Western swing, bluegrass, blues, cajun, old time country, jazz, gospel, reggae. Add to all that tuvan throat singing and traditional music from Syria, Brazil, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Ireland and more and you have the Montana Folk Festival in Butte. More than 200 artists in more than 20 groups representing a broad diversity of musical and cultural traditions will perform on the festival’s six stages in Uptown Butte July 7-9.
Besides all of the music, there are dozens of vendors with a wide range of food and beverage offerings, spread throughout the festival sites.
“Thanks to the continuing artistic programming collaboration of the National Council for the Traditional Arts and a Montana music programming committee, this is shaping up to be another stellar lineup for this July’s Montana Folk Festival,” said Festival Director George Everett.
“Please come expecting to find plenty that’s familiar but also to be amazed at the variety and diversity of the event.” There is no admission for any of the performances but festival organizers are encouraging donations of $20 each day for individuals and $25 per day for families to help sustain the festival.
The festival has its roots in the National Folk Festival which was held in Butte for three years. Since then the Montana Folk Festival has filled Butte with music for six years. Organizers promise this year’s tenth festival will be as good as or better than ever.
For details about the performers, the schedule and other festival information, visit montanafolkfestival.com online or on Facebook at mtfolkfest.
