130712_weekly_WEB

Life, land and culture from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 Volume 4 // Issue #14

BSCC readies for second annual Gala Special Section:

Photo by Erik Morrison

SUMMER MUSIC Hidden gem: Yellowstone Valley Lodge

Dinosaur stories

Behind the scenes at Museum of the Rockies' fossil lab

Hell's Belles!

AC/DC cover band playing at PBR

Outlaw News: Sloooowwww motiioooooonnnn video Big Sky's locally owned and published newspaper

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July 12-25, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 14

explorebigsky

On the cover: Skyler Bowers carves the bowl at the Big Sky Community Park, as his brother Lincoln looks on.

The Big Sky Community Corp. installed the skatepark last summer and is working now building new trails, climbing boulders and a pavilion. Read more about these projects and about BSCC’s summer fundraising Gala on page 8. Photo by Erik Morrison

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler senior editor Joseph T. O'Connor staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen associate editor Maria Wyllie editorial assistants Matt Hudson and Lauren Rieschel

creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins VIDEO director Brian Niles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars Design Intern Alex Sidun

SALES and operations COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson Operations director Katie Morrison Director of Business Development Yellowstone region EJ Daws

CONTRIBUTors

Rob Astle, Beau Fredlund, Monica Gokey, Chris Kamman, Taryn Kent, Rene Kraus, Terry Lee, Greg Lewis, Jessica McGlothlin, Anne Marie Mistretta, Erik Morrison, Brandon Niles, Tori Pintar, Jen Siska, Deborah Courson Smith, Kene Sperry, Patrick Straub, Devin True

Editorial Policy

Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Explore Big Sky. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. Explore Big Sky reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

Letter to the Editor Parameters

The Weekly accepts letters to the editor to give readers a platform to express their views and share ways they would like to effect change. These should not be Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: first and last name, address, phone number and title. Submit to: media@theoutlawpartners.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For next issue, July 26 July 19, 2013 CORRECTIONS Explore Big Sky runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to media@theoutlawpartners.com

OUTLAW PARTNERS & Explore big sky P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com

© 2013 Explore Big Sky Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

Ben Hahn caught this monster brown on Rock Creek in mid-May. John Ethen saw our masthead photo in the June 28 issue of a cutty caught on the same creek, and thought he’d one-up us. We’d say Hahn did just that. Photo courtesy of Renegade Outfitters

As the West fights wildfire, Montana preps My friend Dave Eriksson was riding his motorcycle on July 9 from San Diego back home – the Ely Helitack base in Ely, Nev. – when he looked east.

More than 200 miles away he saw a smoke column rising from the Carpenter Fire burning northwest of Las Vegas. At press time, the nation’s top priority fire according to the US Forest Service, had scorched 20,000 acres near Kyle Canyon and Mount Charleston and was 10 percent contained.

It’s the latest in a string of recent large fires, following on the heels of the crippling Black Forest Fire in Colorado and the Yarnell Hill blaze that killed 19 Granite Mountain hotshots in Arizona June 30.

“Definitely the Granite shots and the [Yarnell Hill] incident cross your mind when you see a column like that,” Eriksson said. “It’s fresh in the minds of wildland fire personnel. You can’t help but think about it.”

It’s green and beautiful in southwest Montana right now. It’s summertime, and music abounds, along with camping trips, mountain biking and fishing.

In this neck of the woods, fire season steps on the scene later than in many of the dry and crackedearth Western areas that are currently in the throes of another season of high temps and low humidity.

The National Interagency Fire Center reported at press time that 18 large fires are currently burning across the West.

Fire season is close in Montana, and for the next several weeks expect warm and dry conditions. While the Gallatin National Forest’s fire danger level was moderate at press time (see page 4), the BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest upgraded its fire danger level to high on July 9.

Keep informed of fire danger levels (fs.usda.gov/gallatin), burn bans and restrictions (firerestrictions.us/mt), and contact 911 to report a fire or smoke.

Stay on your toes, and keep in your hearts and minds the families of the 19 fallen Granite Mountain hotshots.

– Joseph T. O’Connor

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4 July 12-25, 2013

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Features:

table of contents

Hell's Belles!

AC/DC cover band playing at PBR

40

Section 1: News

Explore Big Sky

8

BSCC readies for second annual Gala

Community...................................................4 Local News...................................................8 Regional......................................................13 Montana.....................................................14

Section 2: Business and sports

Gallery.........................................................17 Business.....................................................21 Sports...........................................................24 Product Review...........................................27 Outlaw News...............................................28 Classifieds....................................................30 Bull Market...................................................32

12

33

dinosaur stories

Section 3: Life, land and culture

Culture....................................................33 History..........................................................35 Events.....................................................36 Calendar...............................................39 Entertainment.............................................40 Fun/Crossword............................................43 Outdoors.....................................................44

Special Section: Summer Music..................................49

Hidden gem: Yellowstone Valley Lodge

outlaw news 28

Yellowstone visitation already over one million mark for 2013

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – As Yellowstone National Park enters the peak summer period, visitation has already topped the one million mark for the

year. There were 744,056 recreational visitors to Yellowstone in June and a total of 1,016,651 for the first six months of 2013.

Letter to the editor

A standing ovation for Big Sky Broadway We hope many of you saw and were amazed this past weekend by the outstanding performances of our local Big Sky School District kids in Peter Pan. Having followed these actors over the past several years, it’s been incredible to witness their growth and progress in all areas of the performing arts.

On behalf of the performers, parents and the Big Sky community, we’d like to give a giant shout out to the staff of Big Sky Broadway who put countless hours of blood, sweat and tears into this latest project over the past weeks and months.

Their effort and commitment was only

exceeded by their boundless enthusiasm and dedication.

A huge round of applause and standing ovation goes out to the senior staff and musicians of Big Sky Broadway: John Zirkle, Barbara Rowley, Eric Corliss, Heaven Phillips, Jennifer Waters, Corina Troxler, Anna Middleton, Tucker Shea, Rachid Schultz, Soby Haarman, Griffin House, Claudia Kosiak and Christian Gutierez. Their work made the production of Peter Pan such a success.

– John Romney, on behalf of Big Sky Broadway parents

Wildfire Bits and Pieces GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST

Three factors influence wildfire behavior: weather, topography and fuel. These elements affect and increase the likelihood of a fire starting, the speed and direction at which a fire will travel, the intensity at which it burns, and the ability to control and extinguish it. Just because it’s cool and rainy today doesn’t mean tomorrow, when the sun comes out and the wind starts whipping, that your campfire will not come back to life and start a wildfire.

Fuel in a wildfire consists of live and dead vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, grasses and their leaves and needles. It can also include structures. The amount of fuel, its moisture content, arrangement and other characteristics will influence fire behavior.

Please be careful, keep your campfire away from vegetation and always leave it cool to the touch! Our fire danger remains at moderate.

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July 12-25, 2013 5

Big Sky’s Neverland

By Lauren Rieschel

Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

BIG SKY – Dasha Bough pierces the air with her hook, cackling with malice.

producer Barbara Rowley. “We don’t go into rehearsal until camp starts… [Then] we rehearse about 40 hours of camp [before] dress rehearsals, so it’s about 60 hours that the kids are on stage working.”

BSB prepares so much in advance that those who want to join later in the summer find themselves out of luck.

“For when the time is ripe you’ll see the children walk the plank!” shouts the 13-year-old, portraying Captain Hook in Big Sky Broadway’s second and final performance of Peter Pan, on Sunday, July 7.

“When lots of people come to town and want to join, we’ve already cast, we’ve already costumed, we’ve already bought shoes, everything is in the works,” said Rowley, who’s optimistic about the program’s growth.

She estimates that 80-95 percent of kids returned from last year.

Hook, played by Carter Johnsen the night before, drew big laughs from the crowd with his fatuous antics.

Minutes later, Hook and Peter Pan (portrayed by Ellie Quackenbush on Saturday and Ava King on Sunday) duel, Pan leaping into the air. The audience gasps in delight as he soars over Hook’s plumed hat, thanks to a Flying by Foy harness.

An addition this year to Big Sky Broadway is a shorter camp for younger kids, Big Sky Broadway, Jr. In this program, younger kids learn elements of choreography, diction and singing, as well as getting accustomed to being on stage. Rowley also hopes to put on a high school musical in spring 2014.

The battle is over when the Captain is swallowed by his nemesis, the Ticking Crocodile, and Peter Pan has saved the day once again.

Founded in 2009 by Barbara Rowley, John Zirkle, Anna Middleton and Klaudia Kosiak, Big Sky Broadway has put on three productions prior to Peter Pan: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz and Big Sky Broadway’s “Broadway Song Selection.”

The staff of BSB begins planning for next year’s show as early as the end of the summer.

“At the end of March we have auditions, and the kids get their scripts and start learning their lines,” said

Until this year, BSB has supported itself largely off tuition and ticket sales, and with the help of volunteers and interns, Rowley said. Local construction groups like Green Construction, which built all the boxes for the Peter Pan set, have donated help and materials.

Ellie Quackenbush as Peter Pan teaches Wendy (Emma Flach), John (Sam Johnson) and Michael (Michael Romney) how to fly. Photo by Anna Middleton

Sixty hours in two weeks is a lot to expect from elementary and middle schoolers, but the cast of Peter Pan has proven they’re more than up for it: They also

Local graduate awarded Boyne Exceptional Senior Award BIG SKY – Lone Peak High School valedictorian Tucker Shea has been awarded the first Boyne Exceptional Senior Award in recognition of his academic achievement and extracurricular efforts.

The new program, an extension of the Boyne Exceptional Educator Award, rewards an LPHS graduating senior who earns the distinction of valedictorian and graduates with honors, with a season ski pass to Big Sky Resort each year after high school that they remain in school full time.

“We want our community’s top students to be able to fully focus on their studies when they are away from home,” said Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort’s president and general manager. “And when they come back on vacation, to be able to enjoy some play time on their home mountain.”

To be named valedictorian with honors, a graduating senior at LPHS must be ranked number one in the class academically, have demonstrated significant community service and leadership, as well as participated in extracurricular activities and sports. He or she must also be a member of the National Honor Society.

worked on the set, which this year included painting the profusion of boxes and set pieces that served as most of the scenery.

Shea, who’s worked through the Big Sky School District since preschool, will attend Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. in the fall where he plans to study fiber science and apparel design.

An A student throughout his 13 years in school, Shea was also an exceptional athlete at the school, a student leader and community servant.

“We also couldn’t help noting that Tucker has worked jobs outside of school all through high school, summer and winter, all the while ripping it up on our mountain,” Middleton said.

“We’re glad to be able to give a hard worker in every aspect of his life – academics, athletics, work and service – a little bit of a break in the way he clearly loves: skiing.”

The Boyne Corporation gives free ski passes to all students in the district from kindergarten through eighth grade, and offers discounts to local high school students. Additionally, teachers in the district and in several nearby rural schools are eligible to apply for the annual Boyne Exceptional Educator Award by working extra hours to help individual students improve academic achievement in core subjects. This award comes with a season’s pass and is given annually to all teachers who apply and meet the criteria. Applications are due Sept. 15.

Local philanthropists Kym and George Rapier last fall donated a generous sum that Rowley said the troupe plans to use over three years.

BSB’s productions do more than put on a show; they knit Big Sky even closer together. And not unlike J.M. Barrie’s original, this production brought every patron’s mind to his or her childhood, and maybe a little bit closer to Neverland.

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July 12-25, 2013 7

Staying safe during the height of bear season MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

Keep your yard bear resistant Bear activity is picking up in many Montana neighborhoods, and FWP is asking residents to keep bear attractants contained. Bears are often drawn to populated areas by unsecured garbage cans, the smell of pet food, bird feeders and dirty barbecue grills.

“When bears encounter easy neighborhood food sources, they often have a hard time returning to natural food,” said Jeff Hagener, director of FWP in Helena. “The only solution is to keep bears from becoming interested in your backyard. A conditioned bear will travel miles to get back to a garbage can.”

•

Be cautious in areas where berry patches or other natural foods could attract bears.

•

If you see a bear, don’t approach it; respect the animal’s space and move off.

When camping in bear country: •

Camp away from trails and areas where you see bear sign.

•

Keep a clean camp at all times. Keep tents and sleeping bags free of odors.

•

Avoid cooking smelly foods.

•

Hang all food, trash and other odorous items well away from camp and at least 10 feet above ground and four feet from any vertical support, or store in a bear-proof container, or within a portable electric fence. Livestock feed should be stored in the same way.

•

Don’t sleep in the same clothes you wore while cooking or eating.

Hagener suggests taking the following precautions: •

Keep pet food inside.

•

Clean dirty barbeque grills.

•

Take down bird feeders.

•

Make sure the compost pile is not laden with food scraps.

•

Keep garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or in a secure building until trash collection.

Tips for bear-safe outings When recreating in bear country: •

Inquire about recent bear activity in the area.

•

Carry and know how to use bear pepper spray.

•

Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

•

Travel in groups of three or more during daylight hours.

•

Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

•

Keep children close.

•

Talk, sing or use other means to make your presence known, especially streamside or in a thick forest with low visibility.

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Obituary: Joann Lynn Dennis

Bozeman woman remembered for love of cooking, traveling, outdoors Joann Lynn Dennis, 59, of Bozeman, passed away at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital on June 14. The youngest of four children, she was born in 1959 in Great Falls, Mont., where she also attended Great Falls High School.

Dennis was recently a resident of Big Sky, where she was a manager at Moosely Montana, formerly located across from Bugaboo Café. She then moved to Bozeman where she helped open the new Goodwill store. Dennis enjoyed her work at Goodwill where she befriended coworkers and customers alike.

She loved watching movies, cooking, road trips to Flathead Lake, and yearly camping trips to Hyalite Canyon. But family was Dennis’s true passion.

Whether pulling pranks on her older siblings, sharing holidays with her three sons and daughter, or spoiling and caring for her grandchildren, these moments highlighted her life.

Even in her later years, while trying to maintain her health, Dennis never lost her compassion for others and wouldn’t hesitate to help people in need. Her unconditional love and generosity is an inspiration to everyone she encountered.

Those who have preceded Dennis in death include her parents, Edna and Claude Hatleberg and her sister and best friend, Marilyn Smith.

Dennis is survived by her brothers, Glen Hatleberg of Bozeman and Bob Hatleberg of Lakeside, Mont.; her daughter, Jaime Harsha; her sons, Daniel RidesattheDoor, Chad Dennis, Lance Dennis of Bozeman; and seven grandchildren.

A celebration of Joann Dennis’s life will be held Sunday, July 21, at 1 p.m. at the Lindley Center, located at 1102 E. Curtiss Ave. in Bozeman.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. For more information, visit dokkennelson.com.

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8 July 12-25, 2013

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Building community BSCC Gala to raise funds for parks and trails

By Emily Wolfe

Explore Big Sky Managing Editor

BIG SKY – From building new trails and another pavilion, to adding two new climbing boulders, the Big Sky Community Corp. has a full plate this summer.

It’s nothing new: Last year the nonprofit parks and trails organization built a skatepark and a climbing boulder in its community park, both of which have seen significant use already.

What is new: BSCC obtained approximately eight miles of trail easements BSCC from the Simkins family on June 4.

The plan is to construct “a looping trail system” from the Town Center area along Grey Drake Road to the Ousel Falls Trail, on the south side of the South Fork, said BSCC Executive Director Jessie Wiese.

Wiese says the organization plans to build three miles of that new trail system this summer, using $24,000 in resort tax money and $13,000 from its own fundraising.

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Area attractions: • Hood River,10 miles away, with plenty of brew pubs and restaurants • World-class kayaking and rafting in spring, as well as some of North America’s best road biking, mountain biking, downwind SUPing and windsurfing • Great trout fishing and steelheading depending on time of year, including mountain biking to fly fishing spots • Multnomah Falls • Maryhill Winery and Museum

The community park, administered by BSCC, is also slated for improvements.

Since June, Stronghold Fabrication has been building the artificial boulders in the park. The Big Sky Rotary Club funded the $43,000 climbing rocks, as well as last year’s $35,000 boulder. The structures should be complete before the upcoming BSCC fundraising Gala on July 27, Wiese said.

Big Sky Landscaping plans to install sod and irrigation in the area around the boulders starting in mid-July and have it complete by the end of August. Langlas and Associates will start construction on a second pavilion Aug. 26.

“The park fields are booked almost every day this summer, as is our pavilion,” Wiese said. “Every time I go down there, I increasingly feel like we have a community here.”

The BSCC’s July 4 celebration exemplified this sense of community.

Organized by the parks committee and held in the community park, the event included a skatepark jam, various trail running and tennis events for children and adults, a fly casting clinic, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, an all-star softball game, a disc golf tournament, an obstacle course, a dunk tank, kids activities, and of course, lunch.

Also a fundraiser for BSCC, the celebration raised more than $5,000, which will go toward park improvement projects.

Now in its second year, the Gala has a similar sense of community, Wiese said, although a different atmosphere.

With 200 attendees last year, the event raised more than $100,000.

“This year we want to surpass that significantly,” Wiese said.

Gala proceeds go toward new projects, Wiese said, pointing toward improvements to the community park and the South Fork trail system as this year’s priorities, as well as toward mapping a trail that will eventually connect the mountain and meadow areas of Big Sky. “We build that sense of community by building the infrastructure for people to come together,” Wiese said. “With the Gala, community members are allowing us to make this progress and build these things here. That makes it even more special.”

BSCC SHOWS ITS RED, WHITE, and BLUE COLORS A look at the nonprofits’ community events on July 4th

local news

10 July 12-25, 2013

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Women’s Club announces 2013 scholarship recipients BIG SKY – The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club has selected two recipients for its annual scholarship awards. Kayla Schommer and Tucker Shea will receive $2,000 each to apply to their college tuition.

Shea will attend Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., while Schommer will continue her education at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Schommer served on the student council and was elected team captain of the volleyball and basketball teams. She was a photographer for the area’s nonprofit groups, after finishing her internship with Eye in the Sky Photography and summer study at the School of Creative and Performing Arts program in New York City.

Both recipients recently graduated from Lone Peak High School in Big Sky, and both are the first LPHS graduates to have attended the Big Sky School District since kindergarten.

Shea also served on the student council, and played varsity basketball and football. He was selected for both Academic All-State and the AllState 6-Man Football Team. He is a Big Brother through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and was a participant in the Warren Miller Freedom Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Program.

In their scholarship applications, Shea and Schommer reflected on their education in Big Sky, and how they expect to use it in college.

“I will be both ready and extremely excited about the opportunity that I have to go out into the world and attend college somewhere new,” Shea wrote, “[and] still having Big Sky to come back to.”

Shea plans to study fiber science and apparel design, while Schommer is interested in elementary education and photography.

The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club has awarded college scholarships since 1977, with funds coming from GCWC member donations. Scholarship criteria include community and school service.

Both students were selected for National Honor Society.

In her application, Schommer noted, “This school has given me something that no other school could, a sense of pride and accomplishment. We were truly given the opportunity to help shape our school into what it will be known as in years to come.”

Kaela Schommer Photo by Tori Pintar

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Tucker Shea Photo by Kene Sperry

Three seats open on Resort Tax Board The Gallatin County Elections Office is accepting candidate filing forms for three open seats on the Big Sky Resort Tax District Board of Directors. The positions are four-year terms.

Chairman Les Loble is stepping down after two terms. Incumbent Ginna Hermann is seeking re-election for a second term, while Jeff Strickler is running to complete his first term. Strickler tied with another candidate, Loren Bough, in the 2011 election and won his seat by a board coin toss. The elections office requires Strickler to receive a popular vote to finish his term.

Mike Scholz and Jamey Kabisch will complete their first terms in 2015.

At press time, July 10, only one completed form, Strickler’s, has been turned into the elections office, according to its clerk, Charlotte Mills.

Candidate filing closes Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Potential candidates may be residents of Gallatin or Madison Counties, and must live within the Big Sky Resort Tax District. Completed forms can be notarized and mailed or taken to the Gallatin County Elections office at 311 W. Main St., Room 210 in Bozeman. - MH For more information and copies of the filing form, visit the Big Sky Resort Tax District website at resorttax.org.

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July 12-25, 2013 11

Health Care Directions Committee hosts public meetings Group working to gauge community interest in Deaconess, Billings Clinic

By Emily Wolfe

Explore Big Sky Managing Editor

BIG SKY – The downstairs room at the chapel on July 10 again served as a stage for the ongoing discussion on expanding health care in Big Sky. Of 30 people in attendance at the Big Sky Health Care Directions Committee meeting, 22 were part of the newly formed committee.

Bozeman Deaconess Health Services CEO Kevin Pitzer and Billings Clinic Vice President of Regional Services Scott Duke were also in attendance, as were representatives of the Big Sky Town Center, where Deaconess owns a plot of land. Both hospitals recently completed feasibility studies on expanding medical services in Big Sky.

“I would imagine this process being rooted in what’s best and what’s right about communities in Montana,” Duke said. Billings Clinic operates 10 critical access hospitals in Montana and northern Wyoming, and is part of the Mayo Care Network.

Pitzer of BDHS agreed the “committee process is a good one to go through,” noting it would bring out “transparency for both participants of what they’re proposing for the community.”

While Deaconess presented a clear proposal of its plan for a 24-hour emergency facility in Big Sky, Billings Clinic has been less specific, saying it would

together,” Duke said. “When we’re involved in working together in a community, it’s the community first, what’s needed for the patients. We would be open to exploring any of the opportunities which would come forward.”

“BDHS and Billings Clinic work collaboratively in a number of communities already, like Bozeman and Livingston,” Pitzer said. “We have many shared patient relationships, and they are a strong tertiary referral center for us. I think we both want to have presence in this community... I don’t see an opportunity to do that under a formal joint venture.”

New questions

The committee’s five core members first convened in May 2013, led by co-chairs Jack Eakman, a former hospital administrator, and Mike Scholz, co-owner of Buck’s T-4 and a resort tax board member.

This was the second time the group has met in this larger form.

Its work: gauge which hospital would best serve the greater Big Sky-West Yellowstone area, and make that recommendation in a month’s time. Funded by $20,000 in Big Sky Resort Tax money, the committee is working with an independent consultant, Howard Gershon of the New Heights Group, to assess and compare each hospital’s feasibility study and answer additional questions.

“This is an open discussion about health care,” committee member Erin Bills told Explore Big Sky. A local resident with a Masters in Public Health, Bills works at the Montana State University Montana Office of Rural Health, which helps improve access costs and quality of care in Montana, and works closely with critical access hospitals.

“Oftentimes communities don’t get to be at the ground level like this with improving access to care,” Bills said.

The self-appointed committee functions as an offshoot of the local social services nonprofit, Women in Action, and includes representatives from the Big Sky Resort Tax Board, the Big Sky Fire Department, the ski resorts, the Medical Clinic of Big Sky, former hospital administrators and physicians, private homeowners, and residents of West Yellowstone, among others.

The committee that day split into four panels to consider different aspects of the conversation: partnership, governance, finances and timing; the feasibility studies; health care providers; and health care quality and service.

The hospitals Duke, who is new to Billings Clinic, previously worked as CEO of an independent community hospital in Glendive for almost 11 years.

and differences between the two feasibility studies. The differences they noted were that Billings Clinic had proposed having outpatient services, and Deaconess had not, while Deaconess owns land in Big Sky, and Billings does not.

“We have more of a complete picture with Bozeman Deaconess,” Beczkiewicz said. “With Billings being new to the community, we wanted to know more. Theirs was not a complete proposal.”

What’s our future?

The committee is hosting a series of public meetings in the next several weeks. These will be a chance for Gershon, the consultant, to review his work with the committee and the public, for the committee to host further discussion and form its recommendation, and for the public to speak out and ask questions.

At the final meeting on Aug. 7, Gershon and the committee will both present their recommendations, with the committee making its final public vote.

As of now, it’s up in the air where the coin will drop.

The Hospital Directions Committee met July 10 in the Big Sky Chapel. Bozeman Deaconess and Billings Clinic have both expressed interest in building a hospital in Big Sky, and the 20-plus-member committee is working to determine which would better serve the greater Big Sky area. Photo by Emily Wolfe

rather craft a plan through discussion with the community.

Once reconvened, the panels presented their questions.

“I do question how we can have a collaborative community process without having that information available in the community,” said Pitzer, who also has a background in rural healthcare.

“It’s difficult to evaluate the strengths of competing proposals if there is only one proposal.”

Bill Farhat, Big Sky Fire Chief, led the discussion on health care providers. His group wanted a complete explanation of the staffing models either hospital would provide.

BDHS has served the Big Sky area for decades, and has operated a pharmacy in the Meadow Village since 2007.

“We’re looking at the tenor of the entire community and our patients, and the hundreds of residents that have long term relationships with Deaconess,” Pitzer said. “We get [this information] through unsolicited phone calls, being present at Big Sky events, from patients visiting our facilities.”

“This committee is doing very good work, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s fully representative of the voice of Big Sky,” Pitzer continued.

Eakman, co-chair of the committee, has suggested the two hospitals collaborate on a facility, something both Duke and Pitzer said they would consider to differing degrees.

“We’re open, quite frankly, to working

“It’s our preference that there be physicians present at all times,” Farhat said. “But is that even possible?”

They also hoped to ensure local providers could use the facility but remain independent.

Eakman’s group, which discussed health care quality and services, brought up questions about budgeting and the necessity of gaining critical access designation to offer 24-7 care.

Scholz’s group covered partnership, governance, finances and timing.

They wanted more about how a community foundation would work with either hospital, and about local support.

“The community should know what would be the goals for a foundation, what would trigger coming to resort tax, and what magnitude it would be in,” Scholz said.

WIA Executive Director Lisa Beczkiewicz went over the similarities

“They both have compelling stories,” said committee member Jamey Kabisch after the June 10 meeting.

“Billings Clinic has had success with the critical access hospital model across the state, and it’s been profitable. Bozeman Deaconess clearly has dedication to this community – with a land purchase in 2007, an existing pharmacy and it being the primary health care provider of this area – they’ve been a partner for a long time.”

Kabisch is also a resort tax board member and manager of Lone Peak Physical Therapy, which has six clinics and 13 physical therapists and wants to remain independent.

“What’s our future?” he asked.

Public meetings: All future Health Care Directions Committee meetings will be at Buck’s T-4. The meetings are public.

July 17 9-11 a.m. – Committee meets with Howard Gershon, consultant 7-9 p.m. – Gershon presents findings to community at large July 24 7-9 p.m. – Bozeman Deaconess and Billings Clinic present their proposals Aug. 7 7-9 p.m. – Gershon and committee give final recommendations

12 July 12-25, 2013

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Bringing dinos to life

Behind the scenes at the Museum of the Rockies fossil lab story and photos

By Matt Hudson Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

BOZEMAN – Sitting inside the padded drawers in an air-conditioned facility in Bozeman are fragments of a time when the giant, monster-like creatures that dominated the Earth millions of years ago.

Make no bones about it – Museum of the Rockies is rich with dinosaurs.

The institution has grown into a large, multi-faceted facility since its founding in 1957 and currently houses, among other exhibits, a living history farm, a wing dedicated to youngsters and a planetarium.

But its foremost attraction for the 150,000 annual visitors has always been dinosaurs.

Behind the scenes, museum staff works to bring the fossils to life from their earthy crypts. This process of freeing the bones from the sediment where they’ve rested for millions of years can be painstaking. For researchers, preserving the integrity of fossils is paramount to conducting a good study and building a stirring exhibit.

“Jack Horner says that the worst Above: MOR fossil preparer Jamie Jette works on a bone from a Gryposaurus. She has spent a month thing you can do to removing the sediment from around this fossil. a dinosaur bone is Below: A partially exposed fossil sits in an open winter jacket at the fossil prep lab. dig it up, because which are still encased in rock and material without fracturing the it’s been safe in the sediment. Once hardened, the jackfossil. ground and now it’s exposed to sun ets form to the fossil and allow for and air and heat. They’re fragile,” safe transport.

Jamie Jette, a part-time fossil presaid MOR Executive Director Shelparer, has been working since last ley McKamey.

The sizes of the winter jackets vary, December on a duck-billed dinodepending on the completeness of saur called a Gryposaurus found on The museum’s soon-to-be famous a fossil section.

When paleontolonorthern Montana’s Hi-line.

Wankel Tyrannosaurus rex was no gists uncovered a large section of exception. McKamey, who was the Wankel rex, they encased it in “I’m trying to remove the rock,” on site for some of the excavation one giant jacket, lifted it out with she said. “And at this point, the maprocess at Fort Peck Reservoir, heavy machinery and hauled it off trix is looking a lot like the bone.” said it took nearly three years to on a flatbed trailer towed by McKaprepare the fossil for the museum. mey’s brother’s pickup.

Jette has worked on the last of six The 38-foot-long, 15-foot-tall dino field jackets for about a month. The was found in 1988 and named after “The spine was largely articulated last item is a large bone measurKathy Wankel, the area rancher into the hip, so there was no way ing approximately three feet long. who found the first fragment. This we were going to take that apart just The idea is to keep the fragment October, the Wankel rex will grace to make smaller jackets,” McKamey together. the halls of the Smithsonian’s Nasaid. tional Museum of Natural History.

“It takes patience and sometimes Once a dinosaur makes it to the mua magnifying glass, so you can see To transport a fossil from an excavaseum, fossil preparers meticulously what you’re doing,” she said. “But I tion site to a museum, researchers remove the “matrix” – the rock and think this is the fun part.” wrap the fragile bone fragments in sediment around the bone – before what MOR researchers call “winter any research is done. Like a dentist After the fossils are free of the jackets” or “field jackets.” Dipped removing plaque from teeth, they matrix, many of them go to the in wet plaster, these burlap sacks aim to scrape away the unnecessary storage room, where rows of tall are wrapped around the fossils,

cabinets contain one of the country’s most complete collections of dinosaur fossils. In that room, researchers study those remains and help uncover information about the enigmatic life of dinosaurs – a story that captivates both children and adults alike.

The collection is outgrowing the storage room, McKamey said, noting that the museum has plans to expand the facility.

Montana, in all its rural glory, has easy access to dig sites and a sparse population density, making it a great area for paleontology, she said. The majority of the museum’s collection was recovered from Montana soil.

This fall, the Wankel T. rex will be trucked to the Smithsonian on a 50year loan from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because the fossil was discovered on federal land, the Corps owns the dinosaur and allows MOR to study and display it. It is currently stored in crates, awaiting its cross-country journey.

McKamey said MOR is proud to display its work on the country’s biggest stage. The National Museum of Natural History saw 7.6 million visitors in 2012, according to its website.

“It’s a proud moment,” McKamey said. “There are a number of us who worked on the original dig.”

The Museum of the Rockies will hold a farewell ceremony for the Wankel dinosaur before it leaves.

It’s set to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 16, National Fossil Day.

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July 12-25, 2013 13

Cheers to the Lee Metcalf: Special beer brewed for the party

Plan to protect YNP’s native vegetation approved

Deborah Courson Smith

Lee Metcalf Summer Ale – absolutely delicious beer.”

BOZEMAN – Cheers to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness – literally.

YELLOWSTONE N.P. – A plan to help protect Yellowstone’s natural landscapes and native plant diversity from the spread of invasive plants has been approved.

The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is often called Bozeman’s “backyard wilderness.” Events are scheduled through Oct. 4 to celebrate the Summer of Lee.

Big Sky Connection

A special edition craft beer has been tapped in Bozeman to mark a mile-

Breck says the idea was to craft a brew that would be perfect after a day in the Lee Metcalf, whether playing in the whitewater, hiking, biking, fishing or hunting.

“The Lee Metcalf Summer Ale is just a really nice aromatic, hopped beer, smooth finish,” he said. “A real nice drinkable pale ale that will quench your thirst but with a lot of flavor, as well.”

The beer was tapped July 27 Rjika Weis pours the Lee Metcalf Summer Ale crafted by at Bridger Brewing, and a Bridger Brewing. Photo courtesy of Summer of Lee portion of the sales benefitstone. David Breck is co-owner of ted projects in the wilderness area.

Bridger Brewing, which designed the official Summer of Lee ale.

Congress designated the Lee Metcalf in 1983 in honor of former Sen. Lee Metcalf, “We are just really excited to be a part who died before the area was permanently of the 30th anniversary of the celebraprotected. No new wilderness has been tion of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness,” designated in Montana since then.

Breck says, “and we brewed a special

MISSED OUR TOWN HALL FORUM? FIND THE LATEST INFORMATION ONLINE.

John Wessels, the Director of the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service, on June 19 signed a Finding of No Significant Impact allowing the NPS to implement a management plan preventing the establishment and spread of terrestrial invasive plants and to restore, as needed, native plant communities within the park. The Environmental Assessment that analyzed two alternatives was released for public comment Feb. 22, 2013.

The Invasive Vegetation Management Plan provides a park-wide comprehensive approach toward invasive vegetation management to preserve, protect and restore the diversity, ecological integrity and processes associated with native plant communities in Yellowstone. The plan expands current invasive plant management efforts and implements a park-wide Integrated Weed Management strategy that aims to: • Prevent the entry and establishment of new invasive plants • Control existing populations of invasive plants by eradicating them, reducing their abundance and density and containing their spread • Restore native plant communities when they have been disrupted or replaced by invasive nonnative plant populations Under the approved plan, Yellowstone will use a wide-ranging combination of techniques and tools to manage invasive terrestrial vegetation. The overall goal of the invasive vegetation management program will be to preserve the biological diversity of native flora through prevention, containment, and control of invasive plants.

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The Big Sky Medical Center would offer 24/7/365 emergency services as well as other enhanced medical services. Find out more about our proposal, plans, timeline and more on our new website bigskymedicalcenter.com. Check out the Q&A page or contact us with any questions or comments.

No need to waste precious time running to Bozeman just to fill a prescription.

Conveniently located near your favorite Big Sky outdoor activities, we make it easy to get your medication. Or overthe counter remedies for scraped knees or sunburns. Stop by the Bozeman Deaconess Pharmacy at Big Sky for all that and then some. We’re right here in the neighborhood. And easier to find than an ousel on the trail to Ousel Falls.

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Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative Beyond borders for a new age of conservation

By Monica Gokey

Explore Big Sky Contributor

BOZEMAN – The Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative’s long name and affinity for acronyms is about the only clue to the program’s government origins.

At its core, GNLCC is about reaching beyond administrative boundaries to tackle large-scale landscape problems that no single entity can achieve on its own.

“The cooperative was designed to help conservation organizations – and that includes government, nongovernment, tribal and university partners – work together to address issues like climate change and land use change that happen at such a large scale none of us can do it individually,” said Yvette Converse, Bozeman-based GNLCC Coordinator.

GNLCC is one of 22 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives created through a 2010 secretarial order by former Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

The Great Northern LCC spans as far north as interior British Columbia and south through the sage steppes of southwestern Wyoming.

“The idea is for these LCC boundaries to be set up as ecoregions,” Converse said, explaining that LCCs were established to tackle large-scale problems by sharing science, data and resources between a region’s different stakeholders.

“We’re here to help people understand what their options are when they have climate change data,” said Converse, who spent more than 15 years as an aquatic ecologist and watershed scientist.

In its rawest form, a lot of climate

Many LCCs use a program called Landscape Conservation Management and Analysis Portal, or LC MAP for short. This screen shot shows sage grouse data compiled into “layers” with the program. The “contents” shows what’s on display, with different colors corresponding to different data sets. LC MAP is almost like an online filing cabinet for science data.

Image courtesy of Matt Heller, USGS.

change data are just sets of temperature and precipitation data points – making sense of that information isn’t always intuitive, Converse said. Making that data interpretable to people who need it on the ground is her team’s top priority.

For a sage grouse scientist, it’s the difference between having to assemble the best available science through phone calls and emails to colleagues at different agencies versus being able to find them all in one place – LC MAP is the ‘one place,’ Converse said.

universities and non-governmental groups are also getting involved.

Many LCCs use a program called LC MAP, an acronym for Landscape Conservation Management and Analysis Portal. It’s sort of like an online filing cabinet for science data, where a lot of the science is conveyed through maps.

“The Park Service does its own studies, the Forest Service does theirs separately, the [Bureau of Land Management], [Fish and Wildlife Service], the state of Montana – we don’t all need to create the same data and pay for it five times,” she said.

“Climate change planning on large scales is a big part of what we do,” said Cross, adding that because climate change has landscape-wide impacts, it’s not something you can handle on a locality-by-locality basis.

For example, clicking an LC MAP folder labeled “sage grouse” turns up a list of different studies showing data on grouse distribution, breeding density, habitat character and more.

What might have been a scattered array of grouse studies housed at a number of different agencies can be kept together under one secure folder in LC MAP.

It helps to be a little GIS-savvy to interpret the data available on LC MAP – many studies are layers best viewed in Google Earth – but the beauty is being able to layer the findings of different studies over each other. A bigger picture starts to take shape, and that’s the whole idea.

“The target audience for the science and the tools that are developed is really more the managers,” Converse said. “They’re who we want to be able to have access to the right kind of information and know what to do with it.”

Additionally, GNLCC is trying to stimulate discussion via webinars and workshops to improve conservation dialogue beyond administrative borders.

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“The program is still very new,” Converse said. “And for the first couple of years my job was really about getting people to try to work together.”

It’s not just the government agencies GNLCC is trying to engage: Tribes,

The Wildlife Conservation Society is one such partner and Molly Cross, WCS climate change coordinator, said its conservation agenda aligns with GNLCC’s.

Under Cross’s wing, WCS received a $50,000 grant from GNLCC to stimulate discussion about planning for climate change. The group has hosted two workshops in 2013.

The most recent, held in early June in Bozeman, attracted about 50 participants, she said.

Scientists, land managers, tribal representatives and nongovernmental groups all sat down to discuss how science can be used to guide large scale, on-the-ground conservation strategies.

For Cross, that discussion is essential.

“It’s really important to allow for that cross-geographic pollination of idea exchange,” she said, explaining that once people get a feel for the bigger picture, it’s easier to connect the dots between current and future habitats.

And Converse agrees: large landscape problems call for largescale collaboration – it’s what GNLCC is striving to facilitate.

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$500,000 available for TIIP Grants Application deadline is Aug. 1

Groups file committee to take Medicaid expansion to the ballot MONTANA HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK

HELENA – The Montana Office of Tourism has $500,000 available for tourism-related facility improvement projects through the 2013 Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program.

Nonprofit organizations, and local and tribal governments can apply for TIIP grants as part of the funding packages they use to improve Montana’s visitor attractions and facilities. The deadline for the 2013 TIIP grant applications is Aug. 1.

A webinar recording on the MTOT website is available to answer questions about the application materials.

“Over the years TIIP grants have invested over $4.7 million in tourism bed tax dollars into tourism projects across the state,” said Montana Commerce Department Director Meg O’Leary. “This investment has created jobs, paid for local building supplies and services and helped complete over $47 million in Montana tourism facility improvements.”

Program guidelines, application forms and information about eligible projects are available at travelmontana.mt.gov/forms or by contacting Victor Bjornberg at the Montana Office of Tourism, (406) 841-2795 or vbjornberg@mt.gov.

July 12-25, 2013 15

HELENA – A group of organizations filed paperwork with the Office of Political Practices in late June to work toward placing the expansion of Medicaid eligibility on the November 2014 ballot.

The filing coalition, known as the Healthy Montana Initiative, plans to work with a committee of organizations and advocacy groups striving to increase access to health care in the state.

When the 2013 Legislature adjourned in April, it had not accepted federal dollars to expand access to health care for 70,000 Montanans.

The 2013 Legislature considered five bills that would have accepted federal dollars to cover uninsured Montanans. SB 395, sponsored by David Wazenreid, D-Missoula, contained a compromise policy that would have allowed the state to pay for individuals to purchase a private policy on the Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Exchange. All five bills died during the legislative process.

This failure to expand Montana’s Medicaid program will leave thousands of Montanans without access to health care, and will result in the loss of up to $1.4 billion in federal dollars and 12,600 jobs in the next two years, according to press materials from the initiative.

“There is a great deal at stake if Montana does not take this opportunity to increase access to health

care,” said Lori Chovanak, MN, RN, treasurer of the ballot committee. “With… broad support for Medicaid expansion regardless of political persuasion, we knew we should take it to the ballot and let Montanans decide for themselves what is best for access to care in their communities.”

The lack of federal funding will also cause hospitals and providers, especially in rural areas, to continue to struggle with the costs of uncompensated care, according to the initiative.

“We’ve done this before with Healthy Montana Kids,” said Kim Abbott, president of the Healthy Montana Initiative and co-director of the Montana Human Rights Network.

“If the legislature doesn’t want to come back and figure out a compromise, I have no doubt that we will get this done.”

Organizations supporting the initiative are: AARP Montana, The Arc Montana Chapter, Association of Montana Public Health Officials, Blue Mountain Clinic Family Practice, MEA-MFT, Montana Budget and Policy Center, Montana Human Rights Network, Montana Nurses Association, Montana Organizing Project, Montana Primary Care Association, Montana Public Health Association, Montana State AFL-CIO, Montana Women Vote, NAMI Montana, Planned Parenthood of Montana, SEIU Healthcare 775NW and Western Native Voice.

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July 12-25, 2013 17

Explore Big Sky big sky farmers market looks at record-setting summer p. 20

Section 2:

business and sports

product review: kombucha mama p. 27

Big ez lodge to sell at auction p. 19

Dancing with the wind Montana kite fliers honor bison, American Indian heritage

By Emily Wolfe

Explore Big Sky Managing Editor

BILLINGS – Colorful bison will dance over a number of historic buffalo jumps this summer, as some of the country’s best-known kite-wranglers fly artistic pieces designed to honor the continent’s historic bison herds, and bring attention to American Indian art.

Organized by Sky Wind World, a Billings-based nonprofit, the Flying Buffalo Project goes first to the Madison Buffalo Jump near Three Forks on July 20. For nearly 2,000 years, American Indians used this and other similar cliffs to stampede and kill bison for sustenance.

Terry Lee, 65, who’s organizing the project, has lived in Billings for more than 40 years and has been flying kites since she was a child.

Lee has commissioned artwork from a dozen American Indians – notably Kevin Red Star and DG House. The works have come in on canvas, ripstop nylon, even one on a bed sheet. All the pieces are big, Lee said, with Angela Babby’s measuring 6 feet by 10 feet.

Some of the pieces were part of the 2004-2006 “Visions of Lewis and Clark” exhibition Lee coordinated as the volunteer special events coordinator for the Billings Logan International Airport, and others are new for this project.

Works of art in hand, Lee’s husband Drake Smith, the project’s main kite builder and a retired government engineer, is building the artwork into traditional kite shapes, making them larger with ripstop nylon to create a frame around the art and adding more lightweight surface space so they will fly well.

“Instead of buffalo tumbling off the edge of the jump, this time you’re going to see them rise into the sky,” Lee said.

Lee and Drake have assembled a team of expert kite fliers including master kite-builder John Burkhardt of Potomac, Md., who Lee called “the grandfather of kites in America,” and John Pollock, an artist from Billings, who has won nu-

Engineer Drake Smith, in his Billings studio, completes Daniel Long Soldier’s kite. Photo courtesy of Terry Lee

merous art awards from the American Kitefliers Association.

On July 27, the kites go to the Vore Buffalo Jump, near Devil’s Tower, Wyo., on Aug. 3 to

Madison Buffalo Jump Fish, Wildlife and Parks This massive, semi-circular limestone cliff carved by the Madison River was used by several different American Indian nations for 2,000 years, ending as recently as 200 years ago.

Runners – highly skilled young men trained for speed and endurance – wore buffalo, antelope or wolf skins to lure vast herds of bison to the “pishkun” or cliff, stampeding the animals off the 35- to 40foot drop. They used the bison for food, clothing, shelter and provisions.

Madison Buffalo Jump photo courtesy Madison Buffalo Jump State Park

the First Peoples Buffalo Jump near Great Falls, and on Aug. 7 they head to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside of Calgary, Alberta.

Continued on p. 18 “Generally speaking, nomadic hunter gatherers used the jump,” said Anne Ore, a ranger at Madison Buffalo Jump State Park. “Archaeologically, there were some pot shards found that seem to indicate of Shoshone use of the jump, but also this place was important to other nations and their ancestors, as well.”

The buffalo jump was often key to native peoples’ existence until the introduction of horses led to its abandonment sometime after 1700. Bison bones still lie buried at the cliff’s base, and archaeologists have located the tipi rings of an extensive village.

Ore explained that collectors took many of the artifacts before the archaeolgists could study them, so “there is still more work to be done at the jump."

18 July 12-25, 2013

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Left: “Resurrection,” by Angela Babby - Lakota Big Medicine in the air Right: “Big Medicine” by DG House - Cherokee Photos courtesy of Terry Lee

Continued from p. 17 “I equate kites to the human body,” Lee said. “If a person is going to fly well through life, they’ve got to be balanced, like a kite… A kite has a skin – its fabric. The bones in our body equate to the… connection points that connect the spars to the skin, and the bridal is like our mind – it’s [how we direct it].

The wind is similar to our spirit: It connects us to the rest of the world.”

Sky Wind World has worked around the state for 15 years, Lee said, teaching kite building to students at private, public and reservation schools.

“It teaches STEM education – science, tech, engineering and math – along with art, physics, craft science, history, patience and persistence,” Lee said.

“We call kite flying dancing with the wind,” she added. “To see [a kite] up in the sky is rewarding. It takes you out of your body and into a different element… [By putting] a piece of art in the sky, it becomes a focused thing in your sight, in your mind.”

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July 12-25, 2013 21

Big EZ Lodge to sell at auction Aug. 9

Concierge’s third auction of the year in Big Sky

By Emily Wolfe

Explore explore big sky Managing Editor

BIG SKY – The Big EZ Lodge exemplifies many things Big Sky: Here, luxury meets the allure of the West, with views into the mountains of the Greater Yellowstone, golf and bocce in the backyard, and elk, bears and sandhill cranes acting as witness.

And now it’s for sale, listed by Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate and set for live auction without reserve through Concierge Auctions on Aug. 9.

Texas entrepreneur R. Steven Hicks and his wife Donna, who built the lodge, started construction on the approximately 23,000-square-foot mountain estate in 1997, designing it as a corporate retreat. Selling their company, AMFM Radio to Clear Channel mid-construction, they opened the lodge as a luxury bed and breakfast in 1999.

The Hicks named the lodge after New Orleans’ nickname, “The Big Easy,” said exclusive listing agent Martha Johnson. “They had a special affection for New Orleans. They liked the sound of it, the casualness of it.”

They had searched the West to build this dream property, Johnson said, and appreciated Big Sky’s amenities, combined with its casual atmosphere – “the fact that you could wear jeans to dinner. It’s sophisticated, but it’s casual.”

In 2004, Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report rated the lodge ninth in its “World’s Best Hotels, Resorts and Hideaways – 23rd Annual Survey of Sophisticated Travelers.”

The lodge was the first building on that 7,000-foot wooded ridgeline southeast of the Big Sky Town Center, and the entire area is now colloquially known as the Big EZ. The Hicks sold the surrounding 55 other 20-acre estate lots, 17 of which now have homes on them.

The 4.9-mile, private road that accesses the development is gated and paved.

Located on more than 60 acres, it was listed July 1 at $24.5 million. Prior to this, the property has never been for sale.

The Hicks closed the B&B over the last five years and remodeled it into a private luxury home. Features include 16 bedrooms between the main lodge, caretaker’s apartment, garage and barn; game and exercise rooms; a wrap-around deck with views of the Gallatin and Madison ranges; an 18hole, par-72 putting course; two trout ponds; and a 26-person hot tub with a cascading waterfall.

“It’s a big property but it’s got an intimate feel to it,” Johnson said.

This auction of the Big EZ – a signifi-

The Big EZ, a 23,000-square-foot lodge on 60 acres, has been remodeled from its first incarnation as a luxury bed and breakfast and is now on the market as a high-end residential property. The property is set for live auction without reserve through Concierge Auctions on Aug. 9. Photo courtesy of Concierge Auctions

cant holding in a market of notable properties – is part of what appears to be a larger pattern developing in the area.

Johnson was the agent on all 55 of the nearby 20-acre properties adjacent to the Big EZ, and her husband Scott was general manager for the lodge for seven years.

Concierge Auctions, a New York City-based luxury real estate firm, held its first auction in Big Sky in March 2012. Since then, it auctioned four other properties in 2012 and two in 2013. The auction house also has a track record in other mountain towns like Jackson, Wyo., and Aspen, Colo.

After announcing the auction July 1, Johnson estimated she’d had 100 inquiries in the first week.

Even so, Brady said, “We’re still early in the auction period, and we really won’t

know what the property is going to bring until auction day.”

The auction of the Big EZ Lodge, located at 7000 Beaver Creek Road in Big Sky, will be held on Aug. 9. A 2.5 percent commission is offered to the buyer’s representing broker. The property is open for preview daily from 1 – 4 p.m. and by appointment.

Find more information at bigskyauction.com.

With an absolute auction – also known as an auction without reserve – there is no minimum bid. On auction day, the property sells to the highest bidder.

For the Big EZ, interested parties must register before Aug. 7, and take part in the live auction Aug. 9, either in person or by calling in, said Laura Brady, president of Concierge Auctions.

“Typical auctions range between 5-12 bidders,” Brady said, “but it all depends on the property, and we don’t know how many bidders there will be until a few days before an auction.”

Since Concierge sells luxury properties nationwide, its buyers are “often purchasing vacation homes and aren’t necessarily geographically contained,” Brady said, explaining why Big Sky is a good market for this type of real estate transaction. “They’re just, for example, looking for a ski home and open to opportunities in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming or Montana.”

The owners, Johnson said, are selling because “they own 1,600 acres in the area that they’re going to focus on... They’ve enjoyed it immensely for roughly 15 years, but after converting it from a lodge to a luxury residence, they feel that the timing is right to sell it.”

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22 July 12-25, 2013

business

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Explore Big Sky

Big Sky Farmers Market looks at record-setting summer including copper and brass to make everything from $1 antler buttons to $5,000 sculptures. He enjoys the Big Sky market for its community feel, its tourist draw and its payoffs.

“I probably do three times better at the farmers markets in Big Sky than other ones,” said Krzycki, who lives in Gallatin Canyon north of Big Sky and has vended his wares at farmers markets in Bozeman and in art shows across the country. “I think people are really starting to buy [things] truly made in the area. They’re people on vacation who want to bring things back from Big Sky, Montana.”

The Big Sky Farmers Market will have at least 100 vendors every week this summer Outlaw Partners photo

By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor

BIG SKY – The Big Sky Farmers Market is growing as fast as the corn in eastern Montana. This year, there’s a waiting list for vendors, and event coordinator Wendy Swenson is working hard to keep up.

“We have at least 100 vendors every week this summer,” said Swenson, who is also the events and marketing coordinator for the market’s host, Big Sky Town Center. “We’ve actually had a waiting list for two weeks now.”

Town Center’s Ryan Hamilton, who helped initiate the events, has enjoyed watching them flourish. They were initially free for vendors, but even now Big Sky’s market is affordable, Swenson says.

The farmers markets began in Big Sky five years ago, and Swenson, along with

The season includes eight markets running from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday, July 10 through Sept. 4, excluding July 31 when the Professional Bull Riding event occurs in the Town Center. Vendors pay $75 for the season – a bargain according to Craig Krzycki, who’s been with the market since its inception.

“It’s a killer deal,” said Krzycki, an antler artist who owns Big Sky Antler and sets up a booth during the markets.

“It’s under $10 a show, [so] even if it’s a bust for you, you’re not out a bunch of money.”

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Krzycki since the late ‘90s has used all-natural sheds to make his antler art, combining different mediums

In addition to a broad variety of vendors this summer, market-goers can expect the return of the family-friendly bounce house as well as live music by local acts, including Bluebird Sky, Jeff Bellino and Brian Stumpf, the latter two playing solo at the market. On July 17, singer/songwriter Mike Haring will perform from an eclectic list of original tunes and covers by Johnny Cash, Jack Johnson and Pearl Jam, among others.

While the markets are hosted by Town Center, Swenson notes that the events are supported by many local businesses.

The money collected goes toward marketing and promoting the events, as well as extra costs such as the bounce house and music, according to Swenson. Vendors are required to pay the 3 percent resort tax on all sales conducted at the markets, benefitting the Big Sky community at large.

In the past, Swenson says the Big Sky Farmers Market averaged 85-90 vendors a week. Now the close-knit vendor community, which travels around the region on a weekly basis, is helping this farmers market take root.

“It usually takes three to four years to get established,” she said. “Word of mouth from vendors has been our biggest proponent. They’re like family.”

Watch a video about the Big Sky Farmers Market at explorebigsky.com/bigskyfarmersmarket

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24 July 12-25, 2013

sports

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Explore Big Sky

Chris Paul stays a Clipper With a devastating combination of All-Stars Paul and Griffin, the Clippers were wise to obtain outside shooters and wing defenders as complimentary pieces. Finalizing the starting lineup will be the return of center DeAndre Jordan, a freak athlete with defensive and rebounding ability that allows Griffin the freedom to make the highlight reel plays he’s known for. This starting five, combined with former sixth man of the year Jamal Crawford off the bench, has the Clippers wrestling for the driver’s seat in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

By Brandon Niles

Explore Big Sky Sports Columnist

While the saga surrounding where former Lakers center Dwight Howard would play next year continued to swirl in the early part of NBA free agency – he eventually signed a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets – the Los Angeles Clippers quietly locked up point guard Chris Paul with a fiveyear, $107 million deal.

Paul, the 28-year-old out of Wake Forest and sixtime All-Star, is arguably the best in the game at his position and came to the Clippers in 2011 through a trade with the New Orleans Hornets. Since that trade, the Clippers have been desperately trying to build a team competitive enough to maintain Paul’s services.

The Clippers used the 2013 free agency period to go all in. They traded a future first round pick to the Boston Celtics to bring in coach Doc Rivers, a Finals winner in 2008. With star forward Blake Griffin

Chris Paul talks to reporters (cc)

already in tow, Paul was obviously convinced the Clippers could compete. Paul agreed to a maximum deal almost immediately after the free agency period started.

With Paul committed and a proven coach to lead them, the Clippers traded their backup point guard, Eric Bledsoe, to the Phoenix Suns. The three-team trade, which also included the Milwaukee Bucks, netted them two shooters in Jared Dudley and J.J. Reddick. Reddick is a sharp-shooting off guard that will play well next to Paul and provide the perimeter defense the Clippers lost by dealing Bledsoe. Dudley, also a good shooter, will provide an upgrade at the small forward position over veteran Caron Butler, who was sent to Phoenix.

It’s good to see the Clippers taking steps forward, and by making a couple more moves for role players to round out the roster, the team should reach elite status. For now, I’m happy for Chris Paul that he has a permanent home again, and it’s good to see the “other” L.A. team gain some traction in what should be a wild race for the Western Conference title next season.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about sports since 2007, and co-hosts the 2 Guys Podcast.

With a Masters in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

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NWT062613-July10x7.6_APR.indd 1

7/10/13 9:24 AM

AUCTION 08.09

SELLING WITHOUT RESERVE // BIG SKY, MT

Where the Living is EZ. A true sanctuary, the Big EZ Lodge is a uniquely beautiful, uniquely private retreat — the ideal setting for adventurous play and peaceful solitude.

Sited on 60 acres, this magnificent mountain escape is fun for all ages.

BIGSKYAUCTION.COM // 877.812.0402 // #BIGEZLODGE

•

Private, 23,000+/- square foot retreat on 60 acres

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16 bedrooms, 16 full and 5 half bathrooms

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Extensive outdoor activities: trout ponds, putting course, hot tub, hiking trails and more

•

Minutes to world-class fly fishing and skiing

•

Listed for $24.5M // Selling Without Reserve

•

Open Daily 1-4 & by Appointment

•

2.5% Co-Broke Commission LISTED BY MARTHA JOHNSON, BROKER

7000 BEAVER CREEK ROAD BIG SKY, MT 59716

O N TA N A L I V I N G B I G S K Y R E A L E S T AT E

Listed for sale by Martha Johnson, Broker/Owner Martha Johnson Real Estate DBA auction marketing services, is not a brokerage, and is not directly involved in selling agents and affiliates, broker partners, Auctioneer, and the Sellers do not warrant or or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and

33771_BigSkyWeekly_10x15.75_071213.indd 1

Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate (P.O. Box 160730, Big Sky, MT 59716, 406-995-6333, Lic#10419). Concierge Auctions, LLC is the provider of real property. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms & Conditions for details.

7/1/13 10:33 AM

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Explore Big Sky

product review

Product Review: Kombucha Mama

By Eric Ladd

Explore Big Sky Publisher

Kombucha is a new trend in health drinks sweeping the nation.

For more than 2,000 years, this fermented herbal tea has been used in herbal remedies to promote health and, in the Chinese culture, is called the “Elixir of Life.” Russians have used kombucha to fight cancer for generations.

But what is it? The kombucha culture combines Acetobacter, an acetic acid bacteria, and one or more yeasts. In Cantonese, this microbial culture is called haomo, in Mandarin, it’s jiaomu, (Chinese: 酵母; literally “yeast”). It’s also known as Manchurian Mushroom.

There are many unsubstantiated claims made about the effects of kombucha, but the one proven benefit is that the tea has antioxidant and immune-influencing properties. It can protect the liver and lower stress levels. Yet-proven health benefits attributed to drinking this tea include preventing cancer, acting as a sleeping aid, and stimulating hair re-growth.

Bend, Ore., oft-considered a hotbed of new trends is the home of Kombucha Mama, a company born in 2009 with the goal of making more affordable, better tasting kombu-

July 12-25, 2013 27 Account Manager): “Refreshing, and with a little kick – the benefits seem amazing! Also, it tastes like a Moscow Mule, just not in a copper cup.”

cha. Its products now come in a variety of forms, from bottles to growler re-fill stations.

That’s right Montana, Kombucha growler refill stations!

Lemon Ginger (taster: Matt Hudson, Editorial Assistant): “The Lemon Ginger version had a nice, light citrus flavor, and the ginger added zing! You can enjoy this drink at a concert on a hot day or when you’re looking for a healthy treat after yoga.”

The Outlaw staff embarked on a tasting session of four Kombucha Mama flavors. Many of the tasters were first time kombucha drinkers (and yes, they’re still alive).

Pomegranate Lemonade (taster: Joseph Pina Colada T. O’Connor, Senior (taster: Kelsey Editor): “We may have Dzintars, Graphic to open a new sumDesigner): “The mer beverage stand.

Pina Colada Kombucha Mama’s kombucha had all Pomegranate Lemonade the flavor of the would sell like, well, tropical cocktail lemonade – but better. without the sickBetween cancer-fighting ening sweetness. antioxidants in pomeLoving Kombucha Mama from Bend to Big Sky Photo by Kelsey Dzintars Knowing that it’s granate and scurvyactually good for me, battling properties in tion Director): “This is one of the I would definitely lemons, this is the ultimate health better Kombucha drinks I’ve had reach for this on a hot day ... or getdrink. And its fizzy sweetness masks (and yes, I like recycling, hugging ting caught in the rain.” the acquired taste of some kombucha trees and the occasional crunchy beverages. Chalk up a win for Komgrooves). The Pomegranate LemonFor more information about Kombubucha Mama!” ade had the perfect amount of effercha Mama, visit kombuchamama.

Pomegranate Lemonade (taster: Tyler Allen, Staff Writer, Distribu-

vescence and wasn’t too snappy.”

Apple Sass (taster: Katie Morrison,

com. To read up on kombucha, visit getkombucha.com.

28 July 12-25, 2013

outlaw news

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Explore Big Sky

Slow down!

Slow motion video craze shakes up industry at record speeds

By Brian Niles

Outlaw Partners Video Director

A heart-stopping thump of music followed by an electronic scream drew me in, as the royal blue Subaru BRZ hot rod exploded through a plume of smoke at 70 mph.

It wasn’t the speed of the car that caught my attention in this commercial, nor the fact that it was staged in a warehouse building.

It was the immediate follow-up shot of the car skidding sideways to powerful dubstep music at a nearly frozen pace – you could see every dust particle coming off the tires on the warehouse floor.

I’m kind of a geek and admittedly love watching commercials for their production value, whether they’re advertising cleaning supplies or cat food.

And I find that slowing down a scene can add emo-

frame rates and playing them back at normal speeds hasn’t changed much. However, technology has made leaps and bounds in the digital era making slo-mo-capable cameras more accessible on the pricing front to consumers. From a GoPro at $399, to a Phantom ranging from $50,000 - $150,000, there’s something for everyone interested in slowing down time.

The slow motion craze is here to stay, and you’re going to see more and more of it in Hollywood blockbusters and national ads.

Outlaw Partners has added a couple high frame rate cameras to its arsenal and can provide our clients with this technology.

Oh, and we’ve had a little Niles gets nailed: A freeze-frame from a slow motion video captured by Outlaw Partners’ FS 700. fun to. Check out exploreThe shots in this combigsky.com/slowmotion mercial were not that complex, but the way they tion to a project. Who doesn’t like an up-close shot for a sample video of the Outlaw team testing our delivered them, composed the music and created the equipment at 240 and 480 frames per second. of a human face getting slapped at 1,000 frames per scene intensity added value. The super slow motion second? content played a big part and made me wonder what For more information, contact Brian at the Outlaw it would be like to drive that royal blue BRZ, if only Partners – brian@theoutlawpartners.com.

Slow motion imagery has been around since the for a millisecond. Kudos, Subaru! early 1900s, and the concept of capturing high

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30 July 12-25, 2013

classifieds

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Explore Big Sky

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to media@theoutlawpartners.com or call (406) 995-2055

for rent

help wanted

Smith River packages, Drift boat, belly boats, canoe, ATV and RZR rentals, Baby gear too! bigboystoysrentals.com 406-587-4747

Housekeeper wanted for Big Sky home. Cleaning, shopping, some cooking. Approximately 15 hours per week/2 days per week.

Pay is $15.00 per hour depending on experience. Please respond to seyparllc@gmail.com.

Meadow Center efficiency apartment available July 1, $600 + util, $800 sec dep, NS, NP 406-995-4579 Canyon 1 BR with large loft, $650/ mo + util, $800 sec dep. NS NP 406995-4579 WESTFORK TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT. 3 bdrm, 2 /12 bath, garage, W/D, large deck. Excellent condition. Walk to everything! No smoking/no pets. $1300/month. Call 406-539-0555.

for sale Home for Sale - Beautiful location in Big Sky near Town Center, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, high efficiency home; 2009 construction. $425,000.

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The Hungry Moose Market and Deli in Big Sky is Hiring PartTime or Full Time Deli & Grocery positions. Kitchen/baking skills preferred for Deli. Opening 2nd location summer 2013 at base of Big Sky Resort. Good pay/Benefits/Year round job security. We look for a friendly smile, initiative, team player, strong work ethic. Application online: hungrymoose.com or at front counter 406-995-3045 Resort Property Mgmt is now hiring p/t laundry help- approx 20hrs/wk- must be able to work 1 weekend day. Apply in person at the River Rock Lodge, 88 Big Pine Dr, Big Sky

COMPLIANCE AND PROJECT MANAGER: Work hard, laugh hard, play hard ~ come be a part of our most excellent team in beautiful Big Sky! This FT position works directly with BSOA members and their building needs so diplomacy and communication skills are critical, along with property management, architectural, urban planning, or land use background. Responsibilities include Committee, program, and project management, covenant compliance,

database management, and an understanding of architectural design review. Excellent writing skills and computer knowledge is strongly desired. Must be a team player, discreet, detailoriented, organized and have a positive attitude. Competitive wage, DOE. 401k, health insurance, holidays, sick and vacation, with other cool perks are included. For additional information or to send a resume and cover letter please forward inquiries to suzan@bigskyoa.org. See full job description @ bigskymt.org.

for rent Big Sky Meadows home, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, room for 14. Kid and pet friendly. Right across the street from Town Center and 7 miles from the slopes. Nightly and weekly rates. Great for reunions, multi-family get aways, business retreats, men or women only weekends. Plenty of parking. See full ad on www.vrbo.com/53181. Please contact via VRBO.com

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Explore Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 31

VO LKSWAGEN OF BOZ EM AN

Here’s why to buy and drive a Volkswagen TDI.

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32 July 12-25, 2013

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July 12-25, 2013 33

Explore Big Sky

Section 3:

life, land and culture

crail makes montana cowboy hall of fame p. 35

hell's belles to play free show at big sky pbr p. 40

shakespeare meets big sky p. 45

While many anglers fish until sunset, some try to balance their addictions by experiencing the epicenter of Yellowstone Valley Lodge – the dining.

Executive Chef Marcos Mustain has quietly built a destination restaurant with an exquisite menu.

Focusing on farm-to-table fare, the menu at the Yellowstone Valley Grill is as varied as the surrounding scenery. From bison filet with local veggies and Shields Valley pan-seared chicken, to Hawaiian tuna or Peking duck wraps, Mustain offers a diverse menu served with fantastic presentation.

The quiet indoor or outdoor dining atmosphere affords a chance to recap the day while savoring a choice from the broad wine list or a refreshing microbrew.

Yellowstone Valley Lodge A walk around the Yellowstone Valley Lodge property to soak in the view

story and photos

By E.J. Daws

Explore Big Sky Staff Writer

LIVINGSTON – Many of Montana’s best treasures are hidden in plain sight.

Such is the case with the Yellowstone Valley Lodge, which offers visitors and locals a lodging and gourmet dining experience on the banks of the Yellowstone River in stunning Paradise Valley. With an affinity for, as its website notes, “falling asleep to the sound of the river and a weak spot for high-count linens, fishing packages and microbrews,” the lodge delivers a perfect rally point for southwest Montana adventurers.

in 2008, is set on a bluff above the river, surrounded by open fields and stands of tall cottonwoods. Caddis hatches offer a barometer for what’s biting on the river, so you never need to leave your seat around the cozy outdoor firepits, or set down your Cabernet to know if the hatch is on. If that’s not enough, maybe the drift boats that pass every 10 minutes with rods bent in half can serve as a cue.

The lodge’s 36 sprawling acres are a stone’s throw from Bozeman, while Yellowstone National Park sits essentially in its backyard.

To the east and west lie the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges respectively, and in between winds the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone.

These blue ribbon waters are the lodge’s main attraction, as it’s catered to fly fishers since it opened as a guest ranch in 1978.

The property, which has operated as a lodge since it came under new ownership

The view from the outdoor seating at YVL is tough to match!

If you’re lucky enough to book a reservation for one of the private, newly renovated cabins, you’ll find it well worth your while. Lined on a bluff approximately 40 feet above the river, each cabin offers a private deck overlooking the alpenglow-soaked Absarokas, and modern amenities to take the edge off any “roughing it” you may have experienced that day.

Like so many Montana treasures that go unnoticed, you’ve probably driven by the lodge on your way from Livingston to Gardiner. Next time, whether you’re just coming off the river or rolling home from the park, slow down. Allow yourself to stare at the jagged peaks, listen to trout slurp their dinner off the river surface, and enjoy yours at the Yellowstone Valley Lodge.

Find more at yellowstonevalleylodge.com.

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history

Explore Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 35

Crail inducted into Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame

By Anne Marie Mistretta

facilitate logging for the railroad. By the late 1800s, ranchers moved cattle and sheep along the logging road to graze them in the meadows along the Gallatin Canyon Basin and other drainages. By the late 1890s, under the provisions of the Homestead and Land Revision Acts, ranchers like Crail began building cabins and establishing and proving up homesteads.

Historic Crail Ranch Conservators

BIG TIMBER – A historic Big Sky resident has been inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center.

Augustus Franklin “Frank” Crail (1842 – 1924) was one of the area’s earliest homesteaders, and his half-century of work as a frontier rancher helped populate Montana during its last territorial days and statehood infancy.

His District Clerk term completed, Crail decided it was time to embark on an experiment. Crail had developed a strain of wheat that met the rigors of the short, cold growing season in Montana’s high country. He called his wheat “Crail Fife,” most likely taking the name of his Scottish ancestors’ region in Fife, Scotland. Searching for a new ranch, Crail found the Gallatin Canyon Basin.

While other Gallatin Canyon area ranches converted to dude ranching, some owned by off-site families and companies, the Crails continuously operated their family-owned stock ranch on more than 960 acres in what is now known as the Big Sky Meadow. Perhaps more importantly, the Crails helped establish a small ranching community, a toehold settlement in an otherwise wild environment.

What attributes must a 60-year-old man possess to lead him into the wilderness of the Gallatin’s West Fork, leaving behind a relatively comfortable and politically connected life in Bozeman? Courage, determination, intelligence and persistence – the same qualities that drove him in 1865, while in his early 20s, to join a wagon train heading west, leaving behind his entire family and a guaranteed inheritance of Indiana farmland.

After arriving in Montana, Crail worked in a quartz mine outside Helena. By the 1870s, he and a partner were proving up a homestead in Springhill on the western slope of the Bridger Mountains. Despite the ravages of drought, grasshoppers, hail, and water rights lawsuits, Crail’s letters to his father attest that he was a proud rancher.

Gallatin Valley residents’ financial hopes were pinned to the railroad at that time, because they needed to get their commodities to market. But railroad fever could not build the railroad through the valley quickly enough. By the time the Northern Pacific arrived in 1883, Crail already had decided that he couldn’t hold on any longer as a rancher. In 1875, he leased his land and freighted between Fort Benton and Miles City.

Crail’s land, which he thought would bring $4,000 $5,000, wasn’t valued for even half that price. So three years later, he resumed cultivating half of his land while leasing the other half.

Crail was a civic-minded individual who kept current by reading. In his letters home he mentions an Indiana newspaper often sent to him by his family.

In 1901, for less than $1 per acre, Crail purchased 160 acres and a small one-room cabin from Daniel Inabnit. In the spring of 1902, Crail moved his family up the rough logging road from Bozeman to the Gallatin Canyon Basin. The family of five lived in the 255-square-foot cabin for several years. They ran sheep and cattle on their homestead and grew his Crail Fife wheat, which won two bronze medals in 1905 at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis.

Proud rancher, Frank Crail, in front of the ranch house he built with his sons. The Crails’ 50-year operation of their 960-acre stock ranch preserved the Big Sky area from rapid development. Photos courtesy of the historic Crail Ranch archive.

He also read The Husbandman, filled with news of the day for ranchers. His letters reflect a keen interest in economics and politics. In 1886, Crail was elected as the District Clerk of the Ninth Judicial District in Gallatin County. He ran on the Democratic ticket against a Republican, endorsed by the short-lived Populist Party, and served until 1900.

His wife Sallie, an award-winning quilter, incorporated delegate tags from several Democratic Conventions into one of her quilts now on display in the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum.

The Crails raised children who served the community also. One built the first Ophir schoolhouse.

Another son, who had no children, served as Ophir School Board chair.

With the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 and the coming of the Northern Pacific to Bozeman in 1883, road improvements through the canyon carved by the Gallatin River were inevitable. The first crude roads were cut to

Over the years, the Crails annexed a number of homesteads and ranched on a substantial portion of the West Fork drainage. They built more than 10 ranching structures and a larger home, which they added onto throughout their lives.

The Crails thrived, etching not only an existence but also a community into the forest. An honoree of the Society of Montana’s Pioneers, Augustus Franklin Crail died on his ranch in September 1924.

He was an adventurer, a hard-working rancher, a politician, and a devoted husband and father.

Crail’s family ranched their lands into the mid-20th century, preserving the area from rapid development. Although his 960-acre ranch is now a mere one acre museum with the tiny cabin and the ranch home, it stands as testimony to Big Sky’s roots and the rigors of ranching in the Homestead Era.

Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame 2013 inductions BIG TIMBER – The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center on July 3 announced the sixth class of inductions into its hall of fame.

The inductees were chosen from candidates who have made notable contributions to Montana’s history and culture, nominated by the public and appointed trustees of the MCHF & WHC. The local trustees of MCHF & WHC selected winners on a regional basis.

Nomination criteria established by the MCHF & WHC Board of Directors for the Class of 2013 Inductions required that one Living Inductee and at least two Legacy Inductees from each of the state’s 12 districts be elected. 2013 is the third year the MCHF has included a “Living” category in addition to the Legacy Award.

Since the initial round of inductions to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, including this year’s inductions, 174 historical figures have been honored as inductees.

2013 inductees from southwest Montana are: Living Award Wendell Lovely, Wilsall Charles Hahnkamp, Dillon

Frank Crail rests during haying season, as Lone Mountain stands sentinel over his family’s hay meadows.

Legacy Award Augustus Franklin “Frank” Crail, Big Sky Earl Presley, Gardiner Agnes “Annie” Morgan, Philipsburg P & O Ranch (Philip H. Poindexter & William C. Orr), Dillon

36 July 12-25, 2013

events

Big Sky Food Festival is July 16

By Emily Wolfe

Explore Big Sky Managing Editor

BIG SKY – As evening falls over Big Sky on July 16, mouth-watering smells will waft over the lawn at Buck’s T-4. Some of the area’s best restaurants will be gathered for the 16th annual Big Sky Food Festival, a tradition that draws approximately 1,200 people every year.

Festival attendees are primarily Big Sky residents, said Bucks co-owner David O’Connor.

“I see a lot of faces I know when I walk around the food fest,” he said, noting that several hundred regional visitors also attend yearly, coming from as far as Idaho Falls and Billings.

Each of the 12-15 vendors offers appetizer-sized portions, giving patrons a chance to sample several. Many do “their own twist on fair food” O’Connor said.

“It’s something where they can introduce their own flair, the theme of their own restaurant, but still make it fun to eat outside.”

There will also be beer and wine booths outside, as well as a full bar inside Buck’s, and live music.

“It’s a great event, so community-driven,” said Morgan Ayres, owner of the Cinnamon Lodge. A vendor at the festival, Ayres is planning to bring baconwrapped jalapeños, handmade tamales, sopapilla cheesecake, key lime pie and prickly pear lemonade.

Rainbow Ranch participates every year, and general manager Mollie Eckman says it’s good exposure for the ranch’s high-end dining room. “The Big Sky Food Festival is not necessarily our everyday clientele, so it’s good to get out and network and see different people, and expose them to different food.”

The Big Sky Food Festival will run from 5-10 p.m. O’Connor recommends carpooling, as parking is limited.

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Crail Ranch sponsors sixth annual Kids’ Old Fashioned Game Day Presentation by Eugene Crail’s granddaughter HISTORIC CRAIL RANCH CONSERVATORS

BIG SKY – The Historic Crail Ranch Homestead Museum is inviting kids and families to enjoy the sixth annual Old Fashioned Game Day on Saturday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This tradition gives kids an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the games that were popular when the ranch was established 111 years ago.

Games include bobbing for apples, ring toss, marbles, watermelon seed spitting, tug of war, and egg, potato and gunny sack races. This year kids can also participate in quilting and doll making.

At 2:30 p.m., AnnaLee Baker will present HCRM with two paintings by her grandfather, Eugene Crail, the oldest child of Augustus Franklin and Sallie Crail who were among the first permanent residents of Big Sky. Baker, a retired school principal from Illinois, learned of the ranch several years ago. She and her husband were in the process of moving into a new home when she discovered her grandfather’s paintings in a corner of her basement and decided to donate them to HCRM. Eugene Crail lived on the ranch and in Bozeman until World War II, when he moved to Port Angeles, Wash. He built the first Ophir School, structures at the B – K Ranch (now Lone Mountain Ranch) and the Rock Haven Presbyterian Camp, among others. Eugene’s paintings, created in his 80s, depict Montana landscapes.

HCRM encourages participants to bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided and a cake reception will follow the presentation. All events at the ranch are free to the public.

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38 July 12-25, 2013

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calendar

Explore Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 39

Planning an event? Let us know! Email maria@theoutlawpartners.com, and we’ll spread the word. *If your event falls between July 26 and Aug. 8, please submit it by Friday, July 19.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

WEDNESDAY JULY 17

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 Dum Spiro Spero Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Strings Under the Big Sky Concert Rainbow Ranch, 5 p.m.

Wine Classic Museum of Rockies, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Montucky Derby – Roller Derby Bout Fairgrounds Haynes Pavilion, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25 Bluegrass Jam w/Mike Gurzi Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

BIG SKY FRIDAY, JULY 12

Kids Old Fashioned Games Day Crail Ranch Homestead Museum, 11 a.m.

Brewfest Big Sky Resort, 3 p.m.

Wondering Wild Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

One Leaf Clover Rocking TJ Ranch, 5 p.m.

Mike Beck Peach Street Studios, 9 p.m.

Pulse Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

MONDAY, JULY 15

Piano by Ian Frye Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m.

Celebrity Golf Tournament Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 11 a.m.

Ott Jones Sculpture Demonstration 320 Ranch, 5-8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

Big Sky Food Festival Buck’s T -4, 5 p.m.

Open Mic w/Kent Johnson Choppers, 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

Big Sky & W. Yellowstone Healthcare Direction Public Committee Meeting Buck’s T -4, 9-11 a.m. & 7-9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

Yellowstone Historic Center Heritage Celebration Yellowstone Historic Center, 5 p.m.

Chet O’Keefe Wild West Pizzeria, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Clumsy Lovers Wild West Pizzeria, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Celebrity Golf Tournament Cocktail Party The Summit Hotel, 7 p.m.

DJ Night Wild West Pizzeria, 10 p.m.

Quenby Wild Joe’s, 4 p.m.

DJ Night Wild West Pizzeria, 10 p.m.

livingston & paradise valley

Pints w/Purpose: The Community Café Bridger Brewing, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 12 Yellowstone Boat Float Mayors Landing, 8 a.m. (thru Sun.)

Deadstring Brothers Filling Station, 8 p.m.

Whiskey Pie Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

Rent Shane Lalani Center for Arts, 8 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 15

Joe Pug Filling Station, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

Gallatin County Fair Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. (thru Sun.) Chris Dewell & The Sasquatch Emerson Lawn, 11:30 a.m.

10ft. Tall & 80 Proof Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m. (and Sat.) Quenby & West of Wayland Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m. (and Sat.)

Music in the Mountains: Eilen Jewell Town Center Stage, 7 p.m.

Music & Mussels: Little Jane Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 13 Clyde Park Centennial Downtown Clyde Park, all day

Sticky Mulligan Choppers, 9:30 p.m.

Steve Earle The Emerson, 8 p.m.

Rhythm Rockers Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

One Leaf Clover Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Town Mountain w/Driftwood Grinners Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

DJ Night Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club: Montana’s One Room School Houses Home of Carol McGuire, 174 Chief Joseph Trail, 1 p.m.

Big Sky & W. Yellowstone Healthcare Direction Public Committee Meeting Buck’s T -4, 7-9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Smartwool Fan Van Tour Town Center Fire Pit Park, 4-6 p.m.

Music on Main: Downtown Bozeman, 6:30 p.m.

Paul Thorn Peach Street Studios, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Crazy Days Summer Sidewalk Sale Downtown Bozeman, 9 a.m. (thru Sun.) Johnny Unicorn Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.

Big Daddy Love Zebra Cocktail Lounge, ?

Don’t Close Your Eyes The Verge, 8 p.m. (and Sat.)

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Music in the Mountains: The Deadly Gentlemen Town Center Stage, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 23

Arrow Williams Choppers, 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

DJ Night Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

bozeman FRIDAY, JULY 12

Party Arty Emerson Center Lawn, 12 p.m.

Pints w/Purpose: Bozeman Civil Air Patrol Bridger Brewing, 11 a.m.

Music on Main Downtown Bozeman, 6:30 p.m. alterEGO American Legion, 9 p.m.

Star Anna w/Maldives and The Bill Cook Band Filling Station, 9 p.m.

West yellowstone

Art Walk Downtown Bozeman, 6 p.m.

Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo 175 Oldroyd Rd., 8 p.m. (thru Aug. 31)

Don’t Close Your Eyes The Verge, 8 p.m. (and Sat.)

FRIDAY, JULY 12

Hookers Made Out of Cocaine Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 8 p.m.

Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers Peach Street Studios, 9 p.m.

The Plurals & The Salamanders Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Free Fly Casting Clinic Jacklin’s Fly Shop, 7:30 p.m.

Flat Busted Wild West Pizzeria, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Skyfoot Wild West Pizzeria, 8 p.m.

Jonathan Wilde Exhibition: Mostly Birds Gallatin River Gallery, June 18-July 27 Into the Wild: The Art of Todd Connor & Ezra Tucker Creighton Block Gallery, June 29-July 18

MONDAYS:

Fly Fishing 102 LMR Outdoors Shop, 9-11a.m.

Yoga on the Deck Moonlight Lodge Deck, 9:30 a.m.

Pig Roast 320 Guest Ranch, 5-8 p.m. (thru Sept. 9)

TUESDAYS:

Hike, Bike & BBQ Moonlight Lodge Deck, 4:30-9 p.m. (thru Aug. 27)

WEDNESDAYS:

Big Sky Farmers Market Fire Pit Park, 5-8 p.m. (thru Sept. 4)

Riverside BBQ & Wagon Ride 320 Guest Ranch, 5-8 p.m. (thru Sept. 11)

Danny Freund & Friends Chico Hot Springs, 8 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 15 Adler & Hearn Murray Bar, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 16 Too Slim & The Talldraggers Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Pinky & The Floyd Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 18 3rd Thursday Movies Railroad Museum, 7 p.m.

Piano by Ian Frye Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m.

ongoing big sky events

SUNDAY, JULY 14

The Trishas Peach Street Studios, 9 p.m.

Science!

Wild Joe’s, 4 p.m.

norris hot springs Music starts at 7 p.m. every Fri., Sat., Sun

Pick-up Soccer Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Jesse Taylor Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

One Leaf Clover Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Roger Tibbs Concert Music Ranch Montana, 7:30 p.m.

Party Like Thieves Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Rising Lion Zebra Cocktail Lounge,

Kathy Mattea Concert Music Ranch Montana, 7:30 p.m.

Gene Watson Concert Music Ranch Montana, 7:30 p.m.

Calista Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Bluebird Sky LMR Saloon or Veranda, 8 p.m.

FRIDAYS:

Yoga on the Deck Moonlight Lodge Deck, 9:30 a.m.

Live Music Ousel & Spur Pizza Co., 9-11 p.m.

SATURDAYS:

Toons & Spoons Lone Peak Cinema, 10 a.m.

Free Orvis 101 Class LMR Outdoors Shop, 10 a.m.

farmers markets Mondays:

Monday Night Farmer’s Market Rockin TJ Ranch, 5 p.m.

Tuesdays:

Bogert Farmer’s Market Bogert Park, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 19 Livingston Summer Fest Sacajawea Park, 5 p.m.

Kostas Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Honky Tonk Heroes Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m. (and Sat.) The Bus Driver Tour Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m. (and Sat.) SATURDAY, JULY 20 Livingston Summer Fest Sacajawea Park, 10 a.m.

Blazing Saddles XII Various starting times and locations SUNDAY, JULY 21 Livingston Summer Fest Sacajawea Park, 11 a.m.

Maw Band Murray Bar, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 23 Billy Abel & Mandy Rowe Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays:

Big Sky Farmer’s Market Town Center Fire Pit Park, 5-8 p.m.

(July 10-Sept. 4, excluding July 31) WSE Farmers Market Miles Park, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturdays:

Gallatin Valley Farmer’s Market Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

The People’s Market On the Green in Emigrant, 10 a.m.

40 July 12-25, 2013

entertainment

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Explore Big Sky

Let there be rock

AC/DC cover band Hell’s Belles to play free show at PBR July 31

By Tyler Allen

Explore Big Sky Staff Writer

BIG SKY – Hell’s Belles, the hard-rocking all-female AC/DC cover band, will bring their passionate fury to finish off the first night of bull riding at the Big Sky PBR, Wednesday, July 31. Covering the legendary Australian rockers is no easy task, given their technical playing style mixed with notorious onstage antics.

The band started in 2000 and the current lineup features lead guitarist Adrian Conner, original drummer Laura Derig, Mandy Reed on bass guitar, Sharon Needles playing rhythm and Australian native Amber Saxon, belting out the vocals of Bon Scott and Brian Johnson.

Explore Big Sky recently caught up with Adrian “Angus” Conner – who is nicknamed after AC/DC founding member and lead guitarist Angus Young – and asked her about touring, what it’s like to cover AC/DC, and the Belles’ first rodeo. Conner, 37, has been with the band since 2002, and lives in Austin, Texas, when she’s not on the road with the Hell’s Belles or her other band Adrian and the Sickness.

How many shows do you play a year?

Between 70 and 80 shows a year. We do the weekend thing, but occasionally get some killer gigs on weekdays.

Where’s the most exotic place you’ve played?

We’ve played Singapore three times, we play their beer festival. It’s very easy to visit, most people speak English.

Our dream is to play Australia…our singer’s from there, and she hasn’t been home in five years.

You played the Big Sky Dirtbag Ball in 2002? Do you have any memories from that show?

I remember there was a guy wearing a shirt that said “rap sucks.” It was fun…the crowd loved us, they were very welcoming and people were buying me beers.

What’s the biggest challenge in covering AC/DC? Mixing the right amount of physical antics, running around, performance and athletics with playing the music well. Singing their material, too… Amber [Saxon] works really hard on her voice.

I see a quote from Angus Young [Blender 2003] that Hell’s Belles was the best AC/DC cover band he’s heard….How does that inspire you? Have you met Angus?

Adrian “Angus” Conner rips lead guitar and performs the stage antics with the same ferocity as her namesake, AC/DC founding member Angus Young. PHOTO COURTESY OF HELL’S BELLES (ROB ASTLE)

I have met Angus, in 2009 during the Black Ice tour.

He was so nice, very articulate… He asked me a lot of questions. It’s just awesome when [famous people] are outgoing with you. It inspires us to do it as precisely, with as much playfulness as possible…. We show people how to party, we bring the party. [AC/DC] is some of the best rock ‘n roll music ever written.

Anything else I should know about your playing style?

I play every day. The magical thing is [AC/DC] plays a lot of open string …what makes my job even harder than just the moving around and stage antics, is having to keep those open strings droning while playing little riffs. We are mimicking a recording, so we have to make it sound really open and beautiful. If you’re into songwriting and music, it’s all right there [in AC/DC’s music].

Are you ladies going to watch the bull riders?

Yes. I’m excited to see it.

Have you played a rodeo before?

No, never. I want to ride a bull! [Laughs] I don’t know if it’s a good idea though, since I have to play.

PBR update The much anticipated Professional Bull Riding event is returning to Big Sky’s Town Center July 31 and Aug.1 for the third year running.

The 2011 and 2012 PBR saw sell-out crowds, prompting promoters to add a second night that allows more fans to enjoy more action.

This year’s event will feature full-length bull riding events each night with 40 riders, mutton bustin’ and post-event concerts.

Due to strong demand, PBR promoters on July 11 announced that they were ordering more bleachers, making an additional 100 tickets available for the otherwise sold out Aug. 1 show.

A handful of tickets for the July 31 show are also still available, including seats for the coveted Golden Buckle tent. The $150 Golden Buckle seats include a catered food and drink hospitality tent with food provided by The Corral restaurant, as well as preferred seating and behind-the-chute tours with retired PBR riders Cory Rasch and Wiley Petersen.

This year’s PBR is sponsored by many local businesses and is presented by Yellowstone Club and Continental Construction. The event will include fundraisers for two local nonprofits, the Big Sky Community Corp. and the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

The all-female, AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles will rock a free concert after the Big Sky PBR July 31.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HELL’S BELLES (DEVIN TRUE)

For more information including tickets and a full event schedule, visit explorebigsky.com/ bigskypbr or call the Outlaw Partners office at (406) 995-2055.

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Explore Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 41

Creighton Block BIG SKY ’S MOST EXTENSIVE FINE ART COLLECTION

“A Short Break From Rendezvous” 24x30 by Todd Connor

THE ART OF TODD CONNOR AND EZRA TUCKER

EVERY THURSDAY AT 4:30 PM

provided by

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Ar twork also displayed at Outlaw Par tners, Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom and Lone Mountain Ranch and Rainbow Ranch

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM // TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM // SUNDAYS MONDAYS BY APPOINTMENT

Please visit the galler y to view our extensive collection of fine works of ar t in the Main Galler y, the Charsam Room, and the new Private Collection.

L O C AT E D I N T H E B I G SK Y TOW N CEN T ER O N T H E CO RNER O F LO NE P EAK D RIVE C R E I G H TO N B L O C K G A L L E R Y. C O M |

(406) 993-9400

42 July 12-25, 2013

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Explore Big Sky

Shakespeare meets the Big Sky story and photos

By Jessica McGlothlin Explore Big Sky Contributor

BOZEMAN – When many people think of Montana, visions of cowboys, mountains and trout often come to mind. They envision wide-open spaces,

have the opportunity to see a live classical performance, MSIP aims to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone by offering all its performances free for the public.

The traveling troupe first premiered in the summer of 1973, making this

and drive to the next location.

Sometime, in the middle, they sleep.

It’s a rough schedule for those unused to working in the outdoors.

“Although there are eight actors new to the company and only two veterans, this year’s troupe is proving to be

The initial performances are always hosted in the Grove at Montana State University, the actors’ unofficial Montana home. Area locals gather under the skyward-reaching pine trees near the duck pond for a traditionally rainy first week’s run of Shakespeare, enjoying the actors before they depart on the road for the summer’s tour.

This year, the team on June 19 debuted with the rollicking classic Henry V. The tale unfolds with the death of Henry IV, young Henry V finding himself leading a turbulent 15th century England. The young king lays claim to certain parts of France, and when these claims are spurned, he decides to invade France. Henry V carries the audience through battle, bar brawls and tears, as the king’s actions trickle down to his subjects and he learns the burdens of leadership.

The comedy for 2013 is The Recruiting Officer, written in 1706 by the Irish writer George Farquhar. It follows the social and sexual exploits of two radically different officers posted in the town of Shrewsbury to recruit soldiers.

The womanizing Plume and the cowardly Brazen fight with themselves and other characters in a comedic pursuit of ladies’ affections.

The entire cast battled on the stage for the Battle of Agincourt, the heroic climax of Henry V. In the foreground, the French Dauphin (left – Kody Walker) and as Michael Williams, an English soldier (company manager Steve Peebles), relish in handto-hand combat.

roaming moose and grizzlies, and two of the nation’s most beloved national parks.

Shakespeare, in all honesty, is not oft equated with the land of the Big Sky. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, a traveling theatrical troupe based in Bozeman, is on a mission to change that. Throughout the summer, 10 actors travel across Montana, venturing into Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota and Washington, performing the bard’s classic works beneath Western skies.

With an emphasis on underserved, rural areas that wouldn’t otherwise

its 40th anniversary year – a banner achievement for any performing series, much less one that treks across the fourth largest sta te in the nation.

more than up to the challenge,” said Joel Jahnke, MSIP’s artistic director.

“It may, in fact, be one of our finest companies ever.”

Since 1973, MSIP has performed more than 2,250 times for nearly 750,000 people. New generations of Montanans are growing up exposed to these classical works in a way they may not have been otherwise. Last year, the group performed 75 shows in 59 cities.

Often hailing from far-off cities and having established acting programs in New York City and Chicago, these actors see Montana at its best and its worst.

Visiting a different small town every day, the actors not only perform, but also set up and break down the stage

From left, the Archbishop of Canterbury (Steve Peebles), young Henry V (Sean Driscoll) and the Duke of Exeter (Nile Hawver) discuss an impending war with France in one of the opening scenes of the play.

MSIP consistently offers a strong balance of plays - typically one comedy and one tragedy or drama. Past crowd favorites have included Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Macbeth, Jahnke said.

As always, MSIP pulls of both plays with aplomb and leaves the audience either gasping with the threat of war or tipping over in laughter.

“Henry V has always been one of my favorite plays,” Jahnke said. “I directed Hamlet last year and would put Henry right alongside of it. Pound for pound, it has some of the most beautiful language in all of Shakespeare. The Recruiting Officer, with its hijinks and high comedy is the prefect companion piece.”

The troupe performs in Gardiner July 27; in Bozeman Aug. 2, and 4, and Sept.

2; and in Big Sky Sept. 5. It finishes the season with an indoor performance at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman on Sept. 8.

Find MSIP’s full summer schedule at shakespeareintheparks.org.

Despite threatening spring skies, a crowd gathered in the Grove at Montana State University for the June 19 opening night, featuring Shakespeare’s Henry V.

fun

July 12-25, 2013 43

Big Sky Beats

By Maria Wyllie

Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Big Sky Beats,” Explore Big Sky's staff and guests talk soundtracks for summer activities in the Rockies – anything from training for a marathon to floating down the river with friends.

Female vocalists are taking center stage across Wyoming and Montana this summer. With booming, soulful voices drawing from country, blues and rock, these ladies and their bands will have you swinging your hips in no time. m The tracks listed below are a of what you can expect on this sum.cohint enStock ectorOpRun Boy Run’s three female vocalists blend sounds .V mer’s festival circuit. w w w from traditional Appalachian South with jazz and classical; blues singer and fife player Sharde Thomas, granddaughter of the legendary Otha Turner, commands the stage like a snake charmer while Lake Sweet Dive tones out a brassy “Rich Girl” cover. This all-lady lineup will give music fans a lot to look forward to this summer.

“Untie My Shoelaces,” Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds “I See How You Are,” Donna the Buffalo “Storm’ Comin,” The Wailin’ Jennys “Little Too Late,” Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers “Hoot Owl,” Run Boy Run “What Do I Do,” Sharde Thomas w/Rising Stars Fife “Hello Old Friend,” Jeanne Jolly “The West Was Burning,” Martha Scanlan “Hooked,” Eilen Jewell “Rich Girl,” Lake Street Dive

44 July 12-25, 2013

outdoors

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Explore Big Sky

Hunting, fishing and wildlife news MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

Summer heat could affect fish management With recent temperatures in the 90s, state fishery officials are gearing up should the need arise to protect wild fish from the potentially lifethreatening stress of low stream flows and elevated water temperatures.

Such conditions, along with competition for space and food, stress wild trout. High water temperatures and lower oxygen levels can lead to fish kills that can affect adult trout numbers in future years.

Limiting fishing to the cooler hours of the day – usually between 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. – is one tool FWP sometimes uses to reduce the impact on droughtstressed trout in rivers and streams. A full fishing closure is another option when conditions worsen.

goat, deer or elk hunting license to raise conservation funds.

The deer and elk licenses may also be offered via lottery ticket sales. Organizations can retain up to 10 percent of the auction revenue to cover administrative costs.

Last year’s auctions were conducted by the Foundation for Northern American Wild Sheep, Safari Club International, the Mule Deer Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Application deadline is July 15.

Send proposals to Montana FWP, Licensing Section, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. The commission will consider proposals in August.

While fishing restrictions typically do not occur until late July or early August, they are sometimes put in place sooner in some locations.

Surplus nonresident elk and deer hunting licenses available Nonresident hunters can choose among Montana deer, elk and big game combination hunting licenses to purchase online or over-the-counter at any FWP office.

The licenses, good for antlered deer and elk in most districts, can be used statewide during the general hunting season.

FWP seeks hunting license auction proposals The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking proposals from groups or individuals interested in auctioning a 2014 bighorn sheep, moose, mountain

Montana’s nonresident combination hunting licenses allow one to hunt for deer and/or elk and include season conservation, fishing and upland game bird licenses; and the hunting-access enhancement fee.

FWP has instream-flow water rights, with some granted more than 40 years ago. These, along with voluntary community drought plans, are aimed at keeping enough water in a stream to keep fish healthy.

Got Noxious Weeds?

We can help!

Now is the time to manage the noxious weeds on your property, and the Gallatin/Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee can help!

We provide free onsite assistance, including identifying weeds on your property & recommending treatment methods.

For assistance, contact Jennifer Mohler at 406‐209‐0905 or bigskyweeds@gmail.com, and visit www.bigskyweeds.org.

Noxious Weed Spotlight: Oxeye Daisy

Oxeye daisy is a perennial, resembling Shasta daisy, that’s common in meadows, roadsides and along trails in Big Sky and the Gallatin Canyon. This aggressive invader can form dense stands that displaces native plants. Because of the plant’s beauty and showiness, conscientious management is often neglected.

Unfortunately, some of Montana’s state listed noxious weeds are still offered for sale in wildflower seed mixes. Be on the lookout when purchasing seeds for your garden or landscaping. More photos & information @ www.bigskyweeds.org.

Visit us at our booth at the Big Sky Farmers Market!

Help protect wildlife habitat, water resources, & native plants by controlling noxious weeds!

The general big game season runs Oct. 26 to Dec. 1.

Montana annually provides about 17,000 big game combo licenses and 6,600 deer combo licenses for nonresidents.

Hunters have access to nearly 35 million acres of National Forest and other public land in Montana, as well as 8 million acres available through the Block Management Program.

For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov, and click “2013 Nonresident Deer & Elk Licenses”.

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outdoors

July 12-25, 2013 45

Summer schuss: The Skillet on Mount Moran Photos by Beau Fredlund

Cooke City resident Beau Fredlund and adventure partner Ben VandenBos, pictured here, on June 29 skied one of the Greater Yellowstone’s premier lines, the Skillet on Mount Moran.

Topping out at 12,605 feet, the Skillet is in the Teton Range, Wyo., and is visible in the upper left of the main image. The two approached the 6,000-foot climb and ski by canoeing across Jackson Lake.

“The summer is flying by,” Fredlund said. “Get after it while you can!”

Find a full write up at cookecitychronicle.blogspot.com.

TRY A BENNY FOR BREAKFAST

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46 July 12-25, 2013

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PruMT.com 406.995.4060 55 Lone Peak Drive | Big Sky Town Center

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$1,050,000 • #188095 • Call stacy or eric 3 bd, 4 ba, plus sleeping loft, 2220 +/- sf aka Mountain Home #11, Moonlight Basin ski-in/ski-out access from front door offered furnished, including artwork

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20 +/- acres sunny, south-facing building sites between Mountain and Meadow Villages views of Yellowstone Mtn and Spanish Peaks community water system with fire flow

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$965,400 • #190109 • Call stacy or eric

Unit A: $365,200 Unit B: $253,200 Unit C: $347,000 Unit A: 1,826 sf, Unit B: 1,266, Unit C: 1,735 (all) +/- sf Seller financing may be available, please inquire Upstairs residential units possible

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.86 +/- acre lot, Mountain Village unique, wooded parcel, corner lot ski accessible with views could be combined with adjacent lot

Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155 Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553

$829,995 • #187556 • Call stacy or eric

4 bd, 3 ba, 2567 +/- sf, Ponderosa plan furnished Powder Ridge Condo, excellent rental ski-in, ski-out access detached 1 car garage

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20 +/- acres, spectacular views located on gentle slope, private driveway ideal for a new home, well is drilled short distance to NFS land/trails

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.99 +/- acre lot mature timber creates a secluded feel close to Meadow Village and Town Center power and phone to lot

$1,050,000 • #180623 • Call stacy or eric 20 +/- acres Triple Triangle Ranch extraordinary views and ski trail access desirable, private enclave contiguous to North Fork Tract 8

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Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Marc Lauermann, Sales Associate, 406.581.8242

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the eddy line

Explore Big Sky

July 12-25, 2013 47

Angling through the masses: Summertime means sharing our waters

By Patrick Straub

Explore Big Sky Fishing Columnist

Cut to the scene: local fly shops. It’s early morning, barely room to move on the sales floor; guides’ rigs with boats trailered fill the parking lot; eager anglers finger the hot flies stuffing their goodie cups; and all the while, phones are ringing constantly with inquiries from incoming fishermen and women.

fish. If you start fishing near someone else, you’re probably encroaching on them. Do unto others…

Respect landowners and private property.

Know the law: It’s public property BELOW the MEAN high-water mark. If you are uncertain, move on or find other place to fish or wade. If you’re fishing with your dog, leash it or keep it under control. Always, always, always obtain

Be boat ramp ready. If you’re at the boat launch putting in or taking out, be ready to get in and get out. Have rods rigged, coolers loaded, and backing skills honed. Inflate rafts away from the ramp.

When taking out, pull your boat then unpack the gear once out of the ramp area.

Share the love. This may sound crazy coming from a fly shop owner, but if you’re in the best hole in the river, feel good about sharing it. We’re lucky to live in Big Sky where we’re great at welcoming folks from all over the country – and the world – into our hamlet for the few months of our short summer. Get your fish on then head to your next favorite hole. Remember, those fish will still be there when the summer crowds leave.

Leave it better than you found it. Pretty simple here. Don’t leave trash. Pick up after others. Yada, yada, yada … all the things you learned in kindergarten.

I tell the clients in my boat and in our shop that Montana is the land of 10 months of winter and two months of friends and relatives.

This sentiment is amplified by the presence of our many summer visitors. Fortunately there are dedicated peoIt’s July in Big Sky, and that means sharing our rivers and streams. Anglers, rafters and others can all enjoy the greatness that is the Gallatin ple who work tirelessly River. Photo by Greg Lewis to preserve and protect One thing is certain: Summertime is here and permission before crossing private property. the resources that brought us here or continue to our mountain town is humming with activity.

Your actions can affect future opportunities for keep us here.

Because we’ve got it pretty darn good here in Big other anglers.

Sky, our home waters are filled with locals and Our summer season is upon us, and that means we visiting anglers who are most likely fishing in all When floating, be very conscious of wadhave to share the love. the best spots. For the next several weeks, enjoying anglers. Give wading anglers a wide berth, ing the sport might take a little extra effort in the and do not float through their fishing zones.

Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Fruetiquette department. Here are a few tips: As our rivers continue to drop, and low water gal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcombecomes a forthcoming reality, common couring Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Practice what you preach. If you’re concerned tesy goes a long way. A polite “hello” helps all Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife with being crowded or feel others might be in parties enjoy the encounter. own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky. your favorite hole already, find another place to

Big Sky Hiker's Schedule Date July 18

Rating-Hike

Length

Climb

A. Mirror Lake

Spanish Creek

13 miles

2300 ft.

B. Lizard Lake

Taylor Fork – Cache Creek Gneiss Creek

11 miles

1600 ft.

5 miles

200 ft.

A. Sheep Lake

Sheep Lake Raynolds Pass

13 miles

2600 ft.

B. Coffin Lakes

Coffin Creek

10 miles

1800 ft.

4 miles

910 ft.

C. Gneiss Creek July 25

Trailhead

C. Ulrey's Lake Loop Moonlight Basin Madison Lodge

Leaders

Comment

Heather Walker (995Depart at 8:00 2765) Irv Golden (995-7905) Christl Gump (995-4406) Trailhead near Hebgen Lake Cathy Laughner Past Hebgen Lake; (431-9078) depart at 8:00 Denise Margetts (570-6486) Hilda & Keener Hudson (995-7442)

West of West Yellowstone Trailhead near Hebgen Lake

48 July 12-25, 2013

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Explore Big Sky

For Explore Big Sky, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science.

Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

Montana taste

Society Sauce Company’s bold barbeque sauce

By René Kraus

Explore Big Sky Contributor

Living in Montana and not enjoying barbeque sauce would be a little like living here and not hiking or skiing.

I faced this dilemma for years before finding a solution – to develop my own sauce.

I enjoy cooking outdoors, and I particularly look forward to eating Montana meat prepared on the grill.

Barbeque sauce is a natural complement, but I always avoided it, never appreciating the sweetness and stickiness of most commercial barbeque sauces, even though others in my family love it.

Was there a compromise? Was it possible to find an alternative sauce – one I could embrace?

The author in May with her husband Frank Summers at the Artisan’s Food Market in Minneapolis. PHOTO BY LISA BYRNE

So one day I set out like a mad scientist, taking over the kitchen, spreading ingredients across the counters, mixing batch after batch of

different combinations. I eliminated some recipes immediately, put others on hold, reinforced some experiments with more of something, less of something else, and so on. The process went on for weeks, and I enlisted anyone who came near the house for feedback and suggestions.

Somewhere in the process, I realized this was more than a family experiment. I wanted to go big. I needed to come up with a distinctive name and look – I knew I’d need good marketing to survive among a heady mix of competitors.

My barbeque sauce was going to be a cut above the others, yet it would have wide appeal: One morning the name came to me – Society Sauce Company.

Back in the kitchen, working on batch 236, I was close to what I thought was the perfect recipe. Testing this sauce that night on slowcooked beef brisket, I knew from the

satisfied – yes, delighted – looks on those around the dinner table that I had finally come up with a distinctive, bold barbeque sauce.

The long hours of work in the kitchen, not to mention those needed to complete the requirements for Montana food licensing, were about to pay off.

Soon, instead of giving away samples to neighbors and friends, I was getting requests from chefs and markets asking to buy the product.

Society Sauce Company was on its way!

You can buy Society Sauce Company sauces at select shops in Big Sky including Hungry Moose Market and Gourmet Gals, as well as online. For more information about Society Sauce Company, visit societysaucecompany. com. For details about small businesses and startups in Montana, visit madeinmontana.gov.

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contact outlaw Partners (406) 995-2055 or media@theoutlawPartners.com

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July 12-25, 2013 49

Explore Big Sky

Special Section:

summer music

Big Sky classical music festival p. 53

Nicki Bluhm and the gramblers headline brewfest p.50

kitchen dwellers debut album p. 58

The Main Event

Above: The stage area was standing room only for The Clintons. Right: The weekly event draws all walks of life.

story and photos

By Matt Hudson

Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

BOZEMAN – Five days is too long to wait for a weekend celebration. On June 27, thousands of community members found relief at the summer’s first installment of the Music on Main Thursday concert series.

What started as a small event on a small side section of Bozeman Avenue has since moved to Main Street and grown into this large celebration, fully funded by local business sponsors.

“There’s something really special about having a party on Main Street,” said Ellie Staley, program director for The Downtown Bozeman Partnership, the organization that hosts the event. She

“It’s a party,” said Jim Screnar, a Bozeman resident of 43 years. Screnar and his wife Pat said they have attended Music on Main each of the 13 years it has existed.

“It’s a great place to come and see people you haven’t seen,” Pat said.

As local rock act The Above: The large crowd gathered between Rouse and Black Avenues to kick off the year’s first Music Clintons began playing, on Main. Right: The Music on Main summer concert series began with Bozeman rockers The Clintons. people had already gathcredited the hard work of ered shoulder-to-shoulder between local businesses, the city the stage and a set of bleachers. The employees and community crowd sprawled out on either side of members for Music on the concert, where local businesses Main’s success. The bars, and food and drink vendors were set which provide alcohol for up along the three-block stretch. Kids the event, take special care played in a bounce house behind the to help keep Main Street throng.

clean and people safe, Staley said.

“We’ve had very few problems, and I think that’s because we all work together.”

At the Big Sky Resort-sponsored booth, resort representatives challenged attendees to a bean bag toss. Various prizes were up for grabs, including Brewfest tickets and a golf-andstay package.

Down the sidewalk, a MacKenzie River Pizza booth matched the hot weather with hot pizza. Im-

promptu street performers danced and played music just out of earshot from the main stage.

Because Music on Main is a free event, attendance numbers weren’t available, but Staley estimated a record crowd.

When the event ended around 9 p.m., people began clearing the street or ducking into bars to continue celebrating. The concert series runs every Thursday until Aug. 15, with music from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, and although Bozeman loves dogs, Staley encourages attendees to leave the canines at home.

Band schedules and more information can be found at downtownbozeman.org/musiconmain.

50 July 12-25, 2013

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Concert preview: Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers to headline Big Sky Brewfest

By Maria Wyllie

Big Sky Weekly Associate Editor

Self-described as “rocking country soul with a tinge of vintage,” Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers are performing at Peach Street Studios in Bozeman on Friday, July 12, before headlining Big Sky Resort’s Brewfest July 13.

Bluhm, who began working as a professional musician in 2008, has found success quickly. Prior to the 2008 release of Toby’s Song, her debut LP, the self-taught musician was caring for horses in San Diego and working as an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t until she met Mother Hips’ front man Tim Bluhm, that she started performing live.

Tim, now her husband and bandmate, told her she had a voice worth sharing. Since then, many music lovers around the country have agreed.

While on tour, Bluhm and her backing band The Gramblers recorded songs in their van with an iPhone fixed to the rearview mirror. Conceived by bassist Steve Adams to pass the time and dissect seemingly basic songs, the group posted the recordings on

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers Photo by Jen Siska

YouTube for family and friends to view back home.

But when Hall and Oats tweeted the band’s cover of their song I Can’t Go For That, the “van sessions” went viral, garnering more than 2 million hits and spiking attendance at shows nationwide.

So far, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers have completed 25 recordings on the road, all of which are available on YouTube. Bluhm said she thinks the recordings have helped get their music on people’s radar and into their daily lives.

“After the van sessions got popular, we tried to tour the country as much as we could, because we wanted people to hear our original music and let people know who we are,” Bluhm said in a phone interview. “We want to share our music with people while we have their attention.”

Nicki Bluhm Photo by Taryn Kent

Bluhm cites a wide range of musical influences, but she said Linda Ronstadt is one of her biggest inspirations

– especially Ronstadt’s early work. Even Bluhm’s wardrobe of high-waisted jeans, floral tops and leather boots takes fans back to the ‘70s.

Easy on the eyes and ears, Bluhm delivers an honest performance, and her voluptuous, fullranged vocals leave fans wanting more, wondering what will come next.

As the band grows, Bluhm says she will continue to follow her motto of taking it one day at a time. She says the band is excited to visit Big Sky, as they love getting out to America’s open spaces.

Look out for the forthcoming release of the band’s self-titled album, Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers, to be released Aug. 27 on Little Sur. Two tracks from the album, Little Too Late and Ravenous, have already been released as digital singles and can be streamed online at nickibluhm.com.

Big Sky Resort sets stage for eighth annual Brewfest BIG SKY – More than 20 breweries from around the country are participating in Big Sky’s annual Brewfest on July 13. The breweries – each featuring two beers – along with food vendors and live music will be set up on the Mountain Village Plaza from 3-9 p.m., rain or shine.

Headlining this year’s Brewfest is Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, blending pop rock with alt-country and other Americana flavors. Also playing will be the Two Bit Franks and The Congress.

The festival’s featured brewery is Ninkasi Brewing from Eugene, Ore., which will be pouring its big, hoppy flagship beer: Total Domination IPA.

Milton Menasco and the Big Fiasco jam out at the 2011 Big Sky Brewfest. More than 25 breweries will participate in the 2013 festival. Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort

The first 12 tasting tickets are $20 and additional tickets cost $1 each. All ages are welcome to enjoy the free music, but you must be at least 21 to drink.

Participating Breweries Bayern Bear Republic Big Hole Big Sky Bitterroot Bozeman Bridger Carters Deshutes Elesyian Goose Island Grand Teton Great Northern Lagunitas Lewis & Clark Lone Peak Madison River New Belgium Ninkasi Red Lodge Sam Adams Kettle House Harvest Moon Sierra Nevada Snake River Stone Brewing

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July 12-25, 2013 53

Classical music for all Music fest to debut Big Sky Festival Orchestra

Specializing in Big Sky

DreamS for BuyerS anD SellerS The Enso String Quartet performs at the 2012 festival. Photo courtesy of ACBS

By Emily Wolfe

Explore Big Sky Managing Editor

BIG SKY – Big Sky Classical Music Festival is meant to bring worldclass music to the people – to aficionados, and to ski bums.

Now in its third year, the free festival presented by the Arts Council of Big Sky takes place in Town Center Park, Aug. 9-11.

For 2013, it will debut the Big Sky Festival Orchestra on Sunday evening. Selected by Music Director Eric Funk, the members of this orchestra comprise some of the best in Montana, as well as high caliber players from around the country, according to ACBS Executive Director Brian Hurlbut.

The orchestra, conducted by Maestro Peter Bay, will play Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture,” “Symphony No. 7,” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring (Suite for 13 Instruments).”

Bay is conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra in Texas and Music Director for the Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas. A graduate of the Peabody Institute of Music, he spent 20 years directing the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon and has appeared with 65 different orchestras around the country.

Angella Ahn, violinist with the Ahn Trio and a professor at Montana State University, will also play with the orchestra, Hurlbut said.

The trio of sisters played at the 2011 Classical Music Festival, and is one of the most well-known contemporary trios in classical music.

Compared to many classical music festivals, the Big Sky event is less “sedate,” Hurlbut said.

“Most other festivals are inside.

There aren’t kids running around or food vendors set up. Most of these performers command pretty high ticket prices, so the fact that you can see them for free in an outdoor setting is pretty special. We’re trying to get people who might not normally listen to classical music there, because for one, it’s free, and two, it’s outside.”

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Other festival performers include the Cassatt String Quartet on Friday, and the Florestan Trio on Saturday, performing selections from Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Copland. The Cassatt Quartet played at the inaugural festival in 2011. “[Many of] the performers have commented – and they’ve played in some of the best classical music festivals around the country – that they love the laid back vibe,” Hurlbut said. “And that this is one of the most beautiful places they’ve ever played.”

The Big Sky Classical Music Festival is Aug. 9-11, with music beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. For more information, visit bigskyarts.org, or call (406) 995-2742.

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Cinnamon Fest brings jazz, funk for fourth annual event GALLATIN CANYON – Hark, music lovers! Live jazz, funk and rock bands will play at the fourth annual Cinnamon Fest on July 20. Rain or shine, the event opens at 4 p.m., with music to start at 7 p.m.

July

LIVE MUSIC LINE-UP 16 18 25 30

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The spirited New York City-based, soul-jazz band Diallo House will headline the fest this year, echoing its “slow burning” sound up the Gallatin Canyon.

Another group, Sim – Bitty, will play its own mixture of rock, jazz and funk. The musicians hail from a couple other bands that have played in the area for years, said organizer Morgan Ayres, who owns the Cinnamon.

Diallo House’s sax player, Stacy Dillard Photo courtesy of Diallo House

A couple hundred people attended the event last year, and Ayres says there is room for many more on the 3.5-acre property.

Camping will be included in the cost of admission, and the Cinnamon will

sell food and drinks outside on the lawn, as well as keep the bar open until 2 p.m. for late night jams. –E.W.

Find more at cinnamonlodgeandadventures.com

August

Mickey Hart Band to perform in Bozeman Aug. 5 Superorganism tour and Hart’s 70th birthday celebration at the Emerson

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BOZEMAN– Former Grateful Dead drummer and two-time Grammy Award winner Mickey Hart will perform with his band at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman on Aug. 5, as part of the Superorganism tour.

The Mickey Hart Band will release Superorganism, its second album in two years, on Aug. 13, just weeks before Hart’s 70th Birthday. On the band’s 2012 record, Mysterium Tremendum, Hart sonified light waves from space with the help of NASA; with Superorganism, Hart is turning his attention inward.

“This time we journey into the micro, the hidden worlds of rhythm within us, within our bodies,” Hart said. “My brain wave signals are reimagined in sound using a cap with electrodes that can read the throbs and signals of the brain. I have also sonified the sounds of stem cells and heart rhythms for this recording.”

Each night of the tour, Hart will perform a piece of music with an EEG cap on his head while he plays the sounds of his brain.

The Mickey Hart Band will also perform songs from the new album, along with select tracks from Hart’s catalog and Grateful Dead favorites.

Long a social activist, Hart appeared in August 1991 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging, speaking on the healing value of drumming and rhythm on afflictions associated with aging.

“It all comes down to vibration and rhythm,” Hart says. “This is about breaking the rhythm code. Once we know what rhythm truly does, then we’ll be able to control it, and use it medicinally for diagnostics, for health reasons.”

Tea Leaf Trio will open the show in Bozeman.

Find more at theemerson.org

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56 July 12-25, 2013

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July 12-25, 2013 57

Thousands flock to Country Jam

Record attendance helps usher in new ownership of festival story and photos

By Matt Hudson

An estimated 5,000 people attended the Jam.

Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

THREE FORKS – It was a grand sight, a landscape dominated by trucks, fifthwheels and motor homes that appeared suddenly behind the hills just off of Highway 2. Thousands had dug out a spot on the dusty hill for the Headwaters Country Jam. Spanning three days in late June, this year marked the sixth installment of the festival, which featured big-name acts like Diamond Rio and Craig Morgan, as well as regional musicians playing on two stages.

“Judging from the crowd size, it was the largest we’ve ever had,” said Liberty Zuelke, co-founder of the Jam and a Three Forks native. She said the festival has seen steady growth every year.

At midday Friday, day two, most attendees had retreated to their campsites among the hum of gas-powered generators to beat the nearly 90-degree heat.

In the stage area, a small crowd played horseshoes, sang karaoke, watched smaller-name bands and enjoyed beverages.

“Make sure to get one water in for every five Budweisers,” the main stage emcee cautioned at one point.

With the heat relenting around 6 p.m., concert-goers began flooding the stage area to stake out spots for the main acts.

Cold Hard Cash, a Montana-based Johnny Cash tribute band, played an energetic set to a small but appreciative crowd. People continued to file in, funneling through a narrow perimeter security checkpoint. Spirits ran high.

“They’re pretty good,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy Seth Wenzel of the crowd. Wenzel has worked the festival for four years. Out of a large group of attendees, he said the bad apples are relatively few. “For the most part, it’s a good time.”

As the sun went down, the main stage lit up for the night’s main acts. First, Confederate Railroad played from its vast repertoire of roadhouse honky tonk. At 10 p.m., country veterans Diamond Rio played to the largest crowd of the night. Sampling from both old and new material, the band’s adept stage performance drew raucous applause.

Saturday followed a similar schedule, with Darryl Worley and Craig Morgan as the main attractions.

This year, Zuelke and the five other owners sold the festival to Town Square Media, a Connecticut-based media group. She said Town Square will continue to utilize the local event staff and vendors that give the event its strong community ties.

“I think what they can bring to the event is the ability to bring larger talent into southwest Montana with their connections,” Zuelke said.

Those connections became immediately useful when Sammy Kershaw cancelled less than a week before his scheduled performance. Zuelke said Town Square Media reacted quickly and brought in another big name, Darryl Worley, as a replacement.

“It was already done before I woke up on Tuesday morning,” she said.

Zuelke, who will continue consulting for Headwaters Country Jam after Town Square Media takes over, sees nothing but expansion and continued success for the event.

“We came in as just a random group of people,” she said. “We were able to build such a successful and unique Montana event.”

Danny Shirley of Confederate Railroad plays on the main stage. The band played the second day of the festival.

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58 July 12-25, 2013

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Pinky in Paradise

Floyd cover band returns to Pine Creek Café July 17

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Magic City Blues Festival Southeast Montana will be stricken with the blues when the Magic City Blues Festival hits downtown Billings Aug. 8-11. The fest has featured some big names in the past, and this year looks to be no different.

Midnight toker Steve Miller and his band are scheduled to play the Budweiser stage Saturday as the festival’s headliner. Nearly a quarter-century after their debut album, Blues Traveler is set to remind folks that “the mountains win again,” every time. And singer-songwriter Allen Stone will bring his brand of acoustic pop-rock to the stage.

Celebrating its 12th year, the Magic City Blues Festival has been dubbed “Montana’s Urban Music Festival.” –M.H. Find more at magiccityblues.com.

Montana Folk Festival, July 12-14 Pinky and the Floyd perform at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman, March 9, 2012. PHOTO COURTESY OF PINKY AND THE FLOYD

PINE CREEK – Set the controls for a night of Montana’s biggest sound and brightest lights in the heart of Paradise Valley.

Pinky and the Floyd return to the cozy confines of Pine Creek Café on Wednesday, July 17. The Bozeman-based, 10-piece Pink Floyd cover band last played the outdoor stage in Paradise Valley two years ago.

This spring was a busy one for Pinky, and included a four-city tour that brought their big sound and full stage production to theaters in Billings, Bozeman, Butte and Missoula. Now they’ll step outside for their first show of the summer.

“We love playing outdoors and family friendly shows,” said vocalist Krista Barnett. “Pine Creek just has a great vibe.” Barnett is expecting a baby in mid-August and this show, she said, “is a rare chance to see a pregnant chick rock out!”

The Pine Creek appearance is one of only two Pinky shows scheduled for the summer. “Get there early and get a good spot,” Barnett said, “It will be crowded.” –T.A.

Tickets are available at Cactus Records in Bozeman and at Conley’s Books and Music in Livingston.

Billed as the Northwest’s largest free music festival, the Montana Folk Festival is the successor event to the National Folk Festival that took place in Butte from 2008 to 2010.

First presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National is the oldest, longest-running and most diverse festival of traditional arts in the nation. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to put the arts of many nations, races and languages into the same event on an equal footing.

Open air and tented sites provide performance venues ranging from intimate stages to amphitheater-sized venues.

The event hosts performances and demonstrations by more than 200 musicians, dancers and craftspeople, including traditional artists, ethnic and festival foods, a lively family area, and folklife demonstrations and workshops that focus on a new theme each year, highlighting Montana’s heritage.

When the National moved on, Montana organizers carried the traditions forward with their own festival.

In 2013, that theme is "Gathering at the Headwaters: The Influence of Rivers and Riparian Lifeways in Montana and the Mountain West.”

The festival is situated in classy Uptown Butte, the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark District.

Find more at montanafolkfestival.com

Red Ants Pants Music Festival

July 25, 4-6 p.m.

Town Center Firepit Park Red Ants Pants Festival 2012 Photo courtesy of Red Ants Pants

White Sulphur Springs will play host to the third annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival July 25-28. The event brings a variety of regionally and nationally known musicians to a central Montana cow pasture.

try singer-songwriter Mariah Page, Missoula’s The Hasslers and nearby Showdown Ski Area darlings the We Ski Cousins.

Country legend Merle Haggard will headline the main stage. Other acts include Garage rockers the Heartless Bastards, the harmonic vocal sound of The Wailin’ Jennys and Canadian country musician Corb Lund on the main stage.

The festival has gained much attention in its short life. According to Operations Manager Allie Olson, 8,900 came to the fest last year.

“It’s definitely a homegrown event and very neighborly,” Olson said.

“It’s one of the most authentic Montana experiences you can have.”

–M.H.

The side stage will spotlight regional artists, including 17-year-old coun-

Find out more at redantspantsmusicfestival.com

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July 12-25, 2013 59

Preview: The Kitchen Dwellers’ debut album

By Matt Hudson

Explore Big Sky Editorial Assistant

Bozeman bluegrass outfit the Kitchen Dwellers has been spending time in the studio. The result is an 11-track self-titled album recorded and mastered at Skylab Media House in Big Sky. The band plans to release the album in conjunction with a show in Bozeman on Sept. 19 and Missoula the following day. Until then, here’s a preview of what to expect from their first studio effort.

furious picking sets a quick pace, anchored with the patient, half-time rhythm of bassist Joe Funk. Banjo player Torrin Daniels shines on this track during a solo spotlight that almost sounds more rock ‘n

his face. He’s smiling because he is still around to tell the tale. Here, the Kitchen Dwellers give an ode to the past, while keeping it at arm’s length. The meat of this track is instrumental, and again there are hints of rock n’ roll in Shelstad’s guitar. Daniels’ gravelly vocals favor the track rather than hinder it.

Before receiving these three tracks, I’d never heard or seen Kitchen Dwellers.

The thing that struck me most was their ability to create rhythm without the aid of percussion instruments.

The measured click of a pick slapping the strings of an instrument creates a metronome that your foot involuntarily taps out. Those nuances give the band a complete sound.

“Smuggler Union” While their vocals are relaxed and The soundtrack for folks livcomfortable on the ear, the band ing outside the law, this track achieves more as instrumentalists. feels equal parts serene and Their individual rhythm bounces tenebrous. Telling the story around in each measure, creating a of facing a battle head-on, the dynamic collective sound that is essong invokes the romance sentially bluegrass, but straying a little of having the odds stacked from the classic blues progressions of The Kitchen Dwellers record group vocals at the Skylab Media House. They spent about a week at against you. It builds through the studio. PHOTO BY CHRIS KAMMAN yesteryear. each verse with imagery of Americana sprinkled throughout (South to Colorado/Into roll than bluegrass. His play elsewhere in the song These tracks make it apparent that the Kitchen DwellHell we ride). Never before has the thought of blood running ers know what they’re doing. Look for more hints of the demonstrates the intricate picking involved in using down the side of Telluride sounded nobler. band’s various influences wrapped into the other tracks on the banjo as a rhythm instrument. the full album.

“Black Cat” “Last Year” Although this track doesn’t move at break-neck This song is the musical version of your uncle tellVisit kitchendwellers.com for show dates and other speeds relative to some in the bluegrass world, its ing a story of gross irresponsibility with a smile on information.

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