The Montana Performing Arts Consortium is hosting its annual conference in Great Falls with more than 100 performing arts professionals gathering to plan performances, network, learn and develop lasting relationships that extend into communities statewide.
The conference includes a showcase that gives artists the chance to promote their programs to a large number of presenters and gives presenters a sample of a wide variety of live performances to consider booking for future concerts and live events.
The conference also facilitates block-booking meetings so that presenters can coordinate tour dates, saving time and money for both venues and artists.
Fall in Falls: Guide to fall festivities in Great Falls
Some of the artists who performed during the 2023 showcase have been booked for events in Great Falls this year, including The Wardens and Steven Leslie, both are part of the Great Falls Community Concert Association lineup.
The showcase performances are free and open to the public at the Mansfield Theater in the Civic Center.
The showcases are Oct. 12 in the following sessions:
- 9-10:45 a.m.
- 12:30-2:25 p.m.
- 3:30-5:15 p.m.
Artists in the first showcase at 9 a.m.:
Rachel Therrien is a French-Canadian trumpeter, composer and producer. She’s produced four records on labels MultipleChordMusic and Truth Revolution Records, Therrien released in 2020 her fifth album, “VENA,” which was a nominee for jazz album of the year at ADISQ and JUNO Award and four stars by Downbeat, under French Label Bonsaï Music, recorded in Paris with her new European Quartet.
She is releasing her sixth album, Mi Hogar, which is the first of her latin jazz project.
Therrien works as a side musician in various projects such as Arturo O’Farrill’s Grammy winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the The Ostara Project, the renowned Diva Jazz Orchestra and many more. In 2020, she started producing for other artists like Noé Lira and LaPelúda.
The McDades punch through the walls of tradition with Celtic-rooted music that fuses the spontaneity of jazz improvisation and infectious global rhythms. The Juno Award winners’ cutting edge sound is the perfect complement to their fiery performances.
With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family, and an obvious love for each other and their music, The McDades’ sound is immersed in the spirit of improvisation. Combining original tunes and unique interpretations of traditional songs, their performances feature both energetic instrumentals and moving vocals performed in English and French. This compelling and dynamic group “finds their groove somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after hours club, and a folk festival,” according to the London Free Press.
The McDades are winners of the Juno Award for Best Roots Album and three Canadian folk music awards. Their new album “The Empress” continues to highlight the group’s one-of-a-kind sound and irresistible groove.
Jessica Loobey was born and raised on a cattle ranch in western South Dakota, just outside of Sturgis. Aside from her love of country living and animals, Loobey’s admiration of music was influenced by her parents at a young age. She has loved to sing country music ever since she was about 5 years old.
She joined a duo and eventually built her own band. She released her first Nashville record in 2022 featuring Garth Brook’s pianist, and guitarists who also played on albums for names such as Tim McGraw, Steve Miller Band, and Rascal Flatts. Her album Three Chords and the Truth is available on all digital platforms, features multiple self-written songs, and has more than 190,000 streams on Spotify.
Loobey’s most recent accomplishments include signing a developmental deal with SSM Records, being nominated for new artist of the year through the Midwest Country Music Originals Organization, and playing her first paid gigs on Broadway in Nashville. She has performed at Kids Rock’s Honky Tonk, Rippy’s Bar and the world Famous Tootsies.
Gideon Freudmann is a cellist and composer on the forefront of that instrument’s modern creative expansion for more than 30 years. In the early 1980s, Freudmann’s formal education laid a solid classical foundation on which he built a diverse catalog of wide ranging musical genres.
He’s lead several ensembles, building on his extended technique with real-time electronics. He loops and layers his sounds, sculpting orchestras out of thin air. Freudmann has taken this a step further with live accompaniments for classic silent films. He creates an astounding range of sounds and textures taking the cello into new sonic and stylistic territory.
In the early 1990s, Freudmann was asked to accompany a showing of Phantom of the Opera. He then expanded his repertoire, performing a variety of German expressionist films and Buster Keaton comedies, as well as films by Hitchcock and Douglas Fairbanks Jr, at theaters throughout the U.S.
In conjunction with his silent film work, Freudmann continues to compose music for solo cello and ensembles. He has recorded 25 CDs and contributed to soundtracks for numerous modern film and concert performances, and composed a catalog of sheet music for string ensembles. He’s a founding member and composer for the Portland Cello Project, Whidbey Island String Trio and Caravan Gogh.
His music has appeared in a dozen episodes of TV’s popular show, Weeds, the Sundance documentary film winner, Buck and the recent Moving On featuring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. His composition entitled Denmark, inspired a film by the same name which won best short film awards at several film festivals around the world. His music has been
licensed by Chrysler and Apple and is heard on This American Life, Car Talk, Good Morning America and All Things Considered.
Aliya Kanani is a Toronto-based award-winning comedian, Canadian academy award-nominated actress, writer, producer, entertainer and vagabond, known for her playful and mischievous personality.
As a standup comedian, she has enjoyed performing on major stages around the world. Her first solo show debuted with sold out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Kanani then went on to sell out the complete run of her show at the Just for Laughs Festival in the same year. She continued to tour her show internationally, including sell out shows at Fringe World festival in Perth, Sydney Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe.
Her one-woman show ‘Where You From, From?’ recently won Best of Fest for Ottawa Fringe Festival and Patron’s Pick at Toronto Fringe. She is currently set off to tour the show around North America, while simultaneously working on her new solo show “Aliya Kanani is a Work in Progress” in Australia.
After creating her first web-series, “Juicy,” Kanani has since written for the sketch comedy TV show “Abroad” and was a finalist in the Just for Laughs script competition “Standup and Pitch” for her comedy variety series, “HYPE.”
T. Buckley is an award-winning songwriter. Shadowed by his Western roots, his soul and voice are unmistakably genuine, and the result is a class of songsmith long revered and scarcely achieved.
With influences stemming from the ’60s Laurel Canyon and New York Cafe scenes, he tells stories embedded with detail, empathy and heart. Buckley’s dedication to his art has seen him on renowned showcase and festival stages throughout North America. Buckley’s most recent album, “Frame by Frame,” has been recognized through Canadian Folk Music Award and Western Canadian Music Award nominations, as well as a Calgary Music Award for best folk recording.
Versatility as a songwriter and musician have T. Buckley on the road in a variety of arrangements, rolling solo, collaborating with fellow Alberta songsmiths John Wort Hannam and Mariel Buckley and, of course, performing with his acoustic trio, whose tight harmonies and intricate arrangements are the perfect vehicle to deliver Buckley’s evocative narratives.
With plans for another album to come in 2024, you’ll be hearing a lot more from this talented troubadour.
Artists in the second showcase at 12:30 p.m.:
The Hello Darlins are making a name as the biggest breakthrough artist on the international Americana scene with their debut album Go By Feel, Canadian folk/country/roots collective, The Hello Darlins have returned with an even more ambitious collection of material for 2024, a double album titled The Alders and The Ashes. Led by Romani-Canadian musician, Candace Lacina and world-renowned keyboardist Mike Little, The Hello Darlins are some of Canada’s most in-demand professional session and touring musicians who came together to forge a distinct hybrid of country, gospel and blues.
With millions of streams and three Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations, The Hello Darlins took the show on the road for 187 days in 2023, showing that the band sounds just as powerful on stage as it does in the studio. Referred to as a “one-band Americana festival,” European audiences had the first chance to see them in late 2022 and early 2023 when the band showcased at UK Americana Music Week, along with performing for Canada Day in London’s Trafalgar Square and a second tour of The Netherlands. From there, The Hello Darlins joined with their friend Matt Andersen for a 36-date, cross-Canada tour that marked their formal introduction to audiences in their home country. Playing sold out shows in revered venues such as Massey Hall in Toronto to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the band proved they were truly ready for big stages by delivering a tight, uplifting show that highlighted the musical skills of each member.
When The Hello Darlins hit any stage, they immediately make it their own. With Candace Lacina front and center, it’s impossible not to be moved by the band’s flawless group harmonies on songs such as “What Is A Broken Heart For” and “Lay Down Low,” from their new EP, In The Sundust.
As individuals, the members of The Hello Darlins are known for backing some of the biggest names in Canadian music, and as a band they have paid their dues playing live in other configurations. Seeing the band now as a singular unit, reveling in the songwriting, harmonies, musical firepower and unique sound they have created together, makes for a joyful and memorable event that every music fan needs to experience. The Hello Darlins deliver a show at a refined level that can only be achieved by lives dedicated to a professional craft.
Rob Verdi‘s professional musical career began with the acceptance of a full time position with the Entertainment Division of the Walt Disney Company. His jazz band, the Side Street Strutters entertained guests at Disneyland for 22 years and also presented formal concerts and symphony pops programs in theaters and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. and Europe.
In 2008, Verdi introduced audiences to “Saxophobia,” a unique show which offers audiences a glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones every manufactured and recognizes a handful of legendary artists who contribute to the development of jazz and the popularity of the saxophone.
With the success of Saxophobia, Verdi launched “SAXsational,” which invites local schools to share the stage with him during formal concerts. These talented young students and Rob explore a variety of musical styles including popular jazz standards of the swing era, iconic songs associated with the sax, movie and television theme songs and trendy, contemporary pop hits.
Verdi continues to perform at the Disneyland Resort in addition to red carpet movie premieres and special events hosted by the Disney Company. He is a clinician for the Disney Imagination Campus Recording Workshop and has developed exciting school outreach programs guaranteed to inspire young talent. Through his years of participating in MPAC, Verdi has enjoyed performing in many Montana communities including Fort Benton, Great Falls, Whitefish, Sidney, Glasgow, Havre, Glendive, Malta, Livingston, Deer Lodge, Missoula, Conrad, Polson, Libby and Eureka.
Christine Tassan et les Imposteures bring nearly 20 years of their special blend to gypsy jazz to audiences.
Pioneers in a domain usually reserved for men and precursors of the gypsy wave that swept across Québec, this quartet led by guitarist Christine Tassan continues to reinvent this timeless music while integrating new ideas and influences with an originality and flair we have become familiar with. From standards to original compositions, the Imposteures’ musical arrangements innovate, rejuvenate and leave room for unbridled creativity from four talented and accomplished musicians.
With seven albums and more than 600 concerts in various venues and festivals, including numerous appearances in major events and tours across Canada, Europe, U.S. and China, they have cultivated the adoration and loyalty of an ever growing fan base.
Pipeline Vocal Project is an award winning vocal trio from Alaska, comprised of a lead, bass and vocal percussionist. This group puts a unique twist on well-known favorites from all eras, whether it’s crossing decades or genres.
Being one of the only groups of its kind in the world, PVP has represented the U.S. and North America at various international music festivals, and are musical ambassadors for the Department of State. These ladies have been performing around the world in places like Dubai, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and have made appearances on national broadcasts such as Good Morning Lithuania.
PVP’s artistic vocal arrangements, high energy performance and ability to fill the soundscape with three voices has them impressing and bringing joy to audiences around the world.
El Javi is a gifted North American guitarist who fearlessly explores instrumental music, transcending the confines of traditional music genres. His music is a remarkable blend of various styles and techniques that come together to create an eclectic spanish guitar experience that is truly unique.
Beyond his exceptional musicianship, El Javi’s celebration of cultural diversity through music underscores the power of music to transcend language and culture, forging connections and understanding between people of all backgrounds.
The Denver-based composer, producer and performer incorporates elements of flamenco, progressive rock, classical, folk and world music to shape his compositions. Highlights of his career include; supporting act for Ziggy Marley and today’s biggest voice of flamenco Diego El Cigala. He was a featured artist in Coors Light’s national campaign My Climb, My Music and a featured artist at the Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He participated in the International Guitar Festival in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
Born in Mexico City, his early studies on guitar included rock, jazz and blues. In 2000, he relocated to Los Angeles where he immersed himself in the L.A. music scene where he got the need to create something unique and more authentic, launching him to study flamenco guitar in Seville, Spain. This transition gave El Javi the inspiration to develop his own sound. El Javi has released four albums of original music and is also known for his unique instrumental arrangements of cover songs.
The Lucky Valentines have been making music together since they met in 2009.
Their newest album, Losses, was released in 2023 and is their most personal record yet- full of real life grief, observation on the connectivity of all things, and the hope that comes through trials of fire. It was recorded in one week at Dreamland Studio in Kingston, N.Y. Each tune was tracked live and then more magic was added on top.
TLV have written upward of 80 songs, and use a mix of folk melodic sensibilities, tight harmonies and a whole lotta love to make sad things beautiful. He sometimes uses a third-hand suitcase as a kick drum, and the rotary phone from her father’s shop as a mic. She blends classical violin with raging folk passion. He channels John Prine and Hank Williams. They have played hundreds of live shows together and have been featured on MTPR’s Musician Spotlight, at Austin’s Iconic Hole in the Wall Cafe, the street dance and side stage of Red Ants Pants Music Festival, and were featured on the May 2022 episode of Montanan PBS’s award winning 11th and Grant with Erik Funk.
TLV blends homespun DIY folk and country sounds with fresh sonic energy; infused with cold heartache, electric wonder, razor sadness and fiery Joy, their music is made to be played on repeat.
Artists playing in the third showcase at 3:30 p.m.:
Luciane Dom, a multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, is part of the new generation of contemporary artists from Rio de Janeiro who bring poetic themes such as Black diaspora, feminism, empowerment, and social reflections that impact the construction of her emotions. Luciane´s performances incorporate various musical influences: from Afrobeat, to Urban Jazz, Reggae, and Ijexá, and are calls to action, inviting audiences to dance, sing, and free their bodies. She has been featured at venues such as Brasil Summerfest at Lincoln Center, and was named Rising Star of the Year by the 2022 African Entertainment Awards.
Possessing a History degree from the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in addition to songwriting workshops, Luciane’s multilingual educational work primarily revolves around masterclasses with a focus on the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé and interactive classes covering traditional Brazilian rhythms including Samba, Bossa Nova, Forró, Axé, and Maracatu.
Broadway in Love showcases Broadway’s greatest songs as shared by real-life Broadway married couple Libby Servais, who played Glinda in Wicked, and Stephan Stubbins, who performed in Mary Poppins.
With their undeniable chemistry and award-winning talent, Servais and Stubbins weave together an unforgettable experience of songs, laughter, stories and show-stopping moments.
The show features songs from “Wicked,” “Frozen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Phantom of the Opera” to name a few, and features music by Carole King, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel and more. The combination of stellar vocals and Libby and Stephan’s energy, warmth and humor make Broadway in Love a sensational experience you’ll never forget.
Montreal Guitare Trio surprises, amazes, exalts, and ignites audiences with their dynamic and breathtaking stage presence. This passionate trio has been sharing their work with fervor for more than 25 years. In addition to their three guitars, these multi-instrumentalists also sing and play the violin, mandolin, bass, accordion and more.
Their music ranges from Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Rossini, and Falla to Metheny, Haden, Tormé, Guaraldi, and even Piazzolla, De Lucia, Gismonti, Radiohead, the Beatles, Rush and Bowie. They also perform music closer to home, such as Jorane, Dompierre, and Lhasa de Sela, as well as their own original compositions. However, above all, they pay tribute to the great Ennio Morricone, every time and always.
Their performances have taken them all over the world, from Alaska to Korea, Romania to New Zealand, as well as Los Angeles, London, Frankfurt, Brussels, Tallinn, Brisbane, Christchurch and many more.
Fore Fader is a duo that harnesses themes of evolution and inner affection. Songs bloom with a delicate equilibrium of self-recognition and introspection—each crescendoing with a decisive surge of empowerment. Their performance is more than mere entertainment; it is an immersive ritual, a call to foster the sprouts of self-love and growth.
The vibrancy of their musical and philosophical ethos draws inspiration from a pantheon of artists. From the smoky allure of R&B to the spiritual reverberations akin to Polica and the innovative eccentricity of Bjork, each influence has lent a hand in shaping the avant-garde melody that is uniquely Fore Fader. Their sonic presence, while evoking comparisons to artists like Rhye, Fleet Foxes, and Bon Iver, resonates with a distinctive energy that appeals across the spectrum of indie music.
With a biographical tapestry that captures the mystical, introspective, and empowering essence of Fore Fader, this narrative intertwines a tale of two souls, united in purpose and in artistry, composing an anthem for all who seek connection in a disconnected world.
Joselyn and Don are Montana natives whos 2020 debut album “Soar” and 2022 EP “Seeds and Bones” have been warmly received by critics and independent radio worldwide, reaching No. 5 on Roots Music Report’s Americana Album Chart and the Top 100 of the Americana Music Association’s album chart. Publications like Americana UK, Twangville, Americana Highways and others praise Joselyn Wilkinson’s “one-of-a-kind voice,” Don Barrozo’s “fluid guitar work” and the “rich, lyrical, wild, spiritual imagery” of their music.
Joselyn and Don have toured listening room theaters across the west and supported notable artists including Chris Pierce, Chris Stills (with Lukas Nelson) and Jess Williamson. Recently, Joselyn and Don appeared on Prairie Public Radio’s The Great American Folk Show and were featured in Noel Paul Stookey’s (Peter, Paul & Mary) Greenwich Village Folk Festival.
Joselyn & Don’s latest project chronicles love, loss and the search for home and identity on the back roads of the American West. “Lost and Found Highway” is the duo’s most personal work to date, with songs that tell of living between two worlds, while relating the stories that have made them who they are. “Working the Hi-Line” is one such story, chronicling the journey of Don’s father, a young migrant laborer from the Philippines on Montana’s hi-line railroad who became a bandleader in Great Falls, living his American dream. Other songs use images drawn from the beauty of the west to illustrate our vital connection with the natural world and with one another. The duo is currently recording their new album and planning to release new music in late 2024.
Joselyn is also the founder of legendary women’s global fusion band, ADAAWE, who toured extensively, released two albums and appeared with luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and James Brown. In the mid-2000s, Joselyn released two solo albums and performed with her band Wild Roots. Don, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer with many album credits, also serves as film editor for television’s long-running animated series “The Simpsons.”
Buzz Brass is a Canadian quintet that has been travelling the world and captivating classical music lovers since 2002.
Whether alone or with guest musicians, Buzz Brass’s highly original performances consistently make a strong impression. The ensemble has given more than 1,950 concerts and won over more than 500,000 music lovers across North America, Europe and China.
Over the years, Buzz Brass has earned numerous awards and honors, including Canada’s OPUS, ADISQ, and Trille Or prizes, in recognition of the quality and renown of its performances. With its innovative programs, acclaimed recordings, unique repertoire and broad appeal, the group has become one of Canada’s most reputable brass quintets. Recent projects include partnerships with recognized Canadian symphony orchestras such as those in Quebec, Winnipeg, or Sherbrooke, as well as with Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. The quintet has eight albums to its credit and continues working on new repertoire to record.
