Corridor December 2015 by Missoulian

december 2015

corridormag.com

How Tell Us Something storytellers

keep their tales fresh events: first night wants to get you in on the act montana: take a polar plunge at woods bay

this issue

december 2015

december 2015 Issue 53

22 The Connoisseur’s Choice

Come see for yourself exactly why. Check out our reviews at

www.leafly.com

Missoula 406.203.2204 801 Ronan St. #3 Open 7 days a week montanabuds.com

#nofilter ��3 from the editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 intimate view of art ��5 piano with a twist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 frozen flathead plunge ��7 mmac: a year in review ��8 december reads ��9 first night: get in on the act ��14 close motion ��16 holiday reprieve ��17 symphonic pops for the holidays ��20 musings from the dark side ��21 staying spontaneous ��22

swinging into the holidays ��28 concerts for a cause ��29 corridor music review ��30 sing with the screen ��35 corridor film review ��36 missoula events calendar ��38 nw montana events calendar ��42 bitterroot events calendar ��44 sudoku ��45 crossword ��45 around the weird ��46 denouement ��47 The Tell Us Something storytelling series holds workshops to help first-timers like Sarah Nasby streamline their tales.

december 2015

photo

issoula got its first blast of winter during Cameron Wilson’s first week and a half in the United States, but that wasn’t stopping him from exploring his new home for the next six months. “I was riding to the university yesterday and I got there just in time, just before the worst of it hit. I was on the bike so it was good to get there before then. We walked home last night. That was a bit unpleasant,” he said. He was out the very next day taking pictures of the Clark Fork River. Cameron’s partner just started a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Montana so the Australian medical researcher is in Missoula on what he referred to as a partner-funded sabbatical. He plans to remotely continue his research on fracture healing and how it relates to mechanical conditions, do some fiction writing, and even learn to snowboard.

The avid hiker hopes to take advantage of the multitude of trails around Missoula and explore some national parks while he is here. “Just knowing there are so many hiking trails straight out of Missoula is pretty fantastic. Last week we rode our bikes to a trail head just down there in the valley between (Mount Jumbo and Mount Sentinel) and just spent half the day hiking up and half the day hiking back down,” he said. Cameron also really enjoys the community feeling of Missoula. “Everyone’s friendly, people do things together. As soon as my partner arrived in town she got a bike from Free Cycles – she bought hers – but they sort of showed her how to use the tools and how set it up and I really like that,” he said. Tyler Wilson is a Missoula-based photographer whose work is often featured in Corridor. His #NoFilter project debuted in January 2015 and features portraits and mini, unfiltered stories by Krista Ness of people from across Missoula. To view more of Wilson’s work, visit CorridorMag.com.

december 2015

from the

“

editor

ould you ever tell a story?” That’s usually the common question when the conversation turns to Tell Us Something, the local storytelling event in which everyday Missoulians get up on stage and tell a true yarn from their own lives. Some are funny. Some are sad. Some are both. But all the stories follow the same rule: They have to have it done in 10 minutes, and they can’t use notes. To get an idea of how these speakers prepare before the big night, we sat in on a Tell Us Something workshop, where organizer Marc Moss leads them through a practice run and gives advice on how to tighten or focus their tales. This month, the event will take a detour from its usual home at the Top Hat Lounge and head to the renovated Wilma Theatre. Elsewhere in this month’s issue, we take a look at the upcoming First Night Missoula, when thousands of families

Publisher Mark Heintzelman SALES AND PROMOTIONS Scott Woodall scott.woodall@corridormag.com

Editor cory walsh

editor@corridormag.com

Art Director Adam Potts feature photographer Tyler wilson

will fan out across Missoula on New Year’s Eve to see the myriad performing arts offerings. December never has any shortage of holiday concerts. This month, we give you a peek at the offerings, which include the Missoula Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Pops performance, vocal ensemble Dolce Canto’s annual event, and guitarist John Floridis’ holiday tour. If you’re in the mood to sing yourself, the Roxy Theater is continuing its monthly sing-alongs, where fans are encouraged to make some noise in the theater. This month’s selection promises a goofy reprieve from the holiday theme: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Cory Walsh, Editor

CONTRIBUTORs Lucy beighle darko butorac colin covert Mary gerber Kim hutcheson tandy khameneh Kristine Komar rachel crisp philips becca sayre cory walsh garth whitson tyler wilson mikael wood ADVERTISING & Sales Megan Hunt Deb Larson Deanna Levine Shelly Parge Mindy glenna Scott Woodall

www.corridorMag.com follow us on twitter and facebook!

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@CorridorMag

december 2015

montana

by Kristine Komar

Bitterroot pastel artist Bobbie McKibbin enjoys having visitors come to her studio and see her work in various stages of completion.

ost of us are familiar with seeing artwork in a museum, gallery or exhibition setting. If the artist happens to be present we are likely even quite adept at speaking with them briefly about their work, but there isn’t time to engage in a meaningful exchange. These brief discussions though, can spur a yearning to know more about an artist and their work and visiting the artist’s studio provides time for a leisurely talk to explore the artist’s work beyond what is finished and ready to be hung; learn more about the process and mediums. Studios are often located in artist’s homes and offer the opportunity to gain an understanding of how an artist sees and explores the world. Most artists welcome visitors to their studios. If you’re contemplating a visit, here are some dos and don’ts to be aware of. • Plan ahead; don’t just drop in. Artists have schedules and to-do lists, as do we all. • Bring questions. • Ask if children are welcome. • Respect the artist’s studio, which is often an extension of their home. • Don’t feel that you have to make a purchase. • Plan to take advantage of open studio events such as the annual “Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour” coming up June 9-11. Three Bitterroot artists gave their perspectives on studio visits.

Mari Bolen, sculptor

Visitors to Bolen’s studio come for different reasons. Perhaps they’ve met her at a show and want to see more of her work or they’re hosting visitors from out of the area who’ve expressed an interest in meeting local artists. “Most enjoy learning the details of the bronze-making process which involves many people in addition to the sculptor,” she said. Bolen has examples of every stage of the process in her studio and can provide an illustrated lesson. Bolen doesn’t have particular expectations of visitors, it is part of the process of making and selling her art. More knowledge about the process in the larger public

works for the long term and connections made during visits bring more attention to her work. Connect with Bolen at maribolenbronzes.com or on Facebook, “Mari Bolen bronze.”

Patty Franklin, mosaics

Franklin has been classically trained by Italian masters in one of the oldest traditional art techniques to produce her contemporary fine art mosaics. Distinctly different from the crafty notion of fitting together broken bits of pottery, fine art mosaics are composed of intentionally cut glass — and sometimes other materials — using precise and methods, processes and specialized tools. Patty enjoys the process of helping people who visit her studio gain an appreciation of this ancient fine art form and knows that new knowledge adds to their decision to eventually buy a fine art mosaic piece. Connect with Franklin at pattyfranklinmosaics.com and Facebook: Parry Franklin Mosaics

Bobbie McKibbin, pastels

McKibbin taught art at the college level and is well aware that a conversation between teacher and student can result in sharing the way each sees the world. This fascination with the way we see the world and communicating what we see to each other is important to McKibbin as she engages with visitors to her studio. Because we’re used to seeing only completed works, McKibbin enjoys having visitors see work in various stages; the piece working on her easel, several pieces at various stages of progress, as well as completed artworks. Connect with McKibbin at drawnweststudio.com. Mark your calendars for the Artists Along the Bitterroot’s Studio Tour, June 9-11. Watch for more information at artistsalongthebitterroot.com. Would you like assistance with organizing your studio tour? Contact bitterrootARTS.org and we can guide you. info@bitterrootARTS.org.

december 2015

montana

Farnham mixes up styles, from “Peanuts” to techno Beethoven.

ans of pianist Jason Farham have affectionately dubbed him “Schroeder” from Peanuts because of his toy piano, his witty Victor Borge-style piano comedy antics and the clever way he interacts with the audience. The variety includes contemporary romantic piano, jazz, bossa nova, blues, stride piano, and classical with a modern twist. Farnham is always looking for an interesting spin on the status quo, a way to take a classic and turn it on its ear. The newest addition to his piano show is Fur Elise with a technorock-dance beat: “Fur Crying Out Loud Elise, Let’s Dance!” And Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca has now become “Rondo Alla Techno.” He’s also re-envisioned “Autumn Leaves” as a fusion of bossa nova and samba styles. Playing the piano while lying upside down Amadeus-style? Check. And always included in the lineup are a handful of Farnham’s signature

original piano pieces that his fans adore, like his 2008 original instrumental hit, “Lisa’s Song (When).” Farnham, who was raised in northeast Ohio, began playing the piano at age 4. He studied piano with numerous teachers and was classically trained. Later in high school and his college years at Ohio University, he began crafting his own style of music. Farnham and his wife Lisa moved to California in 2006, where he has been involved in numerous projects. Farnham will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Polson High School at 7 p.m. Ticket may be purchased at R&R Healthcare Solutions, Ronan True Value, First Interstate Bank or the Vine and Tap; or call 887-2739 or email missionvalleylive.@gmail.com. - Courtesy of Mission Valley Live

december 2015

montana

n Jan. 1, people will once again willingly throw themselves into the frigid waters of Flathead Lake for the 22nd straight year; not for charity, not for a cause, but simply for the fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the rush. Registration, food and drink start at 1 a.m. at the Raven in Woods Bay, the Polar Bear Plunge headquarters. All participants are asked to sign in before they jump for the record book and T-shirts will be available for purchase. The annual parade begins at the Raven and the Islander Inn at 1:45, 15 minutes prior to the plunge at 2 p.m. sharp. Parking is at a premium during the plunge, so arrive early and carpool if possible. Neil and Patty Brown started the plunge over 21 years ago and Lisa and Brian Anderson, who opened the Raven 20 years ago, have kept the tradition alive. It has always been a family event with attendees of all ages and plunger ages ranging from 8 to 88 and Paul Rana once again acting as emcee. Polar Bear

Plunges take place across the globe, but few have the amazing views of Flathead Lake in the winter. Everyone needs to bring towels, warm clothes and shoes for after the jump. Football games will be on and the Raven will be serving food and hot (and cold) drinks all day. There will be fire pits on the decks to warm up with after the plunge and into the evening. The plunge will take place rain, snow, sleet or sun. For other ways to participate, area scuba divers make their first decent of the year into Flathead Lake. If you are interested in diving, contact Big Horn Divers at 752-4970 for equipment rental. Scuba certifications are required. Also, the plunge brings the diehard Flathead Paddlers Club out for a trip across the bay to watch the festivities from the water. To join the paddlers, call club member Ed Hopkins at 837-6869. For more information, contact (406) 837-5472 prior to the event or (406) 837-2836 the day of the event.

december 2015

art

Walter Hook (American, 1919-1989) “The Great Easter Buffalo Visits the Festival,” 1986

his year was the 120th anniversary of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. That’s 120 years of collecting, purchasing, receiving and exhibiting art of local, national and international interest. The result is a collection 11,000 pieces strong – 11,000 pieces of art – and the largest and most significant collection in the region. Over the past year, the Missoulian featured articles on a weekly basis in the Entertainer and on a monthly basis in the Corridor on works of art that are part of the permanent collection, a collection that belongs to each and every one of us as residents of the state of Montana. I’ve had quite a bit of feedback over the past 12 months on the articles. Many times people are flabbergasted at the breadth and depth of the collection, and the fact that it includes artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt and Dalí, as well as regional favorites such as Edgar Paxson, Rudy Autio and Monte Dolack. And the fact that the oldest piece in the collection dates back to 300 AD. The collection includes works purchased through UM’s Student Purchase Program, including a piece by George Ybarra, who just recently installed the commissioned metal sculpture in Silver Park on the south side of the river. Generous benefactors have donated entire collections, such as Helen Cappadocia who gifted the 600-piece Southeast Asian/Hmong collection that includes a Hmong story cloth depicting the Hmong history of coming to and living in Missoula. It includes 60-plus works of public art situated throughout the UM campus, which can be viewed with the help of a map from the MMAC. From Rudy Autio’s iconic “Grizz” on the west end of the Oval, to George Gogas’ fantastically colored and titled abstract oil paintings in the Dennison Theater, “When Charlie and Pablo Went Broke in the Stock Market” and “When Charlie and Pablo had Breakfast at McDonald’s.” The influence of Charlie Russell and Pablo Picasso is unquestionable. And then there’s Jay Polite Laber’s massive metal sculpture of a Native American on horseback, “Charging Forward,”

but not “charging forward” in battle as was commonly believed, but playing a “hoop game” popular in traditional Native American culture. Part of the fun of writing these articles has been uncovering interesting facts and stories about the artworks and the artists themselves, but also reflecting on what personal stories the art brings to mind. Like the “Akhtyrskaya Icon,” a religious icon dating back to the 18th century that brought me straight back to my childhood “holiday” at a convent in St. Andrews, Scotland. Or the quintessential Walter Hook piece, “The Great Easter Buffalo Visits the Festival,” that brought me back to the living room of my best friend in high school, whose family owned a similar piece by Hook which hung over their sofa. While drinking martinis and listening to Simon and Garfunkel, all the world’s problems were seemingly solved by the artists, poets and writers who often gathered in that living room. And then there’s the Picasso piece, “Le Picador,” which reminds me of studying another Picasso painting, “Guernica,” for an entire month and the impact it had on me when I saw it in person in Madrid. So many pieces, so many stories, and they’re different for each and every one of us. I encourage you to visit the MMAC and see what images and stories come to mind for you. It’s pretty powerful. But although the museum has 11,000 objects in its impressive collection, you’ll only be able to view a tiny percentage of them at any given time, as in its current state the MMAC only has two viewing galleries in which to display the art – two galleries that can exhibit maybe 50 pieces at a time. It’s just not enough, by any stretch of the imagination. In the meantime, the rest of this fantastic collection is housed in nine different locations around campus. Not displayed, but stored. Stored in closets and storage containers and places not only not ideal, but shamefully insufficient for the treasures of the collection. The next chapter of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture will hopefully be one that includes a permanent home for the Permanent Collection. And my wish for the new year is that I get to be writing about that soon.

december 2015

books

The Lion and the Bird

by Marianne Dubuc “The Lion and the Bird” is a sparsely worded tale about friendship and loneliness that will release a flood of empathy. Pay attention to Dubuc’s illustrations, especially her use of blank space and scale; she communicates the story with such subtlety and grace. You’ll want to wrap this one up for every child on your holiday shopping list. [JUVENILE FICTION; Enchanted Lion Books, May 2014, $17.95, hardcover]

All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood

by Jennifer Senior This is not just another book on parenting. Jennifer Senior takes an exhausting (and often polarizing) topic and presents it with sensitivity and balance. Her research is both quantitative and anecdotal, with fascinating fly-on-the-wall case studies featuring families across America. [NONFICTION/SOCIOLOGY; Ecco Press, January 2014, $15.99, paperback]

Fates and Furies

by Lauren Groff A perfect fiction recommendation for the Eye Rollers of worn romantic plot lines. Written in two parts, two perspectives, and with a curious omniscient commentator, Groff tells us the story of a 24year marriage and all of the secrets that kept it running just-so. [FICTION; Riverhead Books, September 2015, $27.95, hardcover]

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words

By Shakespeare and Company’s Kim Hutcheson and Garth Whitson

by Randall Munroe “Thing Explainer” is an illustrated version of “How Stuff Works” using just “ten hundred” (one thousand) of the most common English words. It’s not dumbed-down by any means — Munroe’s intent is not to be condescending — and has the warm effect of being inadvertently funny. Ever wonder how “food-heating radio boxes” work? “Sky boats with turning wings”? This book will teach you. [GRAPHIC NONFICTION; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, November 2015, $24.95, hardcover]

december 2015

St. Ignatius up to

FLATHEAD LAKE ot! The Valley’s Hot Sp

polsonchamber.com or call (406)-883-5969 photo by Pete Ramberg It’s All About the Ladies

Smar twool Socks House Slippers Handbags Boots Uggs & Boggs Shoes for Mom

p s

Baked Goods - Restaurant - Catering Coffee Pastries Local organic salads Homemade dressings Panini Italian Bread Breakfast eakfast served all day To o Go Orders Welcome

G if t C e r ti fic a te s Ava ilab le Fre e C h r is tm a s G if t Wra p

Downtown Polson, MT • 883-5800

Pizza & Pasta Friday Night Dinners 5-7 pm

Corner of 4th and Main Downtown Polson Saturday Brunch 9-2 - Closed Sunday Open at 9 am weekdays • 319-2080

u s at

in se jo as Plea istm Chr r u o

Open

Grea

t gift

ideas make to every one’s Chris tmas merry house !

Saturday, Dec 12th from 10 - 4 Tours, Tastings, Sales & Gift Orders 208 1st Ave E in Polson. 1/2 block off Hwy 93 on the bay side. N on 2nd St E. Follow the signs Order online www.FlatheadLakeCheese.com

Toast the New Year with a Tasty Cheese Tradition from your local Cheese Makers

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-4pm

Quilt In A Day Patterns, Books & Rulers

30% OFF! December Specials

Holiday Gift Shopping 210 Main Street, Polson 406-883-3643 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30

218 Main St Polson 406.883.2668

* Wines * Cigars * Chocolate * Beers * Gift Certificates * Available for Holiday Gatherings

Home Floor Covering Polson stone & tile

An Evening of

Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts December 27, 2015 at 7 p.m. 2-time Grammy Winner Billy Peterson on bass and jazz great Bill Carrothers on piano, are coming to Bigfork, MT With Billy Peterson, Bass

Polson’s Only Design Center Billy Carrothers, Piano

Tickets available online at Bigfork Center for PerformingArts www.bigforkcenter.org. $29 - (406)837-4885

322 Main St. | Polson, MT | 883-2247

Homefloorcovering@gmail.com

Gift

CertifiCates Make Great Presents OPen 7 Days Week 35103 Hwy 35 Polson (Just North of Finley Point Road) (406) 887-2096

Lunch 11:30 a.m. Dinner 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

View our menu at www.eastshoresmokehouse.com

december 2015

St. Ignatius up to

FLATHEAD LAKE ot! The Valley’s Hot Sp

polsonchamber.com or call (406)-883-5969 #7 3rd AAve. E., Polson, MT 59860 • Ph 406-883-3667

photo by Pete Ramberg “Think Snow” Exhibit of tools and toys of winter. Rare snow vehicles pre-owned by Glacier Park, horse drawn sleighs, ice harvesting, kids toys.

Downtown Polson, Montana ART WALK and the PARADE OF LIGHTS 6 pm, Main Street

Friday Evening Dec. 4, 2015

Great Selection of Snowblowers HOMETOWN & OUTLET

Hometown Store 1920 214 1st Street East Polson, MT 59860 Mon-Fri 9-6:30 • Sat 9-6 • Sun 11-4 (406)-883-2533

Shop in Polson

Service & Parts 1-800-469-4663 www.sears.com

Pub • Fine Dining • Music

Every thing you need for your night life!

Demonstrations, Drawings, Bonfire, Pictures with Santa, Special Promotions, Refreshments, Music, Dance

Great Family Fun!

Lake County Parade of Lights

36094 Memory Lane - Polson, MT • 3/4 Mi S of US 93 & Mt 35 Jct.

406-883-6804 info@miracleofamericamuseum.org • www.miracleofamericamuseum.org

Mission Valley Live Presents

Jason Farnham

101 Main Street Restaurant Fine Dining

Reservations 406-871-0663 Open at 5 p.m. • Wednesday through Saturday Steaks • Pasta • Seafood • Fabulous Appetizers Burgers • Fish TTacos acos • Homemade Chips & Salsa

The Lake Bar

Open Monday-Saturday at 4 p.m. Full Service Bar and Menu for casual dining

Lake Bar

Live Music

Dec 11 - Flipside Dec 17 - Open Mic Dec 19 - Lake Bar/101 Main CHRISTMAS PARTY with Li’l Gladys

Lake Bar/101 Main Polson’s Best Pub

Reservations 406-871-0663

49494 Hwy 93, Polson (across from Lake City Bakery)

Dawn’s Flower Designs Full Servicee

Florist

Take George Winston, add some Victor Borge Beethoven on steroids, garnish with Schroeder from Peanuts, throw it all in a blender, and what comes out is an unmistakable Jason Farnham Show December 11 at Polson High School 7 p.m.

Recrafted Furniture Country Gifts 406-883-3515

Street Polson, MT We Deliver! 318 Main dawnsflowerdesigns.com

Questions? email missionvalleylive@gmail.com or call 887-2739. Tickets may be purchased at R&R Healthcare Solutions, Ronan True Value, First Interstate Bank, or The Vine & Tap

For entries in Parade Jackie 883-5800

december 2015

St. Ignatius up to

FLATHEAD LAKE ot! The Valley’s Hot Sp

polsonchamber.com or call (406)-883-5969 photo by Pete Ramberg

TC A E R G

HRISTMAS TOY S

Delaney’s lanDscape center, Inc. 40514 Mt Hwy 35, polson, Mt 59860 (406) 883-2612

events calendar December

Every Wednesday - WOW Wednesday Wine Tasting at Vine & Tape - downtown Polson 6 pm December 4 - Lake County Parade of Lights in Downtown Polson 6 p.m. December 4 & 5 - Polson Art Walk and Downtown Shopping at all the Stores December 4, 5, 6 & 11, 12, 13 - Port Polson Players with Mission Valley Friends of Arts present “Cheaper By The Dozen” at Polson Theatre on the Lake; 883-9212 December 5 - Small Town Big Christmas at the South Polson Businesses with Hayrides 10-4 pm and huge drawings 4 pm at Delaney’s; 883-2612 for details December 5 - Holiday Family Fun Night hosted by Providence at Mission Valley Aquatics - open 6 pm starts 7 pm; 883-4567 December 9 - Bob Starkel Karaoke at Finley Point Grill, Hwy 35, MM6 Polson, MT December 10 - “A Night at The Museum” Tora-Tora-Tora 6:30 pm at Miracle of America Museum, Off Hywy 93; Gil at 883-6264 December 11 - Flip Side at Lake Bar, Hwy 93 (across Lake City Bakery) 8 pm December 11 - Mission Valley Live presents “Jason Farnham” at Polson High School 7:30 pm December 12 - Flathead Lake Cheese OPEN HOUSE 10-4 Polson, MT FlatheadLakeCheese.com December 17 - Open Mic at Lake Bar, Hwy 93 (across Lake City Bakery) Polson December 19 - Lake Bar/101 Main Restaurant CHRISTMAS PARTY with Li’l Gladys, Hwy 93 Polson December 22 - Bob Starkel Karaoke at East Shore Smokehouse, Hwy 35 Polson, MT 6 pm December 27 - Billy Peterson & Billy Carrothers at The Big Center for Performing Arts 7 pm; Tickets available online Bigfork Center for Performing Arts www.bigforkcenter.org - $29.00 - (406)-837-4885 December 31 - New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing at the New Red Lion Polson, MT starting at 6 pm; see ad; tickets at 887-2020 or 872-2200 December 31 - New York New Year’s Eve Party Comes to Polson at the Vine & Tap from 7-10 pm with JimNi; call 883-2668 for reservations January 1 - Annual Polar Bear Plunge at 2 pm at The Raven, Woods Bay, Bigfork, MT

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing December 31, 2015 6 p.m. New Red Lion Polson, MT

Menu:

6 p.m. Cocktail Hour hosted with appetizers 7 p.m. Dinner

Salad /Soup Vegetables Potatoes

Bread Prime rib Pork loin

Seafood Chicken Desert table

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AT 4 P.M.

Dark Horse Band

starts at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are

$125

Wine on table for dinner New Years Champagne toast 10% discount New Years party favors if purchased before

Rooms are $99

December 15

Reservation can be made directly thru the Red Lion direct number +1 (406) 872-2200 Or Finley Point Grill (406)887-2020

Locally Sourced Ingredients Catering Available Locally Crafted Montana Brews Package Liquor Store December 9 - What about Bob Karaoke 6 p.m. Get Your New Year’s EVE Dinner & Dancing tickets at the Finley Point Grill

887-2020

Mile Marker 6, Hwy 35 - Polson, P MT (6 miles from Hwy 93 Polson turn onto Hwy 35)

Lower Level Available for Christmas Parties, Private Parties or Events

december 2015

Shop wn Polson Downto To Kalispell & Glacier Par ark

Highway 93 Main St.

To Missoula

Specialty Shops and Restaurants on Highway 93 in the Heart of Polson Polson Business Community

St. Ignatius up to

FLATHEAD LAKE ot!

Valley’s Hot Sp e h T polsonchamber.com or call (406)-883-5969 photo by Pete Ramberg

Small Town,

BIG Christmas Trading & Loan Co. Co

BUY - SELL TRADE - LOAN

Guns, Gold & Silver, Jewelry, Optics, Art, Collectibles, Antiques The Unusual and the Obvious

PAWN SHOP

December 5, 2015 • 10-4 p.m.

Come to Polson and join in the Christmas Fun!

Enjoy our horse-drawn hay ride, visit Santa, take part in $2 bowling, brewing museum tours and great city-wide sales. Eat, drink and shop local at your destination Polson!

102 Rufus Lane, Polson, MT 59860 Across from Eagle Bank

Wide variety of jewelry, suncatchers and bookmarkers

(406) 883-2440

Polson's Premier Pawn Shop ~ polsonpawnshop.com

HolidayRaffle

Frame Your Treasurers For Christmas

MISSION VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER

(406) 883-2488 • Main St., Polson, MT

Christmas Gifts for all the Ladies & Men

POLSON DOWNTOWN STORES Make purchases at participating stores in downtown Polson and each time you reach $250.00, you get a chance to WIN ONE OF 4 HOLIDAY GIFT BOXES WORTH

500

each in gift certificates from our participating businesses Jackie M’s Footwear • Crow’s Nest Gallery • The UPS Store Delaneys Landscape Center • All In Stitches Mission View Greenhouse • Perfectly Imperfect St. Joe’s Gift Shop • Vine & Tap • Showboat Theatre Browns Jewelry • Cove Deli and Pizza Mission Mountain Natural Foods • Pops Grill • Navigator Travel Two Nineteen Main Clothing & Home • Polson Hallmark

Go to Jackie M’s Footwear, Vine & Tap and the UPS Store to enter into the drawing, each time you spend $250.00. Drawing will be held December 17 at 5 p.m. in front of Jackie M’s Footwear, Main Street, downtown Polson.

Purchases count from October 9 through December 17 at 5 p.m.

Pendleton, Tommy Bahama, Tribal, Brighton, Cutter & Buck and more...

o w N e T e

T e N aiN i N m Clothing & Home Formerly First Resort Clothing

219 Main Street, Downtown Polson

406-883-2129

Open 7 Days A Week • www.TwoNineteenMain.com

december 2015

events

First Night Missoula lines up activities to take part in

december 2015

his year, the unofficial theme of First Night Missoula is an interactive one: You can be the artist or the performer. Tom Bensen, head of the Missoula Cultural Council, said many of the 80-some performances and activities scheduled for New Year’s Eve have a hands-on element. “We’re stressing that First Night is for years has been known as great entertainment, he said. “It’s still that, but there’s other ways of having an arts festival.” Now there’s “opportunities to be an artist themselves.” The Spark arts education initiative and the Zootown Arts Community Center are working on a creative mapping project called “Six Degrees of Missoula.” Swing by the University Center Atrium between noon and 8 p.m. to help build a giant string-art map of the city. There will be Native American round dance from 4-5 p.m. in the UC Ballroom, and a juried exhibition of Native art in the UC Gallery. Stop by between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. to cast your vote in the “people’s choice” award. There are also the mainstays of First Night, Benson said. The Big Sky Mudflaps will play from 9-10 p.m. in the UC Commons; followed by first-timers Mudslide Charlie. The First Night Spotlight high school talent contest is set for 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Dennison Theatre. And the closers of Ed Norton Big Band and the Drum Brothers also are on tap. There is also free shuttle bus service for all participants provided by Beach Transportation. Admission buttons are $15 in advance ($18 on Dec. 31), with children ages 7 and under free, and starting in December will be available online at missoulacultural.org/firstnight and at over 20 locations throughout Missoula and in the Bitterroot Valley. Volunteer and get a free button by calling 541-0860. Special events include the Children’s Parade of Hats at Southgate Mall at 1:00 p.m. (come any time after noon, and the Mall will provide masks and decorations); Ice carvings on the courthouse lawn; Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre, the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, Mudslide Charlie, the Big Sky Mud Flaps, Salsa Loca, the John Floridis Trio, Captain Wilson Conspiracy, the First Night Spotlight High School talent competition, and the grand finale at the University Center with a choice of the Ed Norton Big Band and the Drum Brothers. First Night Missoula is a production of the Missoula Cultural Council, connecting art, culture and community through education, advocacy and celebration, serves as a resource for the coordination, development and support of art and culture for the benefit of the Missoula community. Visit missoulacultural.org for more information.

right: Ice carving is always an attraction at First Night Missoula. During a previous year’s event, Missoula College culinary arts students Patrick Comer, Kevin Wooley and Josh Harwood, from left, worked on a sculpture. below: This year, First Night Missoula will feature even more participatory activities. photos by TOM BAUER

december 2015

stage

Dance concert features choreographers and UM dancers

Photographer/videographer William Munoz and dancers Emily Curtiss and Charles Wiseman collaborated on a new piece for “Dance Up Close,” presented by the University of Montana School of Theatre and Dance.

ot on the heels of the success of “A Chorus Line,” the University of Montana School of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce its next featured dance production: “Dance Up Close.” This annual fan-favorite takes place in the intimate black-box Masquer Theatre, where the audience — seated on three sides of the stage — has an intimate relationship with the choreography and performers. This year’s production includes 10 choreographic voices collaborating with over two dozen University dancers. Highlights of “Dance Up Close include:

• Senior volleyball star and UM dancer Capri Richardson choreographs a new piece about ferocity, from the court to the stage to life in general. Richardson says, “It’s how to attack life. Whether in the workplace or in personal life, it’s how struggles are conquered. No matter who or what gets in the way.”

• Melissa Britt, an educator, socially-engaged practitioner, choreographer and performer from Phoenix, Arizona, joined the School of Theatre and Dance this fall for the first of UM’s urban dance residencies. While teaching in the Dance Program, Britt set her piece, “Time Is …,” on nine

dance students. “Time Is …” examines perceptions and the circular nature of moments through a hip-hop vocabulary.

• Missoula-based photographer/videographer, William Munoz, teams up with senior dance major Emily Curtiss to collaboratively choreograph a new duet set on Curtiss and fellow dancer Charles Wiseman. This dynamic new work weaves partnering with solo performance buoyantly carried by the music of Sigur Rós.

All of the young artists featured in “Dance Up Close” have been working for the past three months to fine-tune their choreographic visions and performative prowess. Performances take place on Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Masquer Theatre, PAR/TV Center at UM. Tickets cost $16 general and $14 seniors age 60 and up and students with ID, or $10 for children 12 and under. For tickets, call the UMArts Box Office at (406) 243-4581, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or order tickets online at umt.edu/theatredance. - Courtesy of the University of Montana.

december 2015

Courtesy photo

music

issoula vocal ensemble Dolce Canto presents its annual holiday concert, “A Spotless Rose,” this month. This year’s concert will feature music themed around the Virgin Mary as a universal symbol of perfect love and motherhood. This compelling program will feature music from a variety of traditions and ideologies. Works by Herbert Howells, Ola Gjeilo, Rihards Dubra, Carol Barnett, Craig Hella Johnson, and others will be featured. The 2014 CD “A Joyful Season” will be available for purchase at both concerts. The Missoula performance will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Parish, 217 Tremont St. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Fact & Fiction, Rockin’ Rudy’s, or via the choir’s website at dolce.canto.info. Concerts are frequently sold out. Avoid disappointment and purchase your tickets today. Special guests for this concert are the Hellgate High School Chamber Choir and Chevaliers. There will be a second performance on Thursday, Dec. 17, at the LDS Church in Superior, 12 Moats Lane at 7 p.m. This performance is part of the Mineral County Performing Arts Series, and there will be a free-will offering at the door.

Dolce Canto is an auditioned, nonprofit choral ensemble founded in 2001. It exists to enrich the lives of its members and audiences by performing exceptional and diverse choral music with compelling artistry and sensitivity. The group was invited to sing in New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2013, is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Dale Warland Singers Commission Award, and has released two CDs. The group is currently planning a tour of South Korea in April. The group has a few nontraditional performances coming up in December as well. They’ll sing at Draught Works from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 as part of a “cheers for charity.” Everyone is invited to sing along with the carols at the brewery, located at 915 Toole Ave. The group will make a stop at Thomas Meagher Bar and sing during dinner hour and after from 6-10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14. The bar is located at 130 W. Pine St. For more information, visit dolcecanto.info. - Courtesy of Dolce Canto

december 2015

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december 2015

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december 2015

music

Orchestra, chorale team up for annual favorite By Lucy Beighle

or some Missoulians, the holiday season officially begins in the community when the lights are lit on the downtown Christmas tree, Santa makes his annual and early visit, and the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale perform their beloved seasonal concert, the Holiday Pops. Now in its 16th year, the concert continues to entertain and get the community in the holiday spirit under the guidance of music director Darko Butorac and chorale conductor Dean Peterson. “I’m honored that the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale have become such an integral part of kicking off the holiday season for the community,” said Butorac. “I can honestly say it’s as much fun for us as it is for the audience.” That sentiment is apparent in the lively, festive and, at times, introspective show. The concert will include some classics, such as “Pas de Deux” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” which Butorac describes as “one of the most beautiful moments in the entire ballet,” and lots of favorites including variations of “Joy to the World” and “Oh, Holy Night.” Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ symphonic poem “Finlandia” will take the audience to a more serene place, and Bill Holcombe’s jubilant “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah” offers a piece with numerous recognizable themes and tunes. In the second half, the orchestra and chorale join together for Vivaldi’s “Gloria” — a rousing and beautiful piece that was written around 1715, but the words date back to the 4th century.

The 90-member chorale then goes a cappella with Andre Thomas’ spirituallike arrangement of “African Noel” conducted by Peterson. “It’s a very rhythmic and uplifting piece,” he says, “and we’ll perform it with the addition of a few African percussion instruments.” The show ends with a finale by well-known pops conductor and arranger, Jeff Tyzik. His compilation “Holiday Moods” will feature the orchestra and chorus together, and is a medley of “Deck the Halls,” the “Carol of the Bells,” “Oh Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bells”. During the intermission for the fifth year running is another tradition, the “Encore Auction.” Popular with symphonies nationwide, this fundraising technique allows the audience to put their money on their collective favorite holiday piece for an encore. “This year we’re pitting the sacred favorite, ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ against the secular ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’ Butorac says. Whichever piece raises the most through individual donations, small and large, will be performed as an encore. Butorac reminds people to bring their wallets, as only cash and checks are accepted. “Holiday Pops” takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. in the Dennison Theatre on the University of Montana. Tickets, which sell out faster than Santa’s sleigh, are available online at missoulasymphony.org, by phone at 721-3194, or in person at the Symphony office at 320 E. Main St. For more information on “Holiday Pops” and the MSO, visit missoulasymphony.org.

Photo courtesy of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra

music

musings from the

DARK

SIDE

By Darko Butorac by darko butorac

december 2015

s a kid growing up in Seattle, I had the pleasure of spending my evening and weekend hours working at the famed Dick’s Drive-in, a legend of Seattle’s fastfood joints. I spent all my hard-earned bucks on buying CDs and building my music collection. In a way, all those shakes and fries led to a formation of a core repertoire that I get to share with music lovers whenever I conduct. But it came at a very high price: a long-term exposure to Muzak. Thankfully, Mr. Dick was kind and did not abuse us with the typical elevator-qualityKenny-G soprano-sax-on-endless-repeat equivalent of the Spanish Inquisition. Our soundscape was filled with actual songs as opposed to synthesized covers, mostly Top 40 hits from the 1960s on. This of course was long before the days of Pandora and endless variety of streaming music. Every few hours the tape loop would repeat, and so we all became experts on the deeper, mysterious meaning behind the lyrics of songs such as “Crocodile Rock.” Inevitably, the year would draw to a close, and so the dreaded day loomed - Black Friday. No, there was not a mad rush for our malts following the bird and cranberry sauce. Instead it was the day when the loop would be switched to the holiday edition. Now, there are certainly plenty of songs out there to celebrate the holidays, but ultimately far fewer than the army of Dick Clark favorites. And so the repeat would come much, much sooner, and we were lucky if half an hour passed without hearing the very same Muzac version of “Jingle Bells.” The most dreaded was “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and it did not take long before I wanted to stuff the three French hens and other fowl into the deep fryer for permanent destruction. And so as the cold rainy Seattle days continued deep into December, the fear of going back to work increased. There was no escape, every shift was an ambush of happy-sounding major chords from all sides: “Sleigh Ride” on the right, “Little Drummer Boy” on the left, “The Nutcracker” just around the corner. An assault upon the ears - in my teenage mind it felt like the last scene of “A Clockwork Orange.” And long after the midnight shift, the music would dance inside my head as I tried to go sleep with futility. (Pro-tip I came across recently: a good way to cure ear-worms is chewing gum. Who knew?) In the end, it all ended up being like the Kuebler-Ross model, the five stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance. There are battles worth fighting in life, and trying to escape holiday music is not one of them. Nowadays, when I hear these tunes, they now evoke a certain nostalgia, and make me smile warmly. Except for that partridge song, that one had better not come near my pear tree this time of year. Happy Holidays, Darko Darko Butorac is in his ninth season as music director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra.

december 2015

montana

december 2015

How Tell Us Something storytellers

keep their tales fresh by CORY WALSH â&#x20AC;˘ photos by tyler wilson

Tell Us Something organizer Marc Moss tells participants that practicing too much can turn a vital piece of nonfiction into a prepared speech.

december 2015

montana

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fter Bill McDavid finished telling a story about an all-consuming passion that stretched from his childhood into his 20s, a voice in the corner gave him his time. “12:18,” said Marc Moss, who was armed with a stopwatch app and a notepad. “So I got the gong, then?” McDavid said. He was here for a workshop in Moss’ living room along with a handful of other participants in Tell Us Something, a live nonfiction storytelling series in which local residents tell a tale from their own lives in 10 minutes or less. At these workshops, they practice and get advice to each other, and McDavid heard feedback on his descriptions and his delivery. (We’ve promised not to spoil the content of the stories here.) “I wonder if the tidiness of the end, the little moral you tacked on to the end was necessary,” Moss said. He needs to cut the story, anyway, Moss figured, so leave that part to the audience. Moss, who’s organized the event for years, often tells participants not to pander to the listener, and he also urges them not to practice. He believes that can smooth out the emotional edges and turn a spontaneous story into a prepared speech. “I don’t like it when people rehearse or when they write it down,” he said. “When people write it down, they tend to stumble because they’re trying to remember what they wrote and they’re not telling a story,” he said. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, though, and he understands that some people need to rehearse, whether out of preparation or to soothe their nerves. With mostly newcomers had signed up for the upcoming Dec. 8 event, when they’d be up on the Wilma Theatre stage instead of the usual home at the Top Hat Lounge. Moss reassured them, after all, with the stage lights on you can’t even see how many people are in the crowd. Moss started these workshops three years ago for several reasons. For one, he noticed some storytellers were visibly nervous and didn’t quite know how to approach storytelling, in the writing or the delivery, or both.

december 2015

Stephanie Frostad, Snow Angels, detail, oil on canvas.

Opposite: The mandatory workshops take place in Moss’ living room. Justice of the Peace Karen Orzech, left, listens as Marlies Borcher discusses her story. Above: Bill McDavid prepared a story about one of his youthful passions for this month’s theme, “Illumination Revelation.”

Once he’d held a few workshops, he noticed the group develops a team-like approach, too. “What I found is the people who come to the workshop bond with one another,” he said. “It builds confidence even before they get on the stage.” (Another reason is that he had several instances in which people’s stories ended with a product endorsement, and he wanted to ensure that didn’t happen again.) After years of shepherding stories into the world, Moss has a handful of suggestions he offers time and again. For one, a good story requires stakes for the protagonist: “You have something to lose,” he said. “I’ve had people get up and brag. That’s not the place. That’s not really a story,” he said. He gets common questions like, “Should I have a drink?”

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december 2015

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“If you’re going to have a drink, have one. Not six,” he said. He also frequently tells storytellers that he’s going to be right up front at the Wilma to cheer them on. “You don’t need to be nervous about this. You’re telling a story to your friends in a bar,” he likes to say. He gives suggestions on editing and flow, partially because the 10-minute time limit goes by quickly. He compares it to an old yarn: “It’s easy to write a novel, and it’s hard to write a short story. It’s easy to ramble, but it’s hard to tell a concise, cohesive story,” he said. Marlies Borchers was back for her second round with Tell Us Something. She said she wanted to try it - a “face your fears” exercise - plus Moss did some convincing. “I’m nervous about speaking in large groups of people. That was pretty apparent. It was triumphant to get up and do it, to have it resonate with people and have it connect with people was really fulfilling.” Borchers concurred with Moss’ ideas about spontaneity. If the delivery feels too rehearsed or scripted, she said, even a good story falls flat. Instead, she’d encourage people to “speak naturally and off the cuff.” Don’t be afraid to be nervous. Don’t be afraid to pause. She writes out her entire story and then edits it, though she’s careful not to memorize it verbatim. Instead, she makes a list of bullet points to navigate her through the story’s landmarks, as Moss refers to them. “The interesting thing to me is that some things start coming out of you organically,” she said, with fresh variations created in the moment. “You’re actually able to think up there a bit, in spite of yourself,” she said. At the workshops, she and the other participants provide the bulk of the feedback, not just Moss. Sarah Nasby was adapting an essay she wrote several years ago. After she delivered it, Borchers suggested she slow down the cadence, and another participant warned that her story would stretch longer when she’s not

december 2015

2016 issoula’s Choice

At the workshops, Moss (top left) mans a timer and gives suggestions, but much of the feedback comes from fellow participants, like Karla Theilen (above) and McDavid (below).

reading off of a printed copy. Nasby and Karen Orzech were among a few who decided against telling a story after the workshop, which Moss says happens frequently for a variety of reasons. After Borchers told her story, Karla Theilen complimented her on the “shocking levity” and originality of her sense of humor, which Borchers used to break up moments of intensity. They also helped her with the ending, in which she needed to interlace two life experiences into the theme, “Illumination Revelation.” Borchers had a lot of crafting to do, she said. But she wasn’t going to rehearse it.

if you go

The Tell Us Something storytelling series will have its next event Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Wilma Theatre. Local residents will share 10-minute stories under the theme, “Illumination Revelation.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7. All ages are welcome, but stories can contain adult themes and language. For more information, go to tellussomething.org.

Make your choice, VOTE NOW! www.missoulian.com/ missoulaschoice Voting ends 12-20-15

december 2015

music

UM jazz, Eden Atwood team up for annual concert

he University of Montana Jazz Program is pairing up with guest vocalist Eden Atwood for an evening of fun holiday jazz entertainment at the Missoula Winery. The fourth annual Holiday Swing concert will take place at the winery on Saturday, Dec. 12, with internationally recognized Eden Atwood along with auction items, special surprises, and holiday big band favorites. Atwood is among the rare breed of artists at home both singing in a variety of settings and styles. She has performed on stage with numerous jazz luminaries and has recorded with some of the busiest jazz artists in the business. Joining is guitarist/bassist Craig Hall. The UM Jazz Ensemble I will perform some toe-tapping holiday favorites along with featuring Atwood. This event occurs in part to raise money for the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, UM jazz scholarships and to help with UM Jazz Program activities by bringing jazz artists to Missoula. There will be two sets of music beginning at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., centered on holiday classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Stan Kenton, as well as

fresh and new big band tunes. “The Missoula Winery does a magnificent job with creating a festive atmosphere and having such great bands and music makes for a wonderful jump start to the holiday season,” said Rob Tapper, UM director of jazz studies and director of the DeFranco festival. “This evening should be a blast with some classic holiday big band jazz favorites along with the great singing and swinging by Eden Atwood wowing the audience.” All ages are welcome to this event. General admission seated tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Admission includes a glass of wine for those 21 and up, and a gift from the UM jazz program. Tickets can be purchased at the UM School of Music, or by calling (406) 243-6880. Sponsorship tables of four cost $250, including wine and appetizers. A nonsponsor table for four costs $125, including wine and appetizers. To reserve a table, contact Tapper at robert.tapper@umontana.edu. - Courtesy of UM Jazz Program

december 2015

music

Missoula guitarist and songwriter John Floridis has recorded two CDs of holiday and winter-themed music. photo by Tyson Emery

issoula guitarist and singer-songwriter John Floridis will be performing a series of benefit concerts across the state this December with dates in Whitefish and three concerts in Missoula. The concerts will benefit the organizations Family Promise, Neighbors in Need, the United Way and Habitat for Humanity. As fundraisers with 100 percent of proceeds donated to the local group, generous free-will donations are strongly encouraged. Floridis will be performing material from his two seasonal releases “December’s Quiet Joy” and “The Peaceful Season” both of which feature his fingerstyle acoustic guitar arrangements of traditional Christmas/winter melodies, as well as original compositions. Floridis also includes seasonal vocal tunes, both original and by other artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Patty Larkin, Ben Harper and John Gorka in the performance. The songs feature lyrics speaking to the journey from darkness to light, seasonally, emotionally and spiritually. The concerts welcome the audience to escape the frantic stress that too often pervades the holiday season and relax in an intimate listening environment with music to warm the heart and soul. Floridis is a 20-year Missoula resident and has been recognized as one of the state’s most popular and respected musicians, having performed in a variety

of venues, festivals and concert halls in support of his seven independently released CDs. Floridis has been featured on “11th and Grant” with Eric Funk on Montana PBS and is also the host and producer of “Musician’s Spotlight,” a weekly program on Montana Public Radio. Here are the concert dates for western Montana: Sunday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m., Whitefish Whitefish United Methodist Church. No admission fee, but contributions to be collected for Neighbors In Need. Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Missoula E3 Convergence Gallery. $5, and contributions to be collected for Habitat for Humanity. Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Missoula The Crystal Theater. No admission fee, but contributions to be collected for United Way. Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Missoula First United Methodist Church. No admission fee, but contributions collected for Family Promise Missoula. For more information about the concerts and John Floridis visit johnfloridis. com.

december 2015

music

photo by Matt Sayles, Associated Press

the down and dirty

adele “25”

 standout tracks: “hello” “All i ask” “river lea”

december 2015

corridor music review

Adele returns on ‘25’ by Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times

hen Adele sings on her new album, “25,” about an emotional experience so vivid that “It was just like a movie / It was just like a song,” she’s probably thinking of a tune by one of her idols: Roberta Flack, say, or Stevie Nicks. But for fans of this 27-year-old British singer, such a moment could only be captured by one thing: an Adele song. With her big hair and bigger voice, Adele broke out in 2008 as part of the British retro-soul craze that also included Duffy and Amy Winehouse. Her debut album, “19,” spawned a hit single in “Chasing Pavements” and led to a Grammy Award for best new artist. Yet she outgrew any style or scene with the smash follow-up, “21,” which presented Adele as a great crystallizer of complicated feelings, an artist writing intimately about her own life (in this case about a devastating breakup) in a way that somehow made the music feel universal.

december 2015

music

espite – or perhaps because of – her lack of interest in modern pop-star gamesmanship, “21” also turned the proudly oldfashioned Adele into a profit center for a struggling record industry. In the United States alone, the album sold 11 million copies, enough to make it the biggest-selling title of both 2011 and

2012. Clearly, the pressure is on to duplicate that commercial success with “25,” which comes after a long period of public quiet in which Adele recovered from throat surgery and gave birth to a son (and tweeted no more than a few dozen times). “Hello,” the record’s brooding lead single, set a record when it was released last month, racking up 1.1 million downloads in a week. But the song’s enthusiastic embrace only underscored the other, more pressing demand on the singer as she returns: that her music still provide its trademark catharsis. Put another way, Adele’s fans have been waiting for years for new Adele songs to explain their experiences to them. And they get a worthy batch on “25,” an album so full of heavy-duty drama that it makes a more lighthearted peer such as Katy Perry seem like a Pez dispenser. Over tolling piano chords that swell to an echoing throb, she’s reaching out to apologize to an ex in “Hello” – then realizing when he won’t take her call that she cares about him more than she thought. “All I Ask” is a stunning ballad, co-written by Bruno Mars, begging a departing lover for one more night of tenderness, just in case “I never love again.” And rest assured that the title of “I Miss You” doesn’t oversell the song’s emotional payload. “Pull me in, hold me tight,” she sings, her voice thick with desire as Paul Epworth’s drums boom like cannons around her, “Don’t let go / Baby, give me life.”

december 2015

Even as it fulfills those expressive requirements, “25” expands the scope of Adele’s music, taking up new themes and textures. There are songs about her life as a mother, including the buoyant, shuffling “Sweetest Devotion” and “Remedy,” in which she promises her child, “No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you.” It’s a well-worn lyrical idea refreshed by the ugly-cry intensity of her singing. There are also songs – lots of them – that trade Adele’s old righteous acrimony for a gentler sense of longing, as in “When We Were Young,” the tune about viewing life as a movie, and the gorgeous “Million Years Ago,” which with its sighing cafe-jazz arrangement feels like something Barbra Streisand would’ve performed four or five decades ago. “I miss it when life was a party to be thrown,” she sings, her youth already wasted (at 27!), “but that was a million years ago.” Time hasn’t dulled her sharp edges entirely. “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” feels like a sly sequel to “Rolling in the Deep,” the scorchedearth kiss-off from “21” that described everything her ex was giving up. Here she’s over the pain but can’t resist poking a bit of fun at the guy, stretching out the word “lover” so that it sounds like she’s mocking him – especially as set against the tick-tock groove by Max Martin and Shellback, Swedish hitmakers known for getting a similar effect with Taylor Swift. Those are two of Adele’s new collaborators on “25,” along with Greg Kurstin, who brings an ‘80s-R&B vibe to “Water Under the Bridge,” and Danger Mouse, who sets “River Lea” adrift in waves of his signature organ haze. Yet throughout the album, these pop wizards are coming to Adele, not the other way around. They recognize her singularity and work hard to uphold it, to help fill these songs with as much Adele as possible. What’s truly remarkable is how many people will listen and hear only themselves.

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december 2015

corridor music review

SOUNDCLOUD MIX OF THE MONTH

boiler room: Upfront 043: Blank Code photo via soundcloud

It’s barely December, but the Christmas music has been going since Halloween, and like many people, you’re probably sick of it already. If Christmas songs are your jam, that’s great- you do you. But for the rest of us, we need a respite from the constant barrage of sleigh bells. Enter Black Code. Blank Code is a Detroit based techno label, and this latest mix features many of the new releases their label has to offer. Artists such as Luis Flores, Drumcell, DJ Hyperactive,Corbin Davis, and Nick Bien are featured prominently, and the mix is expertly choreographed by Detroit duo and Blank Code labelmates Project 313. If you’re looking for something to break up the monotony of Christmas carols, this mix of dark techno won’t stear you wrong. And pardon the bad joke, but if you gotta roast chestnuts this winter, use this mix, because it’s fire.

soundcloud.com/platform/upfront-043-blank-code

jon benjamin “jazz daredevil”

 the voice of archer plays instrumental jazz piano. the punchline? he can’t play a note.

logic “the incredible true story”

 released just a year after his debut lp, logic again impresses, avoiding the sophomore slump altogether.

lanterns on the lake “beings”

 the third lp from lanterns on the lake is a mellow affair, yet still retains their trademark sound.

ellie goulding “delirium”

 goulding fully embraces the big pop anthem, and the results are mediocre.

december 2015

film

Roxy sing-alongs invite audience to belt their favorite tunes

Photo courtesy of The Roxy Theater

he trailers end. The lights go down. The music starts. Normally if you began to belt out a tune at this moment you’d be glared at and shushed, but when you’re at a Roxy sing-along, crowd interaction isn’t just allowed, it’s actively encouraged. Sing-alongs have become monthly fixtures in the Roxy special events schedule. Over the past year audiences have joined the chorus at movies ranging from “The Sound of Music” to “Fiddler on the Roof” to “Moulin Rouge.” “We are trained to enter a movie theater, sit quietly, and simply observe. But with these sing-alongs everyone gets an opportunity to truly engage with, not just the film, but with the other audience members, too,” said Reid Reimers, sing-along host. “Plus, unlike a traditional film viewing, the audience brings its own fun and energy.” The Roxy sing-alongs started as a partnership with Missoula Community Chorus. After successful holiday screenings of “White Christmas” and “The Sound of Music,” sing-alongs were added to the regular special events calendar. Now at the Roxy, you’re as likely to find a sing-along classic like “Grease” or something a little different – and more contemporary – like Prince’s “Purple Rain”. No matter the show, the audience is encouraged to celebrate the experience. “At the ‘Grease’ sing-along, three generations of ladies arrived in poodle skirts and cardigans, singing it out and boogying in their seats. In such a simple way they came together as a family. It’s something we rarely have the opportunity to do in public much these days,” Reimers said. Fishnets and a corset may not be an everyday kind of outfit, but last October at “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” sing-along, it was the norm. “The Rocky Horror Show Live” cast hosted the sing-along too, kicking off the night with the

traditional welcome to “’Rocky Horror’ virgins” to come up on stage. There they were initiated into the festivities with a scarlet “V” applied to their foreheads in lipstick. Prop bags were available to make the event a play-along as well, allowing participants to throw rice at the wedding, squirt water guns during the rainstorm and throw some toilet paper for Doctor Scott. When the live cast led the entire audience into the “Time Warp,” nobody in the audience was left seated. Judging by the state of the theater after the show, a good time was had by all. This month, the Roxy will be encouraging you to belt out along with “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The classic 1971 film features a soundtrack full of tunes perfect to sing-along with at the top of your lungs. Cheer along Charlie Bucket during “Golden Ticket,” let Gene Wilder creep you out a little during “The Rowing Song,” or if you’ve been waiting to unleash your inner Oompa-Loompa, there will be plenty of opportunities to chastise children for bad behavior – in song. The psychedelic film based on Roald Dahl’s classic young adult novel is full of earworms guaranteed to keep you humming long after you’ve left the theater. “Willy Wonka” audience members can even get a shot at their own golden ticket. The concessions stand will have special Wonka chocolate bars available for purchase and a few lucky audience members may just find a golden ticket hidden in the wrapper. If it’s your first time at a sing-along, don’t be shy! There will be a host to guide you through the show. Don’t worry about your ability to harmonize either, singalongs are about enthusiasm more than carrying a tune. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” will screen on Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Roxy Theater. Visit theroxytheater.org for complete showtimes.

december 2015

film

Saoirse Ronan stars as an Irish girl who emigrates to New York and comes of age in “Brooklyn,” an indie film based on Irish writer Colm Toibin’s novel. Photo courtesy Fox Searchlight.

december 2015

“

rooklyn” builds a touching, moving, crowd-pleasing delight from quiet, unassuming material. Adapted from the novel of the same name by popular Irish author Colm Toibin, it follows the trans-Atlantic life and shifting fortunes of young Eilis Lacey. Saoirse Ronan is unpretentious and perfect in the role as Eilis emigrates in 1950 from her drab home country to New York City. Ronan, who earned an Oscar nomination at 13 in “Atonement” (2007), has only improved over the following decade. She gives “Brooklyn” overwhelming beauty and insight and sweet sorrow and laughter as Eilis tries to decide which culture is where her soul really belongs. The confident rhythm of John Crowley’s direction, the faultless performances, Nick Hornby’s serious, relentlessly funny script and Yves Belanger’s painterly cinematography create a sumptuous film. “Brooklyn” is unquestionably one of the best entries in this increasingly impressive year. This is a film about belonging. “Home is home,” one character says, but is it our birthplace or where life leads us? From the opening shot, a dreary nighttime view of a street in Eilis’ hometown of Enniscorthy, we have a sense of the community’s constraints and bureaucracy. It offers trials and tribulations for intelligent but shy girls. Eilis earns small change working for grocer “Nettles” Kelly (Brid Brennan), a harpy who publicly denounces her store’s Sunday customer seeking shoe polish because that’s not the sort of vain adornment to be sold on the Sabbath. Like German charm and Italian efficiency, Irish kindness is sometimes in short supply. Still, there are instances of charity. Her devoted older sister helps Eilis move to a new land of opportunity. Her old friend Father Flood, a kind priest tending to Brooklyn’s Irish immigrants (Jim Broadbent, outstanding as usual) has set up a job and a residence for the girl.

“I’m away to America,” soft-spoken Eilis announces, beginning a journey like Alice down the rabbit hole. She enters a wonderland whose challenges begin on her lurching seasick crossing, an eventful passage that introduces her to beginner mistakes like the need for a barf bucket. A fellow passenger leaving an unsatisfactory return trip to Ireland takes the novice under her wing, telling Eilis she’ll be relieved to live where not everyone “knows your auntie.” Once she moves into her rooming house (governed with strict control and witty reproaches by Julie Walters), Eilis pines for any sort of link to her old area. She breaks out in homesick weeping over mundane letters about trivial events. It’s a reaction of brilliantly juggled opposites; Ronan moves viewers both to laughter and tears. Meek Eilis becomes more sure-footed, proving herself a capable department store employee and bright night school accounting student. By the time she enters a charming courtship with a dreamboat Italian-American plumber (Emory Cohen), Eilis has moved from a green-on-green wardrobe echoing Ireland’s pastoral beauty to sunny hues that dress her like a blossoming flower. She grows from girl to woman. The new couple’s connection deepens, and Eilis’ sense of isolation fades. Then calamity strikes, making Eilis return to her small Irish town. Her newfound confidence makes Eilis, who was once overlooked, into the belle of the ball. Needed there for the first time in her life, she must choose between two nations she loves. And with Domhnall Gleeson playing a nice would-be suitor, she faces another life-changing tug of war. “Brooklyn” is a refined period romance, free from schmaltz, sentimentality and pandering. There are remarkable hearttouching moments. A tender Gaelic song shared at an immigrant pensioners’ dinner is emotionally richer than a dozen studio romances. And pungent humor percolates throughout the film without a second of contrivance. “Brooklyn” deserves a warm embrace not just because Ronan’s first adult role is so polished. It should be cheered as a modern classic of the highest order.

screen test

movies around missoula

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his army of Stormtroopers. rated pg13 • december 18 • carmike cinemas

THE NIGHT BEFORE Three longtime friends pursue one last Christmas blowout on a night peppered with drugs and references to holiday movie classics. Rated r • Now Playing • Carmike Cinemas

CREED Former champion boxer Rocky Balboa serves as trainer and mentor to the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed Rated PG13 • now playing • Carmike Cinemas

brooklyn

 rated pg13 opening dec. 11 The Roxy Theater

M O N TA N A

AAA • 000 Rivers

This holiday season give the gift of clean water with the Rivers license plate.

Happy Holidays SINCE 1972

BUTTERFLY HERBS Coffees, Teas & the Unusual 232 NORTH HIGGINS AVENUE DOWNTOWN

december 2015

Photo by Wendy Lynch Redfern

events

msla

DEC EVENTS CALENDAR

reggie watts

december 19 • 8pm wilma theatre

To submit your events to the calendar, please email info@corridormag.com by the 15th of the prior month 4 Opening reception, 5-8 p.m., 4 Ravens Gallery, 248 N. Higgins Ave. Featuring “Made by Hand: Fine Craft Holiday Ornaments.” 317-1543, 4ravensgallery@ gmail.com.

4 First Friday opening, 5-9 p.m., Gallery 709 in Montana Art and Framing, 709 Ronan St. Featuring “Masks,” mixed-media paintings by Peter Keefer. (406) 5417100, montanaart.com.

4 Opening celebration for new gallery and First Friday exhibition, 5 p.m., Mauka Gallery, 1425 S. Higgins Ave. Featuring “Moments of Noticing” by mixed-media artist Susan Crawford. (203) 253-4186.

4 First Friday, Bernice’s Bakery, 190 S. Third St. W. Featuring “Folded Forms and Light,” folded polypropylene and paper, wall hanging light sculptures by Jesse Sindler. 728-1358.

4 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., Bathing Beauties, 501 S. Higgins Ave. Featuring The annual Beauties Show.

4 First Friday, 5-9 p.m., E3 Convergence Gallery, 229 W. Main St. Featuring “A Butterfly in the Winter Woods,” work in a variety of mediums by Bobbe Almer. e3gallerymissoula.com.

4 First Friday holiday art show, 5-8 p.m., Taco Del Sol, 422 N. Higgins Ave. Featuring B. MartiNez. 4 Artists’ reception, 5-8 p.m., the Artists’ Shop, 127 N. Higgins Ave. Featuring “Stampede,” acrylics by Christine Sutton of Bozeman. 543-6393, missoulaartistsshop.com. 4 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., Lake Missoula Tea Co., 136 E. Broadway. Featuring watercolor and acrylic paintings by John Zelazny. 529-9477.

4 First Friday, 5-8:30 p.m., Gecko Designs, 523 N. Higgins Ave. Featuring “Psychic Warbeasts of Gathox,” paintings from professional role-playing game illustrator and game designer D.L. Johnson’s forthcoming role playing book, “Gathox Vertical Slum.” 4 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. Featuring “A Few of My Favorite Things,” exhibition selected by MAM’s senior exhibition curator emeritus Stephen Glueckert. Gallery talk, 7 p.m. 728-

0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 4 First Friday, 5-8 p.m., Betty’s Divine, 509 S. Higgins Ave. Featuring “Rare Hares,” an exhibition of paintings by Nora Moseman. 721-4777. 4 “American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry,” Carmike 12. Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 4 Rick DeMarinis reads and signs his novel “El Paso Twilight,” 5:30 pm., Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 721-2881, factandfictionbooks.com. 4-5 University Center Holiday Art Festival, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., University Center, UM. 243-5622. 4 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 4 Art sale, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. Private sale offered by Linda D. Ray featuring quality artwork, much of it by well known

Montana artists, including oils, watercolors, signed and numbered prints, and more. 4-5 The Festival of Trees, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday at the Florence Building, 111 N. Higgins Ave. Events include a Tour of the Trees on Friday and Saturday and a Teddy Bear Tea at 9 a.m. Saturday ($10 reservations required). Saturday evening’s Wine and Pine Gala ($65) benefits Mountain Home Montana’s efforts to serve young mothers and their babies across western Montana. Call 541-4663 or visit mountainhomemt.org/festival for more information. 4-5, 11-12 “Dance Up Close” presented by the University of Montana College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance, 7:30 p.m., (2 p.m. performance Dec. 12), Masquer Theatre, PAR/TV Center, UM. Tickets $16 general, $14 seniors and students, $10 children 12 and under. 243-4581, umt.edu/theatredance. 4 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime stories for children of all ages and caregivers, 10:30 a.m.; Yarns @ the Library, an open fiber-arts craft

december 2015 group, noon- 2 p.m.; Young Adult Writers for writers in grades 9-12, 3:30 p.m.; Introduction to Programming in Java for TEENS (MakerSpace) ages 13-18, 5-5:50 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 5 Saturday computer and device drop-in assistance, for phones, tablets, or operating systems, 10 a.m.-noon; Family Storytime for children of all ages, and caregivers, 11 a.m.; Holiday make-and-take craft sessions before the Parade of Lights, 1-4 p.m.; Parade of Lights-see the community favorite Library Bookmobile at the Parade of Lights on Higgins, starting at 5 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 7212665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 5 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 5 Saturday + Stephen Glueckert, 10 a.m.-noon, Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. Free. Tour “A Few of My Favorite Things” with Glueckert. This eclectic exhibit reflects the deep and lasting relationships that MAM developed with the community of artists that it serves. It also gives insight into the MAM Collection and its emerging contemporary regional aesthetic. 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 5 Saturday Family Art Workshop: Drop-in Holiday Project in conjunction with the Missoula Parade of Lights, 1-3 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. Free. 7280447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 5 Parade of Lights Festival, 6 p.m., downtown Missoula. The illuminated extravaganza travels north on Higgins Avenue to the red XXXX’s for the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Come early to visit with St. Nick in the Florence Building from 1

to 4:30 p.m.; children’s activities and craft projects are also part of festivities. Call 543-4238 for more information. 5 First Night Author Extravaganza, authors signing books all day, Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 721-2881, factandfictionbooks.com. 5 Christmas card making, Festival of Lights, noon-3 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. Free, donations appreciated. Create all your Christmas cards this year. Paper supplies, glue and decorative goodies provided. Enjoy Christmas music, a creative communal atmosphere, and inspiring supplies. 5497555, zootownarts.org. 5 Basses Covered, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 5 Missoula Folklore Society contra dance, 8-11 p.m., Union Hall, 208 E. Main St. Beginner workshop, 7:30 p.m. Music by Fadley & Joyner; caller Roy Curet. $6 MFS members, $9 nonmembers. Missoulafolk.org. 5 Aud Steinfeldt signs her debut novel “Just Over the Ridge” and Sandra Johnson signs “The Ground Squirrels Take Glacier … Maybe,” 10-11:30 a.m., Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 5 Aud Steinfeldt signs her debut novel “Just Over the Ridge,” noon-2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 2640 N. Reserve St. 5 Hawthorne Elementary School Craft Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2835 Third St. W. 5 Ovando Old West Christmas Fest. All-day activities include Cowboy Claus, Wild West shoot-out, wagon rides, gingerbread houses, axe throwing, kids face painting, good and more. (406) 793-0018.

5-6 Fourth annual Art Blizzard, a market for unique handmade arts and crafts, noon-6 p.m., VonCommon, 100 Johnson No. 7. This event runs Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec 6 and will feature the creations of Gretel Stoudt, Jeremy Haas, Jazmine Raymond, Courtney Blazon, Jasmine Epperle, Acton Siebel, Marlo Crocifisso, Adelaide Gale Every, ladypajama, Kerry Eyman, Ivette Kjelsrud, Andrea Hart, Coral Raines, Anne Cruikshank, Debby Florence, David Miles, and Elisha Harteis. 5-6 The Missoula Symphony Orchestra presents its Holiday Pops Concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dennison Theatre at the University of Montana. Tickets are $11-$45. The orchestra and chorale will ring in the season with a joyful and touching program of holiday favorites. Call 721-3194 or visit missoulasymphony.org. 6 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 6:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 6 Russ Nasset, 5-7 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 6 International Choral Festival Extravaganza featuring Steven Arno and Carol Fielder, 12:30 p.m. and Charles Palmer, 2 p.m., Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 7212881, factandfictionbooks.com.

off, managing your desktop and how to open programs, no experience necessary, registration required, 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 7 Montana World Affairs Council program, 7 p.m., DoubleTree Ballroom, 100 Madison St. Featuring retired U.S. Ambassador Vicky Huddleston, chief of U.S. Interests Section Havana for several years, “U.S. Cuban Relations 1900-2015: The Best of Enemies.” Free for members and students $10 nonmembers. 728-3328. 8 Tell Us Something storytelling event, local residents tell 10-minute true stories under the theme “Illumination Revelation,” 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, $5, thewilma. com. 8 Candle making, 6-8 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. $25/$20 for members. 5497555, zootownarts.org. 8, 15, 22, 29 ZACCercise, Tuesdays, 12:15-1 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. $5 suggested donation. Spend the lunch hour with the ZACC getting in your daily dose of exercise. Wear whatever you need to wear to exercise: whether that means flannel, high-heels, ’80s clothes, or yoga pants, 549-7555, zootownarts.org.

6 Family Storytime, stories for children of all ages, and 8 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell caregivers, 2 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Frenchtown Branch photo courtesy smokies LEGO club, 4-6 of p.m.;the Systemlil’ Check! The official MPL 7 Electronics Exploration: Want to learn about small Gamers Club for ages 13-19, play on Wii, Xbox 360 in electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap the YA department, 6:30 p.m.; Intro to Programming Circuits or littleBits? Try them out during Electronics in C and C++ in the MakerSpace, four-week intro to Exploration. We welcome participants from absolute programming languages for ages 13 and up, 6-7 p.m., beginners to electronics enthusiasts working on class capped at six participants; call 721-BOOK for projects, 3-6 p.m.; Computer Fundamentals, learn details and to register; Community Creative Writing about the computer’s hardware, how to turn it on and Workshop in the MakerSpace, writing as a form of

Welcome! Mark Duff, DO Family physician

106 Ridgewater Drive | Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-3200 | www.kalispellregional.org

Dr. Duff completed his medical studies at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, and his internship at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency at Kanawha Valley Family Practice and is certified by the ABFM. He then completed an Emergency Medicine with West Virginia University-Charleston Area Medical Center. Dr. Duff began professional practice with Spring Hill Primary Care, and then opened his own practice in April 1997. He became an emergency department physician with the Charleston Area Medical Center in September 2004, parttime while still practicing in his private practice. Leaving private practice he gained experience as a hospitalist, then was later commissioned as a medical officer with the West Virginia Air National Guard. Dr. Duff accessioned to active duty in the United States Air Force in family medicine, later becoming the Family Health Center Medical Director at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Dr. Duff was deployed to an undisclosed location in southwest Asia as the medical director of that base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently Dr. Duff is the acting chief of the medical staff, SGH, at Langley Air Force Base. In his free time, Dr. Duff enjoys hunting, fishing hiking and camping with his family, and traveling to new uncharted territories for family vacations.

december 2015

msla

dec

EVENTS CALENDAR

making in an open, drop-in environment focused on the creative writing workshop process, 6-7:30 p.m.; 2nd Tuesday MPL Book Group discusses “The Luminaries” by Eleanor Catton, 7 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org.

9 Easy steps to eBooks: Electronic books, e-audio books, digital music and video all available through the library website. Learn how to take advantage of free access to new media. Attendees are encouraged to bring their eReaders and any cords if they have for them, 12:30 p.m.; Middle school writers for writers and aspiring writers in grades 6-9, to get and give good feedback, play with words – and eat a little chocolate, 3:30 p.m.; Be Up-Cycled offers the opportunity to upcycle common household items into holiday-themed décor, noon, space is limited to 6; register early at http://tinyurl.com/ upcycleddec15; Open Jewelry Studio in the MakerSpace, instruction on basic techniques is available, find new projects, enjoy a collaborative workshop atmosphere with mentor Irene Pritsak, 6-7:30 p.m.; Beginning Word, an introduction to word processing including how to create a document, manipulate the text and font, use templates and a few fun tricks, registration required, 6 p.m.; 2nd Wednesday Book Group discusses “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat,” by Oliver Sacks, 7 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 7212665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 9 Contemporary Collectors Circle, 5:30-7 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. To celebrate the Yuletide, the CCC is throwing a party. Join the CCC for a social evening of art-making with delicious food. CCC membership dues help purchase a new acquisition for MAM annually. Join the CCC for $100 in addition to any level of membership today. To join this special group, and to attend this and various art excursions throughout the year, contact Ted Hughes, MAM collection manager and registrar: 728-0447 Ext. 222 or ted@missoulaartmuseum.org. 9-11 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 9 Glass-fusing orientation class, 6-8 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. $20/$15 for members plus cost of glass. This introductory class will cover the basics of glass, from how the kilning process works to slumping, fusing, mold-making, and glass aftercare. Once you have attended this fun night of glass fusing you’re welcome to come in anytime and work in the glass fusing studio. 549-7555, zootownarts. org. 10 David Brooks reads and signs his book about the Milltown Dam removal, “Restoring the Shining Waters,” 5:30 p.m., Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 7212881, factandfictionbooks.com.

10 Art workshop: “Nature Journaling with Watercolor” with instructor Nancy Seiler, 9 a.m.-noon, Nancy Seiler’s Studio, 330 Brooks St. $50 plus materials. Learn how to sketch, ink, and apply watercolor to objects found in nature. Seiler is a certified Golden art educator. Call 370-1254 to register. 10 UM School of Art 30th annual Art Annex Holiday Sale and Juried Show, 4-7 p.m., UM Art Annex. Opening celebration with live music; awards presentation, 5 p.m. 243-4181. 10 Nate Vernon and Friends of Wartime Blues, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 10 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; R.E.A.D. Dogs: practice reading with a dog trained to listen at the Dragon Rug, 3 p.m.; Electronics Exploration, learn about small electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap Circuits or littleBits, participants welcome from absolute beginners to electronics enthusiasts working on projects, 3-6 p.m.; LEGO Club, for all ages up to 12, LEGOs cover the floor in the dragon rug area from 3:30-5 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 11 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime stories for children of all ages and caregivers, 10:30 a.m.; Yarns @ the Library, an open fiber-arts craft group, noon- 2 p.m.; Young Adult Writers for writers in grades 9-12: come listen, share your work, do fun writing exercises, and eat snacks, 3:30 p.m.; Introduction to Programming in Java for Teens (MakerSpace) for ages 13-18, 5-5:50 p.m.; World-Wide Cinema free foreign film, “Stations of the Cross” (Germany, 2014), 7 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 11 Shann Ray reads and signs his acclaimed debut novel, “American Copper,” 5:30 p.m., Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 721-2881, factandfictionbooks.com. 11-12 UM School of Art 30th annual Art Annex Holiday Sale and Juried Show, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., UM Art Annex. 243-4181. 11 Second Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. Featuring “Love and Reality,” by Christian Ives and paintings by Jeff Sweten. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 11 Silk screening night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. Free, donations appreciated. Come in with a blank shirt, tote bag, or scarf and leave with one of the house designs printed anywhere of your choosing. If you get any compliments on your print (which is inevitable) throw some change in the donation jar. No registration necessary. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 11 Girls Rock Camp performance, 6-6:30 p.m., Top Hat, 134 W. Front St. Free, donations appreciated. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 11 Tuba Christmas, 7 p.m., Southgate Mall. An ensemble of up to 100 tubas performing traditional Christmas tunes will fill the halls. 11-12 Little Red Truck Vintage Market’s European Christmas, 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Missoula County Fairgrounds. Twinkly Christmas tree paths dotted with outdoor vendor stalls and warmed with cozy bonfires will lead to three buildings chock full of vintage and handcrafted gifts. Also featuring live music from River City Ramblers and Wolf and the Moons. Tickets can be purchased at http://mkt.com/little-red-truck-vintage-market or are available at the door. A portion of the gate proceeds will

go to SUMMIT for Parkinson’s. 11-13 Fourth annual Festival of Crèches, “No Room at the Inn,” an annual benefit for Habitat for Humanity and Family Promise of Missoula, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1475 Eaton St. The weekend begins with a gala on Dec. 11, 6-9 p.m., featuring music by the Five Valley Chorus of the Sweet Adelines. Donation is $25/person in advance, $35/person at the door. The festival continues Saturday with morning prayer at 10 a.m. in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe; a Mexican breakfast with pan dulce and chocolate, follows until noon. Creche viewing is available until 4 p.m. On Sunday all are invited to a Christmas tea at 2:30 p.m. Members of the Sweet Adelines will entertain and all will enjoy a Christmas story and festive refreshments. Visit blessedtrinitymissoula.org for prices and ticket information; also available on the website is a submission form to display a crèche and complete details of the event. 12 Pottery sale, Santa’s Cookie Plate, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. The pottery is a featured piece in our Paint-Your-OwnPottery studio where patrons come in and paint a premade piece of bisque ware. Feel free to drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to Paint-Your-Own Santa’s Cookie Plate. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 12 The Whole Family, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 12 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 12 Art Workshop: “Nature Journaling with Watercolor” with instructor Nancy Seiler, 1-4 p.m., Nancy Seiler’s Studio, 330 Brooks St. $50 (plus materials). Learn how to sketch, ink, and apply watercolor to objects found in nature (while working in the studio.) Seiler is a certified Golden art educator. Call 370-1254 to register. 12 Felt ornament workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. $25/$20 for members. Sew wool felt into dangling delights for your holiday tree, or for gifts. Fashion them into delicate snowflakes, jolly snowmen, your favorite holiday food, or better yet: something completely random. Once you learn the technique of creating wool ornaments you might take this idea further and apply it to felt decorations, jewelry, and adornments. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 12 Saturday Family Art Workshop: Hungarian Felt Ornaments with Barbara Morrison, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. Free. These tree ornaments are made from felt and decorated with cutouts, buttons, and thread. Arrive early to be ensured a spot in these workshops. All materials are provided. 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 12, 19 Open figure drawing, non-instructed, 3-5 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. $10/$8. These sessions provide artists an opportunity to draw from a live model. Some supplies (newsprint and charcoal) are available for use. Participants must be 18 years or older. 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 12 20th annual Helping Hands of Alberton benefit auction, River Edge Resort, Alberton. Fish and chips lunch, noon; live auction, 1 p.m. Proceeds help children during Christmas season. 9406) 722-3338. 12 Dolce Canto presents “A Spotless Rose,” 7:30 p.m., St. Anthony Parish, 217 Tremont. Special guests the Hellgate High School Chamber Choir and Chevaliers. This year’s holiday concert will feature music themed around the Virgin Mary as a universal symbol of perfect love and motherhood. This compelling program will feature music from a variety of traditions and

ideologies. Works by Herbert Howells, Ola Gjeilo, Rihards Dubra, Carol Barnett, Craig Hella Johnson, and others will be featured. Tickets available at Fact & Fiction, Rockin’ Rudy’s or at Dolce.Canto.info. 12 Montana Wilderness Association Extravaganza, authors signing all day including Matt Pavelich, Ken Egan, Beth McHugh, Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. 721-2881, factandfictionbooks.com. 12 Fourth annual “Holiday Swing: A White Christmas,” 6 and 9 p.m., Missoula Winery, 5646 W. Harrier. Featuring singer Eden Atwood and Craig Hall. Atwood and Missoula Mayor John Engen also preside over a live auction benefiting the UM Jazz Program. Tickets $15 adults, $10 students and seniors (table sponsorships also available). Call 243-6880. 12 Computer and device drop-in assistance with phones, tablets or operating systems with one-on-one help, 10 a.m.-noon; Family Storytime for children of all ages, and caregivers, 11 a.m.; Brown Bag Family Holiday Movie, bring a sack lunch (or pick one up at Trapper Peak Coffee in the library) and enjoy a family movie on the big screen in the large meeting room. Stay for cookie-decorating afterward, noon-1 p.m.; Cookie decorating and holiday crafts, all are invited, 1-3 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 13 JuBELLation Handbell Choir annual Christmas concert, 1:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St. The holiday program features a variety of handbell styles covering your favorite Christmas-time hymns and carols, including Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Free-will offering will be taken to help with concert expenses and add to the choir’s general fund for equipment maintenance and travel to regional handbell festivals. (207) 432-8056. or brynn. bellingham@gmail.com or the First United Methodist Church, FUMCMissoula@gmail.com. 13 Family Storytime, stories for children of all ages and caregivers, 2 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 13 Captain Wilson Conspiracy, 5-7 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 13 Five Valley Accordions, 1-4 p.m., Rustic Hut, Florence. $3 members, $4 nonmembers. 13 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 6:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 13 The National Alliance on Mental Illness Missoula’s second annual Holiday High Tea, noon-2 p.m., Florence Building, 111 N. Higgins. Tickets $25 per person; the proceeds from this fundraiser will help with prescription costs for clients of three local mental health centers. You can mail your check to NAMI Missoula, P.O. Box 5413, Missoula MT 59806 by Dec. 8. Call 880-1013 or 542-0236. 13 Ninth annual Holiday MADE Fair, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Adams Center, UM. Free entry. Presenters include handMADE Montana, REcreate Designs, Courtney Blazon Illustrations, Design Missoula plus over 170 artisans and 15 nonprofits. 214-9078, missoulamadefair.com. 14 Intermediate QuickBooks 2014 with Jamie Ballas of Anderson ZurMuehlen CPAs and Business Advisors, lecture-style course with a one-hour break for lunch. All attendees receive a free manual, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., call to register as space is limited, 721-BOOK; Electronics Exploration, learn about small electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap Circuits or littleBits, 3-6 p.m.; “Beginning WORD,” an introduction to

december 2015 word processing including how to create a document, manipulate the text and font, use templates and a few fun tricks, registration required, 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 15 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Young Adult volunteer orientation, learn about ways to volunteer, play some games to learn new skills (and, yes, chocolate is involved), 3:30 p.m.; Frenchtown Branch LEGO club, 4-6 p.m.; Intro to Programming in C and C++ in the MakerSpace, four-week introduction to programming languages for ages 13 and up, 6-7 p.m., class capped at six participants; call 721-BOOK for details and to register. Community Creative Writing Workshop in the MakerSpace, try writing as a form of making in an open drop-in environment focusing on creative writing workshop process, 6-7:30 p.m.; Gaming for Grownups, 6:30-8:30 p.m., check out MPL’s new club for adult gamers on the third Tuesday of each month, with a new theme each month. Learn a game or play one from MPL’s collection; System Check! The official MPL Gamers Club for ages 13-19, play on Wii, Xbox 360 in the YA department, 6:30 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 15 Holiday Kid’s Klub Craft, 4-7 p.m., Southgate Mall. 16-18 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 16 Paint N’ Pour, 6-8 p.m., Zootown Arts Community Center, 235 N. First St. W. $25 /$20 for members, registration required. Paint and enjoy a glass of wine. 549-7555, zootownarts.org. 16 Teen Artist Workshop: Casting Paper with Amber Flaherty, 4-6 p.m. Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. All materials, pizzas and snacks provided. Artist and teacher Amber Flaherty may best be known for her mural featuring a skateboarding woman welcoming folks to the Hip Strip. In this class Flaherty will share another one of her talents: paper casting. Bring a found object you’d like to cast in paper. Rubber molds will first be made from the object before they are cast. This is 3-D printing without a computer. All materials are provided. 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 16 “Resumes,” learn the basics of creating a resume using library databases and basic templates to make formatting easy. Bring details (names/dates/contact information) on education, training, and job history to get a start on your resume, registration required, 12:30 p.m.; Middle-School Writers Group for writers and aspiring writers in grades 6-9, to get and give good feedback, play with words, 3:30 p.m.; Open Jewelry Studio, “Holiday Bracelets with MakerSpace mentor Irene Pritsak, 6-7:30 p.m.; “Intro to Email,” learn the basics of creating an email account, writing a message, including attachments, sending, and receiving messages, registration required, 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 17 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Tour of Missoula Public Library, a monthly tour for community leaders and the general public to learn more about the vision for a new building, noon, space is limited, sign up at missoulapubliclibrary.org; Electronics Exploration, learn about small electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap Circuits or littleBits, participants welcome from absolute beginners to electronics enthusiasts working on projects, 3-6 p.m.; R.E.A.D. Dogs, practice reading with a dog trained to listen at the Dragon Rug, 3 p.m.; LEGO Club, for all ages up to 12, LEGOs cover the floor in the dragon rug area from

3:30-5 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 17 Art Workshop: “Monoprinting with open acrylics and Gelli plate” with instructor Nancy Seiler, 9 a.m.-noon, Seiler’s Studio, 330 Brooks St. $65 (includes all materials). Use stencils and other shapes to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Seiler is a certified Golden art educator. Call 370-1254 to register. 17 Dolce Canto presents “A Spotless Rose,” 7 p.m., LDS Church, 12 Moats Lane, Superior. The auditioned choir’s holiday concert this year will feature music themed around the Virgin Mary as a universal symbol of perfect love and motherhood. This compelling program will feature music from a variety of traditions and ideologies. Works by Herbert Howells, Ola Gjeilo, Rihards Dubra, Carol Barnett, Craig Hella Johnson, and others will be featured. The 2014 CD “A Joyful Season” will be available for purchase at both concerts. Free will offering. Dolce.Canto.info. 18 Five Valleys Chorus of Sweet Adelines, 7 p.m., Southgate Mall. 370-7873. 18-20 Garden City Ballet performs “The Nutcracker,” Montana Theatre, PAR/TV Center, University of Montana. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $20-$25. About 150 local dancers will join guest artists Nikki and Ethan White performing in this classic ballet. For tickets, call 888-MONTANA or visit umt.edu/griztix. 18 Songwriter and guitarist John Floridis holiday benefit concert, 7 p.m., E3 Convergence Gallery, $5, donations collected for Habitat for Humanity. Call (406) 830-3168. 18 Tuba Santas, 6-7 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 18 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Family Storytime stories for children of all ages and caregivers, 10:30 a.m.; Yarns @ the Library, an open fiber-arts craft group, noon- 2 p.m.; Young Adult Writers for writers in grades 9-12: come listen, share your work, do fun writing exercises, and eat snacks, 3:30 p.m.; Introduction to Programming in Java for Teens (MakerSpace) for ages 13-18, 5-5:50 p.m.; Cheap Date Night, free feature film, 7 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 19 Reggie Watts, uncategorizable comedian and musician, the Wilma, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. music, $25$35, thewilma.com. 19 Songwriter and guitarist John Floridis holiday benefit concert, 7 p.m., Crystal Theater, 515 S. Higgins Ave. Free, donations collected for United Way. Call (406) 830-3168. 19 Computer and device drop-in assistance for phones, tablets or operating systems with one-on-one help, 10 a.m.-noon; Family Storytime for children of all ages, and caregivers, 11 a.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 19 Frederico Brothers, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 19 Art Workshop: “Markmaking with High Flow Acrylics” with instructor Nancy Seiler, 1-4 p.m., Seiler’s Studio, 330 Brooks St. $65 includes all materials. High flow acrylics can be used in dip pens, markers, daubers, and sprayers. Seiler is a certified Golden art educator. Call 370-1254 to register. 19 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 7:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org.

19 A Carousel for Missoula hosts Santa’s Breakfast, 9 a.m. Enjoy a light breakfast, carousel rides, and a chat with Santa. Tickets $4-$6. Call 549-8382 for more information. 19 Missoula Folklore Society contra dance, 8-11 p.m., Union Hall, 208 E. Main St. Beginner workshop, 7:30 p.m. Music by Skippin and Groover; caller Mark Matthews. $6 MFS members, $9 nonmembers. Missoulafolk.org. 20 Tom Catmull, 5-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 20 Missoula Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music,” 2 and 6:30 p.m., MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Santa visits at 1 p.m. For tickets, call 728-7529 or visit mctinc.org. 20 Songwriter and guitarist John Floridis holiday benefit concert, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church. Free, donations collected for Family Promise Missoula. Call (406) 830-3168. 20 Family Storytime, stories for children of all ages, and caregivers, 2 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 21 MakerSpace: Electronics Exploration, learn about small electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap Circuits or littleBits, participants welcome from absolute beginners to electronics enthusiasts working on projects, 3-6 p.m.; “Intro to Email,” learn the basics of creating an email account, writing a message, including attachments, sending, and receiving messages, registration required, 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 22 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Frenchtown Branch LEGO club, 4-6 p.m.; Intro to Programming in C and C++ in the MakerSpace, four-week intro to programming languages for ages 13+, 6-7 p.m., class capped at six participants; call 721-BOOK for details and to register; Community Creative Writing Workshop: in the MakerSpace, writing as a form of Making. Open, drop-in environment focusing on creative writing workshop process, 6-7:30 p.m.; System Check! The Official MPL Gamers Club for ages 13-19, play on Wii, Xbox 360 in the YA department, 6:30 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 23 Free matinee, classic film, 2 p.m.; Middle School Writers, for writers and aspiring writers in grades 6-9, to get and give good feedback, play with words, 3:30 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 7212665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 23 Santa at the Kettlehouse, 5-8 p.m., Northside Kettlehouse, 313 N. First St. W., 549-7555, zootownarts. org. 26 Smokestack and the Foothill, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 26 Computer and device drop-in assistance, got a phone, tablet or operating system that’s driving you nuts, drop-in for some one-on-one help, 10 a.m.-noon; family storytime for children of all ages, and caregivers, 11 a.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 7212665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 27 Family storytime, stories for children of all ages, and caregivers, 2 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 27 Wolfe and the Moons, 5-7 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 28 Missoula-based singer-songwriter Chris “Sandman”

Sand album release concert for “American Road Trip,” $7, 8 p.m., Roxy Theater, 718 S. Higgins Ave. Sand will sing and tell stories about the songs, which were recorded in various locales across North America. Chrissand.net. 28 MakerSpace: Electronics Exploration, learn about small electronics platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Snap Circuits or littleBits, participants welcome from absolute beginners to electronics enthusiasts working on projects, 3-6 p.m.; “Internet Searching,” how to use the internet to effectively find what you are looking for; includes security tips, registration required, 6 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 29 Tiny Tales for ages birth-3, parents and tots sing, tell stories and rhymes, and engage in fun activities in the large meeting room, 10:30 a.m.; Frenchtown Branch LEGO club, 4-6 p.m.; Intro to Programming in C and C++ in the MakerSpace, four-week intro to C and C++ programming languages for ages 13 and up, 6-7 p.m., class capped at six participants; call 721-BOOK for details and to register; Community Creative Writing Workshop in the MakerSpace, writing as a form of making, open, drop-in environment focusing on creative writing workshop process, 6-7:30 p.m.; System Check! The official MPL Gamers Club for ages 13-19, play on Wii, Xbox 360 in the YA department, 6:30 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 30 Middle-School Writers, for writers and aspiring writers in grades 6-9, to get and give good feedback and play with words, 3:30 p.m.; Open jewelry atudio, “Holiday Bracelets,” special holiday project with MakerSpace mentor Irene Pritsak, 6-7:30 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. 721-2665, missoulapubliclibrary.org. 31 Best Westerns, 6-8 p.m., Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. 31 Lil’ Smokies and the Best Westerns, 9 p.m., the Wilma, tickets at thewilma.com. 31 First Night. Hundreds of performing, visual and literary artists showcase their talents in more than 100 events during Missoula’s annual First Night celebration. Among the myriad offerings: Children’s Parade of Hats, the First Night Spotlight high school talent competition, and the grand finale. Find all of the details at missoulacultural.org. 31 First Night, noon-4 p.m., Missoula Art Museum, 335 N. Pattee St. MAM will host performances to celebrate First Night from 12-4 PM. Join us for performances by Michael and Keleren Millham, Lawrence Duncan, and Wilbur Rehmann paired with MAM’s great exhibitions. There will be something for everyone. Please check the FN program to determine times. 728-0447, missoulaartmuseum.org. 31 First Night Hat Parade, 1 p.m., Southgate Mall. Decorate your hat at noon.

december 2015

events

NWMT

DEC

photo by JC Lainez

EVENTS CALENDAR

dolce canto presents “a spotless rose” December 17 • 7pm Superior Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

To submit your events to the calendar, please email info@corridormag.com by the 15th of the prior month 4-24 Holiday show and sale, Sandpiper Art and Gift Gallery, Main Street. Polson. 883-5956 or sandpiperartgallery.com. 4 Kalispell Art Walk, 5-9 p.m., downtown. Visit art studios, galleries, shops and local eateries. 4 Flathead Valley Community College Concert Series: Vocal Jazz and Chorale Ensemble, 7 p.m., Arts and Technology

Building, 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell. Free. (406) 756-3963. 4 Doug and Debbie karaoke at Sports Page, Polson.

5800 for details. All nonprofits, schools, churches are welcome to come and setup their booths for fundraising during the parade.

4-5 Polson Art Walk, 4-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

4 Holiday Members Show opens at Bigfork Museum of Art and History, Bigfork, reception at 5 p.m.

4 Lake County Parade of Lights, downtown Polson, 6 p.m. Everyone welcome to bring float if it has lights. Call Jackie at 883-

5 Country Passport to Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Polson. Hayrides between

businesses in south Polson and trolley to downtown culminates with a drawing for prizes at 4 p.m. at Delaney’s Landscape. Fill your passport by going to all participating businesses. Contact Kelsie at (406) 883-2612 or kelsie@ delaneysinc.com. 4-6 Port Polson Players with Mission Valley Friends of Arts present “Cheaper by the Dozen” at the Polson Theatre on the Lake;

december 2015 Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 pm; 883-9212 or portpolsonplayers.com. 4-6 Whitefish Theatre Co. presents “Mary Poppins,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, O’Shaughnessy Center, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish. Tickets $22 adults, $20 seniors, $8 students. Based on the classic film, Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious nanny who magically appears in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael Banks. Adventure abounds as she whisks them away to meet dancing chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and an array of colorful characters. (406) 862-5371, whitefishtheatre.org. 5 Conrad Mansion Christmas Holiday Tea and Tour, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 300 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Tickets $30, reservations required. (406) 755-2166. 5 West Shore Holidayfest, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lakeside Elementary School gym. Event includes handcrafted gifts, Festival of Flavors, music, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, silent auction, basket raffles, kids-only market and bake sale. 5 Visit Santa, 3-6 p.m., Bigfork Station, followed by Holiday Parade of Lights, 6 p.m., Grand and Electric avenues. (406) 837-5888, bigfork.org. 5 “A Touch of Christmas” concert, 7:30 p.m., Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, 526 Electric Ave. Brach Thomson and friends offer their take on Mannheim Steamroller and Trans Siberian Orchestra in this annual holiday concert. Thomson plays rock, jazz, funk, blues and more on five keyboards, synthesizers and piano. (406) 837-4886, bigforkcenter.org. 5 Holiday family fun night hosted by Providence at Mission Valley Aquatics. Doors open at 6 p.m. with “Frozen” at 7. Free swimming at Mission Valley Aquatics and free pizza from Cove Deli and the movie is “Frozen.” Spaced limited, call 883-4567 for reservations. 5 Holiday Lights Parade in downtown Bigfork, 6 p.m. 5 Visit Santa 3-6 p.m., Bigfork Station in Bigfork, Bigfork.org. 6-7 Auditions for Bigfork Community Players’ production of “Don’t Drink the Water,” 2 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday at Marina Cay Resort, Bigfork. Roles available for 10 men and four women. Performances are Feb. 26-28, 2016. bigforkcommunityplayers.com. 9 Bob Starkel karaoke, 6 p.m., Finley Point Grill, Highway 35, Polson. 9 WOW Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., Vine and Tap, Main Street, Polson. $9. Different wines are showcased each week. 10 Diane Torres at Finley Point Grill 6-8 p.m., Highway 35, Polson.

10 Children’s Christmas, 4-7 p.m., Conrad Mansion Museum, 300 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Tickets $10, reservations required. Children are welcome to visit with Santa, and each will receive a small gift. Keepsake photos are available for purchase. (406) 755-2166. 10 A Night at the Museum presents “Tora Tora Tora!,” 6:30 p.m., Miracle of America Museum, Highway 93 outside Polson. Free admission, but donations welcome. The film is being shown just three days after the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. A tour of related artifacts in the museum display also will be offered. (406) 883-6264.

hair, one-hit wonders and familiar ghosts converge to change Scrooge’s money-hungry ways. (406) 837-4886, bigforksummerplayhouse.com. 11-13 Port Polson Players with Mission Valley Friends of Arts present “Cheaper by the Dozen” at the Polson Theatre on the Lake; Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.; 883-9212 or portpolsonplayers.com. 12 Wreaths Across America, 10-11:30 a.m., Depot Park, Kalispell. Civil Air Patrol Squadron 53 will honor our fallen heroes with a color guard, 21-gun salute and guest speakers.

$22 adults, $20 seniors, $8 students. Based on the classic film, Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious nanny who magically appears in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael Banks. Adventure abounds as she whisks them away to meet dancing chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and an array of colorful characters. (406) 862-5371, whitefishtheatre.org. 19 Conrad Mansion Christmas Holiday Tea and Tour, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 300 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Tickets $30, reservations required. (406) 755-2166. 19 Visit Santa, 3-6 p.m., Bigfork Station. bigfork.org.

11 Christmas Stroll, 5-9 p.m., downtown Whitefish. Student recitals, hand bell choir concert, carolers, fire jugglers, treelighting ceremony, photos with Santa, wagon rides, chestnut roasting and more. (406) 862-3501.

12 Conrad Mansion Christmas Holiday Tea & Tour, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 300 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Tickets $30, reservations required. (406) 755-2166.

11 Christmas caroling, 5:30-7:30 p.m., downtown Bigfork.

12 Children’s Workshop Party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bigfork, bigfork.org.

11 Mission Valley Live presents Jason Farnham, 7 p.m., Polson High School. Tickets $15 at the door, $13 in advance, $75 for the Mission Valley Live series, available by emailing missionvalleylive@ gmail.com or calling (406) 887-2739. Take George Winston, add some Victor Borge, Beethoven on steroids, garnish with Schroeder from Peanuts, throw it all in a blender, and what comes out is an unmistakable Jason Farnham show.

16 WOW Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., Vine and Tap, Main Street, Polson. $9. Different wines are showcased each week.

20-21 Yuletide Affair 12, 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Second St. Tickets $29-$100. Alpine Theatre Project’s 12th installment of the popular holiday show promises more music, more Broadway talent and more stupid jokes. (406) 8627469, atpwhitefish.org.

16 Wednesday trivia at the Flathead Lake Brewing Co Pubhouse, Bigfork, 6:30 p.m.

22 Bob Starkel karaoke, 6 p.m., Finley Point Grill, Highway 35, Polson.

17 Valley Voices Concert, 7 p.m., Conrad Mansion Museum, 300 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Tickets $15; seating limited. Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes in the festive holiday atmosphere of the mansion with a sing-along at the end. Coffee and dessert available prior to the show. (406) 755-2166.

23 Wednesday trivia, 6:30 p.m. Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse, Bigfork.

11 Flipside at Lake Bar, Highway 93 across from Lake City Bakery, Polson. 11, 18 Christmas caroling in Downtown Bigfork 5:30-7:30 p.m. 11-13 Whitefish Theatre Co. presents “Mary Poppins,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, O’Shaughnessy Center, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish. Tickets $22 adults, $20 seniors, $8 students. Based on the classic film, Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious nanny who magically appears in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael Banks. Adventure abounds as she whisks them away to meet dancing chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and an array of colorful characters. (406) 862-5371, whitefishtheatre.org. 11-13 Glacier Symphony presents Handel’s “Messiah,” 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Coverdell Road, Bigfork; 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Second St.; and 3 p.m. Sunday at Flathead High School Performance Hall, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell. Tickets $5$26. (406) 407-7000, gscmusic.org. 11-13 Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, 526 Electric Ave. The classic tale by Charles Dickens is set in the ’80s. Long

12 Visit Santa, 3-6 p.m., Bigfork Station, bigfork.org.

17 Dolce Canto presents “A Spotless Rose,” 7 p.m., Superior Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12 Moats Lane. Free-will offering. The holiday concert will feature music themed around the Virgin Mary as a universal symbol of perfect love and motherhood. Works by Herbert Howells, Ola Gjeilo, Rihards Dubra, Carol Barnett, Craig Hella Johnson and others will be performed. dolcecanto.info.

19 Lake Bar Christmas party with Lil’ Gladys, Highway 93 across from Lake City Bakery, Polson.

24 Santa’s Torchlight Parade, 6 p.m., Whitefish Mountain Resort. Santa and his elves arrive on the Big Mountain escorted by a torchlight parade. (406) 862-2900, skiwhitefish.com. 24 Diane Torres, 6-8 p.m., Finley Point Grill 6-8 pm, Highway 35 mile marker 6, Polson. 27 Billy Peterson, bass, and Billy Carrothers, piano, 7 p.m., Bigfork Center for Performing Arts. (612) 309-2264.

17 Open mic, Lake Bar, Highway 93 across from Lake City Bakery, Polson.

31 New Year’s Eve Rockin’ Rail Jam and Torchlight Parade, 6:15 p.m., Whitefish Mountain Resort. Ring in the New Year on the slopes with nonstop excitement starting with skiers and snowboarders showing off their best tricks in the Rail Jam, a dash for cash obstacle course race and culminating with a fireworks show. (406) 862-2900, skiwhitefish.com.

18 Christmas caroling, 5:30-7:30 p.m., downtown Bigfork.

31 New Year’s Eve party with Dark Horse Band, Red Lion, Polson.

18-19 Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, 526 Electric Ave. The classic tale by Charles Dickens is set in the ’80s. Long hair, one-hit wonders and familiar ghosts converge to change Scrooge’s money-hungry ways. (406) 8374886, bigforksummerplayhouse.com.

31 Diane Torres, Finley Point Grill 6-8 p.m., Highway 35 mile marker 6, Polson.

17 Diane Torres at Finley Point Grill 6-8 p.m., Highway 35 mile marker 6, Polson.

18-20 Whitefish Theatre Co. presents “Mary Poppins,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, O’Shaughnessy Center, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish. Tickets

JANUARY 1 Polar Bear Plunge, 2 p.m., The Raven, Woods Bay, Bigfork. Welcome the new year with a chilling dip. Costumes are encouraged. Spectators are welcome, too. Parade is at 1:45 p.m. (406) 837-2836.

december 2015

events

photo by dan Guisinger

B/ROOT EVENTS CALENDAR

DEC

community christmas party

december 19 • 10am - 3pm daly mansion

To submit your events to the calendar, please email info@corridormag.com by the 15th of the prior month 4 Story time for kids ages 3-5 p.m. featuring “One Mitten,” 10:30-11:15 a.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 4 Pianist Arthur Kostuk performs, 6 p.m., North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville. Free. 777-5061. 4-5 A Montana Country Christmas, Stevensville. Friday’s festivities include a Parade of Lights, caroling, a live Nativity scene, wagon rides, refreshments and photos with Santa. On Saturday, browse the Holiday Bazaar at the high school gym from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Splendor on Main begins at 6 p.m. at the bank, and includes dinner, beverages, an auction and raffles. The event also includes a display of Christmas villages and rosaries at the Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum throughout the weekend. 777-3773. 4-6 Stevensville Playhouse presents “The Neverending Story,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 319 Main St. Tickets $12 adults, $10 children under age 12. In a land devoured by the Nothing, only one boy can save everything in this adaptation of Michael Ende’s children’s book. 777-2722, stevensvilleplayhouse.com. 4-6 Sports Connection Gun Show, 1-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, First Interstate Center, Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 100 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Admission $5. (406) 633-2206. 7 Chocolate Tasting Party, 6-9 p.m., Victor Heritage Museum, 125 Blake St. Tickets $5. Enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides, lots of chocolate goodies and a silent auction. 642-3997,

victorheritagemuseum.org. 8 Open computer and iPad lab, 2-3:30 p.m.; Writers Group with John Robinson, 6:30-8 p.m.; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 9 Toddler and baby story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.; after-school holiday crafts, 4-5 p.m., all materials provided; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 10 Lego Club, 3:30-5 p.m.; Fellowship Club discusses “Healing Without Medicine: From Pioneers to Modern Practice” by Albert Amao, 6-7:30 p.m.; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 11 Story time for kids ages 3-5 featuring “Ah-Choo,” 10:3011:15 a.m.; Special Families with music by Chip and Cove Jasmin, 6 p.m., call Jess, 210-2937; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 11-13 Stevensville Playhouse presents “The Neverending Story,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 319 Main St. Tickets $12 adults, $10 children under age 12. In a land devoured by The Nothing, only one boy can save everything in this adaptation of Michael Ende’s children’s book. 777-2722, stevensvilleplayhouse.com. 12 Community Photo Day, 1-5 p.m., First Interstate Center, Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 100 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Free, but donations accepted to benefit 4-H Barn Quest Program. Take holiday family portraits and pictures with Santa.

12-13 Bitterroot Valley Chorus Christmas Concert, 7:15 p.m. Saturday and 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Hamilton Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road. Free. Celebrating its 43rd anniversary, the chorus presents a program of traditional and new arrangements of seasonal music. A local brass ensemble opens the evening and provides accompaniment for some selections. 360-7361. 15 Open computer and iPad Lab, 2-3:30 p.m.; Socrates Café with facilitator Kris Bayer, 7-9 p.m.; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 15 “Singing the Westward Legacy,” 6:30 p.m., North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville. Neal Lewing presents history, accompanied by folk music and a few laughs, in this Humanities Montana talk about the opening of the West. 243-6022. 16 Toddler and baby story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 17 Brown Bag It! book discussion group potluck and book selection for 2016, noon; Cribbage Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 18 Story time for kids ages 3-5 featuring “Ring Those Bells” followed by stay-and-play time, Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 19 Community Christmas party, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Daly Mansion, 251 Eastside Highway, Hamilton. Cost $2-$5. Enjoy cookie decorating, crafts and entertainment by The Sunshine

Generation and pianist Joan Roe. Santa arrives at noon for photo ops. 363-6004, dalymansion.org. 19 Reader’s Theatre: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” 7 p.m., Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road. Free. A delightful mix of stage play and bedtime story that is appropriate for all ages, this reader’s theatre combines a dramatic reading with some live action, costumes, stage tech and music to bring this holiday classic to life. Along with the show, there will be a holiday-themed bake sale. 375-9050, hamiltonplayers.com. 19 Montana A Cappella Society presents “Christmas Savory and Sweet,” 7:30 p.m., Hamilton Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road. Free. These singing storytellers share tales of Christmas through a capella music from the sacred and secular traditions, spanning the centuries from medieval to modern. 362-5778. 22 Open computer and iPad lab, 2-3:30 p.m.; Writers Lab with John Robinson, 6:30-8 p.m.; Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 23 Toddler and baby story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 29 Socrates Café with facilitator Kris Bayer, 7-9 p.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670. 30 Toddler and baby story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. 363-1670.

december 2015

november’s puzzle answer

November’s Puzzle Solution

december 2015

world

SPIDER SCARE

Hi-pitched screams and loudly shouted death threats spurred Australian police to investigate a Sydney home at 2 a.m., where they found an embarrassed man and a large spider. Initially reported as a domestic abuse situation due to the feminine screaming and sounds of furniture being toppled, reporting officers quickly found there was no human victim at the residence, but confirmed that the spider was quite large. (Agence France-Presse)

CONSISTENT COP

Around

the Weird

Showing true consistency in law enforcement, a Milwaukee police officer recently issued himself a ticket for parking in a handicapped parking spot. His patrol vehicle was inadvertently left in the prohibited parking spot when another officer failed to heed a request to move it. Furthering his just actions, the officer also opted to donate $200, the cost of a city parking fine, to charity in addition to the $35 county fine for the ticket. (Global News Canada)

PILFERING PANDAS

In Lincolnshire, England, two men dressed in panda onesies successfully carried out a robbery at a newsagent’s. Armed with what appeared to be a handgun, the pair forced a member of staff to hand over cash from the safe before fleeing on foot. Police are still searching for clues to the perpetrators’ identities. (The Guardian)

TOO SLOW ROLL

A self-driving Google car was pulled over for driving too slow, 24 mph in a 35 mph zone, near Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. Once it was determined that the autonomous vehicle was operating within legal parameters, it was released on its way without a ticket. To date, with 1.2 million total miles driven, vehicles in the Google self-driving car project have yet to be ticketed. (Ars Technica)

GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

A cold afternoon in Huron, California, prompted a man to light a fire in his fireplace where he heard cries for help coming from the chimney. The owner quickly put out the flames and rescue crews arrived to the scene to dismantle the structure, but when they reached the suspect he was dead. Given recent break-ins in the neighborhood, and rummaged state of the home, authorities suspect the deceased was attempting to steal from the home before becoming trapped. (Your Central Valley)

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december 2015

art

denouement Elisha Harteis received a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in ceramics in 2015 from the University of Montana. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently a member of the Von Common art collective, which will have a holiday art sale on Dec. 5-6 from 12-6 p.m. The art space is located at 100 Johnson St. No. 7. to submit your art to denouement, contact us at editor@corridormag.com

december 2015

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