On The Stove

Missoula County Blames Shit on Occupy

2011-12-30T18:23:00.001-07:00

Mea culpa: I should have been blogging this from the beginning, because now I am way behind.

It seemed after the Vietnam War ended, most people thought war had ended. Few realized war is necessary to keep our system going, and plans were already made to move military operations into the Mid-east. Today, few realize our nation has been bought by rich and powerful corporate interests, who don't care how many die in their wars, or starve, or suffer due to lack of medical treatment, as long as profits go up.

Most people don't know this, because corporations own the media. You already knew that, and I'm preaching to the choir. My question is: How do we wake more people up to reality?

It seemed around the world, people had resisted tyranny and fought for freedom, while this nation's citizens slept in front of their televisions. When OWS sprang up in New York, spreading quickly coast to coast, I was amazed and excited. A fervor against greed, war and empire fervor seemed to fill the air again, as it did in the 60s. Maybe we could stop the giant earth-raping machine we had become. We can always hope, right? Seems like I heard that somewhere.

While the hip realize Gil Scott-Heron was right about the revolution not being televised, many think it is now streaming live.

The initials of the occupy movement, and it's local rendition, Occupy Missoula, form an ancient, universal peace chant. Try it sometime. You might like it. OM

I am not camped on the courthouse lawn, because I think it would probably kill me. The people still camped on the lawn in, spite of increasing pressure from the county, are my heroes. I couldn't do it.
That is a Korean War issue army tent, purchased and raised by volunteers.

Personally, I think it looks good, better than empty lawn, which is a waste of space. Let's plant vegetables and flowers all over the place.

I swear if I hear one more time about the poor county employees who have had to pick up human feces from the Missoula County Courthouse lawn, since the Occupiers arrived, I shall scream. Houseless people and late night revelers leaving the bars finding no public bathrooms have been using that space for a toilet for years. When Occupy Missoula first marched from the fish sculpture to the courthouse, a team was formed to police the grounds. They removed human shit, toilet paper and other debris hidden by the bushes. With the assistance of local sponsors and donors, Occupy Missoula arranged for porta-potties to serve the encampment. The vandals who turned over those outhouses, stirred up a shit storm.

The porta-potties had to be returned. The county claimed their employees had to be vaccinated for protection from shit now on the lawn. The county claimed the cost of vaccinations was caused by Occupy. Haven't those employees been getting vaccinated, since there has been shit on that lawn for years?

Pathogens is a buzzword the county has thrown to the media in an effort to raise fears about the Occupation's threat to health and welfare. How many noticed that a proud local health institution had a pond and plaza full of bird shit, with possible pathogens tracked into the cafeteria and on into the food preparation and service areas? Did surgeons walk through duck shit on the way to operating rooms? Did any city or county staff want to talk about that issue?

One fact which became obvious was that downtown Missoula needs more public restrooms. When the bars close, many people are stuck with bursting bladders, or worse. During peak events, homecoming, the rugby fest and the like, it is best to stay out of downtown alleys where there is much pissing and breaking of glass. Occupy didn't cause those messes either.

Another issue Occupy made plain is in spite of Missoula's reputation as a liberal, enlightened Camelot, there is a small elite making most of the major decisions for the community. Guess what? They aren't always guided by what would be best for the largest number of local citizens, but what would best serve their career goals and profit their friends. We knew this was true on a federal level, and this year we saw the Montana state government veer into insanity. Now we know Missoula city and county governments aren't as clean and shiny as we thought.

Media is full of glowing accounts of the local non-profits serving the less privileged, and, of course, the local politicians brag about all their good works. Behind the facade is a cold outlook and a callous approach to handling the houseless, the mentally disabled, physically disabled and substance abusing street population of Missoula. Sweep them under the rug and out of sight sums up the basic policy with big doses of harassment and intimidation thrown in.

Three weeks ago Missoula County commissioners sent a letter to Occupy Missoula saying they "...would like to request that Occupy Missoula relocate their camp or use the Gazebo without tents during the day."

They wanted a response the following Monday, December 12. The letter was, of course, sent to dozens of media outlets also and provided a preview of how the county would handle it's PR.

Presented with that letter, the General Assembly of OM met on a Sunday to discuss a response. Assemblies operate by consensus, which is harder than democracy. While democracy produces winners and losers, consensus strives for agreement among all concerned. It's a slow and difficult process. Four and half hours of discussion failed to produce a communication back to the county.

KPAX showed some snips of that GA, and summed it up saying the occupiers blamed the homeless for the shit on the lawn. Not so. First, the homeless prefer to be called houseless, because they carry their homes with them, and can be at home almost anywhere. Second, these hardy souls are not a problem, just a symptom of the problem. Third, it is likely the drunks who toppled the outhouses were common garden-variety Missoula carousers.

A small group met the next morning to write a response asking for more time to make a response. Got that? That letter reached the commissioners, and they graciously extended their deadline.

Letters and communications went back and forth. The General Assembly battled to a draw on the issue of the encampment. The county began to up the pressure against the campers on the court house lawn. Since OM had peacefully vacated for Veterans Day, they asked for a repeat performance on First Night to allow the annual ice sculpture event to take place. Did the Missoula Cultural Council need the whole lawn for ice sculpture? OM arranged to meet with representatives of MCC to discuss an amicable division of the lawn.

Now comes a major coincidence, as the county staff rousted the entire camp about 5-5:30am, unsettling everyone and claiming a houseless veteran's tent as abandoned property, because he wasn't in it. Later that morning, the county announced to all the usual media outlets that they had removed the porta-potty to encourage OM to remove their tents and to save taxpayers' money. At that point, they had not actually removed the shitter. They performed that act approximately an hour before the meeting between Occupy and the Cultural Council was to take place.

Executive Director, Tom Bensen, and board member, Pam Walzer, represented MCC, county employees attending were Dale Bickell and Larry Farnes, and several Occupy Missoula participants were there. It was a friendly discussion. Occupy Missoula ceded the entire east side of the lawn for the ice sculpture event, and the county agreed to provide MCC with electricity at the flagpole.

The county commissioners talk about supporting free speech, but at least one of them would prefer not to hear any. They will be meeting Wednesday, January 4, to change the law to make camping on the court house lawn illegal. Maybe we are better off in Missoula than other places. The federal government now changes laws regularly to make their previous crimes legal. Local politicians are smart enough to change the law first.

2B continued...

Coming soon: Why did city council dump two million dollars on the stadium? Why did the county commissioners approve an elite refuge for McMansions on rare fertile farmland? Who is in bed with developers? Have public funds been misused?

Occupy Missoula, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011

2011-11-19T21:27:00.001-07:00

Representatives of the 99% expanded their encampment on the courthouse lawn, Saturday, with the arrival of a large military tent. Occupiers, and other members of the movement, worked together in a convivial tent-raising.

Guess what: There is no Them. There is no one but us humans on the planet, and all those lines dividing us are fictions, created by war-makers to help them sell product.

Caveat: Plants and animals also share the planet with us and deserve more consideration than they usually get, since western culture conquered most indigenous peoples.

The original Diogenes was searching for an honest man. This Diogenes would be satisfied with a little truth, but hasn't found enough to satisfy. Does anybody out there believe the mainstream media news version of what's happening in the world? This is beyond right/left, conservative/liberal, Republican/Democrat. The same rich assholes, who lied us into war and wrecked our economy with their greed, own big portions of mainstream media. One must search for the truth through a wilderness of lies, ads, hype and bullshit to get real news.

Yes, it's obvious O'Reilly and other Fox News talking heads get paid big bucks to lie to the people. It should be added, however, that anyone who thinks CNN is any better is deluded.

There are some bright lights to remember. Since laughter is the best medicine, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, the Colbert Report and others are doing important work in the media. Amy Goodman carries on, shining light in the dark places where most are afraid to go. Amy can be seen on Democracy Now! on Missoula's MCAT cable station, M-F, at 6am and repeated at 10am. The program can be heard on KBGA 89.9 FM, M-F, 11am to noon.

Wikileaks has to be mentioned. This organization gave us more information about how our government and military really operate than most U.S. citizens could handle. The financial arms of the military-industrial complex quickly moved to cut off their funding. Bank of America, my ass, Bank of Pure Unadulterated Greed is more like it.

See that story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15434493

I want to talk about the Keystone XL Pipeline. The slick campaign to push this boondoggle through must be repudiated. First, the tar sand extraction process is causing the biggest ecological disaster in Canada's History. Second, the pipeline would run from Montana's Canadian border to Texas refineries and to the Texas ports, where they will ship it to international markets.

This project is NOT about creating jobs and securing energy independence. It's about health of citizens and mother earth taking a back seat to profits for oily Texas millionaires. If the pipeline goes through, more money will flow to the elite few, who already have too much.

Obama says he personally will make the decision about the pipeline rather than leave it to the State Department, and will delay his decision 12-18 months. Some folks claim this as a good thing, since the State Department seemed ready to rubber stamp the deal. Obama has sold out to the rich and powerful so many times, after promising to be a president for the people, I don't trust him on this. Delaying the decision until after the election, will let him promise both sides of the issue a good result in return for their votes. One side will get hollow promises, and I suspect that's the people who oppose the pipeline. We must pressure him every way possible to say no this hideous scam.

OK, I have many subjects I could rant about, but I will stop there. There is going to be more of this type of thing on this blog. I hope so anyway, because I haven't blogged or flickr'd much lately. The movement and a woman have taken most of my attention and time. I do have some music photos taken and never even downloaded. Maybe, soon...

Mudslide Charley charges into September

2011-09-27T18:14:00.002-06:00

Where, When...

The moon struggles out of the clouds, as the Boone and Crocket bear looks on.

A little later, the moon would shine down on Mudslide Charley, as they brought the annual Hip Strip Block Party to an end, on Sunday, September 11, 2011. That's a street lamp above Tahj; the moon is above Marco.

Charley was hot as the weather to begin September. First Thursday was also the first day of this month, and Mudslide Charley played Blues and Bread at Bernice's Bakery. A week later, on the 8th, they were at the Blues Alley, followed by the Pig Roast at the Old Post on Saturday, and then the Hip Strip shindig.

Roger howls.

Charley, who missed the earlier events, while mushroom hunting in Colorado, reappeared in ghostly fashion under the stage lights.

Mudslide Charley at the Pig Roast

In August, Mudslide released their CD, RamShackle Soul, on the other side of the Old Post parking lot. It all adds up to a hot summer run for Mudslide Charley.

Mudslide Charley at the Blues Alley Block Party

Blues Alley produced a lot of fun and an abundance of photographers.

Blues Alley started an end of summer hurrah, which carried through the Hip Strip Party, with Hempfest, the Pig Roast and Sundays Streets among other events in the sandwich. I'm hoping Blues Alley will become a regular event like the others. Maybe it could be monthly next summer, instead of just an annual event. Put in your two cents with the sponsors: The Rhino, Redbird, Top Hat, Catalyst and Two Sisters.

Hempfest and More...

Dodgy Mountain Men @Hempfest

Chele Bandulu @Hempfest

Beyond the Pale @Hempfest

Last Internationale @Hempfest

The Last Internationale (NY) played at Hempfest, and later at the Top Hat to end their latest western tour.

Last Internationale @the Hat

Time flies, when you're having fun. It's been three weeks since I posted here. I must have been having a hell of a time. That's easy to do, living in paradise. With a truckload to catch up on, I hardly knew where to start. Please note, the image above of me wasn't captured by me, but my friend, Teri Llovet, who does a good job with my camera. Also note: I don't let most people touch my camera.

Teri Llovet

How can there only be three days left in September? Am I in a time warp? I take it as proof that I am even slower than I was when I was complaining about being old and slow. Not a bad thing, possibly, as I want to slow even more, becoming so slow no one can see me move. That would be a coup.

Zootown has seen a burst of events, activities and performances as everyone senses the last gasp of summer somewhere in the near future. Here come the holidays, and no one wants to face them.

More images from all of the events covered here can be seen on my flickr archive.

Roots with Epilog

2011-09-06T22:01:00.000-06:00

Roots Fest in Missoula was a stop on the Leftover Salmon reunion tour, Saturday, August 27, 2011. They proved the biggest draw of the weekend, and the packed crowd in front of the stage resembled a mosh pit at times. It was dangerous in there, as bodies bumped and banged, elbows flew, and beer showered.

There's plenty of bluegrass around Zootown, while zydeco is an occasional treat. Bennie and the Swamp Gators provided a romping finale to the festival on Sunday afternoon.

Bennie's daughter plays washboard with the band, and his grand daughter is being groomed to follow the tradition.

Shooting into the sunlight was almost a complete waste of time. I wished I had left my camera home, and arrived ready to dance, because this was fun dance music.

Epilog: Serendipity and Synchronicity

The guitar player above, Gene Williams, appeared at Sean Kelly's weekly open mike the next night. He stumbled onto the Monday night affair, and arrived without an instrument. Beau loaned his, and Gene filled the last spot with a mix of original tunes and a few covers. He nailed Long Black Veil, and that is an easy one to mess up.

Gene Williams

Beau offers up the guitar

On the flickr archive, you will find a set for Leftover Salmon, another for Bennie, and one for the open mike at Sean Kellys.

Butter and Fiancee, who performed at the Palace and Top Hat respectively late on First Friday, also have new sets.

Food Updates

2011-08-22T20:30:00.000-06:00

Two New Missoula Eateries

The latest entry on the Zootown food scene is Philly West, now open less than two weeks. These guys claim to be the only authentic Philly cheese steak in the area, and that is evidently not an idle boast. I base my opinion on the rapidly growing, and happily munching, lunch crowd I've seen.

I had the mandarin salad with chicken, which was a tasty combination of, "mixed greens with toasted almonds, mandarin oranges, red onion, chow mien noodles & balsamic vinaigrette." Next time, I hope to have a bigger appetite and try the namesake cheese steak sandwich.

Where is it? Next to Fedex, where La Parrilla used to be.

Being prepared to discuss some aspect of the Philadelphia sports scene will help you fit in. The place is closed on Sundays, open 11am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, and 11am to 2:30 am on Friday and Saturday. The weekend, wee hours gotta eat something now people will find this a convenient addition to their late night resources.

A tourist asked me where he and his wife could get a "buffalo burger." I didn't lecture him about the proper use of buffalo/bison, but I did embarrass myself by my ignorance. The only place I could think of with bison on the menu was the Pearl, which is too pricey for me to sample, and out of the price range our visitor was looking for.

Only later, did I find the Blue Bison Grill, which includes bison on its menu. Feeling guilty about giving that tourist a bum steer, I promptly had a bison dish served with frybread, Flathead cherry BBQ sauce, purple cabbage coleslaw and soup.

Other bison dishes available included soup, bison with rice, sandwiches, burgers and bison chili.

Where is the Blue Bison? Look for the sidewalk sign, above, on Front Street 1/2 block west of Higgins, or for this sign on the south side of the street.

It's been right there in Stockmans for about two months, and let's hope it stays.

Hours are 11am to 10pm Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Bon Voyage, Angie

2011-08-21T03:09:00.000-06:00

Angie Biehl has left Missoula for Kalamazoo, Michigan, to work on a master's degree in musical therapy. As a farewell party, several of the bands she plays in appeared at the Top Hat, on Monday, August 15, 2011. The symphony probably wouldn't fit, but she had just played with them the night before down in Caras Park. Did you hear her play the glockenspiel?

Tom Catmull, John Sporman

The one band not featuring Angie was Tom Catmull and the Clerics. Bands which included Angie were Stellarondo, the Tulis, New Hijackers, Slowly but Shirley and Broken Valley Roadshow.

New Hijackers: Caroline Keys, Angie Biehl and Travis Yost

Angie and brother, Nate Biehl

Angie with Broken Valley Roadshow

Big Music Night

2011-08-19T13:36:00.001-06:00

I usually start Friday mornings with KBGA listening to Swim Lesson with the Mermaid. This morning's show featured an interview with 10yoGF (10 year old Girl Friend), who will appear tonight at the Badlander as part of the Total Fest program. This may be one of your last opportunities to see this band,

because the drummer is leaving town.

What these other creative folks will do without him, only the future will tell.

These images came from their Endathon performance on February 18, 2011.

Total Fest is the biggest event of this weekend, and expands beyond the Badlander/Palace complex to fill some other venues with the multi-faceted music its famous for. The complex will be jamming tonight from top to bottom, the Palace, the Badlander, Central, Golden Rose, the Savoy Casino, music, food and alcohol.

Japanther returns to Missoula, tonight, and will be over at Zoo City Apparel with four other bands, including Goddammitboyhowdy. This, too, is Total Fest.

Goddammitboyhowdy is another local (or are they back in Browning again?) band I've enjoyed listening to and photographing.

Zoo City Apparel, in addition to iconic t-shirts, is making a name as an underground music venue. They are providing space lost with the closing of the BSMT and other shifts in the local scene.

This is one of those days when there is too much available in Zootown, and hard choices must be made.

Tom Catmull will be on the Union Club Stage tonight, beginning at 9:30.

Mudslide Charley will be at the Top Hat, along with the Frederico Brothers and Full Grown Men.

First Friday--August 2011

2011-08-10T01:32:00.001-06:00

I began August First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum. I was there to see the opening of Wendy Red Star's show.

Her work featured montages of nine photographs grouped by subject and quilts with photos woven into them. Subjects included the government issue houses of the day, church buildings, vehicles, signs and family gatherings. Most of the photos were taken by Wendy's father in the 70s. A few in one quilt were of him performing with the Maniacs, evidently quite famous on the Crow Reservation.

A sweat lodge completed the installation, sitting in front of nine images of sweat lodges.

Strolling Higgins, I found Jeffrey had company on his corner in front of the Dark Room.

Meanwhile, three incredible women, and one incredible drag queen prepare to perform a religious, sacrificial ritual in the name of street art and other holy concepts. This piece was titled Escape Velocity and performed only once, on First Friday in August, 2011.

Even Tank Girl showed up for this event, and she delivered a mighty blow.

The beast was worshiped, bashed and prayed to. As rituals go, it was cathartic and satisfying in so many ways.

Later, I found the Lil Smokies (well some of them anyway) making music behind the Old Post.

And then I called it quits. Not even dark yet, but I returned home to the book I was reading, and let the rest of that night run away on its own.

More Top Notch Zootown Music

2011-08-04T04:26:00.001-06:00

Where did all the musical talent in Zootown come from? For a small burg like this, it's a large, diverse and deep pool. The previous two posts high lighted a couple of upper echelon local bands. There are so many quality groups performing around Missoula, it would be impossible to name them all. You can read back through this blog to find others I praise. Here are some others I want to mention again.

Secret Powers

Downtown Tonight's weekly event on Thursday, July 7, 2011, featured the Independent's Best Of winners. Secret Powers and Reverend Slanky played, after being announced as finalists in the Best Band category.

I must insert a photographer's note here: the light really sucks at most of these daytime events in Caras Park. I am not good at shooting sky, and my camera weighs me down in the hot weather. I'm going to quit carrying my camera and just dig the music, the crowd and the smell of food. Indoor events are more my cup of tea, anyway.

Here are a few shots taken in the Top Hat on Friday, February 11, 2011.

Secret Powers rates bonus points with me for producing so much original material. Shmed simply cannot rest on his laurels and charges into the next project almost immediately after the last one is done.

Fans know these guys can handle covers, too, as their amazingly textured Beatles' work has shown. Let them practice a bit, and they can do most anything.

$4J = Cash for Junkers

$4J the ads say, as this group appears all over the map, including a monthly gig at the Union Club. These practiced musicians know their stuff and quickly fill any dance floor. Their crowd-pleasing allure has to place them among Missoula's best bands.

Cash for Junkers is intertwined with Broken Valley Roadshow, as Nate Biehl is in both bands, and other members trade off and fill in.

Nate Biehl with Caroline Keys, BVR at the Top Hat, Thursday, July 14, 2011

Nate Biehl and John Rosett/$4J @Union Club

Tom Catmull and the Clerics

When top bands are discussed, Tom Catmull and the Clerics have to be mentioned. They appeared in Caras Park at the Downtown Tonight event a week after winning Best Band for the fifth consecutive year. Tom was again a double winner as Best Musician.

Mudslide Charley

Mudslide Charley @Bernice's Bakery July 7, 2011

This being the first Thursday of August, Mudslide Charley will be playing their monthly "Blues and Bread" event at Bernice's. It's a benefit for the Missoula Food Bank with fresh hot rolls on sale inside, and hot blues outside. This is smack you in the face authentic style blues with classics any blues fan will recognize, and a growing number of original tunes.

Mudslide Charley @Old Post July 15, 2011

Mudslide recently had a CD release party at the Old Post, and for that event back-up singers were added.

As usual, there are sets of images on flickr of all the bands mentioned here.

Movement

2011-08-03T17:41:00.001-06:00

Movement is good, proves we're alive and brings new learning. The last edition of open mike at Brooks and Browns occurred on July 12, 2011. There was the usual mix of regulars and new faces, and the event was outside on the patio, until the weather threatened. The light went weird, before the sky began to grumble and flash. It was a suitable ending for the run at Brooks and Browns. The next week, Louis and Teri were scheduled in the same Tuesday 7-10pm slot at the Lucky Strike Casino.

Louis Bond

Teri Llovet

Brooks and Browns had been home to this open mike crew for about two years. There was always back-up waiting for any performer desiring assistance in the form of guitar and bass players, drummers, and occasionally dobro, saxaphone and other instruments. Bands formed and reformed among the instruments and mike stands in the Holiday Inn's bar.

Now, the locale has changed, and many of the regulars have already relocated.

Ciara @Brooks & Browns, June 28, 2011

UFOkies @B&B, June 28, 2011

Sister Fix with Roger on the drums and Sue guesting on fiddle @B&B July 5, 2011

Ciara invites Kristin, her old Slowly but Shirley partner, onstage at the Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011.

Suddenly, there are photographers coming out of the woodwork, as a group of RMSP students break out their gear. They are shooting everything from every angle.

Sister Fix @Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011

Big Sexy and the Meanfingers @Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011

Rumi's Love

2011-08-01T10:11:00.001-06:00

For August, Rumi says,

"A thousand half loves

must be abandoned

to take one

whole heart home. "

And, now for Something Completely Different

2011-07-20T08:24:00.000-06:00

Ching says:

It is time to diminish the ego and decrease activities.
Blaming and criticizing are wrong ways to diminish;
offering up and giving away are correct.

If one reduces one's faults,
assistance will come.

Reduce desires,
discard trivial things;
be frugal, sincere and honest.

Desires, anger, arrogance and anxiety
are obstacles to a peaceful mind.
Curb anger and appetites,
develop resolve.

If you desire only profit,
you will create disaster.

Let go of pain,
let go of bitterness.

Remove the unnecessary,
grow, persevere, enjoy.

Even with nothing,
the sentiment of the heart
can be expressed.

Sincerity makes simple offerings acceptable,
and blessings follow.

Don't be negligent,
but relax.
What's needed is in place.
Let go.

Go straight to the heart,
realize Tao in action,
becoming what is meant to be.

Begin.

Devious people block harmony in world affairs.
Use criminal law to remove obstruction,
bringing peace.
It is beneficial to use imprisonment.

Thunder stirs things up.
Awareness spreads.
Suddenly, one sees clearly
and overcomes ignorance,
as the essential is revealed.

Kitchenpoet responds with a haiku:

Storm clouds and lightening,

absurd satori flashes,

and still there are stars.

Slanky Revs It Up

2011-07-17T15:48:00.002-06:00

Cody welcomes back Phil and Chris

Sam White wails on the sax

Jaron Hein on trumpet

Longtime veteran, Jim Rogers, remains at the keyboard.

Reverend Slanky has been one of Zootown's most popular bands for years. Many university students have played with this outfit and moved on, after graduation, creating vacancies. The line-up has evolved with regular updates. Cody Hollow has been the glue holding the sound together and recruiting new members.

On Friday, July 8, 2011, the Reverend showed his latest face at the Badlander. A couple of lost sheep returned to the fold, and Cody moved to a drum kit, giving up the big drums. Sam White, who can't always come down from Helena, hit his horn hard. Slanky has always loved to funk with swing tunes. This incarnation brings back more rock sensibility, still swings, and, in the Reverend's proud tradition, is still among the most dance-able music in town.

Do I need to tell you there are more images from this night and previous performances on the flickr archive? You will find thousands of photos of local bands over there.

Skurfs Way Up, Pounding the Mountains

2011-07-16T18:23:00.002-06:00

OK, so the 3D gizmo didn't perform as promised, but the Skurfs certainly did. It was a raucous party as the group released their CD, First Run, at the Top Hat on Friday, July 1, 2011.

Gavin McCourt says Skurf is a combination of ski and surf, and the sound is Montana surf music.

Sam Ore

Aaron Johnson

Dan Venturella, Aaron, Gavin and Sam

In the Independent, Jed Nussbaum said this wasn't the Beach Boys' Surfin' USA. No kidding! This sound is the Ventures, on crack, mating with the Beach Boys a'la Deliverance. The roots are there in the 60s surf music, but this music is here and now, without a whiff of anything old. It's also brilliant.

If you see Skurfs on a marquee or in the ads, get out for some live and local music.

Yes, I am returning to the "live and local" mantra, because it is important. Zootown is a hotbed of artistic creativity, and music is a huge part of the scene. Since government wants to cut the arts (because studying art teaches us how to think rather than what to think), we must assist artistic impulses where ever and whenever we can.

Most local bands play for love of music, as they struggle to make ends meet. When they have honed their skills and produced the awesome sound they were after, Portland, Seattle, Austin, and even the city of Angels appear to be bigger, greener pastures. I have wanted to rant or weep when terrific local bands left town. Anybody been in touch with Thomas Pendarvis lately? What happened to the iNHUMANS? Closer to the Skurfs, do you remember Arrows to the Sun?

Citizens who can afford it, please, pay the lowly cover charges for live and local, buy locally recorded CDs and assist in keeping some exceptional music in Missoula.

I, on the other hand, cannot afford cover charges. If I paid cover charges, my archive of Missoula music and musicians would only contain hundreds of images, instead of the thousands currently there. Just saying, if you want your image or venue to appear here in the kitchen, or on the stove, let me in. Do not ask me to deal in filthy lucre, since I have none. Disclaimer: I am slow, not from age; I've always been a bit that way. I cannot accept all invitations, can't be everywhere at once, and can't carry a tune in a bucket. Please, don't ask for a song and dance.

There was a thunder shower just know, and I must go for a walk. I'll see you all along the way, down the road, and hopefully near some art, because I love the stuff and the people who make it.

Still to come:

Dumpstaphunk

Boukman Eksperyans/Haiti to Butte

2011-07-12T01:27:00.001-06:00

A prophet pointed to the light

in the spirit of Bob Marley and other timeless spirits,

as Boukman Eksperyans, from Haiti, set the place afire to climax the folk festival in Butte on Sunday, July 10, 2011. Officially, this was the Montana Folk Festival,and this tent was the Montana Tourism Dance Pavilion.

They were the reason I wanted to go to this shindig in the first place, because I saw them twice on Santa Monica Pier many years ago. They knocked me out then, and I figured they would again. Figured right.
This was my Sunday church meeting, a knock your socks off tent revival with spirited hymns of redemption and freedom.

Butte hosted the National Folk Festival for three years, learned how to run the thing well, and figured why not continue the tradition for the state. It worked well with good crowds, numerous shuttles, a wide range of food, and some stunning music.

There are more images of this group on my flickr archive, as well as thousands more of mostly local Missoula performers making music. Coming soon: the Skurfs CD release, a report on July's First Friday a reformed version of Reverend Slanky, and more.

Skurfs @ the Hat, July 1, 2011

El 3-oh on Higgins for First Friday in July

More fun-seekers prowling downtown on First Friday

Russ Nasset and the Revelators

2011-06-30T21:41:00.001-06:00

Russ Nasset and the Revelators just played Downtown Tonight in Caras Park. Russ will be playing solo, starting about 10p tonight, at the Old Post. And tomorrow night for First Friday, July 1, this whole group will be playing at the Union Club, starting at 9:30.

If you aren't getting down to Caras Park for the great, free and family friendly events there such as this one on Thursday evenings and Out to Lunch on Wednesdays at noon, shame on you.

And if you haven't seen this band, check them out at the club, Friday, July 1.

Ho, ho, ho, maybe I'm not so old and slow after all. They quit playing at 8:30 and I have this up less than 90 minutes later. There are a few more images from this event on the flickr archive, along with approximately 8000 others of this and other Missoula bands.

One Zootown Week--June 12-18, 2011

2011-06-26T20:26:00.000-06:00

Summer Carnival

The carnival kicked off the week with jugglers, kids' games and other family entertainment early,

moving on to more adult themes in the evening, including my favorite fire eater

with a soundtrack by Voodoo Horseshoes.

Meanwhile, at the Missoula Winery

The Ed Norton Big Band,

under the direction of this man,

was swinging away in front of a happy crowd.

Jazz Martini

Later, Margi Cates joined the Front Street Jazz Band on stage at the Badlander, during Jazz Martini Night. For those who don't know, Jazz Martini is a weekly, Sunday night event at the Badlander. Bands alternate weeks, and Front Street will be back tonight, Sunday, June 26.

This night was fun for all.

Out to Lunch

Members of Zeppo also had a good time on the Caras Park stage for Out to Lunch on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Anybody visiting Missoula should plan on Wednesday, for lunch, or Thursdays 5:30-8:30pm for dinner. Lots of vendors offer their foodstuffs, and the live music is free at both events.

Hot Harleys

On Friday night, the annual Harley rally brought a bunch of hot bikes to Caras Park.

Mudslide Charley was one of the bands providing the music,

and, of course, a good time was had by all.

Christian and the Sinners

Overlapping the excitement in Caras Park was a show at the Top Hat featuring a group new to me, Christian and the Sinners. That's Christian up front, and there are some marvelous musicians backing him up, including Bethany on the cello and Grace Decker on the fiddle.

More images of every band and event in this post has a set on the flickr archive. Grace also performs with Cash for Junkers, while Bethany seems to be everywhere, but particularly with Wartime Blues and Butter in the archive.

In the Streets

In Zootown, you can find music everywhere, and some of the travelers playing on the streets are very talented, not to mention varied and diverse in material and style.

Back in Zootown

2011-06-11T21:42:00.001-06:00

And so glad to be here.

My road trip lasted six weeks, and by the end I was mighty homesick for Zootown. I drove back into Missoula Thursday, and the next day was First Friday, featuring art and music everywhere. Next day--Saturday Markets. Sunday, in addition to the market by the carousel, Higgins was closed from the Hip Strip to the Xs for all kinds of family activities.

I don't know the young man, but that is Bethany playing the saw and Caroline on the banjo.

Kate Davis with a red-tailed hawk from the Raptor Refuge appeared at Fact and Fiction on Saturday.

Jav performed second in a music show at Zoo City Apparel with art by Abe Coley on the wall. Pyro Spyders opened, and Goddammitboyhowdy finished that show.

Abe Coley hands on hips. Abe had art up in six venues around town for First Friday. He also has some pieces in a window at the old Macy's store. That must be some kind of record.

Meanwhile, Zeppo was playing over at the Union Club.

This batch of rascals are known as the Dodgy Mountain Men, and they produced their usual fun show at the Palace on Friday night. See the previous post for coverage of their appearance at the Top Hat with Hillstomp.

Not to be outdone, the Skurfs introduced a new look, as they capped the action at the Palace on First Friday, June 3, 2011.

Oh yes, there have been some additions over on the flickr archive. Check it out.

It's summertime in Zootown, and it doesn't get any better than this. I'll see you in the streets, at the markets and in the music venues.

Stompin' the Hat

2011-04-23T21:53:00.000-06:00

Hillstomp brought their hard-driving blues to the Top Hat for the first time on Friday April 15, 2011. To say the crowd was appreciative would be an understatement; ecstatic and blown-away would be closer to the truth. Is there a duo anywhere who plays faster and louder? This is rompin' and stompin' stuff, creating an audience/performer vortex, which threatens to lift the roof off.

The buckets are plain enough in this image, but you can't see the brake drum and some of the other toys tucked away in this far-from-standard drum kit.

Henry Christian

John Johnson

Hillstomp gave everything they had for a lengthy set, with much howling, growling and dripping sweat. I think their performance and the crowd reaction gave them some satisfaction.

The Dodgy Mountain Men were feeling their onions on this night, and deserve much credit for warming the crowd up for the headliners. One unique aspect of this outfit is percussion provided by tablas.

As usual, there are more images of this night on the flickr archive. Each of these bands has a set, as does Black Mountain Moan, the opening band. All three bands have previous coverage on this blog, and at least one set from an earlier performance on flickr. Hillstomp now has five sets on flickr, counting two performances at the Palace and two at the Badlander.

In a previous post about Black Mountain Moan, I labeled this young man Zak, but, according to his emails, he uses the more traditional Zach. I apologize, Zach.

I can't end this post without mentioning the "free and family friendly" 6 to 8 time slot every Thursday and Friday at the Top Hat. On this Friday, the Jen Slayden Family Band performed, and as usual kids running, dancing and playing contributed to a very different bar experience from the usual. The Family Band included Jen's son, daughter and niece. They also have a set on flickr.

Who Opened for Johhny Winter?

2011-04-16T22:13:00.000-06:00

Zeppo

With the old master up front

The grandness of the Wilma all around

Chuck Lester

All their fans know these guys playing the horns, but who's that behind them?

Hey look. There's a new bass player, Lee

a new drummer, Reggie

a new guitar player, Pat

and the same rocking rhythm and blues that makes folks want to dance.

Your next opportunity to hear that sound and dance your ass off will be at the Union Club on Saturday, April 30. Zeppo usually plays that venue monthly, and that is their next scheduled performance there.

Many more images of this grand night at the Wilma are on the flickr archive.

Ello

2011-04-16T21:31:00.000-06:00

Ello, pronounced as the British say hello, is the Top Hat Artist of the Month for April. As such, they play 6-8 pm every Thursday this month. We are halfway through April and there are two more opportunities to take the whole family to hear this band in a bar, if you can believe that, as this is an all ages, family friendly event. I can witness to the fact that kids transform and elevate the energy in a bar. Drop into the Top Hat on Thursday or Friday between 6 and 8 to see for yourself.

Going into the weekend, the Friday events are well attended, but more folks should take advantage of the Thursday offerings. These guys have a solid sound and deserve a larger audience. In addition to playing the Hat on Thursdays, April 21 and 28, they will be on the Trail 103.3, live with Tracy Lopez on Thursday the 21st, at 9am.

Jason on bass, Greg doing vocals, Justin on drums, Chris on guitar

Here are the drink specials for the month, in case you are interested.

Before Bellatrix, There was Endathon

2011-03-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

One week before Bellatrix lit up the Winery, KBGA threw a terrific party to celebrate the end of their annual pledge drive. Endathon inhabited the Badlander/Palace complex on Friday, February 18, 2011.

The Count caught his plane this time, and Rooster Sauce reunited to play for the first time in many moons.

Hello. Welcome to Endathon. Would you like to buy a raffle ticket?

DJs downstairs in the Palace,

and 10yoGF on the Badlander stage,

where Green Horse followed.

Kitty Deyo is one of my favorite people. You can see her on flickr in the Cabaret and Bellatrix sets, also.

To summarize: Endathon was a rousing party, and a good time was had by all.

Afterwards, however, the coat check area turned into a major cluster fuck.

There are two sets on flickr with Endathon and Rooster Sauce. Check those out, too.

First Fridays at St Pat's Hospital

2011-03-02T20:13:00.002-07:00

El 3-OH played in the lobby of the Broadway Building at St Patricks on the first Friday in January 2011. This was something new for this venue, and it worked well. The acoustics in that place are fantastic.

Barrett Meigs

John Rosett and Pete Hand

For February, Caroline Keys and Grace Decker, from Broken Valley Road Show and Cash for Junkers performed as a duo.

First Friday, March 4, 2011, will feature the University of Montana Flute Choir, directed by Maggie Schuberg. Also, art by Lisa Autio will be displayed.

Dodgy Mountain Men

2011-03-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Dodgy Mountain Men will open for Scott Biram in the Palace tonight. If you're looking for some shit kicking fun, you should be there. Here are some shots from their performance in the Badlander on Tuesday, Feruary 15, 2011.

There are more of these on flickr.

Bellatrix--the Hottest Ticket in Town

2011-02-28T09:41:00.004-07:00

Bellatrix is a collective project created by some of Zootown's brightest and most energetic artists. Previous editions have taken place in the Palace and the Top Hat. This version played at the Missoula Winery on Friday and Saturday, February 25 and 26, 2011. Sold-out, standing room only crowds made the Missoula Winery the place to be for this event.

They were rewarded with spectacular aerial feats,

striptease,

dancing women,

singers, songwriters, musical numbers, beautiful women, beautiful drag queens,

sword fighting,

and more magical, mystical action. Yes, indeed, this was the place to see and be seen.

All too soon, it was over, and the participants were called to accept their kudos. The smiling lady below, who is also the fiery woman at the top, earned high praise as a guiding light for the spectacular show.

PS: Much more of this show on flickr.

Black Mountain Moan @the Hat

2011-02-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Zak

Jeff

Vic

Black Mountain Moan is Artist of the Month at the Top Hat for February, 2011. Zak and Jeff performed as a blues duo the first Thursday, and Vic joined them for later performances, bringing the blues ensemble to full strength. Vic and Jeff are old hands with this genre, while Zak is a young scholar of the blues sound. Fans of the blues will find much to like with this group, as they wind up their month run at the Top Hat on Thursday, February 24.

Butter--January Artist of the Month at the Top Hat

2011-02-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Butter was the featured Artist of the Month at the Top Hat, during January. Fans will immediately recognize the trio above, Bethany, Lisena and Hermina, but the image below might confuse them.

Was Lisena going to abandon her keyboard and move to bass, replacing Maria, who had departed for Spain? No, it was just a sound check, and Ms Brown was soon back at her familiar instrument, and the young gentleman below filled the void.

Burke Jam

Jesse Netzloff on guitar and Martin McCain on drums

Bethany Joyce, Lisena Brown and Hermina Harold

Dodgy Mountain Men Torch the Palace

2011-02-14T19:47:00.003-07:00

The Dodgy Mountain Men are a bluegrass outfit with a tabla player providing the percussion. That certainly isn't a standard band formation, but this fun loving group makes it work. On Saturday, January 29, 2011, they launched into a free-wheeling set, which ignited the crowd, which fed the band, which led to one of those energy tornadoes which lift venues right off the ground. When it was over, many participants had to drink considerable amounts in order to recover.

There's a set on flickr with more shots of these guys, and a set for Voodoo Horseshoes who released their CD, Flight of the Platypus, at this event. Horseshoes also turned in a rip-snorting set on this night.

I bring this up now, because the Dodgy Mountain Men will be playing the Badlander's Live and Local evening on Tuesday, February 15, tomorrow, as I write this. Peoples is also on the bill.

Since the Badlander music will start at the usual late hour, one could easily enjoy the open mike program at Brooks and Browns (in the Holiday Inn at the river end of Pattee St), 7-10pm Tuesday, and then cruise to the Badlander for even more good home-made music.

Voodoo Horseshoes

First Friday--Feb, 2011

2011-02-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Wolf Redboy @the Break

Wolf Redboy has consistently produced some of the most original music in Zootown. On First Friday, he brought his newest music and songs to the Break. He also had some new players with him.

Nate Biehl

Mickie

Louie Bond was on sound and waiting in the wings for the right number to join in. Previous commitments took me elsewhere, and I'm wondering when we will see more of this combo.

Family Friday and DIY @the Hat

Ello played a tight, rocking set for the early 6-8 show at the Top Hat.

The Top Hat has family friendly hours every Thursday and Friday, 6-8pm. Kids are welcome and sometimes take over the dance floor and the pool tables. Thursday performers rotate on a monthly basis, while Friday nights are individually booked. I'll be covering more of this soon, and catching up a bunch. I have images of Stellarondo and Butter, previous monthly artists, as well as the current group Black Mountain Moan.

DIY is a First Friday arts and crafts fair. On this night, February 4, 2011, Jason was creating a new painting, and the place was full of beautiful homemade crafts and beautiful craft persons.

Ax Raccoons @the Palace

Madison Schroeder leaped back into the Palace action with her latest band, Ax Raccoons.

Yes, Mary is back from Minneapolis. She played in previous bands with Madison, and also with Thomas Pendarvis.

Each of these events has its own set over on the flickr archive, with these and more images captured on Friday, February 4, 2011.

When I was young, old folks sometimes described down times as "being under the weather." Since I've loved the weather in all it's diversity this winter, I don't want to use that phrase. I have, however, not been firing on all cylinders for a few months. It is time to start moving again. I have a ton of photos to review and so much more to say about the Zootown scene.

Go Comics is a large alphabetized listing of comics; Arcamax is a smaller listing, but has some not on the other list. I put those links up in the right column. I recommend starting every day with a few laughs. Laughter really is the best medicine, and music is a close second. Therefore, I also recommend getting out to a local venue to support your favorite band, or to check out a new band, and to support Zootown health and happiness.

...reboot...

2011-02-10T23:05:00.001-07:00

Have I been hibernating long? Every waking is a fresh start.

Where to start?
Start where you are.
Where am I?

Foyan said, "Observe your current state. How did it come to be? Why are you confused?"

Could we change the subject, please? I want to talk about cookies, chocolate chip cookies to be precise. The cookies have to be chewy, of course, not crunchy. Peanut butter, however, has to be crunchy, not creamy. What were we talking about?

...reboot...

...dormant...buried under the snow, waiting for spring...

Wake up!
No, pull the blankets up. Refuse to move.
Grow.
Not now.

Reboot...

OK. Only one chocolate chip cookie a day, instead of a bagful.

Coming soon some new stuff. I apologize for the long interlude. Quite frankly, I haven't felt like doing much for a few months. Maybe some of you share the feeling. I'm cranking my motor and starting to move again. There's some new stuff on flickr, already.

I put the comics links back up on the right side of this page under people and things I like. How can the day start without Lio and Nonsequitor?

$4Junkers @the Club

2010-12-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

These shots of Cash for Junkers were taken at the Union Club on Friday, November 19, 2010. There are more images from this show on flickr. More importantly--

Cash for Junkers plays at the Union Club again tonight!

Today is Saturday, December 11, 2010. The music will start on time at 9:30, or heads will roll.

The Turtle trudges onward, hoping to catch up...

2010-12-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween--2010

Party at the Broadway Inn

My hipnhot award for best Halloween party goes out to the Demonlily production at the Broadway Inn on October 30, 2010. These folks are into costuming and make up 100%.

Finalists in the Scariest Costume category above, and the winner below.

Blessiddoom

High Voltage

Meanwhile at the Union Club

Russ Nassett and the Revelators were on stage,

Disney characters were in attendance,

and everyone was having a terrific time.

Next stop--the Top Hat

Lil Smokies were providing the music,

and another favorite character was seen.

Other sightings:

Yes, this old man is way behind again. Can you imagine, just getting to Halloween, as the world rushes to Christmas? Well, there was this computer crash, as I was putting together my Top Hat show, and I have a bunch of other excuses for being slow. Instead of speeding up, in some cases I slow down. For example: being offline was terribly frustrating at first, then mildly annoying, and then I was reluctant to return to the Internet.

Several sets have been uploaded to flickr, since I rejoined the digital web. This might be the blog introduction of High Voltage, but they have other images in the archive. Blesseddoom and Russ Nassett have several sets on flickr. Lil Smokies were recently at MAM in addition to their regular performances at the Hat. I'm working on several new images of them.

Of course, there are also more images of all the venues and events covered here on flickr.

Belated Thanks, Part 1

2010-12-03T13:42:00.002-07:00

Cue Joe Cocker (and allow slight lyrical adjustment):

I get by with tons of help from my friends.

My ego said I could produce a photo exhibit for the Top Hat, to open on the First Friday in November, and a music program to go with that show on the first Sunday. Wrong. Several things happened after that, including: a computer crash, cancellations, scheduling conflicts, nervous breakdowns #19-21 and an "Elizabeth I'm coming to join you" moment (Does anyone remember Sanford and Son?).

I thank all the powers that be in the universe for my friends, who came from all directions and saved my scrawny ass. And for that, I want to thank all my friends. There are too many to cover adequately here, and that is why the title includes Part 1. I'm back online, after more than a month, but I still cannot access all my images, and I have piles of catch up. Future episodes will include Kevin Van Dort, music director at the Winery and Brendan Stewart, who installed the big pieces in the Top Hat, and oh so many others. Here are the folks who appeared in the music program at the

Missoula Winery and Event Center

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Darah Fogarty

Meggie McDonald

Ron Dunbar

Slowly But Shirley: Kristin Janis, Ciara Keeton

New Hijackers

Caroline Keys

Travis Yost

Angie Biehl

Today is First Friday a month later. It is time to check where the action is tonight. More choices to make...

Favorites @the Palace

2010-10-13T23:03:00.002-06:00

Hillstomp is another group I try to see every time they come to town. This hard driving blues duo plays it like no other, like there's no tomorrow. Their repertoire starts with Robert Johnson back from the crossroads with a new sound and continues through delta blues greats like R.L. Burnside.

Hillstomp's loyal followers packed the Palace for their performance on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Earlier, Timmy Arrowtop led his band, Birds Mile Home, on stage to open the event. I covered this band in a previous post, and mentioned then Timmy is one of my music heroes.

There is a set for each band in this post on flickr.

Playing Favorites @the Hat

2010-10-13T22:25:00.003-06:00

I'm working on a show titled Top Hat Women, which will open in the Top Hat on First Friday in November. Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival will be in the show, as will the fiddle player. Elephant Revival is one of my all-time favorite bands, and I try to see them every time they visit Zootown. Their last visit was on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

Elephant Revival brought their friends, the Mile Markers,with them to play during the break. Here was another talented violin player teamed with an energetic guitar player/singer. Bright, original material added to the freshness.

Ragbirds will return to the Top Hat on Saturday, October 23. This drum combo joined my favorites list the first time I saw them. All drumming, all the time, free-wheeling, carefree, danceable drumming. Get with it at the Hat.

Whoa! I screwed this up in the original post. Po' Girl returns to the Hat next month on November 26. I apologize for getting the date wrong. This amazing outfit has built a local fan base with previous appearances here and at the Badlander. Don't miss this one. I will have an exhibit of my photography up in the Top Hat for the month of November. The members of Po' Girl will be able to see themselves in that show.

Do I need to tell you there are sets for all these bands over on the flickr archive?

More Jazz, Please

2010-10-06T23:20:00.002-06:00

Jazz, oh jazz, sweet jazz filled the airwaves of Oregon and Washington, coming from college stations everywhere, particularly Seattle and Portland. This wasn't an hour or two of jazz sandwiched with other genres and NPR news and talk; this was hours of uninterrupted jazz. I do believe I have found a deficiency in my Zootown paradise.

I must mention two jazz programs on KBGA. Four hours begins at noon on Sundays with the Awful Truth about Jerry Lundegaard, followed by the Outside Edge at 2pm. That's the best block of jazz to be found on local radio.

There are some promising developments on the live scene. Returning to winter hours, Jazz Martini Night at the Badlander now begins at 7:30 on Sundays, allowing us old fogies a chance to hear some jazz before our early bedtimes. The Missoula Winery is also offering performance by jazz combos at comfortable hours. I recently went there to photograph the Indulge Jazz Quintet.

The Indulge Jazz Quintet at the Missoula Winery

Ed Stalling

Kevin Van Dort joins the Quintet to belt out a blues number.

A full set of Indulge Jazz Quintet can be found on the Flickr archive.

Margi and the Smoking Jackets are rehearsing for a more active appearance schedule, which will include a performance at the UC, during the First Night Celebration.

Prowling Zootown Music Again

2010-09-22T23:42:00.000-06:00

My heart had taken flight, during the days in wilderness, on the coast and by the rivers. Reconnecting to my home town took some time. I tiptoed into the Sunrise Saloon to hear Cash for Junkers, and they hooked me right up.

I love people happy in their work, and I love good music. Nailed the twofer on this night, Thursday, August 26, 2010.

It was great to return to the Saturday markets, and find Hot House Tomatoes performing under the bridge at the Clark Fork Market.

The final weekend of August belonged to the Roots Fest, although only the headliner, Robert Earl Keen, could lure me back downtown Saturday.

Broken Valley Roadshow inspired me to spend more time at Roots, as they opened the second day.

Tom Catmull and the Clerics were up second on Sunday.

Susan, 7X a grandmother, now homeless, busking on Higgins

And then came Hempfest on Saturday, September 11, 2010

with Not Quite Punk

Secret Powers

and Voodoo Horseshoes highlighting a strong line up.

The big event was followed by the Hempfest After Party at the Top Hat, where Miller Creek performed.

Headliners, Lubriphonic, produced an extravagant sound, deep, strong and tight.

Hundreds of photos have gone on the Flickr archive in recent days, as I work to catch up from vacation hang over. There's new stuff coming soon. I want to cover more jazz like the Indulge Jazz Quintet, which has a Flickr set of their recent Missoula Winery appearance.

Kitchenpoet Is Back, But Not the Same

2010-09-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

Wy'east High School Class of '65 at their 45th Reunion

Wowser! 45th!? Sometimes those years seem long, and other times short. My shirt states plainly the role I played and continue to play.

The lighted sign before this one said the wait for the ferry would be two hours, and that was an underestimate by half an hour. Waiting didn't bother me. I've seen worse, where the view wasn't near as grand, nor the air as fresh. It was worth every second of waiting. I had camped in the Chelan Wilderness, the night before, my first camping in three years. I had the foam pad problem solved, and slept comfortably. The ferry I waited for left Edmunds so smoolthly I didn't realize the trip had started, until I reached the deck.

Soon I was in Sequim, the lavender capitol, visiting friends. Three days later, two of us headed out to the point to meet another old friend, arriving by motorcycle, to camp on the Olympic Peninsula.

looking north

looking south

Charles, Dan and Irv

This old coot had a great time, and I think my friends did, too. Irv took this one, using his timer.

I began to look for oddities, and found some interesting things.

The first clear, close view of Mt Hood always takes my breath. Here is the valley I grew up in, etched by the river flowing from that mountain.

For the 10th and 20th reunions, I was listed unable to locate, before I made it to the 25th and 30th. Fifteen years had passed, since I had seen anyone other than best friends, and many I hadn't seen since high school.

I'm still trying to integrate what I experienced, and it isn't easy. I touted Missoula as Paradise to people who lived in equally beautiful places, and returned to find Zootown wasn't as heavenly as I remembered. When did my favorite small city become so crowded and noisy? And where did all this dog shit come from? Wait, I know the answer to that one.

Bob Wire, Slowly But Shirley, Star Anna, Red Elvises and Weather

2010-08-06T09:24:00.001-06:00

Where does the time go? My last blog concerned the second weekend of July, and August has begun. I have some catching up to do. The last chapter ended with Amanda Cevallos and Bob Wire at Ryan Creek Meadows. Soon after that, Bob was sizzling at Caras Park.

It was the weekly Downtown Tonight event on Thursday, July 22, 2010, and Bob was really cooking on stage.

Listeners were enjoying a spectacular Montana day, in addition to the music.

I want you to come to Fact and Fiction tonight (Friday, Aug 6) and buy my book. I might sign it if you do.

note:Bob Wire did not pay for this promo. I think his lyrics are some of the funniest around, and I expect his book to be amusing, too.

Ciara Keeton, Angie Biehl, Kristin Janis, Teri Llovet

Not one Shirley in the batch, but the band is Slowly But Shirley. They played a big part in producing and playing Zulapalooza at the Top Hat on Saturday, July 24.

Teri Llovett

One of the powers which helped create Zulapalooza was Teri Llovett. Teri was with Full Moon Prophets, who played their final gig on this same Top Hat Stage, last November. See Good-bye Prophets in a previous post here and in a set on Flickr. That was a whing-ding and a half, featuring many local musicians who wanted in on the fun. Zulapalooza produced more of the same infectious fun. One high light was Joe Half Cocked. Joe is an entity, who was being channeled by a local performer, but now busts out when he pleases.

Joe Half Cocked, Kristin Janis, Ciara Keeton

The Missoula Winery has a new stage. Performers and audience are protected from the hot afternoon sun, as this is on the east side of the building. Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs played there on Friday, July 30.

Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs

Mother Nature chose to bring special effects to the event. It wasn't so much fun for the band, as the temperature fluctuations began to mess up the tuning. The guitar player just knew he was going to die, electrocuted on stage in Missoula, Montana.

A few drops fell on the assembly, but the body of the storm missed us and moved off to the north-west. Did I mention The Winery has an incredible view of the entire Missoula basin? I should also say this old photographer had a great time with the changing light, noted with approval the evolution of the Winery and tasted some fine Cabernet.

The Red Elvises have made the pilgrimage to Missoula an annual event. I saw them in Santa Monica many years ago (15?/more?). They had changed their name from Limpopo shortly before that, and I bought the Limpopo CD, and the first Red Elvis CD, and enjoyed every minute of their performance. I missed their previous visits here, but I was determined this time.

Igor has sandwiched himself with a pair of women, since I saw them.

A throng of Red Elvis fans packed the Badlander to see them again.

Every day I thank the powers that be I found Missoula before I died. Yes, I have said that before. Brace yourselves, because I will say it again. Life is sweet, and it gets better every day.

If you aren't enjoying yourself, as much as I, try turning off your television and getting out to some live music.

PS: See more of these events on Flickr. Don't hurt yourself by trying to view everything on my Flickr archive, because it is too much. It is best to approach the archive looking for a band you know, or want to know, because the search function will allow you to find the images you want (if I have key-worded properly).

Reconnecting with Friends

2010-07-17T02:12:00.001-06:00

Bob Wire and Amanda Cevallos

The stage was large; the crowd was small.

While thousands of Missoulians headed to the FREE folk festival in Butte, a small crowd of fans went to Ryan Creek Meadows to see the Marshall Tucker Band on Saturday, July 10. They found a new, sturdy stage. Only the early arrivals knew a wind had taken down the fences and ripped off the stage roof not long before the gates were to open.

I was there on assignment for Amanda Cevallos, who re-visited Zootown briefly in order to perform on this ticket. I gave her a hard time as I do most who desert Missoula for some other place, but she found a home there and has steered her career very well.

Why do I worry about being late? My timing seems to have improved in old age. For Example, of course, I was on time to catch Amanda going on stage. Good thing, too, because she put me on the guest list, and if I didn't get photos, she would have skinned me alive. It was great to reconnect with her, and to watch her strutting the strut on stage.

A full year had passed, since I had talked with Bob Wire other than a quick pass, while he was consumed with his book of Montana oddities. That book is available (unless sold out) at Shakespeare and Co., and Fact and Fiction. I'm ashamed I didn't make it to the release of the book, or his last CD, Buffaload. Bob and his band, which he sometimes calls the Magnificent Bastards, played material from all of their CDs and new songs, too. Bob, as always, was a kick in the pants.

39 years ago, Marshall Tucker Band came together and quickly jumped into the upper echelon of the southern music scene. If I understood correctly, these two are the only original members left. They are a stalwart crew of experienced musicians, who make their great sound look easy. They have class, too, as is evidenced by their ride.

Marshall Tucker has a set on the Flickr archive, while Bob and Amanda each have a Marshall Tucker Album. Go there to see more images from this event.

This Weekend

2010-07-08T13:31:00.000-06:00

Marshall Tucker Band

and many others

Ryan Creek Meadows

Saturday July 10, 2010

Amanda Cevallos will return to Missoula to appear on the stage at Ryan Creek Meadows, this Saturday. Marshall Tucker is the headliner, with Bob Wire, Shane Clouse and Kira Means. This is my all time favorite image of Amanda. She on the other hand preferred the following shot, and put it on her business card.

Previous posts on this blog, and sets on the Flickr archive, cover Amanda's history with Wolf Redboy and her own band, Bad Intentions. Just search for Amanda on my photostream.

Greed, Lies and an Incredible Swath of Dying Animals and Plants

2010-07-02T09:58:00.003-06:00

BP deserves the death penalty.

Put the company in receivership,

and the management in prison.

Mother Magic Continues @Hat

2010-06-21T18:59:00.000-06:00

Overheard at the Top Hat: "He looks like Jesus." Where do so many Christians get the notion Jesus was blond?

Equaleyes played too late for this old man at LYME-Fest, and I missed their previous local engagements, but I remember this dude being on stage with the Shook Twins at last year's Love Your Mother. Equaleyes was the first of four bands over two nights to bring the magic of the Love Your Mother Earth Festival indoors at the Top Hat.

Sister Monk brought her "...mystical poetry, transcendental pop and gypsy funk grooves..." to the stage, after Equaleyes, on Wednesday, June 16. She has the most amazing showman on the bass behind her.

While Sister Monk is a new favorite...

Bonnie Paine is a favorite from years ago and far away. Now she's playing the washboard and the djembe in the middle of Elephant Revival. They also describe their music as transcendental, in this case folk.

Bridget Law

Dead Winter Carpenters opened the action on Thursday, June 17, and what a night!

There are more images of both nights on the Flickr archive. Elephant Revival can be seen, along with Sister Monk in the previous post "LYME-Fest Day Two" on this blog and on Flickr.

2010-06-21T06:18:00.000-06:00

We could make sure everyone was fed, clothed, housed and had health care, if we weren't spending all our money murdering people around the world, and building weapons to murder more.

LYME Fest--Day Three

2010-06-19T23:38:00.002-06:00

High lighted and starred on my Sunday schedule was Secret Powers with Shmed, one of my local heroes, up front. After doing some of their original material, easily purchased on their CDs, they launched into their famous full-coverage of Abbey Road. This is no simplified to three chord rock anthem version. This has the subtle, complex depth of the original, or as close as you can get live on stage.

Ryan Farley and John Fleming

I fell in love about 30 times over the weekend at the Love Your Mother Earth Festival, and here are three of my new loves on stage with Broken Valley Road Show. None meet my minimum age requirement, and I think all are spoken for, but, sweet mother of god, they are beautiful, smart, talented and funny. Who could ask for more? See Cash 4 Junkers in the previous post, where Grace fiddles with another band.

Nate Biehl, Angie Biehl, Caroline Keys

A surprise delight was the Anonymous String Association, whose sound side tracked me from a rush to the main stageand pulled me to the Ramble Stage.

I was out of steam early Sunday, heading back to the Campground Stage to see Clyde drumming with the Dodgy Mountain Men, and making them my final act of the day.

I can't end my coverage of Day 3, without showing the accordion player above, and another of my beautiful friends below. There are a total of 127 (I think) images in three sets titled by day over on the flickr archive. Soon there will be follow ups of Sister Monk (Day 1) and Elephant Revival (Day 2), when they played the Top Hat this week Equaleyes played too late at LYME, but I caught them at the Hat with Sister Monk.

LYME Fest--Day Two

2010-06-16T20:24:00.002-06:00

Having seen Warsaw Poland Brothers once before at the Top Hat, I made sure to arrive in plenty of time to catch them on the main stage, as they delivered a powerful set.

And did I stick around for Elephant Revival? That is a rhetorical question, as in previous posts I have stated they are one of my all-time favorite bands. Kitchenpoet put down his camera for a spell and pranced in front of the stage as Uncle Sam. The LYME online band guide called their music transcendental folk. The guide also said they were from Moab, Utah, and I thought they were from Nederland, CO. I must remember to ask about that, when they play the Top Hat, Thursday, June 17. Will I be there? Another rhetorical question.

UV Hippo played the Top Hat a few days back, and I stayed to tell them their photos were up, and, as usual, I thought they were terrific. Sweet mother of god, my ego is through the roof these days.

Day two of Love Your Mother provided music in every direction, and the Valley Stage wasn't the only one I visited.

The names on the program didn't tell me I would find Ellie Nuno and Micki Singer on the Campground Stage, when I first parked.

Cash 4 Junkers on the Ramble Stage

This is beyond a harmonica around the neck, while playing a guitar. Trevor Green was on the main stage, early in the afternoon, playing a kick drum, two didgeridoos and a guitar.

To see the other members of the trio Bookah and more of the whole festival go to the Flickr archive.

Everywhere I looked, it seemed to be party time.

I've photographed this dude with SWYL twice at the Top Hat (see previous posts), and here he was on the Ramble Stage with Axshinn Slaxx.

It was once again past this old man's bed time, but there was something spectacular unfolding at the Dome, and I had to see what. Then the Dome lights dwindled below, as I trudged over the ridge and back to my car. This post is represented on Flickr as LYME Fest--Day Two.

Corporations are what...?

2010-06-16T18:26:00.000-06:00

If corporations are human, can we execute BP for the murder of an entire eco-system?

LYME Fest--Day One

2010-06-14T11:46:00.000-06:00

"You're either on the bus, or you're not." --Merry Pranksters

Capt'n Trips kept the shuttles running from Missoula to Rock Creek for the Love Your Mother Earth Festival, and a $10 pass granted unlimited access for all three days.

The first sign I saw upon arrival, was not promising, but further down the path things looked better.

Electronic DJs had a beautiful pulpit to operate from, and the sound was scheduled from afternoon until 8am.

My first goal was to catch the Voodoo Horseshoes at the Ramble Stage. Let's see around the bar to back east corner, and what do you know... Here we go baby. This party is about to roll.

The walk from the campground stage to the main stage and back provided this old man plenty of exercise. The first hike back to the campground was to see my friends, Slowly but Shirley.

I'm headed for the main stage to check out Sister Monk, when I hear enticing sounds from the Ramble Stage. Who? Humanlab. Never heard of 'em, but definitely worth hearing. Regular readers know I love it, when the music takes an infectious fun turn.

Sister Monk is on stage, as the sun disappears down the river. Oh boy, more of that fun stuff, I was just talking about, tied to some powerful drumming from this folksy trio. Note: Sister Monk will play the Hat this Wednesday, June 16, and Equaleyes is also on the bill. See you there.

Molten glass was being shaped late into the night. The next day, a sign warned stoners not to stare at the flame too long.

It's almost midnight, Miller Creek is on stage, fire jugglers are twirling flame, as Kitchenpoet turns towards home and bed. Much more to follow. Two more days to be reported right here soon, and soon there will be matching sets on the Flickr archive.

Thought for the Day

2010-05-30T08:41:00.001-06:00

How about a few responsibilities to go with the human rights the supreme court says corporations have?

Good-bye Rooster; Hello Hijackers

2010-05-26T02:24:00.004-06:00

Last Thursday in the Palace, Rooster Sauce gave their last performance. Everyone said farewell to Chris, the Count, as he prepared to move to Arizona.

See you on down the road, Chris.

As Rooster Sauce was tearing down, I wandered upstairs, and encountered two friends in the hallway.

Being a fan of live music, I don't fully understand how a DJ Dance can be the hottest event in Zootown week after week, but consistently the Dead Hipsters have produced just that on Thursday nights in the Badlander.

Everyone should know this guy by now. Travis Yost drums with Tom Catmull and the Clerics, longtime Zootown favorites. Now he's moved up front with a guitar, surrounded himself with three beautiful women and named this shindig the New Hijackers. This night, they followed Rooster Sauce to cap the evening.

More from this evening can be found on my flickr archive. Travis has been a favorite subject for a while and can be seen in the sets of Tom Catmull and the Clerics.

Flickr

Fun w/Vera @Palace

2010-05-20T18:49:00.005-06:00

Cindy Marshall and Jen Tachovsky are the duo Vera.

Jen was playing shutterbug and flashing away. I think she captured me very well with Cindy below.

Vera opened the Palace show on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

After Vera, Airstream Safari took the stage, followed by the headliners, Finn Riggins, a trio from Idaho with Lisa Simpson at the pivot.

Each of these bands has a set over on Flickr.

Rooster Sauce Crows at Caras

2010-05-20T10:23:00.001-06:00

Final show for Rooster Sauce is tonight at the Palace. Be there, or be beyond help, hope and square.

Local Fest in Caras Park on Saturday, May 15, 2010, featured Rooster Sauce in their next to last performance. They played without their signature costuming, although the wings made a return appearance. They did, of course, play with their usual exuberant style.

We say farewell to the Count, as Chris packs up to move to Arizona. He has represented top notch entertainment locally for many years. Thank you, sir. Travel safely.

Later That Night

2010-05-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

After open mike at Brooks and Browns on May 4th, I made a loop, starting with the Top Hat.

These young fellows play in a group called Yeti. I had not heard of them before, but I intend to hear more. They were playing some infectious riffs as I ran through, and the Hat was hopping.

Kevin VanDort was on the Badlander stage for the weekly Live and Local showcase.

Jimmy is among the new crop of Badlander/Palace door men, and he also does some Reggae DJ work down in the Palace, where I found him on this night.

There are more images from this evening on flickr, and Kevin can also be seen in some of the Brooks and Browns Open Mike sets.

I'm still groping for a new style for this blog, because I am tired of the I went here, saw this band, went there, saw another band... The political rants with Uncle Sam are feeling good, and will be a staple. Catherine Walters of the Independent ambushed me at the Post Office to question me for the Street Talk column. Wolf Redboy wound up in the same column. I think Uncle Sam will say something about oil companies soon.

Ann and Teresa interviewed me on KBGA Wednesday morning. Did anybody hear that?

New Faces @Brooks and Browns Open Mike

2010-05-13T13:57:00.001-06:00

Ruthie Dada and Chris Duparri joined the weekly crowd at Brooks and Browns for Open Mike on Tuesday, May 4. Both of them can be seen in the many sets of Zeppo on my Flickr site.

When the regulars faltered with the lyrics of a song they had done hundreds of times, another newcomer leaped in to steady the refrain.

Another regular is often available to supply percussive support for open mike performers. Roger plays in about a dozen bands here and there. There's more of this evening in back of the Holiday Inn on flickr, along with several previous dates. All are shorthanded as BBMike followed by the date.

May Day, 2010

2010-05-10T21:05:00.001-06:00

May Day dawned wet and cold. After a round of the markets where vendors and visitors were scarce, and many were visibly shivering miserably, I returned home to stoke the fire in my wood stove and reassess. Later, as the clouds began to break up, I ventured down to Caras Park for the first summer brewfest. Weather means nothing to Zootown residents who thirst for beer, as a large soggy crowd was already present.

Wartime Blues had bright sun in their faces, during their set.

May Day means many things to many people. Some people act as if it's the first day of spring, while others resurrect pagan rituals such as maypole dancing to celebrate the warming season. Local anarchists chose to remind Missoula of the holiday, which celebrates the working man.

Evening came with Zeppo on stage at the Union Club, and my favorite torch singer setting men's hearts on fire, as usual.

Are those Carhart's? I don't know, but I do know that Dave Johnson led Bridgebuilder in a lively set at the Hellgate Rollergirls Benefit in the Palace. Joey took a turn on the drums.

Keegan Smith and the Fam provided a tight and rigorous workout at the Top Hat, where I concluded the first day of May.

Sunday's Sermon followed by Sunday's Musical Interlude

2010-05-02T05:08:00.000-06:00

I WANT YOU

TO WAKE THE FUCK UP!

The war-makers running this country don't give a shit about us.

The Republicans and Democrats have both sold out to the highest bidders.

If you think you are getting the truth from television news you are dumber than a turnip.

And now for something completely different.

The Musical Interlude

L-R Phyllis, Sue, Lizzi, Kaya, Sonia, Marlene

Hot House Tomatoes @Symes

Once upon a time there was a folksy group called Tom and the Tomatoes, which I covered several times in previous posts. Now there is an all-woman ensemble named Hot House Tomatoes. It's a flexible group, as Marlene (below on bass) plays the guitar, banjo and upright bass, while Sue plays the upright bass, guitar and mandolin. Vocal duties and featured instruments rotate. Lizzi plays the accordion, Phyllis plays dobro, Sonia is on the flute and Kaya on the fiddle.

Marlene has a heavenly voice, a joy to hear. I was so glad to be there as this talented group of women produced some joyful fun in the Symes dining room on Friday, April 23, 2010.

Bridgebuilder @Bsmt

David Johnson has performed under the Bridgebuilder banner for 13 years. The latest incarnation of his band is a high octane trio which includes two of my newest musical heroes.

Rachid Abdel Ghafour

Joey, who is also with goddammitboyhowdy

Judgment Hammer in the Bsmt

That drum says Tater Pig, the family band Sid the drummer once played with. He and some of his bandmates from Helliana have reshaped to become Judgment Hammer. They followed Bridgebuilder in the Basement on Thursday, April 22, 2010.

Birds Mile Home @ZACC

Anticipation was high, as Birds Mile Home prepared to play in the ZACC gallery on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

Led by this man, Timmy Arrowtop, the band launched into a feel good frolic of tasty music. Timmy landed right on my new musical heroes list along with the aforementioned.

And the mystery man in the middle is:

the one and only Shmed

After this acoustic set, Birds Mile Home moved down to the basement and went electric.

All four bands in this post have their own sets, titled by band name and location, on flickr

Kitchenpoet is in the middle of a vast change of perspective, which is producing some new looks, new art, a shitload of ideas, and a bunch of new dreams I intend to live one day. A batch of old shit must be jettisoned to make room for more art. Coming soon--lots of new whatsit from Kitchenpoet. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Steven Begleiter for the first Uncle Sam photo, and thanks to Mark Bryant for the second and third. I am proud to be associated with such outstanding photographers.

More Butter, Please

2010-04-14T09:41:00.000-06:00

Butter opened for Hillstomp at the Badlander on Friday, April 9, 2010. Their confidence is growing to match the strides they have made with their music, and their fan base is expanding. Their performance this night ignited the crowd, and set the mood for a barn-burning event. KBGA directed the affair, which used the entire Badlander/Palace complex. There was music upstairs and down, socializing in the Central and Golden Rose, gambling in the Savoy, and some consumption of alcoholic beverages here and there.

Lisena sang a song (and the lyrics won't be repeated here), which made the hair stand up on my arm. It wasn't the song, but the intensity Lisena poured into it.

The duo of Hillstomp are regular and popular visitors to Zootown, from Portland, Oregon. They play funky, hard-driving blues, and R.L. Burnside is in their repertoire. This night the crowd was so thick, I couldn't move to the other side of the stage to balance photos of both musicians. I'm pretty sure this guy was having a good time.

Previous posts of this blog, and sets on flickr, have earlier coverage and images of Hillstomp. There are more images of Butter from this night on flickr.

ZACC Basement Underground Outpost

2010-04-10T20:04:00.001-06:00

When Reggie asked where the photos were from the performance in the ZACC Basement on February 27, 2010, I thought surely I had posted something, but no...don't see it. Here is Reggie, with his light, performing with Shramana. He thinks I should give him equal time with Caitlin just because he writes the band's material, but what can I say, when Caitlin looks like this?

Reggie is my friend, and he's very photogenic, too, but in this case I'm going with my dirty old man instincts.

Dave Johnson has had a band named Bridgebuilder for 13 years, although he was the only fixed member for those years.

Some hard drumming announced the Thug Nasties.

These cats know how to have fun. Somehow I had never seen them before, and became an instant fan on this night.

Overall it was another excellent night in the ZACC Basement. This venue is consistently displaying the newest sounds in the rawest basement setting to a growing crowd of fans.

It only took six weeks, but now that event is covered, and there are more images on flickr. What do you think, Reggie?

Reggie...?

Happy Birthday, Cybele

2010-04-04T12:03:00.002-06:00

April 4 is the birthday of Magna Mater, as the Romans called Cybele, an ancient mother goddess. She originated in Turkey, and her followers spread though-out the Middle East and over to Rome. She was a prototype for later goddesses such as Hera and Juno.

Today is also Easter. Unlike Cybele's birthday, which is always on April 4, Easter is all over the place. Originally linked to Jewish lunar cycles, Easter occurs on the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the vernal equinox. The word Easter comes from Eostre, a minor fertility goddess in the grand tradition of Isis, Ishtar, Astarte, Aphrodite and Venus. The animal symbol for Eostre was the rabbit, which became the Easter bunny. In short, Easter is another Christian theft and renovation of pagan concepts. It seems paradoxical, since Christians scorn paganism as barbaric.

The concept of a murdered god being resurrected, was old and often repeated before the Christians wrote their version for the Bible. Being patriarchal, the entire Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition has reduced the role of women in its retelling of ancient myths and legends. The mother goddess usually played a part in the resurrection of the heroes of yore. For example, Isis restoring Osiris is an early, and common, version.

Christianity doesn't represent any improvement over Paganism. In fact, much is lost. Christianity has lost connection with the cosmos, mother earth and timeless cycles.People pay close attention to dates, hours and minutes, rushing around to tax cycles, seasonal fashion pitches and new annual models, demanding heat when cold and cold when hot, rather than acting in accordance to nature.

Here we are in 2010, on the biggest holiday of Christianity, and big time Christians are all over the news. The Pope has announced that humanity is in crisis and deep change is necessary to save us all. It is attempted misdirection away from the sexual predations of his minions. His idea of change is we all quit thinking for ourselves and follow him and his obsolete organization to the grave. My idea of change is everyone who calls themselves a Catholic abandons that bloated bastion of medieval superstition, and accept the fact we live in the 21st century.

I'm still thunderstruck by how people claiming to be Christians can whole-heartedly support war, murder, torture, bigotry, and prejudice. It also amazes me how supposedly intelligent people can watch Fox propaganda and believe they are getting the truth. I wonder what the percentage of overlap is.

A ranking Cardinal said faithful Catholics would not be swayed by all the gossip about sexual abuse. He's probably right, since the faithful seem to think ritual, imitation cannibalism, during mass, contributes to the spiritual life. That sacramental rite was distilled from a first century pot luck, known as agape in Greek. Every body in the church met and shared whatever food they had to make sure no one went hungry. They also shared common property, being early communists, as well as Christians.

OK, I got that bit of peevishness out of the way. I ranted in the previous post in support of gay rights and gender equality. I went off half-cocked with the wrong time on the city council meeting. The Missoula city council will discuss the anti-discrimination bill on Monday, April 12. We wouldn't need anti-discrimination bills or hate crime legislation, if so-called Christians would act like real Christians.

That last statement leads to a question: What is a real Christian?