By Jean Schurman
This Saturday, April 14, there will be lots of toes tapping, strings plucked and most of all, a lot of grinning going on at the Lone Rock School. For the second year in a row, the Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association will have its annual fundraiser, the Oldtime Bluegrass Festival and fundraiser, at the Lone Rock School. According to spokesman Mike Conroy of Darby, the event and the school are a perfect fit.
“It’s an old school, with a great neighborhood, and of course, great music,” he said.
With about 250 members sprinkled across Western Montana, Idaho and Washington, the event is the only fundraiser for the organization. It’s also a really good way to promote the bluegrass genre. Originally held in Victor, the event moved to Stevensville when construction took over Victor School. Last year, with the construction at the Stevensville School, the group made the move to Lone Rock. There is even camping on Saturday night for those hardy souls who want to spend the night.
“It was a smashing success (last year) with standing room only,” said Conroy. “It was a good fit.”
The event begins at noon on Saturday with ‘Kids in Bluegrass’. According to Conroy, this is a way to get, and keep, the younger generation involved in the music. After they perform, a new group takes the stage every 30 minutes. There are 18 bands in all. But that doesn’t take into account the jammin’ and playing going on elsewhere in the school. There will be bands from as far away as Idaho Falls, Grangeville (Idaho) and Bigfork.
There are also many bands with a local flavor. Conroy and his wife, Tari, seasoned musicians in their own right, will be performing. This year they have a new band made up of local players. John Squires of Grantsdale plays the fiddle. He’s only been playing a couple of years but Conroy gives him the stamp of approval. Also playing with the band is Tim Dezzell, a mandolin player.
“It’s exciting,” said Conroy. “We’ve never had a band where we could actually practice together and develop our own sound.”
Other bands that have a local flavor are the Darby Sireens which is made up of women from the Bitterroot. Conroy says this group’s music is kind of a spoof on the movie “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” Bill Neaves of Hamilton has played with a band called Pine Grass that hails from Missoula. This group has been together for over 20 years and originally formed to played at the Top Hat bar in Missoula. They will take the stage Saturday night.
Food will be available for sale at the event. Verna Molenda of Darby is in charge of the food. It’s all homemade with turkey at the center of the menu. Conroy said Molenda’s turkey sandwich is one of the best he’s ever had. Add in more homemade desserts and everyone is happy.
Lone Rock School is located northeast of Stevensville. Drive north out of Stevensville on Eastside Highway for about five and a half miles. Turn east on Three Mile Creek Road and drive for another three miles. Admission is $5 for non members and $3 for members, for the entire day! Children under 12 are free.
Conroy invites everyone to come out for this fun, family oriented event.