Big weekend set for Big Mountain

Missoula's Eden Atwood and Blue Talk and Love headline a lineup of multi-talented performers on stage for the Big Mountain Summer Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is free. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Atwood and her band bring classic funk, soul and rhythm and blues close the festival on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.

"September," a smash hit by Earth Wind and Fire, is just one of the hits from the past offered by Blue Talk and Love, a nine-piece Missoula group.

The band treats audiences to favorites that include "Superstition," "Got to Get You Into my Life," "Sign, Sealed, Delivered," "Best of My Love," and - of course - "September." Blue Talk and Love is named for lyrics from "September."

Atwood is joined by some of Missoula's best musicians: Chuck Florence on saxophone; Mike Freemole, bass; Gary Gillett, drums; David Horgan, guitar; Bob Ledbetter, drums; Jimmy Rogers, keyboardist; and Leon Slater on trumpet.

Entertainment during the festival also includes local acoustic music, Hawaiian dance, a performance from The Alpine Theatre Project and local dance groups. Food will be available from mountain restaurants and outside food vendors throughout the festival.

More than 50 arts and crafts booths include everything from furniture made from skis, handmade soaps, copper work, Raku fired clay, gold and silver jewelry, bronze sculptures, felted hats and purses, acrylic and oil paintings, leatherwork and more.

Big Mountain's Commercial Association sponsors the festival.

For more information on Big Mountain Summer Festival artists, musicians and performers, please contact Ruth Lane at 862-7227 or e-mail ruth@digisys.net.