Following its successful inaugural run last season, the 2nd annual Livingston Bluegrass Festival comes to Southwest Montana this month. The event will be held Friday and Saturday, September 18th and 19th, at the Henry E. Blake Pavillion outside the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts.
The Festival kicks off on Friday with Montana Standard at 6pm, followed by Damn Tall Buildings.
Montana Standard is a six piece traditional bluegrass band, including national and state fiddle champions, songwriters, exceptional instrumentalists and great singers. Their reverence for the traditions of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin and the Stanley Brothers, as well as vintage country music sets this band apart.
Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band based in Brooklyn, known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. This seasoned trio has spent over a decade honing their craft through touring worldwide and recording, creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar and bass arrangements. Their vocals feature seamless harmonies, and songs that blend old time, blues and jazz influences.
Saturday’s lineup at the festival starts with a new addition to the fun – a pie eating contest at 4pm. The Shane Center’s executive director Erika Adams says, “You won’t want to miss this good ol’ fashioned classic! Come cheer on fellow community members as they devour pies – or if you think you have what it takes to throw your hat in the ring, sign up today. We’ll limit this to the first 25 folks who sign up.”
The winner will receive $300, a championship belt and ultimate bragging rights. The victor will be the first contestant to eat an entire pie down to the tin and the two top contestants of preliminary heats will advance to the championship round. Any pie lover 13 years or older can sign up for an entry fee of $10, which allows the contestant to stay and enjoy the bluegrass festival at a savings of over 60%. Contestants need to check in by 3:30pm. Registration deadline is Sept. 18th at 4pm.
At 6pm, Release the Squirrels offer the music with their contemporary bluegrass style. A dynamic quintet from Western Montana, the Squirrels feature a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground.
Headliners Special Consensus then take the stage to blow away audiences with their mastery. For five decades, banjo master Greg Cahill has led Special Consensus with a clear musical vision rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. The band’s sound reflects a deep understanding of bluegrass, blending the drive and harmonies of the classic style with contemporary repertoire and adventurous arrangements. This band has garnered two Grammy nominations and eight IBMA awards.
Two-day passes are available for $50, or $55 at the door. A single-day pass is $35, and $40 at the door. Kids 13 and under admitted free. Bike parking available on site and overflow parking at the Lincoln School, just down the block. Find ticketing access at www.theshanecenter.org.
Event sponsors include Home2Suites by Hilton, Walter & Regina Wunsch – Spectec, Marcia Bull McCrum in honor of Bliss McCrum, Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani, in partnership with Mighty Fine Time Live Events. •
