Park Events Any out-of-towner can attest to Caras Park’s extreme appeal, especially during the summer months when all of Missoula is collectively drunk on sunlight until 10 p.m. On the first of this season’s weekly Downtown ToNight events, we watched kids romp with ice cream cones, adults guzzle beer and an all-ages crowd get down to live music, while mere steps away river surfers and kayakers hit Brennan’s Wave. The park also hosts a slew of Missoula’s other major gatherings,
BEST PLACE TO WALK DOGS Blue Mountain Missoula is not exactly hurting for scenic trails and parks to take our pups out for a stroll, but this year Blue Mountain takes the top prize for local canine lovers. A stroll up the trailhead makes it obvious why, with a network of easy trails criss-crossing rolling meadows and forested hillsides. It’s a place where your best furry friends can prance around and sniff each other to their heart’s content, and you can take in a gorgeous view of the Missoula Valley below. Finalists, Best Place to Walk Dogs 2. Riverfront Trails 3. Jacob’s Island Bark Park
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2015 [51]
[52] Missoula Independent â&#x20AC;˘ Best of Missoula 2015
“WHEN OUR PLANS CHANGED,
COMMUNITY
D E L I V E R E D.”
NOT ONLY DID COMMUNITY WELCOME THEIR PLANS, THEY HELPED WELCOME THEIR KIDS HOME. WHEN COLIN & LEXIE HICKEY GOT TO COMMUNITY, WE EMBRACED THEIR DESIRE FOR A HOME BIRTH. THEIR TEAM WAS WELCOMED AS A PART OF COMMUNITY. WE MADE SURE THAT THEIR NEEDS WERE MET. HERE AT COMMUNITY, WE BELIEVE THE PARENTS’ CHOICES SHOULD ALWAYS BE HEARD. PLANS MAY CHANGE, BUT AT COMMUNITY, COMPASSIONATE CARE IS ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY.
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [13]
[arts]
Learning curve In Chasing Time, photographers Neil Chaput de Saintonge and Keith Graham study the culture of Montana’s one-room schools by Mary Bradley
bout 25 years ago, when Neil Chaput de Saintonge and his wife, Jeanne, moved to Missoula to start the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, they hit the pavement on a mission to explore the countryside. Little did Neil know, the countryside would have a mission for him. “We started seeing what looked like little tiny schools—with swings—that looked like they were active,” he says. “I thought, ‘That can’t still be a one-room school.’” Out of curiosity, Chaput began to do some research, and he found Montana had 113 one-room schools. Five years later, Chaput was invited to teach photography to students at a one-room school in the Yaak. As images from that day filled his camera, he
A
that still exists in the now 75 schools left in the state. (Twenty-eight have closed since Chaput took his initial road trip with his wife.) The 50 photographs run the gamut, from Pass Creek, where 10 students spanned seven grade levels, to Hawks Home, where a young redheaded girl was enrolled as the only student. In one photo, a young girl stares at the ground, huddled solemnly next to a red ball during recess. In another, a student sits in her classroom next to a large map of the world with an iPad in hand. The photographers plan to create a 200-page book that will include the 50 images from Chasing Time, plus 125 more. It is scheduled for release at MAM during an Aug. 7 reception and gallery talk.
began to think that documenting these Montana schools would make a good project. “That was the beginning,” he says. But, as Chaput immersed himself in his work at RMSP, he put the schoolhouse idea on the backburner—and it sat there for 20 years. Then, a few years ago, Chaput started talking about the one-room schoolhouses with Keith Graham, associate professor of journalism at the University of Montana, who also had taken an interest in rural education. The idea came to life again. The duo agreed to photograph the schools and Graham took on the task of filming a documentary. Their project, Chasing Time: Montana’s One-Room Schools, turned into a two-year endeavor of documenting what is left of the dwindling structures. They hit the road in 2013 and spent the majority of the school year visiting 28 one-room schools, covering up to 1,800 miles in a few days and taking 18 trips total. Chasing Time, which is currently on display at the Missoula Art Museum, details the culture of education
During their time on the road, Chaput and Graham would arrive before the students and leave after they’d gone home, spending an entire day at the schools. It gave the photographers a chance to observe, Chaput says, a nurturing environment where older students study with those in younger grades and one-on-one instruction is routine. Graham says that, over time, he and Chaput began to realize the importance of these classrooms. Each of their images serves as a reminder that the pursuit of learning exists even where few may think to look. “It shows you how—often in the middle of nowhere—good education is taking place by teachers who are dedicated and by board members and the community and residents who are determined to keep the schools open and active,” Graham says. “I hope in 10 years we still see these on the landscape of Montana.” Chasing Time: Montana’s One-Room Schools continues at the MAM through September 19. arts@missoulanews.com
[14] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Chasing Time, an exhibit by Neil Chaput de Saintonge and Keith Graman, reflects a dwindling rural tradition.
[music]
Big brass Dirty Bourbon evokes New Orleans drinkin’ music Is it too late to run away with the circus? For most of us, sadly, yes, but we can still walk on the wild side for a while with bands like Dirty Bourbon River Show and their self-described “New Orleans big brass circus rock music.” Since 2009, Dirty Bourbon River Show has specialized in creating an Old-World-cabaret-meetsNew-World-jazz-party out of a wealth of influences, with a musical lineup that includes a bari sax, sousaphone, drums, organs, accordions and whatever else can be thrown into the mix. Fans of Gogol Bordello and/or Tom Waits will probably be fans of this.
Important Things Humans Should Know, the band’s ninth studio album, continues with their diverse approach, led by lead singer Noah Adams’ gruff yet gleeful vocals. The album’s brief halfhour running time cruises through madcap ditties, rock and roll, mournful blues and sexy waltzes, all expertly done and tightly crafted. It adds up to something you can listen to while sipping whiskey on a humid night, pretending the French Quarter is just outside your window. (Kate Whittle) Dirty Bourbon River Show plays Stage 112 Mon., July 13. Doors at 8 PM. $5. 18-plus.
Hot Rize/Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers Take a razor sharp bluegrass band and dress them in cartoonish Western garb, multiply the goofball factor by 10, mix in a healthy dash of Riders in the Sky radio shtick and you have Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers. “Employees” of Colorado bluegrass icons Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers purportedly ride along in the back of the tour bus, giving their bosses a break during their concerts by taking the stage to play a few Western swing numbers. They are, of course, the same four musicians playing under an alter-ego. With Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, the laughs come fast and furious. The garish cowboy shirts provide a visual component, but the main thing that keeps the Red Knuckles’ boat afloat is the skill with which they play. If you were lucky enough
to catch San Diego’s Beat Farmers during their late ’80s/early ’90s heyday, you saw firsthand how a band could possess a busload of chops yet still have you howling. The late, great Country Dick Montana, their talented drummer, was as unhinged a performer as you’ll ever see. I don’t have the space here to relate any of his antics, but I will say the band was too good to be considered a joke act. They were a kickass rock band with a twisted sense of humor. Substitute “Western swing” for “rock,” and you have Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers. (Ednor Therriault) Hot Rize and Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers play Snowbowl Tue., July 14. Doors at 5 PM, show at 5:30. $38/$36 seniors and veterans/$65 VIP/Free for kids 12 and under. Visit snowbowlmountainmusic.com.
Neil Young and Promise of the Real, The Monsanto Years Whether you’ve listened to it or not, you’ve probably heard at least one opinion on Neil Young’s new protestfolk album, The Monsanto Years. Though it’s true that its reception has been varied—some love it, some say it’s a classic Young political tantrum without the craftsmanship of his earlier work—The Monsanto Years is an important album. In its agro-centric tracks, Young attacks the empire of commercialized farming, lashing at corporations like Monsanto and their flagrant defense of genetically modified organisms, their patented seeds and their seemingly impenetrable monopoly on growers. In “A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop,” the album’s lighthearted retelling of Monsanto and Starbucks’ joint action against GMO labeling, Young and Promise of the
Real whistle through the chorus, then make a turn for the offensive with lyrics about “fascist politicians and chemical giants walking arm-in-arm.” Like a good manifesto ditty should be, the song is catchy and quick, but I’ll be honest and say that it made me run and slap my copy of Harvest on the player. The Monsanto Years isn’t how I want to remember Neil Young. Maybe that’s my own nostalgic hang-up, but my ears needed refreshing. While songs like “Coffee Shop” and “Big Box” don’t approach the mastery of “Old Man” or “Heart of Gold,” The Monsanto Years deserves to be out in the world. It deserves a listen, and I hope it weasels its way into the homes and office buildings of those corporations Young seeks to expose. (Micah Fields)
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [15]
[books]
O ne of of Missoula’s Missoula’s best. best. One T hank you! you! Thank are excited excited to to help help our our Our Our booksellers booksellers are ffriends riends and and customers customers find find new new worlds worlds to to in love explore, n ew a uthors tto o ffall all in love with, w ith, explore, new authors ur ccommunity ommunity surrounded surrounded a nd tto ok eep o and keep our ontana stories. w ith w onderful M stories. with wonderful Montana D owntown o n ccampus, ampus, Downtown orr o on we can’t can’t wait wait to to see see you you soon! soon! we 22o N. Higgins Missoula, MT 406-721-2881 FactAndF ictionBook s.com FactAndFictionBooks.com
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BOOKS BOOKS FOR FOR ALL AGES AGES
Nature’s underbelly Christine Carbo turns Glacier into a crime scene by Erika Fredrickson
Christine Carbo’s debut novel, The Wild Inside (Simon and Schuster, 404 pages, $16), begins with a 14-year-old boy struggling for breath in Glacier Park’s bitter autumn air. The boy, Ted, has just witnessed a grizzly bear attack his father during their camping trip. “I continued to stare into the direction he’d been dragged,” Ted narrates. “... I’d been watching for several hours, even when the light was syrupy dark and I’d waited for the amber eyes to come for me.” The next chapter jumps 20 years later, where Ted—still burdened with the memory of that night—is a special agent for the Department of the Interior tasked to investigate a brutal crime in the park. Carbo, a Whitefishbased writer, spoke with the Indy about her inspirations for the new book.
wanted him to have gotten there almost because he felt safer. He could be detached in his Denver office, and he would have to fly in to investigate these crimes, but without feeling like he was in the heart of what he was afraid of.
The culture around Glacier is different than what you might observe in a city thriller. How did that play into your story? CC: There’s this canyon just as you go out of Columbia Falls, where the Middle Fork [of the Flathead] cuts through … Those communities there rely on the Columbia Falls aluminum plant, which is now closed, and the timber mills and summer tourists. But the rest of the year there’s not a whole lot going on. So those areas, where light is low in the winter and the drinking picks up heavily, are a haven for drugs and crime. And so I went with some of those elements. I wanted my book to be more gritty rather than it being all Whitefish-based author Christine Carbo just set in quaint West Glacier.
How did the idea for The Wild Inside come about? Christine Carbo: It wasn’t like I had this burning story in me that needed to come out. I just wanted to write a crime fiction novel. But I was really perplexed offers a thriller centered on the dark side You read a lot of crime ficwhen I first started to think of Glacier National Park. tion. Who do you like? about the story, because all CC: I really like Dennis Lehane and Mo Hayder, the great crime novels I read take place in these really phenomenal places—in Scotland and Ireland and who really runs on the dark side. She is not afraid to England, in atmospheric old cities. And even though deal with all the serial killers out there. I enjoy Daniel I’ve lived in cities there are none that I felt connected Woodrell and William Kent Krueger. And James Lee enough to. Then I realized Glacier Park has a ton of Burke is great. visitors every year from all over the world and it has its share of crime. When I started looking at it from Do you watch “True Detective”? CC: I love “True Detective.” It’s really atmosthat angle I thought, you know, I actually do have a pheric. I was doing an interview for a Whitefish comgreat place to set the story. munity event and they said if this book ever got made into a series or a movie, who [should] play Ted. It just How did you come up with the character of Ted? CC: I wanted a character who had some psycho- stumped me. They said, “How about Matthew Mclogical baggage. And since it was set in Glacier Park, Conaughey?” He’d be great. Why not? But I was thinkthe fact that his father was attacked and killed by a bear ing the main character in “The Walking Dead,” made sense. Anytime anyone mentions seeing a grizzly Andrew Lincoln, would be even better. I can always keep my fingers crossed. bear all ears perk up. You want to know every detail. Christine Carbo and Leslie Budewitz, author After his horrible experience, how does Ted end up the new book Butter Off Dead, interview each other about mystery writing at Fact & Fiction being back in the park? CC: I know that special agents are pulled into Tue., July 14, at 7 PM. the park whenever there’s a serious crime. So I wanted my character to be at that federal level and I efredrickson@missoulanews.com
[16] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
[books]
A wild idea An environmental writer says “yes” to invasive species by Allie Donahue
You might sit up late these hot summer nights, sweating over the influx of Californians on your block. But according to environmental journalist Fred Pearce’s latest book, The New Wild (Beacon Press, 272 pages $26.95), you can rest easy when it comes to alien plants and animals—those hordes of imported nutria, starlings and ragweed. In his sharp translation of earth science into engaging vernacular, Pearce argues that our obsession with keeping wildlife native is counterproductive in a world that has already been irreversibly altered by human activity, and if we let species roam where they survive best, nature will usher in an era of eco-prosperity—the new wild. We asked him to elaborate on these ideas.
much the worst thing possible in order to help nature survive. I’m intrigued by the similarities between anti-alien species and anti-immigration rhetoric. FP: We like the native and the familiar, and we tend to fear the unusual and the unexpected. That’s
Most environmentalists hate invasive species. Why don’t you? Fred Pearce: Over the years, I’ve written plenty of stories about killer algae in the Mediterranean and ruddy ducks that were terrorizing European bird life. And they’re quite scary stories, some of them. But the more I looked at it, the more I In his book The New Wild, author Fred Pearce argues we felt like something was off. shouldn’t kill species in the name of conservation. First, I became uncomfortable with the idea that we should be going around killing part of human nature. But in an exaggerated form, stuff as a way of doing conservation. And second, the it’s destructive. It’s perfectly natural to like your more I was reading about ecology, the more it didn’t neighbors, but I think it’s less helpful if that turns fit together with the way that nature appears to be into hating the people on the other side of town. Similarly, to demonize alien species in the way that many working. If you take the conventional view in ecology that conservationists have is destructive of nature. When ecosystems are highly evolved and every species has you get into situations when you’re going around its niche, then, obviously, any species coming in is shooting birds because you think they shouldn’t be really bad news. If they move in and find a place, there, that’s a strange form of conservation. they’re pushing out another species. But the new ecology says nature isn’t really like that. Nature is con- So should we always let invasive species do what stantly changing on its own account. It’s doing Dar- they want? FP: I think there are perfectly legitimate reasons win’s stuff. And if you take that view of nature, then why we may find some alien species disruptive. They aliens are no longer intrinsically bad. may bring disease or overwhelm ecosystems—though Will invasive species have a greater role as the cli- this usually happens when we have already messed things up, giving them space to do so. Sometimes our mate changes? FP: Nature has much greater powers of regener- aesthetic sensibilities may be offended by what they are ation than we often give it credit for. But nature is doing. We have a perfect right to act. But what I don’t going to have to move to keep up with changing cli- think we should imagine is that we are benefiting namate zones. If we have this idea of alien species as ture by doing this. We are benefiting ourselves. moving into places they weren’t before as things that should be exterminated, then we are doing pretty arts@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [17]
[18] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
[film]
Summer surprise Me and Earl defies coming-of-age pitfalls by Molly Laich
Defensive eating.
Real talk: I was not particularly psyched to see a teenage film about cancer with a title like Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. It sounds like a bummer, for starters. The trailer features a medley of every feelgood pop song from 2014. (A band called “Fun.” My god. What’s next?) Too much hip makes me nauseous and I’m protective of my heartstrings; I don’t want just anyone pulling on them. Right out of the gates, the movie looks like a cool kid’s Instagram feed—but I have to admit that it’s good. It’s the feed of a camera with an eye for composition and interesting people. It turns out that I was wrong to be skeptical. This isn’t another dumb teenage movie about seniors marching toward prom like lemmings. Alfonso-Gomez-Rejon directs from a screenplay by Jesse Andrews, adapted from his own novel. We meet our protagonist Greg (Thomas Mann) as he sits at his word processor, trying to write the story we’re about to watch. Greg tells us how he navigates the social war zone of high school. He’s mapped out all the different cliques, from goth ravers to theater nerds. Greg makes himself accessible to all but identifies with none. His strategy makes me think of that fantasy we all share of what it would be like to go back and rule our adolescence with grown-up knowledge and detachment. The film won me over for good at around the nine-minute mark, when Greg reveals that he spends his lunch hour in a small room off the library, watching movies on a laptop with his tattooed history teacher (Jon Bernthal) and best friend Earl (RJ Cyler). They’re watching a clip from Werner Herzog’s Burden of Dreams and I’m smitten. It’s exactly the kind of thing I would have done back then. Since they were kids, Greg and Earl have been making films that are parodies of classics. They have titles like Eyes Wide Butt and The 400 Bros. Instead of Apocalypse Now, they make A Box
of Lips, Wow! about a guy who can’t believe he just found a box of lips. Are you not entertained? Don’t forget that Greg’s childhood acquaintance, Rachel, has just been diagnosed with leukemia. Greg’s parents deliver him the news with the awkward humor indicative of hippy intellectuals. His father (Nick Offerman) wears chakra colored robes and specializes in weird, worldly cuisine. “Did you know you can smoke a hornet?” he says. His mother (Connie Britton) insists that Greg befriend Rachel in her hour of need, and through that cajoling, of course a tender friendship forms. Olivia Cooke as Rachel doesn’t pull any punches in her depiction of a smart, sensitive teenager struggling with an unfair disease. Molly Shannon as Rachel’s single mother comes on a little strong at first. She always has a drink in her hand, but her daughter is dying of cancer, after all, and the film invites us to cut her some slack. Indeed, it’s the multi-dimensionality of the characters that elevates this material from a simple tearjerker into something that is smart, unexpected, hilarious and, at times, emotionally manipulative. Greg is a kid who’s self-conscious about the way he looks and uses his intelligence and humor as buffers from the world. And Earl isn’t a token black friend dropped into a white-person movie—he’s from Pittsburgh’s badder neighborhoods and brings all that wisdom with him. Every time I thought this movie was going to disappoint me with something clichéd or too sentimental, I was, instead, surprised by its cunning and self-awareness. In a ho-hum summer movie season, Me and Earl and The Dying Girl is an awesome, unexpected gift. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl continues at the Carmike 12 through tonight, Thu., July 9. arts@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [19]
[film]
Buried personality A director’s style is lost in Self/Less’s rote thrills by Scott Renshaw
Lip balm, anyone?
Despite a film journalist’s most earnest efforts, we aren’t clued into everything about movies all the time. While many features roll into theaters after months of hype, occasionally a new film arrives where we might absorb little knowledge regarding what it’s about, or even who made it. See, we critics can be just like you. So it came to pass that, on a recent morning, the motion picture Self/Less unfolded before me. And after nearly two hours, when the director’s name finally appeared on the screen, my first reaction was, “That was a Tarsem Singh movie?” The name may be unfamiliar to you, but you’ve probably seen his work, going all the way back to his iconic music video for R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” He’s made movies that, no matter their overall quality, were never wanting for visual imagination: The Cell, The Fall, even his more commercially mainstream work like Immortals and Mirror Mirror. Of the many things one could say about a Tarsem Singh movie, you could never say it didn’t look like a Tarsem Singh movie. And yet we have this science-fiction suspense yarn, which begins with a multi-millionaire New York real estate tycoon, Damian Hale (Ben Kingsley), who’s dying of cancer. He’s willing to use his money to destroy the careers of rivals in the interest of preserving his empire, so it’s no surprise that he’s willing to consider using that money to prolong his life—even if that means being part of an experimental procedure in which his consciousness is transferred into a new, genetically engineered host body. But when Damian wakes up in his new body (Ryan Reynolds) and receives his new identity of Edward Kitner, he begins to have hallucinations that suggest someone else might have once occupied that body. Rote conspiracy thriller elements—built around a plot nearly identical to the 1966 John Frankenheimer film Seconds—ensue, including (but not limited to): dark sedans following people; friends turning out to be secret spies; Internet search engine research; children in peril. The “mystery” of Damian’s new identity is resolved fairly quickly—you already know if you’ve seen the trailer—leaving little more
[20] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
than the visceral effectiveness of a few chase sequences and fistfights to keep you watching. That empty space easily could have been occupied by a more interesting central performance, but it’s not clear how much of that problem is Reynolds’ fault. It’s true that he makes little effort to mimic Kingsley’s mannerisms in a way that seems consistent with how other beneficiaries of this procedure behave. And it’s true he doesn’t convey Damian’s supreme master-of-the-universe confidence, aside from throwing a few elbows in pick-up basketball. That failing, however, seems to be built into the script, written by David and Alex Pastor, who show only vague interest in digging into the socioeconomic side of this “business,” including those who profit from the sacrifices of soldiers. Self/Less didn’t require a sermon, but it could have used something to anchor the story more firmly as an allegory with a conscience. It could have used more of Tarsem’s distinctive Tarsem-ness, as well, especially in a story with a similar hook as The Cell. Tarsem shows off a few stylistic flourishes as strange memories begin to intrude on Damian’s consciousness. There’s an effective montage capturing Damian/Edward enjoying the hedonistic life afforded by his healthy new body. There’s also an unsettling sequence involving an argument and a young girl making her way toward a too-quiet room full of toys. And that’s about it. The look of Self/Less remains mostly functional, pushing the story forward without much attempt to expand the concept of a person absorbing another man’s life. Then again, maybe there’s something metaphorically appropriate about that. If this was ever meant to be a cautionary tale about the human cost of valuing corporate “creators,” maybe we’re seeing the effects in action. Self/Less finds a distinct filmmaker’s personality buried beneath something that seems to have no greater goal beyond mere existence. Self/Less opens at the Carmike 12 Fri., July 10. arts@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [21]
[film]
Ab fab Bigger is better in Magic Mike XXL by Kate Whittle
You forgot something.
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[22] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Because I am an extraordinarily dedicated journalist, I decided to do some research before seeing Magic Mike XXL by attending an actual male amateur stripper night. I rolled up to the club with some of my best lady friends and, it turns out, not nearly enough singles in my wallet, feeling a little bit of trepidation: What possibly could be entertaining about openly ogling gorgeous young men who are competing for your attention? Nothing, obviously, so you can presume that I behaved with the utmost dignity and restraint, especially if you are my mother who’s reading this. As an aside, I would like the first line of my obituary to note that I once turned down a male stripper who asked for my number. Little Big Boy, you were sweet, but I just don’t think it could ever work between us. So last weekend I felt as prepared as possible for Magic Mike XXL, since I’ve also studied the first film, Magic Mike, diligently. The 2012 movie introduced us to Channing Tatum as the eponymous Mike, a construction worker by day and stripper by night in Tampa, Fla. The original Magic Mike packages the beefcake with a somewhat unsavory plot and frankly terrible acting from some of Tatum’s costars. Despite a few major flaws, the film’s premise alone was enough to cement it as a trashy classic—it was shot on a $7 million budget and grossed almost $114 million domestically. I’m pleased to report that Magic Mike XXL fixes almost everything that was off-putting about the first film, and amazingly, it goes above and beyond in catering to its audience. The theme this time is basically a road-trip comedy. Mike’s retired from adult entertainment to focus on his construction business, but the remaining guys from his old club are banding together for one last adventure at an upcoming stripper convention. Mike gets roped into the trip and scantily clad scenarios ensue.
Overall, Tatum gets better costars here. Uber hunk Joe Manganiello gets more screen time, plus we’re introduced to Donald Glover. Jada Pinkett Smith steals the show as the boss bitch owner of a private strip club that features a predominantly black staff and clientele. XXL is also stuffed with references to other touchstones of heterosexual lady fantasies, like Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight, as well as the more obscure D’Angelo 2000 song “How Does It Feel.” (Please go look up the music video for that, you will not be sorry.) Not that XXL is suddenly high-class cinema or anything. The plot’s still pretty silly, expository dialogue lasts far too long and Tatum doesn’t have all that much chemistry with his new love interest, played by Amber Heard. What makes this totally worth watching is how the movie captures the best part of the male entertainer experience, which is all about making women feel special and guys getting to revel in the attention. XXL goes out of its way to show women of all shapes and sizes and colors—and not just faux “curvy” girls, but actual fat girls—being exuberantly, creatively worshipped by a variety of men. This all seems good and right. At its best, sexy entertainment like we see in XXL is about providing a much-needed cultural space to express desires that we can’t in everyday life. Women’s sexuality is so often suppressed or dismissed, but by God, Magic Mike XXL celebrates it. Admittedly, it’s aimed at a very particular facet of women’s sexuality, one that might not be everybody’s cup of tea (or black leather thong, as it were.) But life is short. Grab a posse of buddies and go see this movie pronto. At the very least, the ticket price is a hell of a lot cheaper than a real strip club. Magic Mike XXL continues at Carmike 12. kwhittle@missoulanews.com
[film] MAGIC MIKE XXL It’s slobbering time. There’s a veritable C-store of six packs on display when Mike (Channing Tatum) returns from his self-imposed exile and rounds up his pec posse to have one last stripper blowout. It’s the male version of Charlie’s Angels, only the guys don’t seem to be in on the joke. Rated R because of dirty stuff. Playing at the Carmike, Pharaohplex, Showboat. (See Film.)
OPENING THIS WEEK ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (STRATFORD FESTIVAL) Is that an asp in your pocket, or are you just glad to be a co-ruler of Rome? Marc Antony isn’t supposed to fool around with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. What would the Mesopotamians think? But he succumbs to Cleopatra’s irresistible charms, and that’s all she wrote. Screening at the Roxy, Tue., July 14, 7:30 PM. Visit mtlive.org. BLADE RUNNER You’re jonesing for more Harrison Ford, and we’re here to help. Everyone’s favorite sci-fi film noir pits the replicants against the humans in a dark, moody, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Ford’s Deckard falls for Sean Young, who may or may not be a replicant. But is Deckard also a replicant? That’s a topic for a loud discussion in the lobby. Screening at the Roxy, Sun., July 12, 7:30 PM. THE GALLOWS Twenty years after a horrific accident brings tragedy to a high school play, students decide to produce the play in honor of the kid who died. Soon enough, they realize that they should have stuck with The Music Man. Rated R. Carmike. INTERNET CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL Sure, you could sit at your computer and sift through the hundreds of so-so cat videos on the internet, but now you can see all the best, compiled on the big screen. The International Cat Video Festival shows at the Roxy, Wed., July 15, 5 and 7 PM. MINIONS The babbling, begoggled, Twinkie-shaped sidekicks from Despicable Me have spawned their own cottage industry. Now they finally get their own feature. After eons of failure serving under historical villains, they hook up with Scarlett Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock) in a plot to swipe Queen Elizabeth’s crown. Rated PG. Screening at the Carmike, Pharaohplex and Showboat. THE OVERNIGHT Taylor Schilling, better known as Piper from “Orange is the New Black,” stars with Adam Scott as new arrivals to Los Angeles who run into creepy guy Jason Schwartzman. A family playdate becomes increasingly weird as the night goes on. Screens at the Roxy Fri., July 10–Wed., July 15, 6 PM and 8 PM. Shows Thu., July 16, 8 PM only. A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE This winner of the Golden Lion for Best Film at the Venice International Film Festival follows a pair of traveling salesmen as they examine the various facets of everyday life.
MAX He’s not mad, but he is suffering from PTSD. Canine war hero Max, damaged by battle trauma, finds his way back to inner peace through the love of his adoptive family. This family adventure stars Lauren Graham and Thomas Haden Church. Rated PG. Carmike and Showboat.
“Summer school is the worst.” The Gallows opens Fri., July 10, at the Carmike. The beauty, humor and tragedy revealed just beneath the veneer are the rewarding fruits of this existential examination. Screening at the Roxy, Fri., July 10–Thu., July 16. SELF/LESS When a one-percenter dying of cancer undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness to the body of Ryan Reynolds, things go south faster than jazz night in a biker bar. Rated PG-13. Carmike. (See Film.) UNREAL Try not to fall out of your chair as you witness some of the best mountain bikers on the planet do their extreme thing in some of the world’s most incredible locations. Premiering at the Top Hat Thu., July 9, at 7 PM. Tickets are $15, $12 in advance, available at the Top Hat, Rockin Rudy’s, and online at topehatlounge.com.
NOW PLAYING AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Tony Stark’s peacekeeping program goes awry and it’s up to a bunch of beefcakes to stop a new villain from his dastardly deeds. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo. Rated PG-13. Carmike 12, Pharaohplex, Showboat. I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS Blythe Danner and Sam Elliott star in this story of a woman connecting with new men (Elliott and Martin Starr), and reconnecting with her daughter (Malin Ackerman). Screening at the Roxy Thu., July 9, 5 PM and 7 PM. INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM Harrison Ford stars in the Summer of Spielberg’s latest
entry at the Roxy. After swashbuckling his way to India, Indiana Jones is asked to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a horrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace. Thu., July 9, 8 PM. INSIDE OUT When young Riley moves with her family to San Francisco, her emotions, given life by Bill Hader, Amy Poehler and other comic heavy hitters, are thrown into turmoil. Up director Pete Docter knocks it out of the park, showing once again that Dreamworks will always be the Steven Tyler to Pixar’s Mick Jagger. Carmike, Pharaohplex. JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, a revelation in Guardians of the Galaxy, stars as the scrappy, charming misfit who faces a full-on dinosaur revolt when the theme park’s GMO dolphinlizard thingy pops its cork. Does not pass the Bechdel test. Rated PG-13. Carmike 12, Pharaohplex, Showboat. LOVE & MERCY You don’t have to be crazy to run the Beach Boys, but it helps. Paul Dano and John Cusack (huh?) split time portraying the beleaguered genius who created so much indelible music for his generation, only to crumble while under the spell of psychotherapist/Svengali Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti in full bug nuts mode). Elizabeth Banks also stars. Screening at the Roxy, Thu., July 9, 5:30 PM. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Awwww yeah, Tom Hardy stars as the eponymous p.o.’d Max, a man on a mission to survive in a screwedup apocalyptic hellscape. Update: HOLY FIREBALLS THIS RULES. And it even passes the Bechdel test! Also starring Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult. Rated R. Carmike 12, Pharaohplex, Entertainer.
SAN ANDREAS Rednecks, homophobes and Wonder Bread conservatives will be cheering loudly in multiplexes across America as California succumbs to The Big One and crumbles into the sea. Dwayne Johnson tries to save one person, reluctantly saves many. Also starring Carla Gugino and Paul Giamatti. Rated PG-13. Carmike 12, Pharaohplex. SPY Comic force of nature Melissa McCarthy continues her march toward world comedy dominance, this time playing a cross between Austin Powers and Lara Croft. With more cussing. Rated R. Carmike 12, Pharaohplex, Showboat. TED 2 Sometimes a sophisticated comedy taps into the shared human experience to transcend the medium and unite us in our quest for understanding and existential harmony. This is not one of those times. If you’re into “Family Guy”-style humor, this one is right up your alley. Carmike. TERMINATOR GENISYS The future ain’t what it used to be when yet another assassin is sent back in time to kill the mother of John Conner, but Sarah Conner has already seen the first four Terminator movies, knows all about Skynet/Genisys, and royally screws up the time/space continuum. Rated PG-13. Playing at the Carmike, Pharaohplex, Showboat, and some future theater that hasn’t been built yet. Capsule reviews by Kate Whittle and Ednor Therriault. Planning your outing to the cinema? Visit the arts section of missoulanews.com to find upto-date movie times for theaters in the area. You can also contact theaters to spare yourself any grief and/or parking lot profanities. Theater phone numbers: Carmike 12 at 541-7469; The Roxy at 7289380; Wilma at 728-2521; Pharaohplex in Hamilton at 961-FILM; Showboat in Polson and Entertainer in Ronan at 883-5603.
Produced by
HEAR MEET VISIT TOUR
Authors Pete Dexter, John Maclean and Alan Weltzien. Maclean family members, friends and associates. Historic Camp Paxson and enjoy a BBQ with event celebrities! Norman’s Blackfoot River fishing holes.
JOIN BUY SPEND
Smokejumpers from the region around a campfire and listen to their stories! Local art and a fishing trip with John N.Maclean on our ONLINE AUCTION! The weekend in Seeley Lake and see a FREE showing of “A River Runs Through It” at the Seeley Lake Fire Hall.
Thank you to the TOP HAT & BOB WARDS for sponsoring last week’s film showing! This Festival is funded in part by grants from the Montana Office of Tourism and Humanities Montana, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Orvis Company.
For questions: Call Jenny at 406-754-0034 or email rohrervid@aol.com
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [23]
[dish]
Popeye’s little helper Ari LeVaux The spring crop of local spinach usually reaches its peak near the summer solstice. For me, those fresh, meaty leaves are a seasonal reminder of the many benefits of eating locally. But as much as I love spinach, it can become a challenge to maintain my appetite for Popeye’s little helper. That’s when the other side of the world comes in handy. With a bit of knowledge and just a handful of ingredients from another hemisphere, the resulting infusion of flavors will keep you eating spinach with enthusiasm. I’m thinking of the northern Indian dish palak gosht, or meat with spinach, and the related dish palak paneer, or spinach and cheese. The interwebs are full of recipes for both of these dishes, but I defer to the versions in my go-to cookbook for Indian cuisine, 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi. She is a legendary chef and founder of a family of restaurants in London known as the Masala Zone. I picked up her book at the airport in Chennai, awaiting a plane-change en-route to Kerala. Had food been the only reason for my trip I could have simply turned around and gone home, cookbook in hand, and eaten just as well. Indian recipes like Panjabi’s can seem overwhelming at first, as they contain so many ingredients, mostly spices. But aside from their whirlwinds of flavor, the main ingredients are few. These recipes are edited slightly for space and clarity.
FLASH IN THE PAN
Palak paneer (spinach with curd cheese) Ingredients: ¾ pint milk ½ cup yogurt 2 teaspoon lime juice ½ - ¾ lb of spinach 2 jalapeños, chopped ½ teaspoon chopped ginger 2 tablespoon cooking oil Pinch of fenugreek seeds 1 onion, minced or grated 1 garlic clove, chopped ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 tomatoes, pureed How to make it: For the cheese, carefully bring the milk to near-boiling, then add yogurt and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place a strainer over a bowl, and pour the milk through it. Press down on the curds with the back of a spoon to get the water out (or squeeze in cheesecloth). For the spinach sauce, cook the spinach, ginger and jalapeños in a pan with a pinch of salt and a splash of water. Allow to cool, then puree in a blender. Heat the oil in a pan, on medium, then fry the
photo by Ari LeVaux
fenugreek seeds for 30 seconds. Add the onion and fry until translucent. Add the garlic and cumin seeds. Stir them around, then add the tomato puree. When the water from the tomatoes has evaporated and the sauce thickens, add the cheese curds and spinach puree. Stir it up and serve. Palak gosht (meat with spinach) Ingredients: 1 lb meat (lamb, mutton, beef or venison) 1 minced onion 1 ½-inch cube of ginger 2 good-sized garlic cloves 2-3 jalapeños ½ cup yogurt ¼ - ½ teaspoon freshly ground cumin ½ lb fresh spinach ¼ cup cooking oil 1 cinnamon leaf (or use a bay leaf ) 1 cardamom pod 3 cloves coffees, teas (Evening in Missoula), bulk spices and botanicals, fine toiletries & gifts. Our cafe features homemade soups, fresh salads, and coffee ice cream specialties. In the heart of historic downtown, we are Missoula’s first and favorite Espresso Bar. Open 7 Days. $
Bernice’s Bakery 190 South 3rd West • 728-1358 Bernice’s Bakery is a Missoula Landmark. 36 years of baking goodness. Open 6a8p Bernice’s offers an incredible selections of breakfast pastries, treats, cakes, and a fine, fresh lunch daily. If you’ve never been in you’re mission’ out. And if you haven’t been in lately you really should make it a point to stop by. July is a great month for slow walks along the Clark Fork while you sip Bernice’s iced-coffee, newly added espresso, or a refreshing Arnold Palmer and nibble on a coconut macron. Picnic? Bernice’s is your stop. We can load you up with all you need and off you go! Bernice’s made from scratch for your pleasure. See you soon. xoxo bernice. Open 6a-8p seven days a week. bernicesbakerymt.com $-$$ Biga Pizza 241 W. Main Street • 728-2579 Biga Pizza offers a modern, downtown dining environment combined with traditional brick oven pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, specials and desserts. All dough is made using a “biga” (pronounced beega) which is a time-honored Italian method of bread making. Biga Pizza uses local products, the freshest produce as well as artisan meats and cheeses. Featuring seasonal menus. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. Beer & Wine available. $-$$ Black Coffee Roasting Co. 525 E. Spruce • 541-3700 Black Coffee Roasting Company is located in the heart of Missoula. Our roastery is open MF 6:30-5:30, Sat. 7:30- 4, Sun. 8-3. In addition to fresh roasted coffee beans we offer a full service espresso bar, drip coffee, pour-overs and more. The suspension of coffee beans in water is our specialty. $
The Bridge Pizza Corner of S. 4th & S. Higgins • 542-0002 A popular local eatery on Missoula’s Hip Strip. Featuring handcrafted artisan brick oven pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups, & salads made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Missoula’s place for pizza by the slice. A unique selection of regional microbrews and gourmet sodas. Dine-in, drive-thru, & delivery. Open everyday 11 to 10:30 pm. $-$$ Brooks & Browns Inside Holiday Inn Downtown 200 S. Pattee St. • 532-2056 Martini Mania with $4 martinis every Monday. The Griz Coaches Radio Show LIVE every Tuesday at 6pm, Burger & Beer special $8 every Tuesday. $2 well drinks & $2 PBR tall boys every Wednesday. Big Brains Trivia every Thursday at 8pm. Have you discovered Brooks & Browns? Inside the Holiday Inn, Downtown Missoula $-$$ Burns Street Bistro 1500 Burns St. • 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com We cook the freshest local ingredients as a matter of pride. Our relationship with local farmers, ranchers and other businesses allows us to bring quality, scratch cooking and fresh-brewed Black Coffee Roasting Co. coffee and espresso to Missoula’s Historic Westside neighborhood. Handmade breads & pastries, soups, salads & sandwiches change with the seasons, but our commitment to delicious food does not. Mon-Fri 7am - 2pm. Sat/Sun Brunch 9am 2pm. Dinners on Fri & Sat nights 5 - 9 PM. $-$$ Butterfly Herbs 232 N. Higgins • 728-8780 Celebrating 43 years of great coffees and teas. Truly the “essence of Missoula.” Offering fresh
[24] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Cafe Zydeco 2101 Brooks • 406-926-2578 cafezydeco.com GIT’ SOME SOUTH IN YOUR MOUTH! Authentic cajun cuisine, with an upbeat zydeco atmosphere in the heart of Missoula. Indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast served all day. Featuring Jambalaya, Gumbo, Étouffée, Po-boys and more. Beignets served ALL DAY! Open Monday 9am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Closed Sundays. Doc’s Gourmet Sandwiches 214 N. Higgins Ave. 542-7414 Doc’s is an extremely popular gathering spot for diners who appreciate the great ambiance, personal service and generous sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re heading out for a power lunch, meeting friends or family or just grabbing a quick takeout, Doc’s is always an excellent choice. Delivery in the greater Missoula area. We also offer custom catering!...everything from gourmet appetizers to all of our menu items. $-$$ El Cazador 101 S. Higgins Ave. 728-3657 Missoula Independent readers’ choice for Best Mexican Restaurant. Come taste Alfredo’s original recipes for authentic Mexican food where we cook with love. From seafood to carne asada, enjoy dinner or stop by for our daily lunch specials. We are a locally owned Mexican family restaurant, and we want to make your visit with us one to remember. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$
½ teaspoon freshly ground coriander 3 tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed How to make it: Puree the ginger, garlic and jalapeños in a food processor. Add the yogurt and ¼ teaspoon cumin. Marinate the lamb in this for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Blanch the spinach for 10 or so seconds in boiling water. Puree. Heat the oil in a pan, add the cinnamon (or bay) leaf, cardamom and cloves. When the spices begin to brown add the onions. Slowly fry until they start to brown. Add coriander and ½ teaspoon cumin. Stir, and add a splash of water. Add the meat and marinade. The meat will release water as it cooks. When this moisture is nearly gone add the tomatoes, two cups water and a teaspoon of salt. Cover and simmer on low until the moisture is again nearly gone. Add pureed spinach, cook for five minutes. Both of these can be served with rice or an Indian flatbread like naan. The Empanada Joint 123 E. Main St. • 926-2038 Offering authentic empanadas BAKED FRESH DAILY! 9 different flavors, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Ask us about our Take and Bake Service! Plus Argentine side dishes and desserts. Super quick and super delicious! Get your healthy hearty lunch or dinner here! Wi-Fi, Soccer on the Big Screen, and a rich sound system featuring music from Argentina and the Caribbean. Mon-Thurs 11 am - 6 pm. Friday and Sat 11-8 pm Downtown Missoula. $ Good Food Store 1600 S. 3rd West • 541-FOOD The GFS Deli features made-to-order sandwiches, Fire Deck pizza & calzones, rice & noodle wok bowls, an award-winning salad bar, an olive & antipasto bar and a self-serve hot bar offering a variety of housemade breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées. A seasonally-changing selection of deli salads and rotisserie-roasted chickens are also available. Locally-roasted coffee/espresso drinks and an extensive fresh juice and smoothie menu complement bakery goods from the GFS ovens and Missoula’s favorite bakeries. Indoor and patio seating. Open every day 7am-10pm $-$$ Grizzly Liquor 110 W Spruce St. • 549-7723 www.grizzlyliquor.com Voted Missoula’s Best Liquor Store! Largest selection of spirits in the Northwest, including all Montana micro-distilleries. Your headquarters for unique spirits and wines! Free customer parking. Open Monday-Saturday 97:30 www.grizzlyliquor.com. $-$$$ Hob Nob on Higgins 531 S. Higgins • 541-4622 hobnobonhiggins.com Come visit our friendly staff & experience Missoula’s best little breakfast & lunch spot. All our food is made from scratch, we feature homemade corn beef
$…Under $5 $–$$…$5–$15 $$–$$$…$15 and over
[dish] hash, sourdough pancakes, sandwiches, salads, espresso & desserts. MC/V $-$$
wine selection, and ROCKIN’ music. What deal will you find today? $-$$$
Iron Horse Brew Pub 501 N. Higgins • 728-8866 www.ironhorsebrewpub.com We’re the perfect place for lunch, appetizers, or dinner. Enjoy nightly specials, our fantastic beverage selection and friendly, attentive service. Stop by & stay awhile! No matter what you are looking for, we’ll give you something to smile about. $$-$$$
Pearl Cafe 231 E. Front St. • 541-0231 pearlcafe.us Country French meets the Northwest. Idaho Trout with Dungeness Crab, Rabbit with Wild Mushroom Ragout, Snake River Farms Beef, Fresh Seafood Specials Daily. House Made Charcuterie, Sourdough Bread & Delectable Desserts. Extensive wine list; 18 wines by the glass and local beers on draft. Reservations recommended for the intimate dining areas. Visit our website Pearlcafe.us to check out our nightly specials, make reservations, or buy gift certificates. Open Mon-Sat at 5:00. $$-$$$
Iza 529 S. Higgins • 830-3237 www.izarestaurant.com Local Asian cuisine feature SE Asian, Japanese, Korean and Indian dishes. Gluten Free and Vegetarian no problem. Full Beer, Wine, Sake and Tea menu. We have scratch made bubble teas. Come in for lunch, dinner, drinks or just a pot of awesome tea. Open Mon-Fri: Lunch 11:30-3pm, Happy Hour 3-6pm, Dinner M-Sat 3pm-close. $-$$ Missoula Senior Center 705 S. Higgins Ave. (on the hip strip) • 543-7154 themissoulaseniorcenter.org Did you know that the Missoula Senior Center serves delicious hearty lunches every weekday for only $3? (Missoula County residents over 60: $3, only $6 if younger and just stopping by) Anyone is welcome to join us from 11:3012:30 for delicious food and great conversation. For a full menu, visit our website. $ Missoula Farmer’s Market N. Higgins by the XXX’s missoulafarmersmarket.com Find us on Facebook Seasonal, Homegrown and Homemade! Fresh local vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, eggs, honey, baked goods and coffee provided by over 100 vendors. Saturdays 8am-12:30pm. “Music at the Market” performers on Saturdays 9am-noon. The Mustard Seed Asian Cafe Southgate Mall • 542-7333 Contemporary Asian fusion cuisine. Original recipes and fresh ingredients combine the best of Japanese, Chinese, Polynesian, and Southeast Asian influences. Full menu available at the bar. Award winning desserts made fresh daily , local and regional micro brews, fine wines & signature cocktails. Vegetarian and Gluten free menu available. Takeout & delivery. $$-$$$
Pita Pit 130 N Higgins • 541-7482 pitapitusa.com Fresh Thinking Healthy Eating. Enjoy a pita rolled just for you. Hot meat and cool fresh veggies topped with your favorite sauce. Try our Chicken Caesar, Gyro, Philly Steak, Breakfast Pita, or Vegetarian Falafel to name just a few. For your convenience we are open until 3am 7 nights a week. Call if you need us to deliver! $-$$
killer teas sake local brews
happy hour 3-6pm everyday
Mon-Fri
LUNCH & DINNER
7am - 4pm
VEGETARIAN & GLUTEN-FREE NO PROBLEM
SAKE SATURDAYS
special sake cocktails • $1 off glass pours • bottle specials
(Breakfast ‘til Noon)
531 S. Higgins
541-4622
Sat & Sun 8am - 4pm
(Breakfast all day)
Romaines 3075 N. Reserve Suite N 406-317-1829 www.romainessalads.com Romaines is a Certified Green Restaurant ® dedicated to making environmentally sustainable choices in all operations. We serve salads, sandwiches, and soups made from locally grown and raised produce and meats. The menu also includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, providing something for everyone on the menu. Locally brewed beers are on tap as well as regional wines pairing well with salads and sandwiches. $-$$ Sushi Hana 403 N. Higgins 549-7979 SushiMissoula.com Montana’s Original Sushi Bar. We Offer the Best Sushi and Japanese Cuisine in Town. Casual atmosphere. Plenty of options for non-sushi eaters including daily special items you won’t find anywhere else. $1 Specials Mon & Wed. Lunch Mon– Sat; Dinner Daily. Sake, Beer, & Wine. Visit SushiMissoula.com for full menu. $$-$$$
Korean Bar-B-Que & Sushi 3075 N. Reserve • 327-0731 We invite you to visit our contemporary Korean-Japanese restaurant and enjoy it’s warm atmosphere. Full Sushi Bar. Korean bar-b-que at your table. Beer and Wine. $$-$$$
Taco Sano 115 1/2 S. 4th Street West 1515 Fairview Ave inside City Life 541-7570 • tacosano.net Once you find us you’ll keep coming back. Breakfast Burritos served all day, Quesadillas, Burritos and Tacos. Let us dress up your food with our unique selection of toppings, salsas, and sauces. Open 10am-9am 7 days a week. WE DELIVER. $-$$
Orange Street Food Farm 701 S. Orange St. • 543-3188 www.orangestreetfoodfarm.com Experience The Farm today!!! Voted number one Supermarket & Retail Beer Selection. Fried chicken, fresh meat, great produce, vegan, gluten free, all natural, a HUGE beer and
Westside Lanes 1615 Wyoming • 721-5263 Visit us for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served 8 AM to 9 PM. Try our homemade soups, pizzas, and specials. We serve 100% Angus beef and use fryer oil with zero trans fats, so visit us any time for great food and good fun. $-$$
$…Under $5 $–$$…$5–$15 $$–$$$…$15 and over
43RD ANNIVERSARY
JULY COFFEE SPECIAL
COOL
COFFEE ICE CREAMS
Colombia Supreme $10.95/lb. TRY SOME ICED!
BUTTERFLY 232 NORTH HIGGINS AVENUE DOWNTOWN
SATURDAYS 4PM-9PM
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS ALL DAY
IN OUR COFFEE BAR
BUTTERFLY HERBS 232 N. HIGGINS AVE • DOWNTOWN
$1
SUSHI Not available for To-Go orders
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [25]
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Grizzly Gin & Tonic HAPPIEST HOUR While it’s being poured, make note of the Frank Sinatra quote that hangs above The Old Post bar: “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”
What it is: Gin and tonic served over ice in a pint glass with two lime wedges. And … ? Nope. That’s it. So, um, what’s the deal? When we order ours at The Old Post Pub, longtime bartender Pat Allgeier gives us a doubletake. “You mean the big one?” he asks, before admitting not many folks order the grizzly anymore. “There’s a key on the computer [point-of-sale system] for it, so it’s been around for a while,” says Allgeier, who’s been tending bar at The Old Post for nearly 10 years. “But it’s not as popular now. I’d say 90 percent of the students don’t even know about it.” In other words, this is an old-school order that could earn you some cred at a few of downtown’s older establishments. How much does it cost? Five bucks. How to order it: Ask for it by name, or just say you want your G&T “grizzly style.”
Bitterroot Beanery Multiple Locations Find us on Facebook Serving organic, free trade coffees, iced mochas & lattes, fruit smoothies, milkshakes & shaved ice drinks. Check out our menu on Facebook. Open daily 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. South Hamilton • 363-4160, North Hamilton • 363-2519, Woodside • 381-4196, Victor • 3814407, Corvallis • 274-4074. $ Bitter Root Brewing 101 Marcus St., Hamilton 363-7468 bitterrootbrewing.com Bitter Root Brewing is open 7 days a week serving delicious microbrews and tasty hand-crafted food. Live music EVERY Thursday and Saturday from 6-8:30pm. Check out our website or find us on Facebook for upcoming events, menus, and other information. Cheers! $-$$ Bouilla 111 S. 3rd Hamilton 406-361-0223 Serving breakfast and lunch. From scratch modern American cuisine served in the beautiful Bit-
[26] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Why you’re ordering it: It’s summer. Allgeier says mojitos and margaritas are the bar’s most popular summer cocktails, but gin and tonics are a close third. photo by Skylar Browning
Where to drink it: On The Old Post’s back patio, which is a perfect—and popular—drinking spot during Missoula’s warmer months. Where to find it: The Old Post Pub is located at 103 W. Spruce St. —Skylar Browning Happiest Hour celebrates western Montana watering holes. To recommend a bar, bartender or beverage for Happiest Hour, email editor@missoulanews.com.
terroot Valley. Check out our menu on Facebook. Open Monday - Saturday. $-$$ The Hamilton - A Public House 104 Main St., Victor 642-6644 Enjoy traditional pub fare in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Serving a variety of appetizers, soups and salads and pub favorites of English Style Fish & Chips to Calamari & Chips to a Grand Tattie. Open at 11a.m. Monday-Friday and 4:00p.m. on Saturday. $-$$ Taste of Paris 109 N 4th St., Hamilton (406) 369-5875 tasteofparis.info FRENCH BISTRO and Crêperie offering authentic, yet affordable French homecooked specialties. French Wines. Gourmet Gifts. The outdoor patio, open in summer, adds a lot to the Parisian experience. Open TuesSat 9am– 8pm. $-$$
$…Under $5 $–$$…$5–$15 $$–$$$…$15 and over
July 9–July 16, 2015 each month at the Ronald McDonald House, 3003 Fort Missoula Road. 1 PM. Call Cindy Cone at 728-8283 or Ann Houston at 543-8939 for more info. Free. Practice reading with some trained pups at the Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St., at 1 PM with R.E.A.D. Dogs. You could build your own clubhouse at LEGO Club at the Missoula Public Library, 301 E Main St., 3:30-5 PM, where all kids up to 12 years old can join in the fun.
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Whew! This race—it's like a marathon. The Missoula Marathon and Half-Marathon is Sun., July 12, starting at 6 AM. The weekend also includes a 5K and kids' fun run. For info, registration and maps, visit missoulamarathon.org.
THURSDAYJULY09 Celebrate the Garden City when the Indy hosts our Best of Missoula Party, which honors the winners of our annual survey and features the sounds of Wartime Blues and Tom Catmull’s Radio Static. Caras Park, 5:30 PM. Free.
The Montana Storychasers Camp teaches kids how to create oral histories and record ‘em. Meets at Seeley Lake’s Camp Paxson, through July 10. $475, including food and lodging. Visit storychasers.org/montana or call 544-0475 to learn more.
Release some stress during t’ai chi classes every Thursday at 10 AM at The Open Way Center, 702 Brooks St. $10 drop-in class. Visit openway.org. Let your little one hit the books at the Missoula Public
Library, 301 E Main St., at 10:30 AM, with Tiny Tales activities for tots up to 3 years old and parents looking for some singing, story telling and rhyming. The Missoula Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the second Thursday of
Soon-to-be mommas can feel empowered, relaxed and nurtured during a prenatal yoga class, this and every Thursday at the Open Way Center, 702 Brooks Ave., at 4 PM. $11/$10 with card. Drop-ins welcome. Call 360-1521. Yoga newbies can get hip to a gentle, mindful practice with Easy Yoga for Beginners, led by Harriet Alterowitz and Marina Zaleski, including basic poses and breath work. Learning Center at Red Willow, 825 W. Kent Ave. Meets Thursdays from 45:15 PM. $45 for six weeks, or $10 drop in.
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [27]
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nightlife Mary Place and Blue Moon help you ease into the evening with some smoky blues at the Union Club. 5:30 PM, free. Downtown ToNight celebrates a whopping 15 years of food, family fun and summertime easy livin’ at Caras Park, every Thursday from 5:30-8:30 PM through mid-September. July 9: Best of Missoula bands. Free to hang out. Exhibit juror Barb Schwarz Karst and Radius gallerist Alicia DeMers discuss their favorite works from the SCAPES | LAND SEA MIND exhibit. Refreshments will be served. Radius Gallery, 114 E. Main St., 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. They don’t play often, but they cast a mighty long shadow. The Big Sky Mudflaps play a fundraiser to help protect the Tongue River Valley from the destructive Otter Creek Mine and Tongue River Railroad. Monk’s Bar, 6–10 PM, $20. For more info visit www.northernplains.org. Ask a blues musician how their day went, and you always get the same answer: “Well, I woke up this mornin’...” MudSlide Charley plays top shelf blues at Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave., 6–8 PM, free, all ages. Reggae master Yabba Griffiths gets heads bobbin’ at Bitter Root Brewing, 6– 8 PM. No cover.
The Djebe Community Drum and Dance class offers instruction in dance and drum traditions from nations including Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Barn Movement Studio, 2926 S. Third St. Meets every Thursday, 67 PM. $5 donation requested. Learn your Swingin’ Thing from your Country Slide when Cathy Clark teaches country dance steps at the Sunrise Saloon every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM. $5 per lesson, payable in cash. Unleash your cogent understanding of the trivium at Brooks and Browns Big Brains Trivia Night. $50 bar tab for first place, plus specials on beer. 200 S. Pattee St. in the Holiday Inn Downtown. 7:30– 10 PM. Bust out a little geetar, tunesmiths, at the Open Mic with Cheree at the Eagles Lodge Missoula, 2420 South Ave. W. Runs 8:30-10:30 PM. Impress ‘em enough and you could get paid $50 as a showcased performer. Text 406-396-5934 to sign up early. Hone your performance skills at the Broadway Inn’s open mic night, with singing and prizes at 9 PM. Includes $3 Big Sky beer special. 1609 W. Broadway St. No cover. Bottoms up at the Drop Culture Dance Party, featuring hot beats, drink specials aplenty and attractive local singles in your area. Monk’s Bar. 9 PM. No cover.
I hold in my hand the lost scrolls of Tupac! Traff the Wiz joins Blueprint, Supastition and DJ Rare Groove at the Real Lounge Thu., July 9. Show at 10. $10, $8 advance, 18 and over.
[28] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
these are the good old days.
C COOL DOWN UP HIGH Escape the summer heat! Ride, zip, slide, bike, or play in the tr trees ees in the cooler mountain air air.. huckleberry Keep your cool with a huckleber r y milkshake or cold beer at the Summit House.
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SKIWHITEFISH.COM | 877-SKI-FISH Partially Located on National Forest Lands Photo © Mountain Life Photography
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [29]
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Maybe having M.C. Escher design our house wasn't such a great idea. Sol Driven Train plays a mashup of Afro-Caribbean beats at the Top Hat, Thu., July 9, at 10 PM. Free show.
Small town girls, city boys and anyone else can share the night on and on and on at the Dead Hipster Dance Party of lore, at the Badlander on Thursdays, with opening guests SharkWe3k. No cover, plus $1 wells from 9 PM to midnight. Week two of Dragon Parfait’s residency at the VFW features punk rock from Seattle outfit The Hollowpoints, plus Bird’s Mile Home, Wotjek and Jake Osbourne. 245 W. Main St., 9 PM. Cover TBA. $2 Pabst tallboys. Dancing, drinking, and generally living it up, country-style, is the name of the game when Wild Coyote Band plays the Sunrise Saloon, 9:30 PM, no cover. Blueprint, Supastition, DJ Rare Groove and Traff the Wiz slam the beats together like kids in a circle pit at the Real Lounge. Doors at 9 PM, show
[30] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
at 10. $10, $8 advance, 18 and over. Check out stage112.com for more deets. Sol Driven Train will have you moving your caboose double-time to their mashup of Afro-Caribbean beats and Prine-like songs. Top Hat, 10 PM, free show.
FRIDAYJULY10 The kids are all right. Destination Imagination, the second annual kid’s art exhibit, brings together the imaginative works of 21 kids, ages 5 to 16 at E3 Convergence Gallery, 229 W. Main St. Opening reception 5-8 PM, with prizes awarded at 6 PM, and also featuring live music by The Salamanders. Exhibit will run July 10–Aug. 1.
[calendar] Seeley Lake hosts the inaugural In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival. Running July 10-13, it presents a celebration of venerated Blackfoot fishing holes, conservation and works by the author with a slew of readings, film screenings, Mann Gulch tours and presentations by Maclean’s son, reporter John Maclean. Visit macleanfootsteps.com. Bocephus himself makes an appearance for the Last Best Country Fest, with musicians playing both kinds (country and western) at South Park in Billings, July 10-11, and the likes of Big and Rich, Kevin Fowler, Sunny Sweeney, and Hank Williams Jr. closing out on Saturday nite. Visit lastbestcountryfest.com. Disappear into the woods with your buddies at the Silver Cloud Campout, the inaugural bluegrass, jam and electronic festival on two stages in Haugan, July 1012. Features headliners including Joe Pug, Polyrhythmics, Ted Ness and the Rusty Nails, Dar, Milkcrate Mechanic and more, all just a short stroll from the 50,000 Silver Dollar. Visit silvercloudcampout.com. The Montana Storychasers Camp teaches kids how to create oral histories and record ‘em with video and audio. Meets at Seeley Lake’s Camp Paxson, through July 10. $475, including food and lodging. Visit storychasers.org/montana or call 544-0475 to learn more. Get a hit of cardiovascular exercise during Nia: The Joy of Movement, from 9-10 AM at the Downtown Dance Collective, 121 W. Main St. $12/$10 members. Call 541-7240. You’ll be in stitches at Yarns at the Library, the fiber-arts craft group that meets at the Missoula Public Library from noon2 PM Fridays. The Women’s Circle Group Acupuncture at Mountain Sage Acupuncture Clinic, 725 W. Alder St. Ste. 1, focuses on
women’s health issues and sounds comfy and nice. 2–5 PM, last appointment at 4 PM. Sliding scale treatments $20-$40 with a first time administration fee of $10. Call 503-593-7073. Teens go toward the literary light during the Missoula Public Library’s Teen Writers Group, which meets every Friday at 3:30 PM at the library, 301 E. Main St. Free. Call 721-BOOK.
nightlife Graphic novels are the art of telling stories with a combination of images and words. The best of them show a seamless collaboration of surprising depth and power. Chuck Bordell displays his work at the ZACC’s Second Friday gallery opening, 5-8:30 PM. Will this be the week some joker shows up with bagpipes? Find out at the Irish Music Session, every Friday at the Union Club from 6-9 PM. No cover. Family Friendly Friday invites little ones to boogie while parental units kick back at the Top Hat, starting at 6 PM, with a rotating lineup of local musicians providing all-ages tunes. Tonight: ZACC campers Boys That Rock. No cover. Enjoy zee cinema at Missoula Public Library’s World Wide Cinema night, the second Friday of every month. The series showcases indie and foreign films. Doors open at 6:45, show at 7 PM. Check missoulapublibrary.org for info. Free. The Dept. of Physics and Astronomy opens the Star Gazing Room to the public for a summer planetarium show. Payne Family Native American Center, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Tickets $6 adults/$4 children. It’s time for Butte’s three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, art and cuisine, the Montana Folk Festival. Admission is free, although donations are
sson e L Life#28
Ho Home is more mo than where you wh live. It’s been said t is.. It’s where d That’s why we make the hom Come talk to help you build fsbmsla.co fsbmsla.com
337 W. Main St. Hamilton, MT • 406.363.4552 missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [31]
[calendar]
Reach beyond your old thought patterns and your health will change.
recommended and encouraged. For a list of performers and schedules, go to montanafolk festival.com. Russ Nasset spews some honky tonk goodness into the summer night at the Keep, 102 Ben Hogan Drive. 7–10 PM. Cut a rug when the Golden Age Club hosts dancing and live music in an alcohol-free environment. 727 S. Fifth St. in Hamilton. 6-10 PM. $3. Call 240-9617 to learn more. Mean Ends from Little Rock let their punk flag whip in the winds of anarchy. P.D. Lear opens at ZACC Below, 8 PM, $5, all ages. Win big in Arlee at the weekly karaoke contest, with everything from Asia to Zeppelin in the book to choose to from. Stockman’s, 92580 U.S. 93, starting at 8 PM. Best singer wins 50 bux. The Soul City Cowboys shake you all night long at the Eagles Lodge, 8 PM–1 AM. No cover. Sing a happy tune at the Evaro Bar’s Friday night karaoke and you just might win a prize. Starts
at 9 PM, free to sing. 17025 US Highway 93 North. DJ Dubwise spins hot oldschool and new dance party traxx at Feruqis, 318 N. Higgins Ave., starting at 10 PM. Free. They’re calling it a potentially life-changing night of music. Do you want to risk missing it? Homegirl Sista Otis is joined by Bethany Joyce and Skye Robert Berns for some bone-melting soul. Gipsy Moon follows. The Palace, 147 W. Broadway, doors at 9 PM, show at 10. $10, $5/adv. John “Poncho” Dobson hosts open mic at Fergie’s Pub every Fri., where you’re bound to mingle with a mix of resort celebs, odd locals and dizzy soakers. You never know who’ll show up and play. It could be you. Starts at 3 PM. 213 Main Street in Hot Springs. Sign up ahead at 406-721-2416 or just show up. Their name implies scraping the barrel, but the Bottom Feeders play top shelf music at the Union Club, starting around 9:30 PM. No cover.
Gary, Bill and Dan are the three legs of this country barstool. Nashville 406 plays the Sunrise Saloon for your dancing pleasure, 9:30 PM, no cover.
SATURDAYJULY11 Seeley Lake hosts the inaugural In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival. Running July 10-13, it presents a celebration of venerated Blackfoot fishing holes, conservation and works by the author with a slew of readings, film screenings, Mann Gulch tours and presentations by Maclean’s son, reporter John Maclean. Visit macleanfootsteps.com. Disappear into the woods with your buddies at the Silver Cloud Campout, the inaugural bluegrass, jam and electronic festival on two stages in Haugan, July 10-12. Features headliners including Joe Pug, Polyrhythmics, Ted Ness and the Rusty Nails, Dar, Milkcrate Mechanic and more, all just a short stroll from the 50,000 Silver Dollar. Visit silvercloudcampout.com.
Of course we're dangerous. We're musicians. The legendary Big Sky Mudflaps play Monk's Bar Thu., July 9, for a fundraiser to help protect the Tongue River Valley from the Otter Creek Mine and Tongue River Railroad. 6–10 PM, $20.
[32] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
[calendar]
game on If there is such a thing as participatory science fiction, it will be bursting forth like an alien from a hapless crewman's chest at Ruby's Inn and Convention Center this Saturday, when MisCon's Summer Game Day takes over. From the lying, conniving and outright manipulation of other players' trust in The Resistance to the screwyour-neighbor strategy of Settlers Of Catan, there will be dozens of games offered from MisCon's massive library. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own games and recruit players as well. WHAT: MisCon Summer Game Day WHO: Missoula Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention WHEN: Sat., July 11, 10 AM–10 PM WHERE: Ruby's Inn and Convention Center, 4825 N. Reserve St. HOW MUCH: Free MORE INFO: www.miscon.org
Role-playing games (RPGs) are enjoyed by a growing subculture of brainiacs and adventure hounds who prefer to test their gaming mettle in meat space rather than the isolated environment of computers and gaming consoles. Dungeons and Dragons is the lord and master of RPGs, having been cooked up 40 years ago by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, long before the word “game” became a verb. D&D relies almost entirely on the imaginations of the players, whose moves are dictated by the roll of multi-sided dice. Their stories and strategies
also depend on the guidance of the Dungeon Master, a player whose role is to provide the detailed scenarios. Thanks to imagery and language that sounds like lyrics from Led Zeppelin II, the early days of D&D brought accusations of devil worship and shadowy occult practices from uptight parents, teachers, clergy and other straight arrows who wouldn't know Led Zeppelin from the Goodyear blimp. Fortunately for imaginative gamers, D&D has chugged along, spanning generations and genders to (mostly) shed its image as a Saturday night refuge for romance-impaired teenage geeks. A fifth edition of the D&D rule book was issued last year, and more than 6 million people routinely gather with friends around a table to socialize and share an adventure that exists only in their minds. Other RPGs like Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering have a direct lineage to D&D. The ability to craft a story and give complex attributes to the various game characters is an irresistible pull of the RPGs, and the appeal to enthusiasts seems obvious: who doesn't want to be somebody else for a while? —Ednor Therriault
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [33]
[calendar]
Sorry, only those with hats are allowed to sit. MudSlide Charley pours out the blues at Draught Works Brewing, Thu., July 9, 6–8 PM. Free.
Mingle among the sweet abundance at the Missoula farmers markets and People’s Market, with produce, arts, crafts, baked goods, hot breakfasts and strong coffee at the XXXXs, Pine Street and riverside parking lot east of Caras Park. Things get running about 8 AM and last til 1 PM.
Get a hit of cardiovascular exercise during Nia: The Joy of Movement, from 9-10 AM at the Downtown Dance Collective, 121 W. Main St. $12/$10 members. Call 541-7240.
which features music by Nathan Zavalney, every Sat. from 9:30– 10:45 AM at Inner Harmony Yoga, 214 E. Main St. Ste. B. $10/$8 students drop-in. Visit yogainmissoula.com.
Get musical while finding your flow when Brian Baty leads a live music Vinyasa yoga class,
Bingo, food, ice cream and, of course, lots and lots of accordion music are what you’ll get at the Annual Picnic for 5 Valley Accordions. Lolo Community Center, 10 AM. Musician sign-up at noon, supper buffet at 5 PM. No homemade food, please. Planeswalkers and dungeonmasters will descend upon Ruby’s Inn for Miscon’s Summer Game Day. Twelve solid hours of board and card games will test the imaginations of everyone who enjoys a good RPG without the pesky video component (see Spotlight). Some tabletop games will be on hand, or bring your own and recruit players. 4825 N. Reserve, 10 AM–10 PM. No entry fee. Hey, man, add some your white cloth. At soula Art Museum’s Family Art Workshop,
[34] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
color to the MisSaturday Tie Dye
[calendar] with Erin Roberts, you can work with your child on a creative project. Older children can delve into projects on their own, but parents are asked to stay and work with children under age 7. Free, on a first come, first served basis, 11 AM–12:30 PM.
Phillips, starting at dusk every Saturday through Sept. 5. July 11 is Dirty Dancing, July 18 is To Kill A Mocking Bird, and July 25 is Hard Day’s Night. Donations appreciated; popcorn available. Check out missoulaoutdoorcinema.org.
Your bedtime tales of college-age debauchery fall a little short of the mark. Family Storytime offers engaging experiences like storytelling, finger plays, flannel-board pictograms and more at 11 AM on Sat. and 2 PM on Sun. at the Missoula Public Library. Free. Call 721BOOK.
Let your inner dancing queen cut loose with Tango Missoula’s Argentine Tango at the Downtown Dance Collective from 811:45 PM on the second Saturday of the month. $10/$16 for couples, with potluck treats and refreshments. Check out tangomissoula.com.
nightlife It’s time for Butte’s three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, art and cuisine, the Montana Folk Festival. Admission is free, although donations are recommended and encouraged. For a list of performers and schedules, go to montanafolk festival.com. Helmets are a fact of life, and they are capable of saving a life. The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana is holding their eighth annual Helmet Giveaway at the Missoula Osprey ball game, 6 PM–7 PM. Representatives will be on hand to give away multisport helmets to children. The event is free, ball game admission is extra. The Harmaleighs bring the harmonies. All the way from Nashville, Haley and Kaylee take a stand on the swing-down stage at the Draught Works Brewery, 915 Toole Ave., 6–8 PM, free. (See Spotlight) Andrea Harsell dazzles ‘em with her smile, and puts ‘em away with great acoustic rock ‘n roll. Bitter Root Brewing, 6–8 PM, no cover.
The Soul City Cowboys shake you all night long at the Eagles Lodge, 8 PM–1 AM. No cover. DJs Kris Moon and Monty Carlo completely disrespect the adverb with their Absolutely Dance Party at the Badlander, which gets rolling at 9 PM, with fancy drink specials to boot. DJ Dubwise spins hot oldschool and new dance party traxx at Feruqis, 318 N. Higgins Ave., starting at 10 PM. Free. The Jack Saloon and Grill (formerly the venerated Lumberjack) presents live music on Saturdays. 7000 Graves Creek Road. 9 PM. Safety Helmet protects you from a blow to the head with sheer rock n’ roll at Lolo Hot Springs. 9 PM, all ages. Gary, Bill and Dan are the three legs of this country barstool. Nashville 406 plays the Sunrise Saloon for your dancing pleasure, 9:30 PM, no cover. Summer is reaching its peak. Reach yours on the dance floor when Reverend Slanky plays scorching funk and R&B at the Top Hat. Doors at 9:30 PM, show at 10. $5.
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Wet your brush and dip your bill at Art on Tap, a painting class where artists hang out and relax while an instructor leads you from blank canvas to readyto-hang art. Ten Spoon Winery, noon–2 PM, $36.
Andrea Harsell, Missoula’s rock and roll love child, delivers the groovy vibe at Great Burn Brewing, 2230 McDonald, 6–8 PM. All ages, free. es
Missoula Outdoor Cinema screens films at the Headstart School, corner of Worden and
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Seeley Lake hosts the inaugural In the Footsteps of Nor-
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [35]
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[36] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
[calendar] man Maclean Festival. Running July 10-13, it presents a celebration of venerated Blackfoot fishing holes, conservation and works by the author with a slew of readings, film screenings, Mann Gulch tours and presentations by Maclean’s son, reporter John Maclean. Visit macleanfootsteps.com. Disappear into the woods with your buddies at the Silver Cloud Campout, the inaugural bluegrass, jam and electronic festival on two stages in Haugan, July 1012. Features headliners including Joe Pug, Polyrhythmics, Ted Ness and the Rusty Nails, Dar, Milkcrate Mechanic and more, all just a short stroll from the 50,000 Silver Dollar. Visit silvercloudcampout.com. You’ll find it all, from the funky to the sublime at the Zoo City Craft Fair. Guesthouse Inn, 3803 Brooks St., 10 AM–3 PM. Get all keyed up with the Five Valley Accordion Association, which presents its dance jam every second and fourth Sunday of the month at alternating locations, 1-5 PM. $4/$3 for members. Email helenj4318@hotmail.com for info. Kick out the jams down the ‘Root at the dining room of the Sapphire Lutheran Homes, corner of 10th and River streets. Players of all levels are invited to bring their acoustic instrument, or just sit a spell and listen. 2-4 PM. Call John at 381-2483. Free. Those youngsters are ready to graduate from Play-Doh. Get ‘em signed up for the Family Workshop at the Clay Studio of Missoula. 2–5 PM, $35 for one adult and one child. For registration and more info, call 543-0509. Your bedtime tales of college-age debauchery fall a little short of the mark. Family Storytime offers engaging experiences like storytelling, finger plays, flannelboard pictograms and more at 11 AM on Sat. and 2 PM on Sun. at the Missoula Public Library. Free. Call 721-BOOK.
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nightlife It’s time for Butte’s three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, art and cuisine, the Montana Folk Festival. Admission is free, although donations are recommended and encouraged. For a list of performers and schedules, go to montanafolkfestival.com. The 18-piece Ed Norton Big Band puts some swing in the month’s second Sunday when it plays the Missoula Winery, 5646 Harrier Way, from 6–8 PM. $7. Polish your steps with $5 swing lessons prior at 4:45 PM. Visit missoulawinery.com. Open mic at Lolo Hot Springs’ Bear Cave Bar and Grill offers scintillating prizes like cabin stays, bar tabs and hot springs passes, plus drink specials, starting at 7 PM. Call 406-273-2297 to sign up. No cover. Sundays are shaken, not stirred, at the Badlander’s Jazz Martini Night, with $5 martinis all evening, live jazz and local DJs keepin’ it classy. Music starts at 8 PM. Free. Mark the Sabbath with some Black Sabbath or whatever else twangs your heartstrings at the Sunday Funday evening karaoke at the Lucky Strike, 1515 Dearborn Ave., featuring $1 domestic drafts and wells. Free. Jazz and martinis go together like southern rock and bourbon. See for yourself at Jazz Martini Night at the Badlander, 9 PM, no cover.
MONDAYJULY13 Sing praise to Our Lady of the Guitar Joan Jett, ‘cuz the Girls Rock Camp kicks off today at the ZACC, with a weeklong adventure in songwriting and performing, culminating in a show at the Family Friendly Friday at the Top Hat. $225/$215 for members. Visit zootownarts.org/girls.rock.
Microbrews & Select Wines from Montana & the Northwest
21
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3:00 - 10:00 pm Legion Park in Hamilton
$20 for 5 Tastes
“We make you laugh!”
Tickets available online or at the door Tarantino’s Pizza and a full bar by the Silver Slipper!
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July 25, 26 Aug 1, 2, 8, 9
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Air conditioned building! Visit stensrudplayhouse.com for tickets andd info 314 N. 1st St. W, Missoula, MT 59802 (406)-926-2477 missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [37]
[calendar] Seeley Lake hosts the inaugural In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival. Running July 10-13, it presents a celebration of venerated Blackfoot fishing holes, conservation and works by the author with a slew of readings, film screenings, Mann Gulch tours and presentations by Maclean’s son, reporter John Maclean. Visit macleanfootsteps.com.
gins Ave. Call 210-8792 to set up a time and routine that’s best for you, or just drop in any day to observe a class. $60 for four classes.
nightlife Local Deadheads have got you covered when the Top Hat presents Raising the Dead, a curated broadcast of two hours of Jerry Garcia and co. from 5 to 7 PM. Free, all ages.
Shake, shake, shake, Señora, shake your body line as you learn the dances of Haiti, Cuba and Brazil to live music. Jeanne Christopher’s Afro-Caribbean Dance class runs 5:30–6:45 PM at the Barn Movement Studio, 2926 S. Third St. W. Sliding scale fee, $5–$10. Relax and realign with Yoga for Wellness, a gentle class led by Rasa O’Neill, with an emphasis on mindfulness. Beginners are welcome, but previous experience is helpful. Meets at the Learning Center at Red Willow, 825 W. Kent Ave., Mondays from noon-1 PM. $45 for six classes,
Come relive your favorite Grateful Dead shows at Live Dead every Monday at 5 PM at the Top Hat. Local Deadhead luminaries curate the recordings. Free.
The Missoula Folk Festival in Butte, America, runs Fri. July 10–Sun., July 12. This year’s lineup features Los Cambalache, the Preston Shannon Band, Western Flyers, and many more. Admission is free, although donations are recommended and encouraged. For a list of performers and schedules, go to montanafolkfestival.com.
or $10 drop-in. Call 721-0033 or visit redwillowlearning.org. Brush up on your skillz with
[38] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
the Bridge Group for beginners/those in need of a refresher course. Missoula Senior Center, Mondays at 1 PM. $1.25.
The Shuffles Dance Studio hosts tap classes for all ages and levels, Mondays through Thursdays from 4-7 PM. 500 N. Hig-
Bingo at the VFW: the easiest way to make rent since keno. 245 W. Main. 6:45 PM. $12 buy-in. Honey Honey bring their rich folk rock to the Top Hat, with Missoula’s own Baby & Bukowski opening. Doors at 7:30 PM, show at 8. $12, 18 and over.
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [39]
[calendar] Get mindful at Be Here Now, a mindfulness meditation group that meets Mondays from 7:30 to 8:45 PM at the Open Way Mindfulness Center, 702 Brooks St. Open to all religions and all levels of practice. Free, but donations are always appreciated. Visit openway.org.
(406) 541-2886
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Shake, rattle ‘n’ roll at the Beginner/Intermediate Jazz Dance class, led by Jennifer MeyerVaughan on Mondays at Downtown Dance Collective, 7:30-9 PM. Yoga pants allowed, regular rates apply. Rock the mic when DJ Super Steve rocks the karaoke with the hottest Kamikaze tuneage this side of the hemisphere at the Dark Horse. Are you brave enough to let the computer pick your songs? 9 PM. Free. Live in SIN at the Service Industry Night at Plonk, with DJ Amory spinning and a special menu. 322 N. Higgins Ave. 10 PM to close. Just ask a server for the SIN menu. No cover.
TUESDAYJULY14
four classes, or $10 drop-in. Visit redwillowlearning.org.
Flathead authors Christine Carbo and Leslie Budewitz will be on hand to sign copies of their new mysteries, The Wild Inside and Butter Off Dead. Fact and Fiction, 7 PM.
Shootin’ the Bull Toastmasters takes the “eek out of public speaking” with weekly meetings at the Florence Building, noon-1 PM, on the second floor. Free to attend. Check out shootinthebull.info to learn more.
You’ll be seeing stars at Bingo on Broadway, with cash prizes, $3 Sam Adams pints and food specials. Broadway Inn, 1609 W. Broadway St. 8 PM. $6 buy-in.
Chill out with a free, familyfriendly movie every Thursday at the Missoula Public Library, 2 PM.
Author-Comedian Marilyn Kentz leads a workshop called Fearless Aging. Stensrud Playhouse, 314 N. 1st St. W. For info, call 830-3289. Watch your little ones master tree pose in no time during yoga at the Children’s Museum of Missoula. 11 AM. 225 W. Front. $4.25. The ongoing Weekly Sit Meditation invites folks who’ve already dabbled in meditation to a weekly lunch hour class to help de-stress and re-engage. Learning Center at Red Willow, Thursdays from noon-1 PM. $35 for
Kids don’t come with a user’s manual, but they are very cleverly designed. Learn more about raising one at Circle of Security Parenting, a relationship-based program to help caregivers better understand the needs of their children. Missoula Early Head Start, 2121 39th St. To register, call Becky at WORD, 406-5433550. Free childcare provided.
nightlife Suck down some suds, be it beer or handcrafted soda, on Cheers for Charity night. This week’s beneficiary is the Montana Natural History Museum at Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave., 5–8 PM. Family friendly.
Sponsored by: by:
www.MCTinc.org · (406) 728-7529
Look, you’re no Richard Burton, but you'll have to do. The Stratford Festival production of Antony and Cleopatra shows at the Roxy, Tue., July 14, 7:30 PM.
[40] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
[calendar]
elusive something Sometimes one plus one equals three. When Haley Grant and Kaylee Jasperson teamed up two years ago to form the Harmaleighs, each brought a stellar, expressive voice to the mix. But oh, that harmony—it's one of those rare musical treats that transcends style, trends and categorization to create sheer, soul-stirring beauty. Their 2013 EP, People Line Up, had a lo-fi sound that added some barefoot charm to their songs, a mix of unaffected country and folk tunes that showcased their harmonies. Their new album, Pretty Picture, Dirty Brush, adds a sonic sheen that brings the instrumentation into focus while keeping those gin-clear vocals front and center.
WHAT: The Harmaleighs WHEN: Sat., July 11, 6–8 PM WHERE: Draught Works Brewery, 915 Toole HOW MUCH: Free MORE INFO: www.theharmaleighs.com
Grant and Jasperson can each carry a song with authority, and they sing with similar tonal qualities. They remind me of the Whiskey Sisters, with less belting. Kind of like Heart, but without the bombast. Maybe a bit like the Shook Twins, but none of their aggressive quirkiness.
Songs like “Collecting My Change” are propelled by the simple, chunking rhythms of mandolin and kick drum, recalling the bold, straight-up charm of Kacey Musgraves. But when that harmony comes in, the whole song lifts up in spirit and soul like a church hymnal. “I Found Myself In You” is a sweet, unabashed love song with heart-tugging lyrics like “I decorate our first home in my head every day.” Country and folk are not exactly at their peak right now. There's a butt-ton of trash being shoved over the tailgate in Nashville, and apparently a mandate has been issued that requires a banjo to appear on every Americana album released. But once in a while a real gem somehow slips through. The Harmaleighs have that elusive something, and I'm hoping the beginnings of honest music's return to country (Musgraves, Sturgill Simpson, et al) has room for these two emerging talents from Music City, USA.. —Ednor Therriault
For tickets, visit the MSO Hub in downtown Missoula, call 543-3300 or go to
MissoulaOsprey.com. Thursday • July 9
Friday • July 10
Saturday • July 11
vs. Ogden Raptors
vs. Idaho Falls Chukars
vs. Idaho Falls Chukars
KIDS EAT FREE NIGHT
BOBBLEHEAD SPARKY THE FIRE DOG
WEEKLY BREWFEST
With the purchase of a full-priced child’s ticket at the MSO Hub or stadium, each child will receive a voucher good for a FREE Hot Dog, bag of chips & regular soda.
The fire prevention bobblehead series continues as the First 750 fans through the gates get a FREE Sparky the Fire Dog ® Bobblehead.
Arrive early to sample select local micro brews. sponsored by Trail 103.3
Sunday • July 12
vs. Idaho Falls Chukars
SENIOR SUNDAY
FAMILY NIGHT
2-for-1 tickets for anyone 55+ with ID.
KIDS’ DAY The game is centered on kids’ promotions, music & activities. Following the game, all fans can run the bases and play catch on the field.
sponsored by Smart911 & Mountain 102.5
Gates 6:30; Game time 7:05
Four general admission tickets, hot dogs, bags of chips, sodas & one game program for just $30 ($64 value), with the donation of nonperishable food items at the ticket booth. All food donated benefits the Montana Food Bank Network. sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana & Cherry Creek Radio
Sponsored by Montana Fire Prevention
Gates 6:30; Game time 7:05
Monday • July 13
vs. Idaho Falls Chukars
Gates 6:30; Game time 7:05
Gates 4:30; Game time 5:05
Gates 6:00; Game time 7:05
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [41]
[calendar] World-renowned pickers Hot Rize make a rare Montana appearance, along with Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers. Missoula bluegrass stars Lochwood Bluegrass Band and the Western Union Swing Band get things started at Snowbowl Montana. Music at 5:30 PM, $36–$65. Tickets and info available at rubyjeweljamboree.com. See Noise. Dust off that banjolin and join in the Top Hat’s picking circle, from 6 to 8 PM. All ages. Two-step the mid-week blues away at the Country Dance Lessons, featuring styles including the waltz, cha cha, swing and more. Hamilton Senior Center, Tuesdays from 7-8:30 PM, and Wednesdays at a TBA location. Bring a partner on Tuesdays, but the group is open on Wednesdays. Call 381-1392 for more info. $5.
Do you know what I like more than “Lady of Spain”? A good banjo joke. The Annual Picnic for 5 Valley Accordions Association will be at the Lolo Community Center, Sat., July 11, 10 AM.
[42] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Take down the Athenian hegemony but pass on the hemlock tea at the Socrates Cafe, in which facilitator Kris Bayer encourages philosophical discus-
[calendar] sion. Bitterroot Public Library. 7-9 PM.
WEDNESDAYJULY15
The Unity Dance and Drum African Dance Class is sure to teach you some moves you didn’t learn in junior high when it meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. All ages and skill levels welcome. $10, $35 for four classes. Email tarn.ream@umontana.edu or call 549-7933 for more information.
Hollywood veteran and author-comedian Marilyn Kentz, from the TV show “The Mommies” performs Will I Ever Wear a Bikini Again?, a comedy aimed at women of a certain age. Stensrud Playhouse, 314 N. 1st St. W., 7:30 PM, admission TBD. For more info, call 830-3289.
You some kinda wise guy (or gal)? Prove it at the Quizzoula trivia night at the VFW, 245 W. Main St., with current events, picture round and more. Gets rolling around 8:30 PM. To get you warmed up, here’s a trivia question: Who won the women’s division in last year’s Missoula Marathon? Find answer in tomorrow’s nightlife. Mike Avery hosts the SingerSongwriter Showcase, now on Tuesdays at the Badlander at 9 PM. No cover. Email michael.avery@live.com ahead of time to sign up.
Escape the office and get some fresh air at Out to Lunch, the weekly festival with music and food trucks at Caras Park, Wednesday from 11 AM-2 PM through August. Free to mingle. This week’s music: Jelly Bread. Is your toddler a budding Nikola Tesla in pull-ups? Find out at Science Sprouts: Early Childhood Program at SpectrUM Discovery Area, 218 E. Front St. Kids 2-5 participate in playful science experiments and crafts. Free with paid museum admission, 11 AM–noon every Wednesday.
Yoga for Round Bodies is the class for those who are a bit shy. Beginner level, slow pace yoga taught by Leslie Burgess. A doctor’s release will be required. Learning Center at Red Willow, noon–1:15 PM. $70 for 7-week course. More info: redwillowlearning.org.
nightlife Dena Saedi presents the Yoga for Chronic Pain class at the Learning Center at Red Willow, which uses gentle stretches, meditation and breath work geared toward easing conditions like chronic back pain, fibromyalgia and arthritis. Wednesdays from 56 PM. Prerequisite one-on-one screening with Dena required. To schedule an appointment, call 406-721-0033. Great Burn Brewing’s Charity Pint Night generates 50 cents from each pint for a deserving Missoula charity or nonprofit. This week it’s Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. Have a glass at 2230 McDonald (behind Jaker’s), 5–8 PM.
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK At Home ReSource we’ve UHGHÀQHG ZKDW LW PHDQV WR EH LQ WKH EODFN We’re proud to be your SDUWQHU LQ UHGXFLQJ ZDVWH DQG EXLOGLQJ D PRUH YLEUDQW DQG VXVWDLQDEOH ORFDO HFRQRP\ 7KDQNV 0LVVRXOD ,
Voted 2015 Best of Missoula: Best Green Business Reuse More. Waste Less. Russ Nasset peels off from the Revelators to whip up a solo rockabilly honky tonk frenzy at The Keep, Fri., July 10. Music starts around 7 PM, no cover.
1515 Wyoming St | www.homeresource.org missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [43]
[calendar] A Phish Happy Hour? Sounds like a Trey Anastasio solo on Heavy Things. Phish music, video and more at the Top Hat every Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Free, all ages. Rediscover “the magic which makes you legendary in your own mind” via the assistance of Mexican food and beer when “Poncho” Dobson hosts the Live and Loco open mic at the Symes Hotel, Wednesdays from 6-9:30 PM. Call 741-2361 to book a slot, or just come hang out and party. Free. There should be an app for this: “Putting an End to Back Talk, Arguing, and Begging.” Love & Logic offers practical techniques for avoiding power struggles and setting limits so parents can build more loving relationships with their children. Missoula Public Library, 6 PM–8 PM, free. photo courtesy of the Missoula City Band
Even in 1960, they knew enough to put the trombones in the front row. Gary Gillett leads the Missoula City Band through a rousing program every Wed. at the Bonner Park Band Shell, 8 PM, free.
[44] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
B-29, you’re doing fine, I-30, dirty gertie, N-31, get up and run, G-32, buckle my shoe, O33, come in for tea. What’s that
[calendar] spell? Yell it with me: BINGO! Every week at the Lucky Strike bar, 1515 Dearborn Ave. Runs 6:30-9:30 PM, followed by karaoke with whiskey specials. (Bingo Lingo not necessarily included.)
Win big bucks off your bar tab and/or free pitchers by using your giant egg to answer trivia questions at Brains on Broadway Trivia Night at the Broadway Sports Bar and Grill, 1609 W. Broadway Ave. 7 PM.
Learn your Swingin’ Thing from your Country Slide when Cathy Clark teaches country dance steps at the Sunrise Saloon every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM. $5 per lesson, payable in cash.
Show ‘em mad skillz when Mad Dawg Karaoke gets rolling at the Sunrise Saloon, starting at 8 PM. No cover.
Two-step the mid-week blues away at the Country Dance Lessons, featuring styles including the waltz, cha cha, swing and more. Hamilton Senior Center, Tuesdays from 7-8:30 PM, and Wednesdays at a TBA location. Bring a partner on Tuesdays, but the group is open on Wednesdays. Call 381-1392 for more info. $5. Cool, smoky jazz without the smoke—Alex Nauman Organ Trio plays the Top Hat on Jazz Night. 7 PM, free.
Calling ˝ All Chefs!
Bring a lawn chair, but be mindful of those umbrellas! Led by stalwart wand waver Gary Gillett, the Missoula City Band delivers an evening of rousing music every Wednesday at the Bonner Park Band Shell, 8 PM, free. Live those “American Idol” fantasies at the Wednesday night karaoke with Cheree at Eagles Lodge Missoula, 2420 South Ave. W, with drink specials and the chance to win $50 big ones. 8:30-10:30 PM. No cover; stick around for the prize drawing to be eligible to win. Show your Press Box buddies you know more than sports
School Holiday Camps
Cooking Birthday Parties
Cooking Workshops 131 East Main Street, Missoula (406) 616-2837 (BUDS) tastebudskitchen.com/missoula
We have Adult too! BYOB classes y Register Toda
Learn from Missoula’s BEST Yoga Teacher-
Brian Baty
Best of Missoula Winner 2015
yogainmissoula.com missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [45]
[calendar] and compete in Trivial Beersuit starting at 8:30 every Wednesday. $50 bar tab for the winning team. It’s hard to tell what’s going to come out of that milkcrate at Milkcrate Wednesdays. But you will dance, aided by $6 PBR pitchers. Also free pool. The Palace Lounge, 9 PM, no cover. (Trivia answer: Camille Herron) You can tell the karaoke ringers— they don’t need no stinkin’ monitor. Kraptastic Karaoke indulges your need to croon and belt at the Badlander, 9 PM, no cover.
Do you secretly try to smell the drinker's breath? Al-Anon is for you!
Local DJs do the heavy lifting while you kick back at Milkcrate Wednesday down in the Palace. 9 PM. No cover, plus $6 PBR pitcher special. I’ll bring the peanut butter, y’all bring that sweet jaaaaam to the Soul Kitch’n Blues Boogie sesh at the Dark Horse, starting at 9 PM. $50 prize for best act each week. No cover. Grab your axe and head on down to the Hump Day Jam at Monk’s Bar, with a PA and backline available, or you can bring your own amp if you wanna. Gets rolling about 9 PM. Free.
THURSDAYJULY16 Operator? Give me the area code for country and western. Nashville 406 dials it in at the Sunrise Saloon, 9:30 PM, no cover. Release some stress during t’ai chi classes every Thursday at 10 AM at The Open Way Center, 702 Brooks St. $10 for a drop-in class. Visit openway.org. Artists, start your palettes. It’s open studio at E3 Convergence Gallery. Artist Bobbe Almer will be working live in the gallery, and she invites other painters to join her. 229 W. Main St., 10 AM–4 PM. For more info, go to www.bobbealmer.com Soon-to-be mommas can feel empowered, relaxed and nurtured during a prenatal yoga class, this and every Thursday at the Open Way Center, 702 Brooks Ave., at 4 PM. $11/$10 with card. Drop-ins welcome. Call 360-1521. Yoga newbies can get hip to a gentle, mindful practice with Easy Yoga for Beginners, led by Harriet Alterowitz and
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3050 Great Northern Ave. Missoula 406-721-2584
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$150 [46] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Must present this coupon prior to the initial donation to receive a total of $50 on your first, a total of $50 on your second and a total of $50 on your third successful donation. Initial donation must be completed by 7.31.15 and subsequent donations within 30 days. Coupon redeemable only upon offer.. completing successful donations. May not be combined with any other offer Only at participating locations.
[calendar]
photo courtesy C.M. Bjomberg
This giant flower is a handy place for extra picks. Sista Otis is joined by Bethany Joyce and Skye Robert Berns for some bone-melting soul at the Palace along with Gipsy Moon, Fri., July 10. Doors at 9 PM, show at 10. $10/$5 in advance.
Marina Zaleski, including basic poses and breath work. Learning Center at Red Willow, 825 W. Kent Ave. Meets Thursdays from 4-5:15 PM. $45 for six weeks, or $10 drop in.
and summertime easy livin’ at Caras Park, every Thursday from 5:30-8:30 PM through mid-September. July 2: Ted Ness & the Rusty Nails. July 9: Best of Missoula bands. Free to hang out.
nightlife
Hone your chops at the Slow Jam, where musicians will play celtic, old time and contra dance tunes at relaxed tempos so beginners can easily join in. Starving Artist Cafe, 3020 S. Reserve St., off the corner of Reserve and Harve. Every third Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 PM. Visit missoulastarvingartist.com or email rocu@rocketmail.com for more info.
When they call you Joe Dirt, it’s a compliment. Learn some dirt and how you can improve your native plant garden at the Understanding Soil workshop. Montana Natural History Center, 5–6 PM. $4 for MNHC members. Downtown ToNight celebrates a whopping 15 years of food, family fun
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [47]
[calendar] Put some spring in your step on the third Thursday of each month with Walk With a Doc. Healthcare professionals provide info on health-related topics, then a walk suited to all abilities. Refreshments provided. Fort Missoula picnic shelter, 6–7 PM. Learn your Swingin’ Thing from your Country Slide when Cathy Clark teaches country dance steps at the Sunrise Saloon every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM. $5 per lesson, payable in cash.
Little Red Truck Vintage Market Saturday July 18th @ the Fairgrounds
Antiques Vintage Bluegrass Food
[48] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Liz Carlisle reads selections from her new book, Lentil Underground, followed by a discussion with PEAS Farm honcho Josh Slotnik (See Spotlight). Shakespeare and Co., free. Unleash your cogent understanding of the trivium at Brooks and Browns Big Brains Trivia Night. $50 bar tab for first place, plus specials on beer. 200 S. Pattee St. in the Holiday Inn Downtown. 7:30– 10 PM. Bust out a little geetar, tunesmiths, at the Open Mic with Cheree at the Eagles Lodge Missoula, 2420 South Ave. W. Runs 8:30-10:30 PM. Impress ‘em enough and you could get paid $50 as a showcased performer. Text 406-396-5934 to sign up early.
Hone your performance skills at the Broadway Inn’s open mic night, with singing and prizes at 9 PM. Includes $3 Big Sky beer special. 1609 W. Broadway St. No cover. Bottoms up at the Drop Culture Dance Party, featuring hot beats, drink specials aplenty and attractive local singles in your area. Monk’s Bar. 9 PM. No cover. Small town girls, city boys and anyone else can share the night on and on and on at the Dead Hipster Dance Party of lore, at the Badlander on Thursdays, with opening guests SharkWe3k. No cover, plus $1 wells from 9 PM to midnight. Mr Calendar Guy wants to know about your event! Submit your stuff to calendar@missoulanews.com at least two weeks in advance of the event to guarantee publication. Don’t forget to include the date, time, venue and cost. If you prefer the mailbox, snail mail to Calendar c/o the Independent, 317 S. Orange St., Missoula, MT 59801. You can also submit online. Just find the “submit an event” link under the Spotlight on the right corner at missoulanews.com.
[outdoors]
MOUNTAIN HIGH
F
reeride mountain biking legend Thomas Vanderham has a signature move called the “Suicide No-Hander.” The move looks just like you’d expect it would: At the apex of a jump off of a ramp, suspended high in the air, Vanderham does a “Look Ma, no hands!” thing on his bike. That’s right—he leans back and lets go of the handlebars. Vanderham is just one bright star in a lineup of 12 professional freeriders featured in Teton Gravity Research and Anthill Films’ unReal, an ambitious mountain biking film making its Missoula premiere July 9 at the Top Hat. Filled with slow-motion action details, breathtaking panoramic landscapes and death-defying human feats performed by some of the best moun-
tain bikers in the world, this is a movie that begs to be seen on a big screen. And after the screening, a free concert with the aptly-named Sol Driven Train keeps the energy going. This is an evening for the adrenaline junkie in all of us. —Bonnie Chan The Missoula premiere of unReal screens Thu., July 9, at 8 PM at the Top Hat Lounge. $12 advance/$15 at the door. All ages. The free concert afterward is 21+. For tickets and more info, go to top hatlounge.com/events.
photo by Joe Weston
FRIDAY JULY 10 They’ll be running through the streets when Run Wild Missoula hosts the Missoula Marathon Beer Run to kick off Marathon Weekend. Runners meet at Bess Reed Park, adjacent to the Holiday Inn downtown. 6 PM, free. Feast your eyes on some planets, nebulae, star clusters and other heavenly bodies at the Blue Mountain Observatory’s public star-gazing night. 10:30 PM. Attendees must reserve a free ticket at http://bit.ly/1KOSelu. For more info call Diane Friend at 243-4299.
Helmets are a fact of life, and they are capable of saving a life. The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana is holding their eighth annual Helmet Giveaway at the Missoula Osprey ball game, 6 PM–7 PM. Representatives will be on hand to give away multi-sport helmets to children. The event is free, ball game admission is extra.
SUNDAY JULY 12
SATURDAY JULY 11
Test your mettle at the annual Missoula Marathon and Half-Marathon, which starts at 6 AM today and ends in downtown Missoula, where bragging and beer-drinking ensues. The weekend also includes a 5K and kids’ activities. Visit missoulamarathon.org.
The two-day Introductory Kayaking Clinics with the Zootown Surfers teaches the sunny-side-up basics at Frenchtown Pond or Sandy Beaches on Saturday, and then ventures onto the Clark Fork or Blackfoot to practice on Sunday. $200, includes all equipment and a shuttle. Call 546-0370 to learn more.
The water in the raft might be just a bit warmer, if you catch my drift, after you clear the Class III whitewater in the Alberton Gorge. UM’s Outdoor Program runs an all-day trip that includes equipment, lunch, transportation and guides. $65, scenery is free. For info call 243-5172.
Missoulians on Bicycles meets at Eastgate Center parking lot at 8 AM for an epic 78-mile ride to Helmville. For shorter ride, meet at Conoco in Drummond at 9:45 AM. For info, call Ray at 239-1448.
Break out the beach cruiser—Missoulians On Bikes meets at McCormick Park for a Sunday Social Ride, about 20 miles on Missoula’s bike trails. Level: it’s casual. 10 AM.
Learn more than you ever thought you’d want to know about Glacial Lake Missoula, the Big Ditch, and all kinds of amazing Ice Age history when UM’s George Furniss leads a Geology Tour of the Bitterroot Valley. Meet at the Hamilton KMart parking lot at 10 AM, bring lunch and water. Cost: $10. For more info call Jill at 642-3601.
TUESDAY JULY 14 The Montana Dirt Girls kick into gear with group cycling trips in the Missoula area, meeting up at 6 PM every Tuesday at various locations. Visit mtdirtgirls.tripod.com to sign up for the mailing list and find out more.
Read Down
Read UP
7 Days/ Week
7 Days/ Week Pablo
10:00 AM
52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo, MT 59855 406-275-2877
11:30 AM
1660 West Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59808 406-549-2339
11:50 AM
20750 US Hwy 93, Missoula, MT 59808 406-726-3778
12:00 PM
92345 US Hwy 93, Arlee, MT 59821 406-726-7777
Flag Stop
27330 US Hway 93, Ravalli, MT 59863 406-396-6522
12:15 PM
240 Mountain View Dr., St. Ignatius, MT 59865 406-745-3634
1:00 PM
52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo, MT 59855 406-275-2877
1:25 PM
49708 US Hwy 93, Polson, MT 59860 406-883-3636
2:10 PM
7170 US Hwy 93, Lakeside, MT 59922 406-844-3372
2:30 PM
2076 US Hwy 2 W, Evergreen, MT 59901 406-755-7447
3:10 PM
500 Depot St., Whitefish, MT 59937 1-800-872-7245
Missoula Evaro Arlee Ravalli Saint Ignatius Pablo Polson Lakeside Kalispell/Evergreen Whitefish
7:30 PM 7:05 PM 6:50 PM Flag Stop 6:30 PM 6:00 PM 5:30 PM 4:55 PM 4:30 PM 4:00 PM
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [49]
[community]
spectr UM With the support of our community, spectrUM’s
BIG NIGHT raised $67,317 to help ensure that all Montana children can access hands-on science and inspirational role models in STEM and higher education.
THANK YOU
We W e are arre grateful grateful to our ad dvisory rd ffor rd or o their advisory i y boar board d lleader d rs vision and leadership: ship: • Drr. Lisa Blank • )W -JFYMJW (FMTTS • )W 7F^ (FQQF\F^ • 5FZQ (MFRGJWQNS • Beckie Christiaens • Jed Dennison • 2F^TW /TMS *SLJS • 5WJXNIJSY 7T^HJ *SLXYWTR • )W 7NH -FZJW • )W 7JJI -ZRUMWJ^ • Drr. Roger Maclean • Spider McKnight • Dale Olinger • Michelle Quinn • Kim Shappee • Carrol o Williams
And to our talented Big g Night g p planning committee: itt • Sara Feilzer • Cindi Laukes • Andrrea e Lewis • Zach Mauer • Becca Nasgovitz • Erika Palmer • Logan Castor Parson • Jaime Stathis
• Animal Wo onders • Black Coffffee Roasting Co. • 'ZYYJWWÁ Á^ -JWGX • Caffffe Dolce • Computer Foundations • )WFZLMY <TWPX 'WJ\JWW^ ^ • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • Finn & Porter • +NWJÁ^ • Five on Black • Flathead Lake Brrewing e Co • ,FWIJS (NY^ -FWW[ [JXY • Imagination Station • James Bar • 0TGJ • KwaT Ta aqNuq Resort • Le Petit Outrre • Liquid Planet • 1ZGWJHMY +TWWJ JXY • 2NXXTZQF (TRRZSNY^ Theater • 2TSYLTRJWW^ ^ )NXYNQQJWW^ ^ • Mustarrd Seed • Orange Strreet e Food Farm • Plonk • Red Birrd • Red Rooster • Rejuvecarre Clinic • Rosauers • 8HTYY^ X 9FGQJ • Skin Chic • 8TWJQQF X )F^ 8UF • Summit Beverage • Ta aco del Sol • Ta aste Buds Kitchen Missoula • 9MJ )TZGQJ9WJJ • The Dram Shop • The Empanada Joint • The Keep • The Mustarrd Seed • Thomas Meagher Bar • UM Athletics • UM Bookstorre • UM College of Visual and Performing Arts • UM Dining
Most of all, w we e ar are re g grateful ratteful to Missoula and our communities neighboring g g comm unities ffor or o t i i S i sustaining Science ffor o or All: • (TRRZSNY^ 2JINHFQ (JSYJW • Sou and John Barrrett e • The Simons Foundation • 7JUZGQNH 8JWW[ [NHJX • Craig & Ellen Langel • ,WF[NY^ 2JINF 5WTIZHYNTSX • SciNation • The Resort at Paws Up • Celine Beamer & Dave Shepherrd • 2JWN &SI^ &QYMFZXJW • 7NH -FZJW • Amanda & Sarj Patel • Janis Pavlock • The Loft • A&E Arrchitects c • The Confederated Salish and
0TTYJSFN 9WNGJX • Missoula Federal Crredit e Union • 3J\ \À ÀJQIX • MIT Science Festival Alliance • Bitterrroot o Flower Shop • Center for Integrated Researrch c
on the Envirronment o • 2TSYFSF .SXYNYZYJ TS *HTX^XYJRX • Montana Prro Audio • The Silk Road • Montana Space Grant Consortium
• UM Offffice of th he Prre esident • UM Printing & Graphic Services • UM Trademarks rademark r & Licensing • :UH^HQJI • <^QI +QT\JW Kustom Kleaning • Eric Anderson • Zeke Baied • -T\FWI 'JFQQ • Donna Beall • Annie Belcourt • 9^XTS 'NJWW\ \FL • Mindi Bierwag • Jessica Blackman • Melissa Blunt • 9WJ[TW 'Q^ ^YYMJ • 9FWF 'Q^ ^YYMJ • -TSTWJ 'WF^ • )TSFQI 'WF^ • Jill Brross o • 5JWWW^ ^ 'WT\S • 8MNWQJ^ 'WT\S • -JFYMJW 'WZHJ • Andrrea e Buchanan Bucha • Cassie Buhl • Sara Bunton • Julie Cahill • -JFYMJW (FMTTS • -TQQ^ (FXYTW • David Castor • David Cates • Rosalie Cates • Lizzie Catudio-Garr -Garr G re ett tt • 5FZQ (MFRGJWQNS • Beckie Christiaens • 7TWW^ ^ (MWNXYNFJSX • K. Bill Clark • Carro ol Clark • /TMS )F^WNJX • 2FWLFWJY )F^WNJX • Steve Decker • Sue Decker • Kathleen Dent • 1FWWW^ ^ )JSY • Blake DePastino • 3FSH^ )J5FXYNST • &QQN )J5Z^ • 0J[NS )J5Z^
• )ZXY^ )JXHMFRUX • 'JHP P^ ^ )JXHMFRUX • Philippe Diaz • +FSS^ )NF_ • &RFSIF )ZQJ^ • 2FWW^ ^ )ZQQJW • Brreanne e Ender • Edwarrd Ender • 2FWW^ ^ *SLXYWTR • 7T^HJ *SLXYWTR • )JG +FXXSFHMY • -JSWW^ ^ +FXXSFHMY • Kit Fieldhouse • ;JWSTS +NSQJ^ • (FNYQ^S +QTWJSYNSJ • Elaine Frank • Nate Frre eeman • *RNQ^ +WJJRFS • Elena Furrrow o • Elaine Gagliarrdi d • Dick Gagliarrdi d • 2TQQ^ ,FWHNF • Neil Gavigan • Jen Geist • Katie Georrg ge • Josh Gimpelson • Jana Grre eenwell • 7TG ,WJJS\JQQ • 1FHJ^ -F\PNSX • 7TGJWWYY -JFIQJ^ /JXXNJ -JWGJWWYY • 9TS^ -JWGJWWYY • )F[NI -JXX -TRJNJW • 5JYJ -NHPX • )JGN -NHPX • 1NSIF -NHPX • 'FWWW^ ^ -NHPX • 0J[NS -T\QJYYYY • 7TSIF -T\QJYY • 2NHMJQQJ -ZNJ • 1NSIXF^ .WW\ \NS • Cliffff Irwin • Neil Johnson • To odd Johnson • Jill Johnson • )^QFS /TMSXTS • Louise Jones • Lizzi Juda • Ed Juneau • Lisa Kauffffman
• WGM Grroup o • 2TZSYFNS <FYJW (TRUFS^ • MPG Ranch • 'NL 8P P^ ^ 3FYZWFQ 'JJK • The Good Food Storre • Drr. Pete Chirropractic o • 12, 8JHZWNY^ • The Center for Structural and
Functional Neurroscience o • Chuck Thompson • (FXJ^ 'WFI -FWWYY • )TZL (TKKÀ ÀS • 'WJSY (FRUGJQQ 1JFSSJ >TZSL • Erika & Colt Palmer • Whisper Camel-Means • 7F^ 7NXMT • (TG^ 2JQNXXF 8YTSJ • 'NQQ 7ZYM &SS 8\FSJ^ • Kim Shappee • 7T^HJ *SLXYWTR • Logan Castor Parson • -JFYMJW (FMTTS • Beckie Christiaens • Sherri Davidoffff • 3FSH^ 'QFPJ )J5FXYNST • Stephanie Gillin • 7JJI -ZRUMWJ^ • Mike & Larkin Kavanaugh • Cindi Laukes • Chuck Leonarrd • Becca Nasgovitz
• Donnie Keeton • -JNIN 0JSIFQQ • Jeffff Ker Ke n • Jesse King • /JWWW^ ^ 0NSL • 1JXQNJ 1FWLF^ • 3FSH^ 1JJ • Trraci Le Lesneski • Matthew Lesneski • Andrre ea Lewis • Winslow Lewis • /JSS^ 1NSI • Diana Lurie • Roger Maclean • Reed Mandelko • Jen Marangelo • Glenn Marangelo • Seth Martin • 0WNX 2F^ • /JXXNHF 2H(FWWYYSJ^ • Nate McConnell • Jamie McConnell • Spider McKnight • /JSS^ 2H3ZQY^ • (MWNXYNFS 2JS^ • Julie Merritt • Brrent e Merritt M • Sarah Millar • Zach Millar • 0NR 2N_J -ZRUMWJ^ • Megan Morris • 1NQQ^ 2TYQ • *QQJS 2^JWX • Becca Nasgovitz • John Nasgovitz • Jen Oakland • Martin Oakland • 7TGNS 4 )F^ • 9\NQF 4QI (T^TYJ • Wilena Old Person • 'FWWW^ ^ 4QXTS • Ta ana O Ostrro owski • /JWJR^ 5FIITHP • Colt Palmer • Becca Paquette • Marie Parre • Paul Parson • Adam Perine • Anna Phelps • &LFYMF 5TIWFXP^
• Jack Poling • Brandon Prinzing • Patrick Quinn • Jessica Rendazzo • Dan Rogers • 2FWNQ^S 7ZXXJQQ • Ron Russell • 7TGNS 8FMF • 9^ 8HMRJHMJQ • 'FWGFWF 8HMWNRUK • 8ZXFS 8JQGFHM • Kim Shappee • Ross Shappee • Dave Shepherrd • /JWJR^ 8MJW • Diana Six • Shawn Skinner • Phil Smith • Liz Smith • Sarah Smith • 7TG^S 8RNYM • Louise Spencer • Shannon Stage • 9FRFW 8YFSQJ^ • Noel Stewart • Cam Stringer • Linda Stringer • 0^QJ 8\FSXTS • (MFXJ 9F^QTW • 5FNXQJ^ 9F^QTW • (FXXNI^ 9MTRUXTS • (TI^ 9MTWXTS • Brre enda To oner • Leonarrd Two w Teeth e • 0^QJ ;TQP • Jen von Sehlen • Vo von Sehlen • 0FY^F ;TWTSNSF • Vicki Watson a • Rochelle Wilson • 8HTYY <MNYYJSGZWL • Bill Wo oessner • Jean Woessner o • Nathalie Wolfram o • Erica Woodahl o • Kagan Yochim o • 9WFH^ >THMNR • Lea Yo oung • Scott Zins • Rachael Zins
...and many thank thanks s to our w wonderful onderful staf stafff and volunteers. volunteers.
[50] Missoula Independent • July 9–July 16, 2015
Art class was my favorite when I was a young tot in elementary school. We made puppets and put on a show, we played with finger-painting and even made bookmarks out of glue on our art boxes–it was a ball. But one fateful day, young me got too ambitious with a pair of scissors and fabric. I was cutting peacefully, minding my own artistic business at my wooden table when, yikes, a bit of my finger met the blade. As any child would react, the tears poured and I found myself being steered out of the room, down the hallway and right into the nurse's office. Water and sterilization, stat! Where's the Band-Aid? I am sure someone was close to calling out for a No. 10 blade. Maybe “Grey's Anatomy's” McDreamy saved me and I never realized it. Anticlimactically, my finger turned out fine and I was sent back to art class. Despite my own personal woes, there are a few kiddos in Missoula who have a much better grasp
on making art than I did. The e3 Convergence Gallery is hosting 21 kids as young as 5 years old at their second annual Kids Art Exhibit. This year's theme, “Destination Imagination!,” is fueled by the kids’ dream destinations, whether real or not. Showing off their burgeoning talents, these art pieces feature the kids who may one day find their work next to the likes of Caravaggio or Jeff Koons. But in the meantime, the opening reception to celebrate these young talents will include live music from The Salamanders with prizes awarded that evening. —Mary Bradley The second annual Kids Art Exhibit: Destination Imagination! will hold its opening reception at e3 Convergence Gallery, 229 W Main St., Friday, July 10, 5-8 PM. The exhibit will run until Aug. 1.
[AGENDA LISTINGS] FRIDAY JULY 10 Land managers from around the world will participate in the International Seminar on Protected Area Management, an interactive roundtable discussion. Charles H. Clapp Building, Room 452, 1–4 PM. For information, call Natalie Dawson at 243-6956. Feast your eyes on some planets, nebulae, star clusters and other heavenly bodies at the Blue Mountain Observatory’s public star-gazing night. 10:30 PM. Attendees must reserve a free ticket at http://bit.ly/1KOSelu. For more info call Diane Friend at 243-4299.
MONDAY JULY 13 Grab a cup of good coffee and sit down to chat about end-of-life issues at Hospice of Missoula’s Death Cafe, ‘cuz nobody’s getting out of here alive. Meets at Caffe Dolce from 10 AM-noon on the second Wednesday of each month to learn from community members and care providers alike.
Get in touch with healing arts at the Creative Connections for Cancer Survivors workshop, every third Wednesday of the month at Living Art Studio, 725 W. Alder St. Unit 17. Noon-1:30 PM. Free. Call 549-5329 for info. Find help with food issues at the Overeaters Anonymous meetings on the third floor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Brooks St., Wednesdays. Newbies can come at 6:30 PM, and the regular meeting begins at 7 PM. Free. Call 543-5509 for info.
THURSDAY JULY 16 Help a cancer survivor get back on her feet. Tom Catmull teams up with Ryan Young, fiddle player for Trampled By Turtles for a night of folk and Americana. There will also be a raffle. $10, all ages.
WEDNESDAY JULY 15
Join Hospice of Missoula for Community Conversations on Death and Dying, where facilitators educate people on how to talk about this oft-uncomfortable subject. The Loft, 119 W. Main St. 6–8 PM. Free, plus there’s nice beverages and snacks.
The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition’s summer field day series kicks off May 20, with five locations around the Missoula area, including St. Ignatius and Lifeline Farms in Victor, where beginner and experienced farmers and ranchers can learn the ins ‘n outs of the business. Make sure to head over to missoulacfac.org/field-days-2015.html to register in advance and learn more.
Supporters of Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) of Hamilton will host an informal gathering inspired by the bravery of the individuals who recently spoke up to disclose sexual abuse. This will be an opportunity for community members to express their thoughts on abuse, healing, and standing in solidarity with others. All are welcome. 111 South Fourth St., 7 PM.
AGENDA is dedicated to upcoming events embodying activism, outreach and public participation. Send your who/what/when/where and why to AGENDA, c/o the Independent, 317 S. Orange, Missoula, MT 59801. You can also email entries to calendar@missoulanews.com or send a fax to (406) 543-4367. AGENDA’s deadline for editorial consideration is 10 days prior to the issue in which you’d like your information to be included. When possible, please include appropriate photos/artwork.
missoulanews.com • July 9–July 16, 2015 [51]