Because Montanans love their music, resident musician Dirk Alan recently introduced an entirely new way to experience local talent. Montana Homegrown Radio is an online independent musician showcase featuring a different area act every week. Presented much like a live broadcast radio show, each hosted episode includes an interview component, discussion, and of course — live music! New episodes are typically posted on Wednesdays, but each edition is available for your listening pleasure 24/7. Here’s a look at a few of the recently featured artists.
Bridger Creek Boys recently showed off their talents. The Boys are an acoustic bluegrass quartet steeped in old-time tradition, while also pushing the genre with newgrass. The band blends originals with covers of traditional bluegrass and more contemporary artists. Their style is confident, complex, and full of improvisation that will draw you in and get you shaking all over with bluegrass joy.
The Wind Drifters also stopped by the studio for some tunes and a chat. A recently formed group, the band is composed of experienced local musicians who have brought together their varied musical tastes in creation of a new sound for bluegrass, country, and rock listeners. Their high-energy, powerhouse shows get audiences on their feet. The Wind Drifters are Kelly Hagerman (guitar, lead vocals), Silas Rea (fiddle), Ben Grodner (bass, vocals), Ryan Totman (mandolin, vocals), and Kurt (lead guitar).
Red Glow Buffalo is next up on the schedule. The folk/rock band calls “Montellowstone” home, drawing inspiration from the likes of Rubber Knife Gang, Tom Petty, Turnpike Troubadours, The Devil Makes Three, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, among others. Red Glow Buffalo is Mathew Thacker (lead guitar), Leif Masella (vocals, guitar), Rob “Robo” Lehrkind (drums), and Greg “Sully” Sullivan (bass).
Previous episodes have featured Dos Mayos, Don Elliott, The Significant Figures, Jeff Peterson, The Wind and the Willows, Those Guys, The Dirt Farmers, Christopher Alexander, and Quenby Iandiorio. All episodes are available to stream now.
Montana Homegrown Radio is hosted by Dirk Alan, a native Montanan that’s been in the music business for the last 40 years in multiple capacities. With a passion for music and helping his fellow musicians, Dirk provides a very laid back, fun environment so radio guests can be as comfortable and spontaneous as possible.
Montana Homegrown Radio serves as a promotional space for local talent and their many art forms — and they want YOU! Any musician with a story to tell and a song to sing is encouraged to apply for a guest spot on the podcast.
Visit www.montanahomegrownradio.com to catch up with the fantastic Montana musicians who have been featured thus far, or to submit an application for a future edition. Be sure to keep an eye out for additional guests as they’re announced. •