Hey all! Is there anyone out there who can tell me anything about the scene for Irish music out in Montana and Wyoming? Festivals that go on, towns with lots of musicians, sessions, etc? Funny enough, I actually grew up in both states, but since I'm from an entirely non-musical family and I didn't start playing Irish music until a few years after moving to Boston, MA, I'm completely clueless as to what the scene is like out there, which I've heard is not only existent but actually pretty good.
Since moving away I haven't spent much time out west, but now that I'm finished with school I'm planning on living a more nomadic existence, I would like to spend more time in my home states touring around, playing gigs, meeting people and seeing what it's like. I would guess I'll begin my rambles around the late spring or early summer. I grew up in Sheridan, WY and Billings, MT and I have family and friends scattered in Kalispell, Helena, Missoula and Miles City, but that doesn't really limit anything - I'd like to know everything about anywhere there are good tunes and fun people to meet!
I should also mention that I'm not just into Irish music - I'm starting to play more Scottish and bluegrass music, as well, plus I love old-time and Cape Breton music. I'd love to know about anything relevant!
Lindsay, you'll find lots of music in Montana, a bit more scarce in Wyoming.
There are regular Irish sessions in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula.
Our Helena session (12 years running now) goes every Thursday, year-round, at Riley's Pub just off Last Chance Gulch. There are 8 to 10 of us, fiddles, zouk (a Sobell), flute, whistle, concertina, and guitar. The Bozeman session is nearly as steady, though they're just recovering from some ups and downs in recent years. Missoula sessions once or twice a month I think, and doesn't have the depth of players yet.
Butte has no regular session, but hosts An Ri Ra, a four-day Irish festival every August, and Missoula is talking about starting its own Irish fest, too.
Lots of bluegrass and old time jams, in nearly every city of any size. Helena, for example, has jams on Tuesdays at the Staggering Ox, and a fair number of house sessions. The Montana Old TIme FIddlers Association has regular jams throughout central and western MT, runs an annual two-week camp, and hosts the state contest.
Since you do film as well, you might like Bozeman--good film and tv school at MT State University there, lots of creative media people around.
PM me from my member profile here if you want more info. And give us a heads up when you come out here--we'll save a seat for you!
Hey now! What, you expect anyone else to chime in after Mr. Galt's kind words? Besides, there are only 6 people in the whole of Montana, and only two of us play music, and only one of them ever posts here.....
Curiosity impells: If there are only 6 of you in the state and your Helena session regularly has 12 how do you manage to get the others to travel so far?? ;->
Hi Keith! And I dare say you are indeed a person, albeit way too far away from Helena!!!!
Now you're in err, Will. Of course, maybe the first time,,,but now THREE Montanans have posted AND all three are players!!!
Oh, and this thread will probably end now...seems everytime we post on a thread, they stop immediately...so that is why there are so few posts from trad2nz.
Come on in an give us a few sets, if you are in this fair state, Lindsey, and Maybe, JUST maybe, we'll see Keith over the holidays soon????
Lindsay, I'd also recommend the Helena session. I try to get there once or twice a year, and usually have a blast! It's pretty amazing to see the *entire state of Montana* sitting around a table playing Irish tunes
There, proved you wrong, trad2nz! (Oh, and hi polkageist)
Has anybody come into contact with my old friend from NH, Jim Gunderson? He moved to Montana roughly fifteen years ago? He plays a G/D Anglo concertina made by Dipper and is a blacksmith by trade. I'd love to hear how he's doing.
Thanks....
Here's another Montanan - our session in Billings goes is now on friday nights at Pug Mahon's - yes that is right...good story there. New folks are always welcome....and we love it when Will and the other Montanans show up to make us feel part of the rest of the state.
I was just going to say what irishrhythm already said- we have a very friendly session Friday nights in Billings and we get some great musicians from northern Wyoming up once in awhile, as well as from around Montana. I really enjoyed the Helena session I attended as well. I think because we're sparse and scattered here, there's quite a bit of "fellowship" among trad musicians in these parts. You'll be welcome
David, Jim Gunderson is alive and well, now doing artisan glass blowing. He still plays concertina, though he rarely makes it to our session anymore (he used to be a regular).
Thanks all! I'm really excited to do an extended visit now knowing I'll have plenty of opportunities to play tunes. I am especially glad to see that so much goes on in Helena, as that's where I tend to end up a lot since it's the halfway point between the Billings family and the Kalispell fam. I'll definitely pop into the sessions there and in Billings and I hope to meet all of you!
But is there not much going on up north in the Glacier Park area? I can't recall coming across or hearing of a session in the area, but I was hoping there might at least be some hermit fiddler or mountain man banjoist someone might suggest finding!
And what about Sheridan? When I was a kid and still ignorant to Irish music (sad days!) I can vaguely remember hearing the occasional local 'Celtic' band. Anyone from/know anyone down there?
@reverend, this is a first! numerous posts after ours!
Lindsey, as far as Sheridan goes, I an unaware, but there are definitely musicians in the area, as there are classical events, and Buffalo has a pretty good bluegrass festival in early July.
Yes, Sheridan has a "celtic band," but no Irish sessions that I'm aware of, mostly old-timey stuff. We have a session in Casper. A couple of folks that know what they are doing and the rest of us that they let play along.... ha!
There's a gathering in the early spring up around Cody. I hear it's a good time. I think there are folks here at thesession that go. I've been invited, but have never been able to make it.
The spring gathering near Cody is the Rocky Mountain Irish Music Rendevous . Great music, and there are some folks here that go, including some on this thread. It's usually early May.
Swear me to secrecy? Sounds like music is more exciting out there than it is here! Thanks again for all the bits of information, everyone. As I make more solid plans for visiting and traveling, I'll likely PM some of you to get more details if necessary.
Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Hey all! Is there anyone out there who can tell me anything about the scene for Irish music out in Montana and Wyoming? Festivals that go on, towns with lots of musicians, sessions, etc? Funny enough, I actually grew up in both states, but since I'm from an entirely non-musical family and I didn't start playing Irish music until a few years after moving to Boston, MA, I'm completely clueless as to what the scene is like out there, which I've heard is not only existent but actually pretty good.
Since moving away I haven't spent much time out west, but now that I'm finished with school I'm planning on living a more nomadic existence, I would like to spend more time in my home states touring around, playing gigs, meeting people and seeing what it's like. I would guess I'll begin my rambles around the late spring or early summer. I grew up in Sheridan, WY and Billings, MT and I have family and friends scattered in Kalispell, Helena, Missoula and Miles City, but that doesn't really limit anything - I'd like to know everything about anywhere there are good tunes and fun people to meet!
Thanks to anyone who comments!
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by strawberriesinthesaltsea
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
I should also mention that I'm not just into Irish music - I'm starting to play more Scottish and bluegrass music, as well, plus I love old-time and Cape Breton music. I'd love to know about anything relevant!
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by strawberriesinthesaltsea
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Hmm. Will Harmon must not be logged on. He's your man, for Irish music in Montana.
I'm sure he will be along, directly....
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by John Galt
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Lindsay, you'll find lots of music in Montana, a bit more scarce in Wyoming.
There are regular Irish sessions in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula.
Our Helena session (12 years running now) goes every Thursday, year-round, at Riley's Pub just off Last Chance Gulch. There are 8 to 10 of us, fiddles, zouk (a Sobell), flute, whistle, concertina, and guitar. The Bozeman session is nearly as steady, though they're just recovering from some ups and downs in recent years. Missoula sessions once or twice a month I think, and doesn't have the depth of players yet.
Butte has no regular session, but hosts An Ri Ra, a four-day Irish festival every August, and Missoula is talking about starting its own Irish fest, too.
Lots of bluegrass and old time jams, in nearly every city of any size. Helena, for example, has jams on Tuesdays at the Staggering Ox, and a fair number of house sessions. The Montana Old TIme FIddlers Association has regular jams throughout central and western MT, runs an annual two-week camp, and hosts the state contest.
Since you do film as well, you might like Bozeman--good film and tv school at MT State University there, lots of creative media people around.
PM me from my member profile here if you want more info. And give us a heads up when you come out here--we'll save a seat for you!
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Wow, Will, apparently you're rather predictable
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Reverend
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
s/"rather predictable"/"a man of steady habits"/g
Sounds better that way.
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Hey now! What, you expect anyone else to chime in after Mr. Galt's kind words? Besides, there are only 6 people in the whole of Montana, and only two of us play music, and only one of them ever posts here.....
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
@Will
Curiosity impells: If there are only 6 of you in the state and your Helena session regularly has 12 how do you manage to get the others to travel so far?? ;->
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by cboody
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Free beer.
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Saddle up the ponies, boys, we're going to Montana.
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Bring your woolies. It's a balmy 1 F right now, but the forecast is for the heat wave to end soon....
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
So you're saying the beer is good and cold, is what you're saying.
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
"Besides, there are only 6 people in the whole of Montana, and only two of us play music, and only one of them ever posts here....."
:(
Doing the math confirms I'm not a person. *sigh*
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by polkageist
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Hi Keith! And I dare say you are indeed a person, albeit way too far away from Helena!!!!
Now you're in err, Will. Of course, maybe the first time,,,but now THREE Montanans have posted AND all three are players!!!
Oh, and this thread will probably end now...seems everytime we post on a thread, they stop immediately...so that is why there are so few posts from trad2nz.
Come on in an give us a few sets, if you are in this fair state, Lindsey, and Maybe, JUST maybe, we'll see Keith over the holidays soon????
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by trad2nz
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Lindsay, I'd also recommend the Helena session. I try to get there once or twice a year, and usually have a blast! It's pretty amazing to see the *entire state of Montana* sitting around a table playing Irish tunes
There, proved you wrong, trad2nz! (Oh, and hi polkageist)
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Reverend
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Has anybody come into contact with my old friend from NH, Jim Gunderson? He moved to Montana roughly fifteen years ago? He plays a G/D Anglo concertina made by Dipper and is a blacksmith by trade. I'd love to hear how he's doing.
Thanks....
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by David Levine
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Here's another Montanan - our session in Billings goes is now on friday nights at Pug Mahon's - yes that is right...good story there. New folks are always welcome....and we love it when Will and the other Montanans show up to make us feel part of the rest of the state.
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by irishrhythm
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
I was just going to say what irishrhythm already said- we have a very friendly session Friday nights in Billings and we get some great musicians from northern Wyoming up once in awhile, as well as from around Montana. I really enjoyed the Helena session I attended as well. I think because we're sparse and scattered here, there's quite a bit of "fellowship" among trad musicians in these parts. You'll be welcome
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by PatrickJWK
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
David, Jim Gunderson is alive and well, now doing artisan glass blowing. He still plays concertina, though he rarely makes it to our session anymore (he used to be a regular).
You can reach him through http://www.goosebayglass.com/
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
polkageist, I thought your neck of the woods seceded and became part of North Dakota.....
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Thanks all! I'm really excited to do an extended visit now knowing I'll have plenty of opportunities to play tunes. I am especially glad to see that so much goes on in Helena, as that's where I tend to end up a lot since it's the halfway point between the Billings family and the Kalispell fam. I'll definitely pop into the sessions there and in Billings and I hope to meet all of you!
But is there not much going on up north in the Glacier Park area? I can't recall coming across or hearing of a session in the area, but I was hoping there might at least be some hermit fiddler or mountain man banjoist someone might suggest finding!
And what about Sheridan? When I was a kid and still ignorant to Irish music (sad days!) I can vaguely remember hearing the occasional local 'Celtic' band. Anyone from/know anyone down there?
# Posted on November 22nd 2010 by strawberriesinthesaltsea
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
@reverend, this is a first! numerous posts after ours!
Lindsey, as far as Sheridan goes, I an unaware, but there are definitely musicians in the area, as there are classical events, and Buffalo has a pretty good bluegrass festival in early July.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by trad2nz
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Yes, Sheridan has a "celtic band," but no Irish sessions that I'm aware of, mostly old-timey stuff. We have a session in Casper. A couple of folks that know what they are doing and the rest of us that they let play along.... ha!
There's a gathering in the early spring up around Cody. I hear it's a good time. I think there are folks here at thesession that go. I've been invited, but have never been able to make it.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Wyogal
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
The spring gathering near Cody is the Rocky Mountain Irish Music Rendevous
. Great music, and there are some folks here that go, including some on this thread. It's usually early May.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by PatrickJWK
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
But if we tell you exactly when and where RMIMR is, we'll have to swear you to secrecy....
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Wow, Will, does that actually work? I always just threatened to kill them!
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Reverend
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Shhhhhh! Be vewwy, vewwy, quiet. Don't fwighten them away....
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Montana & Wyoming Irish Music?
Swear me to secrecy? Sounds like music is more exciting out there than it is here! Thanks again for all the bits of information, everyone. As I make more solid plans for visiting and traveling, I'll likely PM some of you to get more details if necessary.
# Posted on November 27th 2010 by strawberriesinthesaltsea