Summerfest returns to banks of Yellowstone River
This year’s 18th annual Livingston Summerfest will unfold on Friday, July 21st at Miles Park Band Shell next to the Civic Center. The exciting event will include a full afternoon and evening of live music and family-friendly festivities along the majestic Yellowstone River. Summerfest focuses on the community and roots, the event highlighted by its many Montana food vendors, locally crafted brews and beverages, as well as talented area performers. Kids activities commence at 2pm with inflatables, face painting, games, and plenty of goodies! Admission to Summerfest is a minimum of only a $5 donation. Proceeds go directly back into the community, benefiting the expanding Livingston Parks & Recreation. So come one, come all!
Of the three excellent local bands featured, Acony Belles will kick things off from 4–5:30pm. Based out of beautiful Bozeman, the Belles are an all female, estrogen-fueled musical trio. In a world of guy bands, these lovely ladies will melt your hearts and minds. The group is comprised of Besty Wise (guitar, vocals), Chelsea Hunt (fiddle, vocals), and keeping the two of them in time is Jody Engstrom (stand-up bass, vocals). Acony Belles draw inspiration from luminaries like Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin, and the Wailin’ Jennys, while keeping in touch with the simple roots of blues, bluegrass, and Americana.
Western Skies steps in with a performance from 6–7:30pm. The group has been described by some as a country rock band, a wild country band, and a band that plays everything — it’s no doubt a party band! Frontman Mark Longie puts his years of experience to work, creating one of Montana’s elite groups of musicians to please all walks of life. Don’t be surprised if you hear everything from Hank Williams classics, new country from The Zac Brown Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, and Big & Rich, to ripping rock ‘n’ roll like Poison, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, and Green Day.
Area favorite The MAX will again headline from 8–10pm. This popular band has entertained and delighted audiences nationwide since the mid-80s, calling Montana home since 1993. With Kyle Brenner (guitar), Mike Young (drums), and Bobb Clanton (bass), The MAX plays spot-on renditions of a wide variety of choice danceable rock n’ roll covers and has two original albums, Shadows in the Shade and Vinyl Valentine. The MAX has opened for Styx, REO Speedwagon, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Summerfest has proven to be one of the summer highlights in Livingston. For the past 17 years, the event has continued to grow, bringing friends and families together for an evening of great music, food, and crafts in the park. Learn more about Summerfest at www.livingstonmusicfest.wix.com/livsummerfest. •
