Scott Wagers
The High Country String Band, seen here performing at another event at Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co., will be playing at the “Music for the Wild” fund-raiser.
The 15th annual Music for the Wild celebration — the primary fundraiser for the Eastern Wildlands Chapter of the Montana Wilderness Association — is set for 5 to 8 p.m. this Saturday, May 12, at the Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co.
Two area bands will be performing this year: The Two Tracks will kick off the evening, followed by the High Country String Band.
The Two Tracks is a four-piece band out of Sheridan, Wyoming, that plays rootsy folk rock, Americana and quasi-country, with lots of tight harmonies and polished original songs. The High Country String Band is based in Billings and plays old-time and bluegrass music. Band members like to call themselves “old punk rockers with grandpa’s guitars.”
The event will also feature a silent auction, with a diverse array of auction items generously donated by area business and individuals. These include some striking jewelry from both the Magpie and Toucan galleries, a vibrant bison painting from Harry Koyama, tie-dye items, books written by local authors, chocolates and a field day with a scientist studying turtles along the Yellowstone River, to name just a few. Bidding will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Montana Melts will be on hand to serve up gourmet sandwiches.
Music for the Wild is all about having fun with a purpose. Money raised through ticket sales and the silent auction are put to work in Eastern Montana. In past years, these funds have been used for supporting research on lynx and wolverine populations in the Beartooth Mountains, sponsoring the annual Yellowstone River Clean-Up, funding field studies on endemic plant communities (such as the bladderpod, in the Pryor Mountains), contributing to short documentaries by area filmmakers, creating summer outdoor education programs and much more.
Admission for the event will be $8 for adults, free to for children.
