MCC-Some news and upcoming events for the week of June 13, 2005

In Missoula…

At tonight’s City Council meeting there is scheduled public comment regarding the amendment to the 1% for Art Ordinance.

Mayoral candidate Geoff Badenoch offers his perspective in the New West On-Line Magazine http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/whither_1_for_public_art/ .

. There is a front-page story in the Missoulian http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005/06/13/news/local/news03.txt this morning.

To see the language of the amendment visit Ordinance Amendment ftp://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/Packets/Council/2005/2005-05-23/Public%20Art%20Draft%205-2-05.htm

Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Willie Nelson are among the big name acts planning a trip to Missoula this summer. Just a few years ago many felt that such performers were clearly avoiding the Garden City. It’s a nice change! There is also change at the other end of the economic spectrum. The Missoula Independent’s (www.missoulanews.com) cover story two weeks ago discusses the changes in the night club scene since Jay’s Upstairs closed less than two years ago.

Missoula City Band begins its 2005 summer series at the Bonner Park Band Shell June 22 at 8:00 p.m. and continues each Wednesday evening through August 10. It’s always free and great way to spend a summer evening in the park. Call Gary Gillett at 251-5822 for more information.

Both Out to Lunch and Downtown Tonight are in full swing and will continue through August, sponsored by the Missoula Downtown Association. Out to Lunch occurs each Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Downtown Tonight happens each Thursday from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. There is abundant music, food and socializing. For more information visit http://www.missouladowntown.com/events/

The Missoula Public Library is sponsoring the Family Reading Program for the summer. Summer activities and programs are planned for all ages, each Tuesday through July 26 at 2:00. This week the program is Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds. For more information, visit http://www.missoula.lib.mt.us or call 721-2665.

Today, Monday, June 13, at 2:00 p.m. the Missoula Public Library will be dedicating their newly remodeled and renamed Audra Browman Research Room. The room houses the library’s collections of Montana research materials and genealogy collections.

The Room is being renamed to honor the late Audra Browman, a longtime Missoula historian, community activist, and library friend. There will be an unveiling of a portrait of Audra and informational plaque. Refreshments will be served. Call 721-2665.

The Missoula Children’s Museum re-opens this Tuesday, June 14, in the basement of the Florence Building, 111 North Higgins. The Children’s Museum also presents Seuss Story Time each Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The program is geared for children ages 3-5. Call 541-PLAY for more information.

Missoula County Democrats will have a meeting Tuesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. in the Missoula City Council Chambers, 435 Ryman St.. There will be a presentation on Corporate Tax Avoidance by Senator Jim Elliott (D-Trout Creek). For more information contact Alex Taft at 549-2805.

City Club Missoula presents Legislative Session Impacts and Effects with Representative Roy Brown (R-Billings) and Senator Jon Ellingson (D-Missoula) on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Room of the Florence, 111 North Higgins. The cost for the evening program is $10. For more information call 728-5279 or e-mail [email protected]

How much is your time worth?, a class for artists sponsored by Five Valley’s Arts and Science Center and Montana Community Development, with help from successful local artists, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Missoula Chamber of Commerce Conference room. Discussion will include the local economy, pricing your work, and other issues of marketing. Contact Kaye at MCDC, 728-9234 ext. 200 for more information.

The Missoula Folklore Society and the Native Forest Network are proud to sponsor a special performance by Erica Wheeler, June 15 at the Roxy Theater. By the time she arrives in Missoula her new live CD (Almost Like Tonight) will be available in

stores. Tickets are available at Rockin Rudy’s: $10 advance, $12 at the door, with a $2 discount for MFS and NFN members. Visit http://www.ericawheeler.com, [email protected] or call 880-9844 for further information

St. Patrick Hospital and Health Services Center presents When Ivy Push Comes to Shove, a one woman comedy performance, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Broadway Building Conference Center. Admission is free. For more information visit http://www.ivypush.com

Nanci Griffith and the Blue Moon Orchestra will perform at the University Theater June 16 at 8:00 p.m. as a benefit for the Nature Conservancy. The opening act is Missoula’s Frederico Brothers. Tickets are available at Worden’s Market. Southgate Mall, Aaron’s Appliance, or the Adams Center Box Office. You can also visit http://www.griztics.com or call 1-888-MONTANA.

The Missoula Ambassador Choir is a volunteer community chorus established in

2004 to act as an official cultural liaison between the City of Missoula and communities throughout the world. The MAC participates in musical exchanges that build connections between people, promote international understanding and goodwill, encourage exceptional citizenship, and enrich the lives of its membership. Sanctioned by the Missoula Cultural Council, the Ambassador Choir is particularly interested in developing and maintaining relationships with Missoula’s Sister Cities of Palmerston North, New Zealand and Neckargemünd, Germany, as well as Montana’s Sister State of Kumomoto, Japan. Peter Park is both the founder and conductor of this group. This tour is the Ambassador Choir’s inaugural journey. On Wednesday, June 22, a group of 33 Missoula singers and their traveling companions will depart on a 17-day tour that will take them through New Zealand and Australia. The Missoula Ambassador Choir will perform a concert in Missoula’s Sister City of Palmerston North on June 25, where they will be joined by singers from the All Saint’s Church Choir of that city. Following their stay in New Zealand, the group will fly to Sydney to participate in the Eric Whitacre Choral Festival. The Festival will bring together over 350 singers representing eight American choirs and will culminate in a major choral-orchestral concert on July 4 in the Sydney Opera House.

The Missoula Ambassador Choir will perform a free concert this Friday, June 17, in preparation for their upcoming tour of New Zealand and Australia. The concert begins at 7:30 pm in the Hellgate High School Auditorium. The concert will feature mostly American music, including folksongs, musical theater selections, spirituals, and contemporary choral compositions. For additional information contact Peter Park 544-4923, e-mail [email protected], or visit http://www.choralfestival.org

Fact and Fiction presents Marge Driscoll, who will signing Fishing For Irene at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 18. 220 North Higgins. For more information call 721-2881.

The Missoula Art Museum’s Summer Art School begins Monday, June 20 with classes for children, adults, and families. MAM continues to offer a wide selection of creative programs taught by instructors with high levels of skill and knowledge who have designed classes that teach basic art skills and provide creative, enriching art experiences. Check out the schedule and description of classes or call 728-0447 for a brochure.

June 25 marks the inaugural New Zealand Day, coordinated by the Missoula Cultural Council. The celebration is in conjunction with a visit to Missoula by John Wall, from our sister city of Palmerston North, NZ. Below are some events planned over the weekend:

· Wine Tasting at Worden’s Market – La Grotta Bella. Worden’s will feature New Zealand wines on Thursday, June 23, with a tasting from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00 a person. 451 North Higgins. Call 549-1293

· City Club Missoula. John Wall, chair of the Palmerston North sister-city committee, will be the guest speaker at this month’s forum. Governor’s Room, Florence building, Friday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m. Call 728-5279 or e-mail [email protected] for reservations.

· Photographs of New Zealand by Neil Chaput, Keith Graham and Monte Dolack – his first-ever photography exhibit – will be on display from June 25-June 28 at Gallery Saintonge, 216 North Higgins. There will be an opening reception Friday, June 24 at 5:00 p.m. Gallery hours Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Call 543-0171 or visit http://www.rmsp.com

· Missoula Parks and Recreation is hosting a one-day Croquet Clinic on Saturday, June 25. John Wall of the New Zealand Croquet Council will conduct 3 workshops of this faster, simpler version of the game we’ve all played at cook-outs and on vacation. No fee, but please pre-register. For information and registration, call 721-7275 (PARK) or e-mail [email protected]. Also visit http://www.croquetamerica.com

· New Zealand Wildlife Films at Roxy Theater. The International Wildlife Media Center will be showing several New Zealand films from past festivals on Saturday, June 25. For a schedule of events call 728-9380 or visit http://www.wildlifefilms.org

· Check your local video rental stores for New Zealand movie specials!

In preparation for John Wall’s visit, you can learn about Palmerston North and the environs by visiting these websites: Palmerston North City and Manawatu District, Vision Manawatu, and Environment Network Manawatu . Also call 721-9620 or visit http://www.missoulacultural.org

The Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula are busy putting everything together for their 30th Annual 4th of July Celebration. This year’s festivities will include: gunfights by the Old West Gunslingers, musical entertainment by the Montana Tuba Chorale and bluegrass by Country Folk, model trains, children’s games, crafts, food, special displays, tours of the lookout, demonstrations of the historic sawmill, antique engines, a silent auction, the Society for Creative Anachronism, and much more. Continuing our celebration of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial, look for a special appearance by Captains Lewis and Clark (David Jolles and Ritchie Doyle) at the welcoming ceremony at 1:00, where they will present their incomparable Manifest Scrutiny. The Welcoming Ceremony will also include special recognition of Alfredo Cipolato for his years of dedication to Fort Missoula and the Missoula community. Festivities start at 11:00 and continue until 4:00 on Monday, July 4, rain or shine. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for students, and children under 6 and members of the Friends of the Museum are free. For more information, call 728-3476

The International Wildlife Media Center presents MontanaCINE International – Film Festival of Cultures & Issues of Nature & the Environment, scheduled for September 22 – 25. Entry Dates are June 1 – August 15. Please contact Janet Rose or Kerry Miller at [email protected] or visit http://www.wildlifefilms.org for more information.

Veteran Voices, a watercolor exhibit from soldiers’ photos, is on display at Bernice’s Bakery through June. For more information visit http://www.missoulian.com/entertainer or call 728-1358.

Elsewhere in Montana and the Region…

The Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission has partnered with Department of Transportation, Travel Montana and the Great Falls Tribune to provide free promotional maps to businesses and other groups interested in offering them to their customers or visitors interested in the famous expedition. The 12×18-inch color maps show the Lewis and Clark trail in Montana and locations of key events as well as Corps of Discovery II locations across Montana in 2005 and 2006, with detailed descriptions of events and specific location on the reverse side. These are suitable for distribution across the state and could be used at business counters, as placemats restaurants, at visitor centers, Chambers of Commerce or by anyone who wants to promote the trail and Montana’s commemoration of the expedition. Anyone interested in receiving a supply can contact Carol Crockett at 406-841-2796, or Rita Cortright at the state Bicentennial Commission at 443-2109.

The Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research announces the release of ITRR’s Economic and Visitation Estimates for 2004 which includes the five publications listed below. To view these publications follow this link Visitation and Economics or visit our website at http://www.itrr.umt.edu and click on "Visitation & Economics"

There will be a meeting for the Glacial Lake Missoula Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute tonight, Monday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Montana Natural History Center’s new office and museum on Hickory St. in Missoula. There will be a business meeting at 6:00 and a public program at 7:00. For information contact Larry Lambert at [email protected]. The Institute has recently published the Summer 2005 issue of the quarterly Pleistocene Post, available for your reading pleasure at http://www.iceagefloodsinstitute.org/news.html

The Hamilton Players will be performing the musical comedy Guys and Dolls, June 16-19, and 23-26 at The Hamilton Playhouse, 100 Ricketts Road. Call 375-9050.

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at the Bitterroot Birding and Nature Festival, June 17-19, to be held at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, near Stevensville, Montana. Visit http://www.bitterrootbirdfest.com for the full schedule. The festival features 38 field trips and workshops and a keynote speech by John Acorn, Canadian naturalist known for hosting the award-winning television series, “The Nature Nut.” This year’s festival celebrates the debut of the Bitterroot Birding and Nature Trail (www.montanabirdingtrail.org) that highlights 25 prime viewing sites from Lolo Pass to Lost Trail. The state’s pilot birding trail joins a network of such trails throughout the country that are enhancing local economies and meeting demands for the fastest-growing form of outdoor recreation–bird watching. The full-color brochure and map will be available for the first time at the festival. The brochure is also available at the MCC office. The Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce will take your registration by phone at 363-2400. So you can decide on your choices for the festival, have your credit card handy, and call in your selections.

At the Wild Plum in Dixon this Friday, June 17th, Lars Pointer Band; Saturday, June 18th, Chris Sullivan & Friends. Call 246-ARTS, or e-mail [email protected] for information and bookings.

Gourmet Brats and German Beer will be served up with a hefty amount of live German music and dancing at the upcoming fundraiser for Alpine Artisans’ 2 Valleys Stage performance series. The Bavarian Echos will provide entertainment with the Alpenhorn Players as a special treat. Enjoy a beautiful drive to Condon on Saturday, June 18. Festivities are from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door per person. Take Highway 200 east for 40 miles then turn north onto Highway 83 until mile marker 38. Photos of the amazing Alpenhorns can be found at http://www.alpineartisans.org .

In Helena, the Montana Historical Society and ExplorationWorks! are teaming up to offer Camp Discovery, a history camp for kids that will focus on the land and the Native Americans who were here when the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived 200 years ago. The camp will run from July 11-15 (Monday-Friday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is aimed at youngsters ages 7 through 11. There also will be experiences with Native American dancers and musicians, the music of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a field trip to the National Park Service traveling Corps II exhibit that will be at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds. Tuition for the week is $125, and there are some scholarships available for those who need assistance in getting their child to the camp. The camp is limited to the first 20 who register. Call 457-1800 for more information or to register for the camp.

There is a Job Opening for a Special Events Coordinator for upcoming Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Events in Western Montana for 2005 & 2006. The four main events will include:

* National Park Service "Corps II" Traveling Exhibits & Local Activities in Lolo at Travelers’ Rest State Park, during their Bicentennial, September 8 – 11, 2005.
* "Encounter the Bitterroot Salish" Festival and Pow Wow in Sula, September 9 – 11, 2005.
* National Park Service "Corps II" Traveling Exhibits & Local Activities in Missoula at Southgate Mall, June 21 – June 25, 2006.
* "Lewis & Clark in the Rockies" 17-Day Festival throughout Western Montana, June 21 – July 7, 2006.

The position starts at 3/4 time and may increase to full-time. The pay is $10 – $12 per hour (DOE) plus benefits. This position is a partnership of the Western Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission (WMLCBC) and the Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association (TRPHA). The Main office location would be at Travelers’ Rest State Park, but there will be a lot of traveling, meetings, phone-calling, Emailing and at-home work responsibilities. For more information call Loren at 273-4253 or e-mail [email protected]

From the Montana Associated Technology Roundtable…

Clay People – The Archie Bray Foundation welcomes new group of artists
Along with clay potter Kristin Pavelka, the Bray is welcoming 11 other summer residents from places like Korea, Canada, Sweden and various cities throughout the U.S. Out of roughly 140 applicants, the Bray chose only 21 artists to fill both short- and long-term residencies.

For more about the Montana Associated Technology Roundtable, visit http://www.matr.net

Nationally…

For more than 30 years Deep Throat has been part of the national cultural scene in more ways than one. The recent revelations of the identity of Watergate’s Deep Throat has raised some interesting questions about journalistic integrity. An article in the New York Times last week addresses this issue.

From the Center for Arts and Culture….

The arts matter – and so does drawing crowds
San Francisco Chronicle, 6/2/2005
Steven Winn provides an overview of the dire situation facing nonprofit culture. Public support and corporate, foundation and individual giving are all down. Studies such as "Gifts of the Muse: Reframing the Debate About the Benefits of the Arts" have suggested that "the oft-touted social and economic and social fruits of the arts (more jobs, bigger tax revenues, higher test scores for arts-enriched children) may not be so solidly provable after all." And X-boxes, the Internet, and home stereos are more popular that live arts participation. Discussing the issues at a recent panel in San Francisco, one participant suggested that the arts need more "political muscle" — and that an "oversupply" of arts organizations needs downsizing and streamlining.
– contributed by ArtsJournal.com http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/02/DDG61D1F6O1.DTL

American Cities in The Global Knowledge Economy: the Role of Broadband
Public CIO, 5/19/2005
"What happened to the urgent call for ‘broadband’ — the new information infrastructure that is vital to success and survival in the global knowledge economy — President Bush promised he would push in his second term?" asks John Eger of San Diego State University. "Cities the world over are struggling to reinvent themselves for the new, global, knowledge economy and thereby attract the most sought-after creative and innovative work force. Those most successful at positioning themselves as ‘cities of the future’ will decidedly have 24/7, broadband telecommunications in place." http://www.public-cio.com/newsStory.php?id=2005.05.22-94066

Creativity key to economic vitality
Times Argus (Barre, VT), 6/5/2005
"It is commonly argued in hard times that the arts are a frill. When school budgets must be slashed, it is programs in music, theater and art that often are the first to go. The Vermont Council on Rural Development is promoting the idea that the arts, far from being a luxury enjoyed by a few wealthy towns, are essential to our economic and cultural life, not just for our schools, but for the broad community." The Council on Rural Development is holding forums across the state to discuss the benefits of the creative economy. http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050605/NEWS/506050328/1014

How to build a creative economy
Miami Herald, 6/1/2005
Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class and The Flight of the Creative Class, analyzes Miami’s situation. With its investment in growth and cultural development, Florida says "Miami has truly committed itself to being a top competitor in the global creative economy." To sustain this economic boom, he says the city must invest in its already strong and cutting-edge creative industries; it must address affordable housing issues; and "the larger region must work cohesively to face growing competition for such talent in the global creative economy." https://registration.miami.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.miami.com%2Fmld%2Fmiamiherald%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2F11783843.htm

San Antonio’s arts, business cultures can be mutually beneficial
San Antonio Express-News, 6/4/2005
David Hendricks has great optimism for San Antonio’s cultural community, seeing many signs of a "rejuvenated business approach to supporting the arts in San Antonio." And he says that broadening national market reaches of the city’s top companies mean that "the widening national influence of their leaders could spell opportunities for additional arts funding from outside San Antonio." http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/stories/MYSA060405.1D.hendricks.2dbaf9b0e.html

Conservatives see liberal bias in class – and mobilize
Christian Science Monitor, 6/6/2005
"So far this year, at least 14 state legislatures have considered bills aimed at colleges that would restrict professors and establish grievance procedures for students who perceive political bias in teaching. None have become law, but the movement has momentum: Four state universities in Colorado, for instance, adopted the principles under legislative pressure in 2004." http://www.christiansciencemonitor.com/2005/0606/p01s03-legn.html

To learn more about the Center of Arts and Culture, visit http://www.culturalpolicy.org

From Wolf, Keens and Co…

2004: Foundation Assets Grow, Return Shrinks
Foundation Center

It’s a "good news – bad news" story. According to a new study released by the Commonfund Institute, aggregate assets at American foundations grew modestly in 2004. The rate of total return, on the other hand, shrank from the 17 percent reported in 2003 to 11.4 percent for 2004.

Acropolis Repair – Delayed and Over Budget
Manchester Guardian
Struggling with your building? You’re not alone. Many of our clients face thorny issues relating to renovations. So to the extent that another’s woes can make your own problems seem less vexing, read this. Renovations are a tad behind on the Acropolis. It will only require another 20 years and over $50 million… (Things aren’t so bad at home, are they?)

To learn more about Wolf, Keens and Co. visit http://www.wolfkeens.com.

Internationally…

Where’s Our Culture Headed? Not Overseas, That’s for Sure
Epoch Times, 5/31/2005
"Canada’s export of cultural goods-such as art and music-has been steadily declining for the last four years." The trade deficit — "most pronounced in the sector of written and published works such as books, periodicals, newspapers, and other printed materials" — has furthered Canadian interest in directly addressing culture and diversity in international trade negotiations. http://www.theepochtimes.com/news/5-5-31/29122.html

Finally… Also from Wolf, Keens and Co…

Exhibition of…Lawnmowers?

Reuters

It reflects Britain’s "once proud tradition of engineering" and includes donations from the Royal Family and rock stars. It’s a museum devoted to, yes, lawnmowers. In our on-going series of oddly-focused museums, read about this unique collection in Southport, England.

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Thanks for your comments & corrections

Tom at MCC