For Immediate Release
Play that Mountain Music
Helena attracts stellar artists for two-day festival
May 1, 2007 Helena will be bursting with the sounds of music during the 8th Annual Mount Helena Music Festival as 10 bands take to the downtown stages. The festival will be held July 13th and 14th and is one of the best small festivals in the northwest.
“This year’s festival has an incredible blend of talented and diverse musicians,” said Jim McHugh, Executive Director of Downtown Helena. “Whether you’re looking for quick fingered banjo playing, sultry blues or a new blend of country, the Mount Helena Music Festival is the place to find it under the Big Sky.”
Kicking off the festival Friday evening is Tony Furtado, a “string-blender extraordinaire” and talented rocker that is sure to wow the crowds with his ZZ Top groove and Tom Petty feeling. Furtado is a master banjo player, as well as a stellar slide guitarist.
Continuing the festivities is Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, well known for their hit Dream Big. Ryan and his crew of close-knit comrades play a “new kind of country” that blends bluegrass, rock, rap and other styles in imaginative arrangements.
On Saturday, The Mother Truckers from Austin, TX will restart the music engine with their fiery brand of Texas-style country rock. At the 2006-2007 South by South West Music Conference, The Mother Truckers were named “The Best Roots Rock Band.”
Big James & The Chicago Playboys will blast their horns for solid performances with funk, soul and heavy blues cuts. James’ new music selections also draw upon his deep raspy voice to carry his heavy blues songs.
Representing the blues is Jimmy Thackery. Thackery has learned at the fingers of the masters and puts their teachings into practice with his inspiring and emotional performances. Blues fans will surely not be disappointed.
Wrapping up the festival will be Monte Montgomery, one of the “Top 50 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” This guitar master astounds fans with his fretwork, distinctive combinations and pick style playing and is quickly on his way to becoming an American Legend compared to talents of Stevie Ray Vaughan on an acoustic guitar.
Spectators can enjoy two non-stop stages, 15 hours of live music and over 100 food, arts and crafts vendors in downtown Helena at Women’s Park, located at 500 North Fuller Avenue. In addition to live music, a farmer’s market, kid’s activities and downtown shopping and sightseeing will be part of the fun.
Helena is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the “best small art towns in America.” The Queen City of the Rockies is a town built by gold and is full of nineteenth century architecture, history and a rich arts and culture scene. For more information and a complete schedule of the festival, please visit www.downtownhelena.com or call 406.447.1535.
