http://www.livelytimes.com/ Lively Times | Montana Arts and Entertainment Calendar, a complete statewide searchable database of music, concerts, events, theater, dance, recreation and art exhibits. en kristi@livelytimes.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-01T03:35:07-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/terry_karson_pillar_to_post/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/terry_karson_pillar_to_post/#When:03:35:07Z Bozeman artist Terry Karson, whose work is described as “abstract and contemplative, minimal yet inviting,” displays collages on paper from recycled packaging through Feb. 25 in the Emerson Center Lobby and a large-scale sculptural installation in the Jessie Wilber Gallery. Karson has said that his collages, made of recycled packaging, are “not intended to be pictures to look into, but objects to look at.” Artists + Exhibits 2012-02-01T03:35:07-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/willard_wyman_blue_heaven/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/willard_wyman_blue_heaven/#When:03:23:46Z Willard Wyman spent four decades as a wrangler, guide and packer in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and California’s Sierra Nevada range. He traverses Montana’s backcountry again in his second novel, Blue Heaven. Set in the Swan Valley of the early 1900s, Wyman tells the story of Fenton Pardee – a charismatic character from his first novel, High Country. Books + Readings 2012-02-01T03:23:46-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/reigning_king_of_the_blues_makes_two_montana_stops/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/reigning_king_of_the_blues_makes_two_montana_stops/#When:03:15:36Z His reign as King of the Blues has been as long as that of any monarch on Earth. Fourteen-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer B.B. King continues to wear his crown well, having defined the blues for a worldwide audience for more than half a century. The blues artist makes two stops in Montana this spring: May 6 at the Mother Lode Theatre in Butte and May 7 at the Alberta Bair Theatre in Billings. New + Notable 2012-02-01T03:15:36-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/max_hatt_solo_guitar/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/max_hatt_solo_guitar/#When:23:43:26Z If you're feeling the need to seriously chill out, this is the album for you. Tim Drackert, aka Max Hatt, who is better known as the guitarist in the Helena bossa nova/jazz combo Rio, has released a quiet and thoughtful album of instrumental standards and original compositions. Music + CDs 2012-01-31T23:43:26-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/doubt_a_mystery_without_a_solution_tours_montana_and_beyond/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/doubt_a_mystery_without_a_solution_tours_montana_and_beyond/#When:23:31:47Z Montana Repertory Theatre's national tour of John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt, A Parable,” continues Jan. 31-Feb. 4 at the University of Montana's Montana Theatre in the PAR/TV Center. The play, which won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for drama, will also be performed in Lewistown, Feb. 8; Bozeman, Feb. 9; Butte, Feb. 10; and Billings, Feb. 11, before traveling around the country. Theatre + Dance 2012-01-31T23:31:47-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/cousin_sponsors_virtual_run_for_sidney_teacher_sherry_arnold/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/cousin_sponsors_virtual_run_for_sidney_teacher_sherry_arnold/#When:22:47:40Z The January disappearance of math teacher Sherry Arnold devastated the eastern Montana community of Sidney. Two men have since been arrested for aggravated kidnapping, and officials continue to search for her body. In honor of Arnold's “courage, strength and grace,” her cousin, Beth Risdon of Colorado, has spearheaded a “Virtual Run for Sherry” at 9 a.m. Feb. 11. Sports + Recreation 2012-01-31T22:47:40-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/george_jones_tours_montana_on_heels_of_lifetime_achievement_award/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/george_jones_tours_montana_on_heels_of_lifetime_achievement_award/#When:14:36:00Z George Jones will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Grammy Awards telecast, Feb. 12 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, before performing Feb. 29 at the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings and March 6 at the University Theatre in Missoula. “There’s no mistaking his influence,” noted the Washington Post. “His name is synonymous with emotionally unvarnished and unguarded honky-tonk music." New + Notable 2012-01-20T14:36:00-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/need_a_years_supply_of_beer_try_the_black_star_barter/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/need_a_years_supply_of_beer_try_the_black_star_barter/#When:16:43:16Z A year’s supply of beer is “nothing to sneeze at,” notes Black Star Brewery founder Minott Wessinger. “That’s 52 cases of golden lager beer.” That bounty of brews goes to the “most creative, awesome, thoughtful and enthusiastic” participant during the Black Star Barter, held at 5 p.m. Feb. 4 in front of the brewery as part of the Winter Carnival in Whitefish. New + Notable 2012-01-12T16:43:16-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/snowstorm_music_tour_lands_in_billings_and_missoula/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/snowstorm_music_tour_lands_in_billings_and_missoula/#When:17:41:09Z Hip-hop crossover sensation T-Pain and the ever-eclectic Gym Class Heroes headline the Snowstorm Tour, which kicks off Feb. 7 in Battle Creek, Mich., and concludes in Montana with shows Feb. 20 at the Shrine Auditorium in Billings and Feb. 21 at the Adams Center in Missoula. Outasight, Grieves and Budo, Cris Cab and Taylor Bride also join the tour. New + Notable 2012-01-09T17:41:09-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/whitefish_theatre_co_presents_poor_again_dagnabbit/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/whitefish_theatre_co_presents_poor_again_dagnabbit/#When:19:14:47Z Spokane actor Tim Behrens brings “Poor Again … Dagnabbit!,” a one-man stage show by humorist Patrick McManus, to the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. McManus, a nationally renowned humor writer has done it again – he’s become poor, and written a new play about it for his even poorer and indentured actor to perform and tour. Theatre + Dance 2012-01-06T19:14:47-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/west_of_98_living_and_writing_the_new_american_west/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/west_of_98_living_and_writing_the_new_american_west/#When:17:34:34Z This “modest” idea for this book – to invite a handful of writers to talk about what it means to be a Westerner – burgeoned, notes Lynn Stegner (who co-edited the compilation with Russell Rowland), into 67 writers, each writing about living west of the 98th meridian. I’m not apt to devour it. Instead, I plan to savor West of 98 piece by piece this winter. Books + Readings 2012-01-06T17:34:34-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/off_in_the_woods_smoke_signals/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/off_in_the_woods_smoke_signals/#When:17:10:00Z It's always interesting to listen to Montana-inspired music. Songs seem to teem with references to Big Sky Country, being away from it, trying to get back to it, reveling in it. This first effort, from some young Polson men who call themselves Off in the Woods, is no exception. Music + CDs 2012-01-06T17:10:00-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/shane_center_brings_new_life_to_old_school_in_livingston/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/shane_center_brings_new_life_to_old_school_in_livingston/#When:20:01:56Z A century-old brick schoolhouse in Livingston, vacant for nearly a decade, is creaking back to life again, its sturdy walls now enfolding the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts. And the community, which has been without a performing arts facility since an arson-caused fire destroyed the middle school auditorium 25 years ago, now has a 250-seat theater and state-of-the-art stage and rehearsal area. New + Notable 2012-01-02T20:01:56-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/mmac_shares_works_by_fra_dana_and_frances_carroll_brown/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/mmac_shares_works_by_fra_dana_and_frances_carroll_brown/#When:17:26:54Z Paintings by two of the state’s most prominent early 20th century artists are on display at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture at the University of Montana through Feb. 25. The exhibitions showcase the works of Fra Dana and Frances Carroll Brown, two women who played a compelling role in Montana art history. Artists + Exhibits 2011-12-28T17:26:54-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/snowshoe_walks_begin_in_glacier_park/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/snowshoe_walks_begin_in_glacier_park/#When:17:14:07Z Glacier National Park is hosting Winter Signs Snowshoe Walks at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, beginning Jan. 7 and continuing through March 18. The public is invited to join the two-hour, ranger-led snowshoe excursions through the park’s winter wonderland. Participants are encouraged to bring snowshoes or rent them for a nominal fee at the Apgar Visitor Center. Sports + Recreation 2011-12-28T17:14:07-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/broadway_stars_shine_in_the_big_band_broadcast/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/broadway_stars_shine_in_the_big_band_broadcast/#When:15:32:22Z The Big Band Broadcast, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Mansfield Theater in Great Falls, launches the Dorothy Monagin Music Endowment, which will provide Montana students with scholarships to attend the International Music Camp. The night of music, song and dance includes Australia's Jeremy Powell. Broadway’s Ian Knauer, London's Shannon Hudson and the New Harold Nicholls Big Band. Theatre + Dance 2011-12-28T15:32:22-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/james_lee_burke_feast_day_of_fools/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/james_lee_burke_feast_day_of_fools/#When:15:43:50Z James Lee Burke returns to southwest Texas in his 30th novel – his third with Sheriff Hackberry Holland. His new book is as harsh as the Texas desert, and oozing with violence, as a strange and menacing array of characters tries to get their hands on a renegade Quaker, who has plans for making Predator drones stored in his head. Books + Readings 2011-12-27T15:43:50-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/wwwtwang_had_it_with_you/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/wwwtwang_had_it_with_you/#When:15:29:55Z The new effort by one of Montana's best country bands is out, and it's another danceable winner. Buck Buchanan, Sandy Dodge and the fellows from Bozeman have crafted a 12-song compendium that covers all the country styles, heavy on cool pedal steel and guitar inflections. Most of the tunes are written and sung by Buchanan, although a couple of great covers are thrown in. Music + CDs 2011-12-27T15:29:55-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/first_night_missoula_more_than_100_performances_welcome_new_year/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/first_night_missoula_more_than_100_performances_welcome_new_year/#When:21:01:07Z Hundreds of performing, visual and literary artists showcase their talents during First Night Missoula, a spirited cultural celebration presented by the Missoula Cultural Council. The 18th annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts brings over 100 performances and activities to 35 venues from noon until midnight on Dec. 31. New + Notable 2011-12-26T21:01:07-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/untitled_2/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/untitled_2/#When:15:32:08Z With maternity coming early for Alpine Theatre Project's “Yuletide Affair 8: Maternity Edition,” ATP Artistic Director Betsi Morrison has enlisted the help of a few Broadway friends to deliver the popular holiday concert in style. The show, which blends traditional and contemporary holiday tunes with a healthy sprinkling of satire, takes the stage at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Theatre + Dance 2011-12-13T15:32:08-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/alberta_bair_theater_celebrates_silver_anniversary_with_marvin_hamlisch/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/alberta_bair_theater_celebrates_silver_anniversary_with_marvin_hamlisch/#When:15:09:31Z It was a chilly evening in January 1987 when the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings opened its doors for the first time to a full house. Twenty-five years later, on Jan. 14, Montana’s largest performing arts center heats up the night with a black-tie celebration featuring composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch – one of only two people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award – and the Billings Symphony Orchestra. New + Notable 2011-12-13T15:09:31-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/flora_wong_long_way_home_journeys_of_a_chinese_montanan/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/flora_wong_long_way_home_journeys_of_a_chinese_montanan/#When:18:57:14Z Flora Wong was born in Boston into a close-knit Chinese family of eight children. When she was seven years old, her father moved the family back to China with hopes of creating a secure and pastoral life near his birthplace. This was the first of many life-changing challenges that the Helena resident chronicles in her inspiring memoir, Long Way Home. Books + Readings 2011-11-28T18:57:14-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/whitefish_theatre_company_stages_the_sound_of_music/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/whitefish_theatre_company_stages_the_sound_of_music/#When:18:26:36Z Whitefish Theatre Company presents the timeless family classic, “The Sound of Music,” Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18 at the O’Shaughnessy Center. With some of the greatest songs written for the American musical theatre, a timeless plot, and wonderful family appeal, “The Sound of Music” offers a family holiday outing not to be missed. Theatre + Dance 2011-11-28T18:26:36-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/danielle_oliver_sun_for_snow/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/danielle_oliver_sun_for_snow/#When:17:45:30Z Young singer-songwriter Danielle Oliver, originally from Whitefish, writes with a wisdom beyond her years. Her debut EP features well-crafted lyrics and nice melodies. Oliver's Austrian mother listened to opera and classical music, and her father liked Johnny Cash country. Thrown into the mix is John Denver's folk-pop sensibility and the songwriting of Tori Amos and Jewel. Music + CDs 2011-11-28T17:45:30-08:00 http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/elvis_impersonator_tours_montana_with_christmas_show/ http://www.livelytimes.com/lt/entry/elvis_impersonator_tours_montana_with_christmas_show/#When:17:40:55Z After very successful concerts last year in Montana and Idaho, Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton and his six-piece band, The Difference, return with a Christmas show, which opened Nov. 26 in Butte and travels to six other Montana towns. Pelton is widely regarded as one of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists. He’s evoked The King all over the United States and on four continents. New + Notable 2011-11-28T17:40:55-08:00