Throw Down With Fellow Montanas
Author: Eliza McLaughlin
“Throwdown with Fellow Montanans”
Fall Fest music line-up packed with locals
Eliza McLaughlin
This week, a dozen local musicians will converge in Townsend for the 2022 Townsend Rotary Fall Fest, entertaining guests as they enjoy the rest of the weekend’s festivities. The musical performances begin on Friday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m. with Montana Neon Ridge. Following the group’s set, The Max, a 3-piece band from Bozeman, will help spread joy with their “power pop party rock” music.
Music will resume on Saturday, October 1 at 9:30 a.m. with Conductor and continue through noon with Phatt Lipp. Following the stein-hoisting contest, Helena based group “Justin Case Band” will get the crowd moving with classic rock and country selections. “We’re just honored to be back again,” band member Mike Killeen told MT 43 News. “It’s always super fun.” Killeen, a guitarist, a vocalist and the booking manager for the group, said Townsend is home to several of his favorite stops, including the Full Belli Deli and the Mountie Moose Bakery. “I gain 10 pounds every time I pass through Townsend,” he said.
Since Justin Case Band finishes its set at 2:00 p.m., Killeen said the group will spend some time listening to other artists and enjoying the rest of the festivities. Other members of the group include Luke Michelson on bass guitar and Jeremy Lead on drums and percussion. All members of Justin Case Band are lead vocalists. Closing out the Saturday performances is Wild Prairie Smoke from Missoula, followed by two Helena-based bands: SunsAh406 and Longhorn. “The band and I are very excited to play our first Townsend Fall Fest,” said Jarred Hanson from SunsAh406, adding that the performance is a great way to end a busy summer. “Broadwater County, get ready for some [Montana] Americana music!”
The final Fall Fest acts will take the stage at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 2 with the band Close, But No Seger taking the stage first followed by Reverend Slanky, a band with Townsend connections. Headlining Sunday’s performances is another Bozeman band, Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs. Lena “Laney Lou,” Schiffer told MT 43 News that listeners should expect “an interactive show with sing-alongs, dancing and an overall raucous Bird Dog set.” This year will be The Bird Dog Band’s first time playing at Townsend Fall Fest.
“We are really looking forward to the show,” Schiffer said. “Our band loves playing in our home state, and after a summer of being on the road, we are ready to throw down with fellow Montanans!”
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PhotoCredit: Townsend Rotary
Image 1 Caption: Justin Case Band
