Redemption Cross - Chase Matthew - Missoula, Montana

Well done, Chase Matthew!  - for bringing your high energy band to Missoula, Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium AND, even more, for sharing some of your redemption story and the hope of Jesus as the reason you wear that Cross with sincerity.

(Bonus best-stadium-view showcases Mount Sentinel and the iconic M trail.)

Rocking The River - Bonner, Montana

Despite the smoke-tainted skies, Saturday night found Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, and Neil Giraldo rocking the Kettlehouse Brewing Co.'s new amphitheater along the banks of the Clark Fork River in Bonner, Montana. 

Unfiltered Joy - Missoula, Montana

O!My!Gosh! Among authors, I gush over Craig Johnson. And for guitarists, I will unashamedly gush about The Best Husband Ever - and also for Jonny Lang and his fabulous band, who incredibly rocked Missoula's historic Wilma Theatre Monday night, along with stellar front band, Runaway Saints. The Wilma's classic concert hall was graced many, many years ago by another blues/Gospel great, the amazing Mahalia Jackson. I am inspired by their unfiltered joy.

Colourful Sound, Hamilton, Montana

Everytime I attend a live music performance involving sonic reinforcement, I'm pleasantly distracted by the colours and patterns of the audio equipment. Cables curving in random, sinuous patterns, pots and sliders in orderly rows, gear lights rhythmically blinking - it's a veritable visible feast of the small-scale variety.
I also give a glance to the actual gear, since my husband is constantly on the lookout for updgrades to his system that also simplify set-up. Digital versions of traditional gear are becoming increasingly commonplace. For a show at the Stevensville Playhouse this week, my husband & his cohort are borrowing my laptop, on which they've installed a mixer program, just to have a backup. Progress never sleeps.