Trail Listening Post

Missoula Pride returns June 19–21, and Missoula Pride Co-Founder and Executive Director Devin Carpenter joins Mike Smith on The Trail 1033 to preview a weekend packed with celebration, connection, education, and community. Devin shares how Missoula Pride has grown from a grassroots effort into one of Montana's largest Pride celebrations, thanks to partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, businesses, and supporters across Montana.The conversation explores how allies can get involved, volunteer opportunities, accessibility initiatives including sensory spaces and educational workshops, and what attendees can expect from the Pride Parade, Main Street Block Party, live entertainment, community vendors, and special events throughout the weekend.Devin also reflects on Missoula Pride's five-year journey, the importance of creating spaces for queer joy and belonging, and the power of community in bringing people together.For event schedules, volunteer opportunities, tickets, and more information, visit MissoulaPride.com.Missoula Pride 2026 takes place June 19–21 in downtown Missoula. Happy Pride! 

Mike Smith is joined in the Trail studio by Trey Curtiss of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers ahead of the annual Backcountry Brewfest happening at Caras Park. Curtiss shares his path from University of Montana intern to conservation advocate, while breaking down the organization’s mission to keep public lands accessible, protected, and open for all users.The conversation explores growing pressure on federal public lands, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and the ongoing issue of corner crossing in checkerboard landscapes across the West. Curtiss also highlights BHA’s nationwide network of chapters and hands-on stewardship efforts, from advocacy events to habitat restoration projects.Looking ahead to Brewfest, the episode previews an evening featuring 20+ Montana breweries, live music from Billy Faber and the Skalkaho Brothers, local food trucks, raffles, and community connection, all in support of public lands. Special guests include Mark Kenyon of MeatEater and BHA President & CEO Ryan Callaghan, underscoring the event’s blend of education, advocacy, and celebration.Tickets are $25 at the door and include drink tickets and a commemorative cup, with proceeds supporting conservation work across North America.

Mike Smith is joined in-studio by Marc Moss, founder and executive director of Tell Us Something, to preview the organization's upcoming live storytelling event, The Power of Place.Marc shares how Tell Us Something has spent the last 15 years helping community members tell true personal stories on stage, why storytelling remains such a powerful way to connect people, and what audiences can expect from this year's event. The conversation touches on the importance of place in shaping our lives, supporting local artists and storytellers, and the unique stories that will be featured during the evening.Tell Us Something: The Power of Place takes place Tuesday, June 16th at the Bonner Park Band Shell in Missoula. The event features eight storytellers sharing true personal stories inspired by the places that have shaped them. Tickets, event details, and the Tell Us Something podcast archive can be found at TellUsSomething.org.

Mike Smith sits down with Amy Cilimburg, Executive Director of Climate Smart Missoula and Kerri Mueller, Air Quality Specialist with Missoula Public Health, to discuss Montana's Wildfire Smoke Ready Week and how communities can prepare for the months ahead.The conversation highlights the 2026 Wildfire & Smoke Outlook, a free public event taking place on Tuesday, June 9 at 6 p.m. in the Cooper Room at the Missoula Public Library. The event will feature experts from the National Weather Service and the Montana Climate Office discussing this summer's wildfire and smoke outlook, climate trends, public health impacts, and practical strategies for staying both fire-safe and smoke-safe. The program will also be simulcast with Flathead Valley Community College and available online via Zoom.Amy and Kerri also explore the latest science on wildfire smoke, who is most vulnerable to smoke exposure, how HEPA air cleaners can improve indoor air quality, and resources available through MontanaWildfireSmoke.org. Whether you're preparing your home, workplace, or family for wildfire season, this episode offers valuable information on staying healthy and resilient during Montana's smoke season.

Zootown Swing is a newer Missoula nonprofit built around Lindy Hop, a vintage swing dance that started in Harlem in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Callie describes it as a joyful, social, goofy, partner-based dance that gives people a way to connect for a few minutes at a time through music and movement.The group started hosting dances in Missoula last September, with regular social dances at Free Cycles. What began with a small group of organizers has grown into a steady community of dancers, newcomers, and regulars who show up to learn, practice, and spend time together.This summer, Zootown Swing is bringing the dancing outside with four events at the Caras Park pavilion: June 8, July 6, August 10, and September 14.The first Caras Park dance is Monday, June 8. The evening starts with a beginner lesson at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music from The Jive from 7–9 p.m. The event is free, with donations encouraged to help pay the instructors and the band. No partner is needed, and beginners are absolutely welcome.Callie also talks about how approachable Lindy Hop can be. You do not need to know fancy spins or complicated moves to start. A simple six-count basic can get you moving with the music, and the whole point is to have fun, connect with a partner, and enjoy the moment.The conversation also gets into Callie’s background, from growing up near Seattle and skiing Stevens Pass to coaching young skiers with the Missoula Ski Education Foundation. Like a lot of good Missoula stories, this one includes skiing, music, community, a nonprofit, and someone deciding to build the thing they wanted to see in town.If you have ever thought about trying swing dancing, this is a pretty easy way in: show up at Caras Park, take the beginner lesson, listen to the band, and see what happens.The Zootown Swing summer series begins Monday, June 8 at Caras Park. Lesson at 6:30 p.m. Live music from The Jive from 7–9 p.m.Learn more and follow along with Zootown Swing on Instagram at @zootownswing.

Mike Smith welcomed Lisa from American Rivers and Carmen from Wild Montana into the Trail 103.3 studio to talk about the 2026 Trails, Rivers & Forests Expo, happening today, Wednesday, June 3, from 5–9 p.m. at Trail Head River Sports.The free event is co-hosted by American Rivers and Wild Montana and brings together local outdoor organizations, businesses, conservation groups, and community partners who work to protect, maintain, and connect people with the wild places around Missoula.The conversation covers the connection between public lands and public waters, the work American Rivers is doing around river protection, and Wild Montana’s long history of protecting public lands across the state. Carmen also talks about Wild Montana’s group hikes, volunteer trail projects, and the Trail of the Week partnership with Trail 103.3.The Expo is built to be both useful and fun. More than 40 partner organizations are expected to be part of the event, with hands-on activities, river safety information, wildlife and outdoor education, volunteer opportunities, and plenty of ways to learn what is happening outside your back door this summer.There will also be live music from The Pack Strings, food from El Cazador, cold drinks from Big Sky Brewing, raffle prizes, and family-friendly activities throughout the evening.Mike, Lisa, and Carmen also talk about the bigger picture: why Missoula’s trails, rivers, forests, and public lands matter, and why so many local groups are working together to keep these places accessible, healthy, and protected.The 2026 Trails, Rivers & Forests Expo is free and open to the public today from 5–9 p.m. at Trail Head River Sports, 2505 S. Garfield Street in Missoula.Bring your friends, bring your family, meet the people doing the work, and celebrate the wild places that make Montana special.

Every year, marathon weekend brings runners, families, volunteers, spectators, local businesses, and entire neighborhoods together for one reason: the love of running. The banners go up, the course comes together, the cowbells come out, and Missoula becomes part race course, part welcome committee, and part block party.Always fun to welcome Trisha Drobeck, executive director of Run Wild Missoula, into the Trail 103.3 studio to talk about the 2026 Missoula Marathon, happening June 26–28.This year’s full marathon is already sold out, with limited VIP options still available at the time of our conversation. The half marathon still had a few spots open, and the weekend includes plenty beyond the 26.2-mile race: the Friday night Beer Run, Runner Expo at Caras Park, Tony Banovich 5K, Kids Marathon, half marathon, and the downtown finish that makes race weekend such a visible part of summer in Missoula.We covered what runners can expect, what Missoulians should know, and how the weekend comes together behind the scenes. That includes the course, shuttle information, road impacts, volunteer needs, and the community support that has helped build the Missoula Marathon into one of the signature events of the year.The full marathon starts in Frenchtown and comes toward Missoula along Mullan Road before continuing through areas including Kona Ranch, Big Flat, River Pines, Maclay Bridge, Target Range, the Slant Streets, and toward the University/downtown finish. The half marathon starts near Blue Mountain and joins the marathon course near Maclay Bridge.Runners are coming from all 50 states and 11 countries this year, which says a lot about both the race and Missoula’s reputation as a place people want to visit, run, explore, and experience.Trisha also shared more about the marathon’s long-running partnership with Youth Homes and the Run 4 Kids team, which is on track to raise $100,000 this year in support of local youth services.And for anyone who wants to be part of marathon weekend without running, Run Wild Missoula is still looking for volunteers, especially course monitors. Course monitors help keep runners safe, support the flow of the event, cheer people on, and help race morning run smoothly. This year, thanks to Logjam Presents, course monitors will also receive a free ticket to a KettleHouse Amphitheater show.The full conversation is below, with more on race weekend, volunteer opportunities, course information, the Beer Run, Youth Homes, and what makes the Missoula Marathon such a big part of summer in Missoula.Learn more, register, volunteer, or find race weekend details at MissoulaMarathon.org.

Rosie La Secco and Joyce Gibbs join Trail 103.3’s Tommy to talk about the return of Missoula’s wildly popular Kinky Bingo — a one-of-a-kind night of burlesque, drag, bingo, immersive performance, and community fundraising. Alongside Joyce Gibbs from Tell Us Something, the conversation explores how the event grew from its roots in Moscow, Idaho into a beloved Missoula tradition now in its fourth edition.Kinky Bingo takes place Saturday at Monks Bar in Missoula and is a 21+ event benefiting Tell Us Something, Missoula’s storytelling nonprofit. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the day of the show, with VIP tables available while supplies last at TellUsSomething.org.The episode dives into the creative chaos behind producing Kinky Bingo, supporting local performers, building Montana’s drag and burlesque community, and partnering with nonprofits like Tell Us Something. Rosie also introduces “Kinky Communion,” a new audience participation experience that’s exactly as outrageous as it sounds.Featuring stories about performance, mentorship, storytelling, rhinestones, consent, community, and “beautiful weird monster” energy, this episode is a candid and hilarious behind-the-scenes look at one of Missoula’s unforgettable live events.

Mike Smith sits down with Marcy Allen, Executive Director of the Missoula Community Foundation, for a conversation about Missoula Gives and the power of local philanthropy. They explore how this community-wide giving event has grown into a beloved annual tradition—bringing together nonprofits, businesses, and everyday donors across Missoula and the Bitterroot.Marcy shares stories about the impact of collective giving, from record-breaking participation during 2020 to the continued growth of new donor engagement each year. The conversation highlights how Missoula Gives helps people discover local nonprofits they didn’t know existed, while also creating space for organizations to connect with fresh supporters.They also dig into the many ways people can participate—whether it’s donating, volunteering, attending kickoff events, or simply spreading the word. With celebrations planned across town, including Plonk, Bitter Root Brewing, Cranky Sam’s, and the Missoula Public Library, this year’s Missoula Gives blends community impact with community celebration.At its core, this episode is about one idea: when everyone gives a little, a community changes a lot.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by longtime Missoula community member and former Justice of the Peace Karen Orzac to talk about the 65th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.Now retired after 20 years on the bench—and having officiated over a thousand weddings—Orzac shares her continued passion for serving the community through the Missoula Kiwanis Club. The conversation highlights Kiwanis’ century-long mission of supporting local youth through programs, partnerships, and hands-on volunteer work.Taking place Saturday, April 25th, the pancake breakfast is Kiwanis’ biggest fundraiser of the year, benefiting organizations like Youth Homes, Boys & Girls Club, YWCA, and more. For just $5, attendees can enjoy a full breakfast while helping fund opportunities for kids across Missoula—plus music, activities, and a strong sense of community connection.Whether you come for the pancakes or the purpose, it’s all about showing up for local kids.

Mike Smith is joined in-studio by Lynn Wood and Sean Higgins of Storyhouse Montana for an in-depth conversation about the transformation of the former Roseburg Mill site in Missoula into a major new hub for film, media production, workforce training, and community development.Storyhouse Montana is reimagining the industrial complex as a full-service production facility designed to attract mid-sized film and television projects while prioritizing Montana-based talent, local hiring, and long-term economic reinvestment. The conversation explores how the project connects with Montana’s growing creative economy, the challenge of retaining young talent in the state, and the role of partnerships with the University of Montana and Missoula College in building hands-on training and internship pathways.Lynn Wood and Sean Higgins also discuss the broader vision for the site, including job creation, sustainable redevelopment, and even future housing components designed to support incoming crews and local workers. More than a studio project, Storyhouse Montana aims to become a community-centered engine for storytelling, blending filmmaking, craftsmanship, and economic opportunity in the heart of Missoula.From Hollywood-scale production ambitions to hyperlocal workforce development, this episode looks at how one of Missoula’s largest industrial sites is being reshaped into a new creative cornerstone for Montana’s film future.

Mike Smith is joined in-studio by former Trail 103.3 program director and longtime DJ Robert Chase, along with his daughter Mazzy Chase, for a conversation that blends radio history with a deeply personal story. Now living with type 1 diabetes for over 26 years, Mazzy was diagnosed at just 20 months old—an experience that reshaped her family’s life and led Robert to become actively involved with what is now Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).Breakthrough T1D is a leading nonprofit dedicated to funding research, advancing technology, and ultimately finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Through decades of innovation—from daily injections to insulin pumps and smartphone-connected care—the organization has helped improve quality of life for millions, while continuing to push toward a future without the disease.The conversation also highlights the upcoming Breakthrough T1D Walk in Missoula, a community-driven event that brings together families, supporters, and advocates to raise funds and awareness. With reflections on resilience, progress, and the power of showing up, this episode underscores the importance of community support and continued investment in life-changing research.Event Info: Breakthrough T1D Walk — Ogren Park, Sunday @ 2:00 PM (check-in at 1:00 PM), featuring a three-mile walk along the Clark Fork River, community resources, and fundraising opportunities.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Bob from Free Cycles to talk about spring riding in Missoula—and the future of one of the city’s most community-driven spaces.At the heart of the conversation is the Free Cycles “Forever Campaign,” an effort to secure the long-term sustainability of the organization by paying off its property and expanding its impact. The campaign supports everything from youth programming and hands-on bike education to innovative pedal-powered systems and the vision of taking the space fully off-grid.Free Cycles has long served as a hub for transportation equity, offering free tools, repair guidance, and access to bikes for anyone who walks through the door. But as Bob explains, it’s about more than bikes—it’s about creating a true “third place” where people can gather, connect, and participate without financial barriers.Listeners will also hear about upcoming events, live music, and seasonal opportunities to get involved, all while supporting a mission rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and community.

In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Joy French of Bare Bait Dance and the Westside Theater to talk about the energy, creativity, and community behind 40 Over 40—Missoula’s sold-out dance showcase celebrating performers stepping back into the spotlight.Joy shares how dancers of all experience levels are taking on new styles, pushing past self-doubt, and rediscovering the joy of movement. From first-time choreography on a high school poms squad to leading a production with over 100 community members, her journey highlights the power of saying “yes” to something new—at any age.The conversation explores how dance becomes more than performance—it’s connection, creativity, and a chance to challenge yourself in ways that feel both vulnerable and rewarding. Plus, they dive into what makes the Westside Theater such a special, intimate venue, and how its programming—from community shows to youth camps—continues to bring people together.Even if you missed out on tickets, this episode captures the spirit of 40 Over 40: taking risks, finding your people, and remembering that it’s never too late to try something new.

Mike Smith sits down with Carolyn Buchta, the creator of Dance Til Dusk—Missoula’s ultimate early-evening dance party for women (and their friends!). Carolyn shares the story behind the event, how it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, and why it’s all about fun, friendship, and great music—no pressure, no pretense.Learn about the pre-party at the newly relaunched Florence Cocktail Bar, the all-natural “gems” (fancy jello shots!), Dance Til Dusk punch, and how attendees can come solo or with a gaggle of friends. Carolyn also chats about her quirky radio persona as “the chick who doesn’t know sports” on ESPN 102.9 and her love of dancing to both old-school and new-school tunes.If you’ve ever wanted a night out that feels like a sleepover with friends—but with drinks and a dance floor—this episode is for you.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Missoula-based choreographer and educator Colleen Rosbarsky ahead of Rubber Soul Reimagined, a musical cabaret inspired by The Beatles iconic 1965 album.Presented in collaboration with the University of Montana School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance, the production brings the entire Rubber Soul album to life through live performance, dance, and storytelling. Featuring student vocalists, a live band, and original choreography rooted in 1960s dance styles, the show explores both the music and cultural influence of the era.Audiences can expect a dynamic blend of song, movement, and narrative—including period-inspired go-go dance, scenes highlighting Beatles history, and even a filmed interpretation of “Norwegian Wood.” The production reflects on the enduring legacy of the album and its continued relevance across generations.Rubber Soul Reimagined runs at the Zootown Arts Community Center showroom.

Today we’re celebrating James McMurtry turning 64, so we went into the Trail Vault and pulled out a live session we recorded at the Top Hat Lounge in downtown Missoula on June 3rd, 2015.Craig Johnson was on site for this,  just a sitting on the booths with a couple mics, and a really honest conversation with James, plus a few live performances while patrons and tourists alike sat around unsuspectingly enjoying their Top Hat lunch.If you were there, this might take you right back.If you weren’t, this is about as close as it gets.—The Trail 103.3 Missoula, Montana [Trail Vault]

 Colter Nuanez is joined by filmmaker Scott Diener, director of Big Sky Falling, ahead of the film’s premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West. Presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, the festival brings filmmakers and audiences together for a dynamic week of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is also an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.Big Sky Falling (2026, 92 min) revisits the mid-2000s drug and murder scandal that rocked Montana State University and stunned the Bozeman community. Through exclusive interviews, investigative audio, and newly uncovered records, the film explores the complex intersection of college athletics, race, recruiting practices, and accountability — nearly 20 years after the events unfolded. More than a true-crime story, the documentary examines systemic blind spots and asks difficult questions about justice, memory, and redemption.Festival Screening Info: Big Sky Falling — Wilma Theatre, Sunday @ 2:30 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival).

Parker Peddicord is joined live in-studio by Missoula-based filmmaker Jordan Hoffmaster, director and producer of Something to Hold, ahead of the film’s World Premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.The film itself, Something to Hold (2025, 27 min), follows a Montana mountaineering artist during the final summer of a decade-long project to draw every named glacier in the state. Set in the wilds of Montana, the short documentary reflects on time spent in the wilderness and bears witness to awe-inspiring landscapes, exploring human connection to nature through art, memory, and stewardship.World Premiere info: Something to Hold — Wilma Theatre, Sunday, Feb. 22 @ 1:00 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival).

Mike Smith sits down live in-studio with documentary directors Emily Schuman and Dave Schuman ahead of the World Premiere screening of The Baker’s Hotline at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula. Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award®-qualifying festival.The film itself, The Baker’s Hotline (2026, 13 min), follows the dedicated team at King Arthur Flour in Vermont as they run a hotline for baking emergencies. From home bakers to professional kitchens, callers reach out with questions, crises, and last-minute baking challenges. Through intimate, often humorous, and sometimes touching exchanges, the film captures the humanity, patience, and creativity of the hotline specialists, revealing how a shared love of baking connects people across the country.World Premiere info: The Baker’s Hotline, Screening at the Wilma, Friday, Feb 20th @ 5:30 pm and Saturday, Feb 21st @ 12:30 pm

Tommy Evans is joined live in-studio by filmmaker Elijah Sullivan and composer Desan Sullivan ahead of the Montana Premiere screening of The Hole Story at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula.Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute. The festival brings filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.The Hole Story (2024) is a mystery-driven documentary that begins when a massive, illegal hole is discovered carved deep into the side of Mount Shasta. What starts as a local curiosity quickly unfolds into a larger examination of myth, obsession, and the stories communities tell themselves when confronted with the unexplainable. Blending original investigation, archival material, and an evocative original score, the film explores how folklore, secrecy, and belief collide — and what happens when truth proves harder to uncover than legend.

Mike Smith sits is joined live in-studio by Bill Payne (Little Feat co-founder, keyboardist, singer/songwriter) and documentary director Jesse Lauter ahead of the World Premiere screening of Little Feat: The Documentary at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula.Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival the American west and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.The film itself, Little Feat: The Documentary (2026, 137 min), is narrated by Jeff Bridges and dives deep into the of one of America’s most influential (and often lesser-known) bands. Featuring never-before-seen footage and stories from friends and collaborators (including Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello among others, and members of the Doobie Brothers, Phish, and the Grateful Dead), the documentary fluidly traces Little Feat’s remarkable musical legacy and the wide reach of their influence across generations and genres. World Premiere info: 'Little Feat: The Documentary' Wilma Theatre, Saturday, Feb. 21 @ 6:00 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival). 

Filmmaker John Wilson (creator of HBO’s How To with John Wilson) joins Tommy Evans on Trail 103.3’s Trail Lunchbox for a conversation that starts with a snowstorm detour in Deer Lodge and ends at the literal foundation of New York City.Wilson’s new feature The History of Concrete follows his attempt to make a documentary about the world’s most overlooked material—until the film industry reality sets in. After taking a class on how to write and sell a Hallmark movie, he tries applying that formula to a movie about concrete… and his plan begins to crack—both figuratively and (in true John Wilson fashion) surprisingly literally.Montana Premiere: Thu, Feb 19 at 5:00 PM at the MCT, followed by a Q&A with director John Wilson. More info and tickets at bigskyfilmfest.org.

Director Johanna Gustin joins Mike Smith (with BSDFF’s Nick Davis) to talk about her world-premiere short I Think About Birds—a sharply funny, uneasy journey through the algorithmic rabbit hole of online dating coaches, contrasted with surprisingly romantic bird behavior and the real emotional risks of intimacy. The conversation touches on “desktop documentary” filmmaking, pulling hours of material from YouTube, and how online spaces can quietly shape the way we think about relationships.I Think About Birds screens Thu, Feb 19 at 6:00 PM at the ZACC and Sat, Feb 21 at 12:30 PM at the Wilma, and is available to stream Feb 22–26, 2026. 

Trail 103.3 is proud to once again be a media partner of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula — and this week we’re welcoming filmmakers, directors, and special guests into the Trail studio for quick conversations about the films lighting up the festival.In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Peter Nauffts (archival producer) to talk about Sun Ra: Do the Impossible — the American Masters documentary spotlighting the poet, philosopher, Egyptologist, bandleader, and jazz visionary Sun Ra, and his ever-evolving ensemble, the Sun Ra Arkestra. The film traces how Sun Ra built a singular musical and spiritual vision of Afrofuturism, blending ancient Egypt, interstellar metaphors, and boundary-pushing free-form jazz. Peter also breaks down what archival producing actually looks like today (the sifting, the treasure-hunting, the format headaches, and the magic of finding the right shot), plus why Sun Ra’s work still feels like it’s broadcasting from the future.Film info (Big Sky Doc Fest): Sun Ra: Do the Impossible (84 min) — Director/Producer: Christine Turner. Montana Premiere — Screening at the ZACC: Wed, Feb. 18 @ 8:30 PM, followed by a conversation between MTPR’s Bryan Ramirez and Peter Nauffts. 🎟️ Full festival screenings, showtimes, tickets & passes: bigskyfilmfest.org

From the 23rd annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, we sit down with director Caron Creighton and former Wood Street resident John Janosko to talk about Wood Street—a 2026, 100-minute documentary following two unhoused men turned organizers, John and LaMonté, as they build community power in West Oakland in the face of displacement, addiction, and a failing social system. We talk about how the Wood Street Commons formed, what mutual aid and organizing looked like day-to-day, and why Caron chose to center unhoused voices as the experts of their own experience.World Premiere screening: MCT — Wed, Feb 18 @ 5:00 PM (see full schedule at bigskyfilmfest.org).--> Get involved: woodstreetcommons.orgTrail 103.3 is proud to once again be a media partner of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival—a week of powerful, story-driven cinema and community conversation right here in Missoula. Each year, Big Sky brings filmmakers, subjects, and audiences together for screenings, Q&As, and events that spotlight documentaries from around the world—stories that challenge, connect, and deepen our understanding of the people and places around us.🎬 Film: Wood Street (World Premiere) 📍 Festival: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (Missoula, MT) 🗓️ Screenings & Showtimes: Full schedule at bigskyfilmfest.org 🏛️ World Premiere Screening: MCT — Wed, Feb 18 @ 5:00 PM Big Sky Doc Fest runs February 2026 in Missoula, featuring in-person screenings plus select virtual options. If you’re hearing this during festival week, check the lineup, tickets, and details at bigskyfilmfest.org—and stay tuned to Trail 103.3 all week for more filmmaker interviews and festival coverage. Special thank you to the filmmakers, directors, producers and subjects for joining us in studio to tell their stories. 

From the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Montana, we sit down in the Trail 103.3 studios with filmmaker Pete Sillen, who brings two rare music documentaries to Big Sky: Speed Racer: Welcome to the World of Vic Chesnutt and Benjamin Smoke (co-directed with Jem Cohen).Pete shares how he first discovered the power of Vic Chesnutt’s songwriting in Athens, Georgia, how a chance connection through Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) helped lead to filming during the recording of West of Rome, and why these two films — tied by friendship, influence, and the Georgia music scene — create a unique “conversation” when screened together.We also talk about documentary filmmaking in a fast-changing era, why human-scale storytelling matters more than ever, and what Pete’s working on next — including his Sundance-premiered film Love Machina.Screening + Q&A (Missoula): 🎬 Saturday @ 4:30 PM — ZACC (Zootown Arts Community Center) Details + full festival schedule: bigskyfilmfest.org Film page: https://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/festival/films-2026-view/speed_racer_welcome_to_the_world_of_vic_chesnuttFilms featured:Speed Racer: Welcome to the World of Vic ChesnuttBenjamin Smoke (co-directed with Jem Cohen)

From the 23rd Annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Montana, we sit down in the Trail 103.3 studios with filmmaker and subject Sam Soliman to talk about his short documentary Almost American — a deeply personal story that also reflects the larger national conversation around immigration, DACA, and belonging in the United States.Sam shares how a leadership grant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania sparked the project, why travel restrictions under DACA shaped the journey, and what it’s like to document your own life while living the story in real time. We also hear from members of the film team about shaping the film through multiple cuts and what it meant to premiere at Big Sky.Plus, Sam talks about his mental-health-focused streetwear brand Hood Hippie: Love Yourself and the mission behind building community through creativity.Film: Almost American Festival: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (Missoula, MT) Year: 2025 Runtime: 15 minutes Country: USA World PremiereDirectors: Saritha Rothermel, Samuel Soliman Producers: Adrian Selkowitz, Baktash AhadiScreenings & Showtimes (ZACC – Missoula)Monday, February 16 @ 5:30 PMTuesday, February 17 @ 1:30 PMFriday, February 20 @ 4:00 PM🎥 Virtual Screening: Available to stream February 21–26, 2026 More info and tickets at bigskyfilmfest.orgAbout the Film:For Sam, America has always been home. Yet without a pathway to citizenship, he — along with more than half a million DACA recipients — lives in legal limbo, dependent on a temporary status renewed every two years. When his mother is suddenly deported, Sam is forced to confront his own precarious reality through a new lens.Categories:Mini-Doc Competition World Premiere Shorts Activism & Justice📲 Instagram: @almostamericandoc

Erika Fredrickson, co-founder of The Pulp stops by the Trail studio with an exciting announcement.  The Pulp is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization serving Missoula and western Montana. Launched September 2023 by Erika Fredrickson and Matthew Frank, former reporters and editors at the defunct but beloved Missoula Independent, in response to the deepening local journalism crisis in Missoula and across the country. The Pulp’s mission is to produce in-depth journalism that informs and engages the people of Missoula and western Montana and advances transparency, equity, and democracy.  Tail1033 is a proud community supporter of this vital organization. Always FREE to read, support is welcome. Thepulp.org

It’s fair week in Missoula, which means live music, local food, late sunsets… and of course, Trail Live Sessions from the Trail studio! For this episode, we welcomed River City Rhythm Band—a longtime local favorite with deep roots and some serious chemistry.I’ve known a lot of bands who say they’re collaborative, but these three—Alyssa McQuain, Ty Armourding, and Dan DeLong—really mean it. From sharing pizza at practice to cracking each other up between songs, they’re clearly in this for the joy of making music together. They’ve been playing in various projects for over two decades, and this particular trio has been rocking shows around Western Montana for the past year and a half.Ahead of their big 9PM set on the fairgrounds stage at the Western Montana Fair, they dropped by the Trail to share stories, talk influences (Mumford & Sons, Blink-182, and Ozzy came up—so you know it’s a ride), and play two stripped-down live tracks that gave us chills in the headphones.🎶 Songs performed live in-studio:“Take Me Home” (Original)“Maestro” (Wilder Woods cover)You can catch River City Rhythm Band on stage tonight—Tuesday, August 5th at 9PM—at the newly revamped Missoula Fairgrounds. It’s an all-ages show, completely free, and we can confirm: these three bring heart, harmony, and a whole lot of fun to the stage.Thanks to Greenhouse Farmacy for supporting our local music scene and helping make these live sessions possible.- Tommy

This episode of the Trail Lunchbox welcomes two guests doing critical work to help our community stay healthy and prepared during wildfire season in western Montana. We’re talking all things Wildfire Smoke Ready Week—what it is, why it matters, and how you can take simple, affordable steps to protect yourself, your family, and even your pets when the smoke rolls in.Joining us in the studio:🔹 Amy Cilimburg, Executive Director of Climate Smart Missoula Amy has spent the last decade leading Climate Smart Missoula, working on climate resilience, air quality, and community health. She's a long-time advocate for preparing our neighborhoods for the realities of climate change and helps Missoulians take smart, simple steps to deal with wildfire smoke.🔹 Carrie Mueller, Air Quality Specialist at Missoula Public Health Carrie began working on wildfire smoke in 2023 and has quickly become a go-to expert in air quality monitoring, PurpleAir sensors, and making air health information accessible to everyone. She’s focused on helping all Missoula residents—especially vulnerable groups—reduce their smoke exposure.🌀 What We Cover in This Episode:✅ What Wildfire Smoke Ready Week is and why we’re now in its fifth year ✅ How smoke affects your body—lungs, heart, immune system, and more ✅ Understanding PM2.5: the microscopic smoke particles that enter your bloodstream ✅ Why pets are just as vulnerable to smoke as we are ✅ Best ways to clean your indoor air—whether you rent, own, or live tiny ✅ What a HEPA air filter is, and how to get one affordably ✅ How to build a DIY box fan/filter at home ✅ The importance of MERV-13 filters for HVAC systems ✅ Tools like Fire.AirNow.gov and MontanaWildfireSmoke.org to check current smoke levels ✅ How and where to find Clean Air Centers in Missoula and the Bitterroot ✅ $100 rebates available now for HEPA filters via Northwestern Energy ✅ How to help your neighbors prepare, especially older adults and vulnerable folks🌲 Wildfire Smoke Ready Week Events (July 12–19): Catch the Climate Smart and Public Health teams out in the community all week long!Saturday, July 12 & 19 – Missoula Farmers Markets (8AM–12:30PM) Visit booths at both markets for air quality resources, indoor air filter demos, and advice on staying healthy inside and out.Wednesday, July 16 – Out to Lunch at Caras Park (11AM–2PM) Grab lunch and get wildfire smoke resources—plus a chance to enter the raffle to win a HEPA air cleaner!Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (July 15, 16, 18) – Missoula Public LibraryTues: 1–4PMWed: Noon–3PMFri: 11AM–2PM Stop by to talk with the team, grab brochures, and get hands-on info about preparing your home.Clean Air Centers are now open in Missoula Public Library, Lolo School, Seeley Lake High School, and libraries in Darby, Hamilton, and Stevensville.We can't stop wildfire smoke from coming—but we can make a plan. Visit MontanaWildfireSmoke.org for everything you need to know about protecting your health this season, from checking air quality reports to cleaning your indoor air affordably.--🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve. 

On today's Trail Lunchbox, Tommy welcomed two beloved Missoulians deeply connected to the International Choral Festival: Saxon Holbrook, president of the festival and longtime choral singer, and Jürgen Knöller, brewmaster at Bayern Brewing and early festival supporter.They swap stories about the very first festival in 1987, flipping burgers for Carson, seeing Frank Zappa in Germany, and what makes Missoula’s global celebration of voices so unique. Saxon walks us through what to expect at this year’s festival — from the Choir Crawl to the finale at the Adams Center — while Jürgen shares how Missoula might be brewing up a cross-continental beer collaboration with a sister choral fest in Bavaria. 🎤 Saxon Holbrook first sang in the festival as a Hellgate High grad in '87 and never looked back. These days he serves as president of the festival board and as technical director for Montana Public Radio and MontanaPBS.🍺 Jürgen Knöller, originally from Füssen, Bavaria (yes — near the Neuschwanstein Castle), moved to Missoula in 1987 to become brewmaster at Bayern Brewing. He’s been crafting lagers and championing the choral fest ever since.✨ Whether you’re a lifelong choir nerd or just looking for a great event with international flavor and hometown heart, this one’s for you.More info and full schedule: choralfestival.org 🎟️ Free events + festival buttons available now!Listen to The Trail 1033 for live, local Missoula music on air and around the globe at Trail1033.com, TuneIn and the Trail 1033 app.--🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve. 

Originally aired live at 9:13 AM on July 2, 2025At exactly 9:13 AM on July 2, 2005, Trail 103.3 signed on the air for the very first time. Twenty years later—down to the minute—we cracked the mic together once again to mark that moment. This short, unscripted conversation between Robert Chase, Mike Smith, and Tommy Evans isn’t just a celebration of our radio station’s anniversary, It’s a reflection on what Trail 103.3 has become, home for eclectic music, Missoula voices, and authentic community connection.Listen in as we go live on-air and share memories of the early days, laugh about Robert's 3:30 AM breakfast routine, recall how we each found our way to the station, and take a moment to thank everyone who’s been part of the journey.. on the mic, behind the scenes, and most importantly, listening.Recorded live at what we thought was the exact moment Trail 103.3 first signed on—20 years to the minute @ 9:13 am...A sincere thank you to all the listeners who took the time to send in notes and stories about what the Trail has meant to them over the years—especially to Dave Cowan, the visionary programmer, engineer, GM, and on-air voice who built the Trail from an idea into a station. Dave reached out shortly after this segment aired to let us know we got just one little detail wrong: the Trail actually signed on at 9:13 PM, not AM. Oops!Fun fact: The very first song ever played on Trail 103.3 was Mind Games by John Lennon.~Join us at Caras Park on Thursday, July 24, when we celebrate The Trail’s 20th Birthday with live music by the Josh Farmer Band as part of Downtown Tonight — food trucks, art vendors, local connection, and more. And don’t forget our 20‑for‑20 Giveaway: 20 pairs of tickets to 20 local events spanning August 2025–August 2026. Pop into any of our registration boxes—locations include the Trailhead, Loose Caboose, Great Harvest, Kettlehouse Taproom, Roxy, Caras Nursery, and more—or sign up online. Drawing happens live on July 24 at the Caras Park anniversary event.--🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve. 

🎙️ Trail Live Session: Why We Went West (June 26, 2025) Live from the Trail Lunchbox | Trail 103.3 – Missoula, MTWe welcomed the trio version of Why We Went West—Maria Zepeda, Lucas Yatch, and Gabrielle Tusberg—for a beautiful in-studio performance and conversation ahead of their debut at the Zootown Music Festival.🎶 They perform two original songs live: • Water • DreamboatTrail Guide, Mike Smith, chats with the group about: • Their evolution from trio to 12-piece for Zootown Fest • The importance of collaboration and community in Missoula’s music scene • Upcoming performances at Sacred Ally, Freecycles, and of course, Zootown Festival (July 5)Maria shares her reflections on building a musical family, fostering local talent, and preparing for a major hometown performance. It’s a conversation rooted in gratitude, growth, and the power of showing up for each other.Catch them live: 📍 Sacred Ally – Friday 📍 FreeCycles – Saturday 📍 Zootown Music Festival – July 5 🎟️ zootownfestival.comListen to The Trail 1033 for live, local Missoula music on air and around the globe at Trail1033.com, TuneIn and the Trail 1033 app.--🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve. 

The Trail Listening Post – Trail Lunchbox: Marc Moss (June 25, 2025)On today’s episode of The Trail Listening Post, we bring you a live in-studio conversation from the Trail Lunchbox on Trail 103.3 FM. Host Mike Smith sits down with Marc Moss, the founder and host of Tell Us Something, Missoula’s beloved live storytelling event series.Marc shared the story behind the event's signature theme song, the art on this year’s poster, and why Tell Us Something doesn’t announce its storytellers in advance. They dug into what makes live storytelling so powerful, how it brings people together, and what it's like for someone to take the stage for the very first time.Plus, hear stories about cops thinking Marc was a cop, the Northside KettleHouse art connection, and what it means to create space for voices across the spectrum—especially in the context of Pride Month. 🎟️ Event Details: Tell Us Something: Lost & Found 📅 Monday, June 30, 2025 🕕 Doors at 6:00 PM | Stories at 7:00 PM 📍 Ogren Park / Allegiance Field 🎫 Tickets: $20 advance / $23 day-of — available at TellUsSomething.org--- 🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve. 

🎙️ Today on The Trail Lunchbox: A Live Session with James McMurtry & BettySoo  📍 Recorded live in the Trail Studio • Airing June 24, 2025On today’s Trail Lunchbox, we welcomed a true American songwriting legend back to Trail 103.3 — James McMurtry — this time with his longtime friend and musical collaborator BettySoo riding shotgun. Just hours before their show at the Zootown Arts Community Center, they stopped by for a stripped-down, heartfelt live session.James brought his signature storytelling and dry wit, performing “The Color of Night” and “South Texas Lawman” from his latest record Black Dog and the Wandering Boy. BettySoo joined in on a gorgeous duet version of “Gulf Road,” reimagined for her upcoming album. Listen as the two chat about about touring in drag to protest anti-drag laws, swapping instruments, and what it means to write songs that speak from another person’s perspective even when it’s uncomfortable. 🎶 Catch them live tonight at the ZACC in downtown Missoula — doors at 7 PM, show at 8. A few tickets were still left at the time of recording, but they won’t last --> Zootownarts.org 🎫 Then tomorrow, they hit The ELM in Bozeman, so tell your friends over the hill.This is what the Trail Lunchbox is all about — real music, real conversation, and real connections. Huge thanks to James and BettySoo for stopping by.🌲 Trail Live Sessions are part of the Trail Listening Post — where stories and songs meet.

Montana author Philip Burgess joins host Mike Smith in the Trail 103.3 studio alongside longtime friend and creative collaborator Ednor Therriault. Together, they talk about Burgess’s powerful new memoir, The Bunch Quitter — a sweeping, poetic account of a life spent drifting through America during the ’60s and ’70s in pursuit of ultimate freedom. From the windswept badlands of eastern Montana to sleeping under stars on the Gulf Coast, Burgess reflects on memory, pain, growth, and the cost of independence. Hear stories behind the book, the role of personal truth in writing, and what it means to be a true bunch quitter.Recorded ahead of the book release party at Shakespeare & Co. in Missoula.🎧 Featuring: music by Bob WireIn addition to The Bunch Quitter, Philip Burgess has written three books of poetry, Henry’s Cows: Poetry by Philip J. Burgess; Penny Postcards and Prairie Flowers; and Badlands Child. In 2005, Burgess was nominated for the position of Montana’s first poet laureate. He was born in Eastern Montana and served as an officer in Vietnam, and then, after he returned to the US, he took to the road. He made his home in Western Montana, where he dedicates his life to serving as a veteran’s spokesman and therapist, and to being a poet and a storyteller as he continues to reckon with the road, memory, and meaning.

The Trail Lunchbox: New Zealand Day – A Celebration of Sister Cities, Rugby & CommunityToday's Trail Lunchbox features a live in-studio conversation with Maddy Gilbert from Arts Missoula and Jake Kreilick of Missoula Youth Rugby, hosted by Mike Smith.Listen as they talk about Missoula’s 42-year sister city connection with Palmerston North, New Zealand — from university exchange roots to modern-day cultural partnerships. The episode dives into the details of this year’s New Zealand Day celebration happening Saturday, June 14th at Fort Missoula Regional Park:Event Highlights Include:12:30–2:00 PM: Dedication of a new carved Sister City bench at the Bitterroot Shelter (south end near the tennis courts), honoring the long-standing civic friendship between Missoula and Palmerston North.10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Free touch rugby clinic for kids (no contact!) hosted by the Missoula Maggots.2:00–5:00 PM: Community touch rugby games on the multi-use fields — all are welcome to jump in.New Zealand-style ice cream from local favorite Chur Ice Cream (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).Croquet on the lawn, a classic Kiwi pastime.5:00 PM: Free community cookout at the Missoula Maggots Clubhouse (3500 South Ave W).Plus, hear about the meaningful connections between the Māori and Salish-Kootenai communities, the upcoming student exchange with St. Peter’s College in Palmerston North, and why keeping international friendships alive matters more than ever.It’s local. It’s global. It’s all Trail. 🎧 Listen now — and then join the celebration. Full details at ArtsMissoula.org

Trisha joins Tommy on the Trail Lunchbox for a conversation about Marshall Madness, set to take place on  Sunday, June 1 from 11am–3pm — an epic outdoor bash with group runs, hikes, and rides, brand-new trails, food trucks, Big Sky beer, and hourly raffle prizes! From bike jousting and a dunk tank to a live set by DJ Ivanoff and a bike skills clinic, this is the ultimate summer kickoff you don’t want to miss — and yes, there’s even free town shuttles and loaner bikes!SCHEDULE OF EVENTS10:30 AM - SHUTTLES BEGIN (1205 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802)11:00 AM - DJ Ivanoff Kicks things off11:30 AM - FOOD TRUCKS BEGIN SERVICE11:30 PM - FIRST RIDE, RUN & HIKE BEGINS (and every half hour thereafter)12:00 PM - RAFFLE #112:30 PM - FIRST 'CASH DASH' SCRAMBLE (Your chance to win $100 cash!)1:00 PM - RAFFLE #212:30 PM - SECOND 'CASH DASH' SCRAMBLE (Your chance to win $100 cash!)2:00 PM - RAFFLE #32:30 PM - LAST RIDE, RUN & HIKE3:00 PM - LAST SHUTTLE BACK TO TOWN

https://www.thewestsidetheater.com/abundanceSHOW DATES|TIMESMay 16 @ 7:30pmMay 17 @ 2pmMay 17 @ 7:30pmLocation: Montana TheaterUniversity of Montana Campus, PARTV buildinglocation note:Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm about abunDANCE from both cast and audience, we moved the show to the Montana Theater!We’re excited to be able to offer more seats, easier parking, and more cast and audience accessibility by being on campus for this year’s community production!about the showWestside Theater’s newest community productionLast year, there was 40 Over 40.This year, we have abunDANCE!Produced by Westside Theater and Bare Bait Dance, abunDANCE highlights local choreographers and dancers, ages 12 - 72.From novices to professional movers,  abunDANCE brings together the celebration of art, dance and the enthusiasm of our Western Montana community.The performance showcases choreography by some of Missoula’s favorite creative voices… and 75+ Missoula dancers with a rich variety of experiences and backgrounds will grace the abunDANCE stage.You won’t want to miss this incredible community evening of dance.abun-dance choreographersKate Jordan AugustoKelly BoumaLiana DillonJoy FrenchJennifer KerberElle LundgrenAmy RagsdaleKatie ThompsonAlissa TuckerNicole Wolcottand Heidi Eggert’s New Visions Danceabun-dance performersMaya AndersonDevinne ArchulettaTara Beckman BallisTracy Boehm BarrettKelly BoumaMolly BradfordKaty BrownSara CloseBetsy CraskeAmanda CravensLiz DaviesBeverly DupreeStacey DuncanKelsey ElkinsNina ErvingCarol EvansNeave FlemingWendy Forber-PrattLaurel FranchellKatie Gehn SimpsonDori GilelsElke GovertsenKate HarrisonHeather HarpBuck HendersonMcKenzie JavorkaErin KautzChristopher KeoghKathryn Marie KellyAlyssa KennamerGillian KesslerKeely LarsonElle LundgrenCarolyn J. LewisKylie LopuchElle LundgrenRavi MarsolekErynn McNeillAshley MelwaniLori MitchellKatrina MorganMelissa Moss-LarsonJosie O'MearaAnn PeacockNicole PostAntara QuinonesSarah ReynoldsCarrie RicherLinds SandersCassie SappAnnica ScheerensMichelle ScruggsEmma SelforsKathleen ShannonAshley SherburneSage SutcliffeTracy ToppMelissa TurkBlair WareEmily WeilerAnya WellsNicole WolcottJenny Zillioxand Heidi Eggert’s New Visions Dance & friends

Ria Overholt, Community Services Director for Missoula Aging Services stops by the Trail1033 studio to chat with Mike smith about March for Meals and the current state of funding for the meals on wheels program. March for Meals is an annual month-long fundraising campaign to raise money for Meals on Wheels in Missoula county. Missoula Aging Services (MAS) promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them. Last year, more than 123,000 meals were delivered to older Missoulians through Meals on Wheels. Now is the time for Trail1033 listeners to join forces with MAS to celebrate more than 50 years of success and to protect this critical program that continues to enable independence, and improve health by combating food insecurity, malnutrition, and social isolation. The annual March for Meals commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for Americans 60 years and older.  Visit missoulaagingservices.org to donate and learn more about volunteering, or to get help for yourself or a loved one or neighbor. 

Mike interviews Alix Blair about her film Helen and the Bear.At 70, Helen often acts like an uninhibited teenager, sneaking cigarettes and exploring the boundsof her sexual identity. But at home, she cares for her 96-year-old husband Pete, a once-prominentRepublican politician who now depends on her absolutely. Captured in intimate verite by directorAlix Blair, HELEN AND THE BEAR is a lyrical portrait of the beautiful and complex relationshipbetween Helen and Pete as they enter the final chapter of their marriage. Helen’s inner journey isbrought to life through decades of journal entries and archival footage that reveal a strugglebetween her love for Pete and a desire for freedom. As Pete’s health worsens and Helenanticipates life without “Bear,” she wrestles with what’s been lost and won through life by his side.Website: https://helenandthebear.us/

Jeff Ament joins Mike Smith to discuss "Our Village", the Missoula Community Pre-Show, and Festivities. Over 30 local nonprofits are participating in the festival, each bringing an interactive, family-friendly activity or sharing a visual display. Activities range from face painting, art projects, and lawn games, to instrument building, bicycle repair demonstrations, photo booths, and various amazing displays. Our Village will be a fun and engaging space for Montana-led nonprofit organizations to connect, Pearl Jam fans, and the greater Missoula community to share their work. We hope to see you there! Event details - https://tinyurl.com/22s466xb

Our friend Bob Wire is joined by Hudson, Sophie, and Riley to chat and play some songs leading up to their weekend show at Imagine Nation Brewery. Separately, they’ve played shows all around western Montana, and stagesas far flung as Napa, California, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This summer, Missoula honkytonker Bob Wire and his singing/songwriting progeny will be playing a full show together forthe first time.Hudson James and Sophie Therriault will team up with Bob at Imagine Nation Brewing onSaturday, July 27, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, for a unique and entertaining family affair. All three areprolific songwriters and seasoned entertainers, so the show will have plenty of high points andthe trio promise a few surprises.Hudson, a graduate of the U of M Theater Arts program, is currently living in Chicago, where heplays frequent solo shows between auditions and rehearsals for local plays. While living inMissoula, he appeared in several theater productions, both for university plays andindependent theater companies. He also toured with the Montana Repertory Theater.Sophie, also a graduate of UM, made a splash in Missoula with her singing partner, JalynnNelson, when their duo, Red Dress, appeared in the First Night Spotlight finals two years in arow. They released a CD in 2017. She works full-time in Missoula and plays occasionally at artgalleries, breweries, and other intimate venues, and is currently recording a new album oforiginals.Bob Wire is a stalwart Missoula entertainer who’s been playing local stages for nearly 30 years.He characterizes his country-tinged rock as “Maximum Honky Tonk,” and his bands, theFencemenders, the Magnificent Bastards, and Bob Wire and the Bob Wire Trio featuring BobWire, have included some of Missoula’s most talented musicians. He’s opened for Brad Paisley,Marshall Tucker Band, and the Old 97s, among others. Bob continues to play solo shows aroundthe area, and writing and recording songs in his home studio, the Hilltop Basement RecordingComplex.

Artistic Director of Montana Repertory Theatre, Michael Legg, stops by the Tail1033 studio for a visit with Mike Smith. Inspired by the vibrant local businesses along Missoula's iconic Hip Strip, Hip Strip Hijinks presents a series of five new 10-minute plays written by nationally renowned playwrights. April 25-27 and May 2-4.Patrons will meet up at GILD Brewing and then walk to five nearby establishments, including the lively atmosphere of Betty’s Divine and the eclectic vibes of Ear Candy, to watch plays that are designed to capture the essence of their host businesses and to offer an immersive and theatrical experience after hours.The five plays will be performed in Betty’s Divine, Ear Candy, GILD, Le Petit Outre, and Compass Barbershop. Pick what you pay pricing structure ($5-$50)…details & tickets: Montanarep.com  Established in 1967 and celebrating its 57th season, The Rep serves as the resident professional theatre for the University of Montana. 

IWFF Festival Coordinator Lizzie Archer share s her exciting of the kick-off of the 47th Annual International Wildlife film Festival in Missoula , April 20-25! The WildWalk Parade and WildFest are happening in  in Downtown Missoula April 20th.Nature lovers of all ages are invited to join a perennial favorite, the WildWalk, and dress up as their favoriteflora or fauna and walk, hop, or crawl toward the X's on North Higgins. The parade culminates with WildFest, a celebration with vendors, food trucks and music.  Appearances by the Roxy Executive Director Mike Steinberg, the Guest Programmer Lívia Campos de Menezes, Wildwalk Founder Craig Menteer, and Mayor Andrea Davis. There will also be a chance to take a picture with IWFF’s latest commission, a mobile, modular sculpture of a Nudibranch (a colorful group of sea slugs with their gills on the outside) created by this year’s Artist in Residence, Shelby Baldridge.The IWFF was founded  by bear biologist, Chuck Jonkel in 1977 at the University of Montana, IWFF is the longest-running film festival of its kind.  The mission of IWFF is to promote awareness, knowledge, and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film.Tickets and film descriptions: wildlifefilms.org

IWFF Guest Programmer, Livia Composdemenezes drops by the Trail1033 studio to visit with Mike Smith.The 47th Annual IWFF is happening at The Roxy Theater in Missoula, April 20-25. This years festival includes over 70 films, with the mission of promoting awareness, knowledge, and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film.IWFF was founded by bear biologist, Chuck Jonkel in 1977 at the University of Montana, IWFF is the longest-running film festival of its kind. In 2002, the festival purchased the historic Roxy Theater as its home. In 2013 the Roxy launched its year-round screening series and began an extensive collaboration with the university, businesses, andcommunity, serving a diverse, all-ages population with broad programming.Tickets and film descriptions: wildlifefilms.org

Rhett Miller stopped by to chat with Mike about 30-plus years of the Old 97's, songwriting, the Blackfoot River, and more. He also played a couple of songs from their new album American Primitive. Thanks Rhett!

Sarah Calhoun Red Ants Pants Founder, stops by the Trail studio to announce this years' festival lineup.  The Red Ants Pants Music Festival is a 100% homegrown, volunteer-driven event based in a community of 900 people with the goal of bringing good folks together to celebrate rural Montana.The festival is a program of the 501(c)(3) Red Ants Pants Foundation. Their mission is to develop and expand leadership roles for women, preserve and support working family farms and ranches, and enrich and promote rural communities. Proceeds from the festival help fund Red Ants Pants community grants, timber skills workshops and Girls Leadership Program.Come connect with good folks and celebrate rural Montana! A limited number of tickets are on sale for the 2024 Red Ants Pants Music Festival coming up July 25 -28th on the Jackson Ranch in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. Details and tickets at: redantspantsmusicfestival.com

Arts Missoula  Executive Director Heather Adams stops by for a visit with Mike Smith at the Trail1033 studio.Arts Missoula is proud to present Dancing with Arts Missoula Stars; A Benefit for Arts Missoula. Local Missoula celebrities will be paired up with local professional dancers to bring you this night of guts and glory.  8 teams work for 7 weeks on a routine in a variety of styles, that will knock your socks off.  Teams will have the ability to raise funds for Arts Missoula through donations made from their website, artsmissoula.org. The most successful fund raiser, takes home the mirror ball trophy.  Silent Auction, cocktail hour and live music from Missoula Jazz Collective will start the evening off before the event begins at 7:30pm at The WilmaTickets & details: artsmissoula.org