Arts-Entertainment
The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts will present the 2nd annual Livingston Bluegrass Festival September 18th and 19th at the Henry Blake Pavilion. The Festival will kick off on Friday, September 18th with Montana Standard at 6 pm, followed by Damn Tall Buildings. Montana Standard is a six-piece traditional bluegrass band, including national and state fiddle champions, songwriters, exceptional instrumentalists and great singers. Their reverence for the traditions of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin and the Stanley Brothers, as well as vintage country music sets this band apart.
Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band based in Brooklyn, known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. This seasoned trio—comprising Max Capristan, Sasha Dubyk and Avery Ballotta—has spent over a decade honing their craft through touring worldwide and recording, creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar and bass arrangements. Their vocals feature seamless harmonies, and their songs blend old time, blues and jazz influences.
Saturday’s lineup at the festival starts with a new addition to the fun – a pie eating contest at 4 pm. The Shane Center’s executive director Erika Adams says, “You won’t want to miss this good ol’ fashioned classic! Come cheer on fellow community members as they devour pies – or if you think you have what it takes to throw your hat in the ring, sign up today. We’ll limit this to the first 25 folks who sign up on the website at www.theshanecenter.org.”
The winner will receive $300, a championship belt and ultimate bragging rights. The winner will be the first contestant to eat an entire pie down to the tin and the two top contestants of preliminary heats will advance to the championship round. Any pie lover 13 years or older can sign up for an entry fee of $10, which allows the contestant to stay and enjoy the bluegrass festival at a savings of over 60%. Contestants need to check in by 3:30 PM. The registration deadline is September 18th at 4 pm.
At 6 pm, Release the Squirrels will kick off the music with their contemporary bluegrass style. A dynamic quintet from Western Montana, the Squirrels feature a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground.
Headliners Special Consensus will then take the stage and will blow you away with their mastery. For five decades, banjo master Greg Cahill has led Special Consensus with a clear musical vision rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. The band’s sound reflects a deep understanding of bluegrass, blending the drive and harmonies of the classic style with contemporary repertoire and adventurous arrangements. The band features IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake, alongside Brian McCarty on mandolin and vocals, Nico Humby on bass and vocals and of course, Greg Cahill. This band has garnered two Grammy nominations and eight IBMA awards.
The festival will be at the Henry E. Blake Pavilion Stage at The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 415 E. Lewis Street in Livingston. Sponsors include Home2 Suites by Hilton, Walter and Regina Wunsch – Spectec, Marcia Bull McCrum in honor of Bliss McCrum, Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani in partnership with Mighty Fine Time Live Events.
A two-day, early-bird pass is available through August 18th for $45, with regular pricing resuming after the 18th at $50. Two-day passes at the door will be sold for $55. Single day early-bird passes are $30 and will be sold for $35 after August 19th. Single day passes on the day of the show are $40. Kids 13 and under are free. Bicycle parking is available on site, as well as extended vehicle parking at the Lincoln School, 215 E Lewis Street. Tickets are available now at https://theshanecenter.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events.