An always anticipated tradition, the Montana Folk Festival returns to Butte for its annual summer showcase of diverse talent this month. The event is set for Friday to Sunday, July 12th–14th. Admission is free to all performances during the three-day gathering. More than 20 groups representing a broad diversity of musical and cultural traditions will perform on the festival’s six stages.
The lineup will include Choro Das 3 (Brazilian choro), Hailu Mergia (Ethiojazz), The Fox Family & Friends (Meti fiddle), Reverie Road (Irish), The Wagaku Collective (Japanese traditional), Sonia and Ismael (Flamenco), Mr. Sipp (Mississippi Delta blues) and Sam Platts (Country & Western swing).
Enjoy sets by the likes of Mehrnam Rastegari (Iranian Kamancheh), Kala Ramnath (Hindustani violin), Nobody’s Business (Old-time), 79ers Gang (Mardi Gras Indians), Gary Haleamau & Kawili (Hawaiian traditional), Zuni Olla Maidens (Traditional Zuni dance & song), Los Texmaniacs (Texas conjunto) and The Jerry Douglas Band (Bluegrass).
This year’s lineup rounds out with Sheryl Cormier (Cajun/Carencro), El Laberinto del Coco (Puerto Rican bomba), Fran Grace (Gospel), Le Vent du Nord (Quebecois) and Fred Thomas of the JBs (r&b/funk).
courtesy of National Council for the Traditional Arts
Since 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, culture and cuisine. It is the oldest celebration of traditional arts in the country. The Montana Folk Festival continues this tradition in our region by highlighting, exploring and celebrating the heritage of diversity and cultural richness that makes our state and our country great.
The Butte festival features hundreds of performers and craftspeople with music and dance performances on six stages, workshops, folklife demonstrations, two festival markets and ethnic and regional foods.
Festival hours are 6–10pm on Friday, noon–10pm on Saturday and noon–6pm on Sunday. For additional event details, visit www.montanafolkfestival.com or download the Grandstand Events & Guides App. The festival grounds are centered around the Original Mine Yard in Uptown Butte. •
