One of Montana’s most notable musical ensembles is celebrating 50 years of making music together this summer, and Bitterroot audiences will have plenty of opportunities to hear them this week. The Big Sky Mudflaps will reunite their current lineup with numerous former members of the band at local performances, as they continue to make musical history.
Countless Montanans have moved their feet to the band’s eclectic sound, which combines swing, jazz, rock-n-roll, blues, Latin rhythms and more, but their fame has extended far beyond their namesake state. New York music critic Ira Gitler, after hearing them play at a club in the city, wrote that, “It’s not only what they play but the way they play with an unpretentious joie de glee” that produces what he called “a funky makes-you-want-to-get-up-and-dance beat… eclectic electricity.”
Hamilton’s new “Rhythm & Roam” music festival on Saturday, June 28, will provide the first opportunity to catch a Big Sky Mudflaps set, as they play at 2 p.m. outdoors on Main Street. They’ll follow that up with an evening performance from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bitter Root Brewery. The following evening, June 29, they’ll play a set for the Missoula Art Museum’s street dance, from 7 to 8 p.m.
The Big Sky Mudflaps photographed for Esquire Magazine at Haigh’s Bar in Hamilton, where they first created a following. L-R: Beth Lo, Dexter Payne, David Horgan, Maureen Powell, Mike Lea, Steve Powell, Judy Roderick.
The band will return to Hamilton on July 1 to play a 90-minute set from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. for the Tuesday at Twelve concert series on the lawn of the Ravalli County Museum, then close out the reunion tour on Wednesday, July 2, with an appearance at Missoula’s “Out to Lunch” series at Caras Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The current Mudflaps lineup consists of founding members David Horgan, Beth Lo, and Maureen Powell, on guitar, bass, and vocals/percussion, respectively, along with long-time saxophonist Chuck Florence, drummer Rich Brinkman, and Jim Rogers on keyboards. Returning for the reunion will be long-time drummer and vocalist Mike Lea, reed man and founding member Dexter Payne, and violinist Rob Sanders.
It’s a chance to celebrate what each of the returning musicians brought to the group, said Powell.
Looking back on Sanders’ contribution to the band, Powell termed him “irreplaceable.”
“He joined the band for a year when Dexter was on sabbatical,” said Powell. “We credit Rob with teaching us how to practice, arrange, and to get it right. He was in Hamilton to play music, and not an evening went by without a rehearsal at Beef Studios,” as they called their rustic rehearsal space. She credited his “incredible” arranging skills, noting that decades later they are still using his original arrangements.
“He just knew how to bring a song to life,” she said, with Sanders’ own exciting violin solos as the icing on the cake.
Mike Lea came from a classically-trained musical family, but somewhere along the way picked up what Powell credits as “the best back beat and shuffle that Montana ever heard.” He also served up some rich, bluesy vocals that expanded the Mudflaps’ sonic palette.
Lea grew up in Hamilton, along with Maureen Powell and Steve Powell, their founding keyboard player, establishing their local roots. Steve Powell died in 2013, not long after the Mudflaps were inducted into the unofficial “Jazzoula Hall of Fame.” His musicianship and positive spirit defined the band from the start, and every performance carries that spirit forward.
Dexter Payne, originally from Colorado, added his sweet tone on the clarinet and saxophone to the original lineup. He brought many of his established musical connections with him, but he also introduced Judy Roderick to the band. Roderick had established a solid reputation as a recording artist who could bridge folk and blues music with her powerful voice. Her tenure with the band helped them to leverage appearances on the “Today Show,” as well as appearances at the Kool Jazz Festival and numerous other east coast venues. Roderick died in 1992.
Payne has continued his own musical growth, exploring Brazilian, eastern European, and other genres, playing with numerous bands and ensembles from his home in Boulder, CO, and elsewhere.
Many other musicians have “sat in” or enjoyed a longer tenure with the Big Sky Mudflaps, who have generously welcomed them whether for one song or over a period of years, including trumpeter Leon Slater and keyboard artist Bob Packwood.
Generations of Montanans have enjoyed their lets-have-a-party dance sets, and their six albums, all of which are available on CD, and some still on vinyl. Contact David Horgan at 406-546-1943 or lohorgan@yahoo.com for booking information or to purchase music.
What is the secret to a successful, 50-year performing record?
“We’re nice to each other,” suggested Powell, who acknowledges they sometimes have to work out musical differences of opinion, but that their long-time friendships are genuine and are the foundation of their success.
Their June 28 “Rhythm & Roam” and Bitter Root Brewing performances will feature all three visiting artists, Sanders, Lea, and Payne. Sanders will not be able to join them for their July 1 and 2 dates.
The week of celebrations marks a significant milestone for the Big Sky Mudflaps, but the one thing it’s not is a farewell. They still have parties and wedding gigs on their calendar for the rest of 2025, entertaining crowds that include not just the children but the grandchildren of their original fans.
It just goes to show that “joie de glee” never goes out of style.
‘Rhythm & Roam’ this Saturday in downtown Hamilton
Music, food, art, and community will take center stage in historic downtown Hamilton on Saturday, June 28, as the Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) proudly presents the inaugural Rhythm & Roam, a free, all-day music festival filled with family-friendly activities, live performances, and vibrant street life.
Running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Rhythm & Roam will transform Main Street into a bustling hub of celebration—featuring bands and performance groups across two stages, more than a dozen food trucks, artisan and retail vendors, sidewalk sales during the 50 Mile Garage Sale, and an expanded Kids Corner that includes karaoke, face painting, bounce houses, and the new Tiny Traders Market.
“This festival in the Bitterroot is a dream realized,” says Cove Jasmin, the event’s entertainment coordinator. “Securing funding allowed us to create an event that truly supports Montana’s vibrant music scene. We’re proud to highlight local bands, showcase talented vendors, and bring our community together. This isn’t just a one-day celebration—it’s a launchpad for year-round discovery and support of Montana artists.”
The event is anchored in community at every level. From the Chalk Art Contest and Weiner Dog & Big Wheel Races to the new Non-Profit Corner that features local organizations doing vital work, Rhythm & Roam brings purpose to the party.
“We’re so excited for all the energy Rhythm & Roam is bringing,” said Liliana Plinaa, event committee member and food/non-profit coordinator. “One of the biggest highlights is the incredible variety of food trucks—from smoky BBQ and authentic Indian cuisine to fresh-squeezed lemonade and homemade ice cream. These vendors are coming from Arizona, Kalispell, Missoula, and of course, some of our local favorites too. We’re also proud to spotlight our local nonprofits—celebrating the heartbeat of our valley while enjoying great music and food.”
The Kids Corner, organized by HDA Board Member Amy Liss and Katrina Mendrey of Chapter One Bookstore, offers fun for all ages.
“I’m especially excited about Tiny Traders,” says Liss. “Getting kids involved in our community at a young age and seeing them excited to sell something is going to be awesome. It’s a joy to watch them take part in something this big. And I’m really looking forward to a full day of Montana music.”
The music lineup features local favorites and rising Montana stars, capped off by evening headliners Shakewell and Dead and Down, bringing big energy to the Main Stage as the sun sets on a lively Main Street.
“Rhythm & Roam is everything we love about Hamilton: community, creativity, and celebration,” says Matthew Zwicker, Executive Director of the Hamilton Downtown Association and Hamilton Downtown Foundation. “This event is about more than just music—it’s about bringing people together, elevating local talent, supporting small businesses, and giving our valley a reason to dance in the streets. We hope this becomes an annual tradition that reflects the heart of our downtown and the soul of Montana.”
Main Street will be closed from Hwy 93 to 5th Street from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.. Handicap-accessible parking will be available on South 2nd and 3rd Streets.
Rhythm & Roam is free and open to the public. For a full schedule of bands, activities, and vendor listings, visit: rhythmandroam.visithamiltonmt.org