Arlee
Arlee, MT · Local Life
Whitefish Pilot
Photos: Whitefish band students perform annual winter concert
Community members join Whitefish students onstage at the winter concert on Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Whitefish schools' winter band concert on Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Kiley Ohs performs a clap during "Sleigh Bells" at the winter concert Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Henry Boysen (9), Noah Drace (9), and Judah Colt (10) perform at the winter band concert on Dec. 22. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Whitefish band student Marlis Nargi at the winter concert on Dec. 10. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Whitefish students and community members stand for applause at the conclusion of a shared song. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Alumni and UM student Allison Abel on bassoon in the foreground and sophomore Zander Keim in the background at the winter concert Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Orla Sullivan on tuba at the winter concert on Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Sophie Douglas at the winter concert on Dec. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
NBCMontana
Young Montana musician receives grand piano as a gift this holiday season
KALISPELL, Mont. — In small-town Montana, it’s rare to encounter a grand piano, but now a young Montana musician has one to call his own thanks to a grand gesture and a promise for the future. Eight-year-old Lachlan Rogness is a piano prodigy. Every chance he gets he...
Lake County Leader
New Mexican restaurant will open in 4B’s
Veterans of another Polson Mexican restaurant will open one of their own early next year. The Guerrero family bought the old 4B’s location on Hwy. 35 in July and plans to open an authentic Mexican restaurant there in the first week of January. Everardo Guerrero, a part-owner with his...
Bigfork Eagle
PHOTOS: Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre presents 'Grinch'
Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre's production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical." Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre's production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical." (Courtesy photo) Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre's production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical." (Courtesy photo)
Valley Press - Mineral Independent
Christmas Concert and Sing-Along bring joy to Plains
The spirit of Christmas came alive Saturday evening during the annual Community Christmas Concert and Sing-Along. Sponsored by Plains Bible Chapel and organized by Jeanine Croft — who also directed the choir — the event brought together members from local congregations who contributed both instrumental and vocal talents. Croft, who has been the driving force behind the program each year, said she begins planning for the next concert as soon as the previous one ends. Pastor Rich Culbertson opened the concert with a brief reflection on the meaning of the Christmas season. Following his remarks, a 20-member choir performed 19 songs, many of which encouraged audience participation. A perennial favorite, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” once again called for help from the crowd. Audience members were given slips of paper with their assigned verse. “Everybody is so hesitant when I pass out the papers. It’s so fun,” choir director Croft said with a smile. “As you start the song people are like, ‘I don’t know,’ and by the time you get to the end everybody is getting into it. It gets better every time.” Under Croft’s direction, the choir delivered each hymn with strength and precise timing. Several selections were
Valley Press - Mineral Independent
Plains choir performs outdoor Christmas concert
After a week of high winds and damaging floodwaters, the weather shifted to a brief moment of calm just in time for the annual Plains High School Christmas Choir concert at Fred Young Park in Plains. As the choir set up for the performance, a light snowfall began, creating the perfect atmosphere for the evening. Warming propane porch lanterns were placed around the choir tent to keep the chill away, while fire barrels filled with firewood provided additional warmth. Several lanterns were generously donated by Studs, and the Lions Club of Plains donated the use of all the fire barrels. Snacks and drinks for the event were provided by Plains School. Choir members included seniors Sarah Anderson and Jullian Keeny; juniors Mandy Brubaker, Cecila Harris, and Ashley Ferlan; sophomores Ben Carter, Elisabeth Weedman, Cheyenne Little Whirlwind, LeAnna Demars, Grace Subatch, Lyla MacDonald, and Billyray Holotta; and freshman Cooper Spurr. The Plains School music director is Ginnie Loveall. The choir practiced for two weeks in preparation for this year’s concert and performed eight traditional Christmas songs, including "Silent Night" and "Let It Snow," for an audience of more than 30 people. Plains resident Don Henson commented, “They sang pretty well.” Loveall,
hoodline.com
Kalispell Kids Steal Spotlight In San Diego Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ Run
Nearly 60 local dancers, some as young as 6, stepped into the spotlight alongside San Diego Ballet and the Glacier Symphony Orchestra for The Nutcracker at Flathead Valley Community College's Wachholz College Center last weekend. Students from more than a dozen Flathead Valley studios filled both principal and ensemble roles, swapping their familiar studio floors for a professional stage. Families packed McClaren Hall for a weekend of live Tchaikovsky and big-stage choreography.
familydestinationsguide.com
People Drive From All Over Montana For The Whitefish At This Unassuming Restaurant
Some restaurants just have that magic – that inexplicable quality that makes people willingly drive three hours through mountain passes and winding roads just for a meal. Buffalo Café in Whitefish, Montana, has been casting this particular spell on breakfast lovers for decades, drawing pilgrims from Missoula, Great Falls, and even Helena for a taste of their legendary morning fare.
familydestinationsguide.com
The Stroganoff At This Restaurant In Montana Is So Good, It’s Worth A Road Trip
Some dishes are so transcendent they justify packing an overnight bag, filling the gas tank, and hitting the open road with a singular culinary mission in mind. The stroganoff at Buffalo Café in Whitefish, Montana, is precisely that kind of revelation – a dish so perfectly executed it transforms a simple combination of beef, mushrooms, and sauce into something worth crossing state lines to experience.
The Western News
Libby hosting Christmas parade Saturday
The Libby Christmas parade is still happening this Saturday on Mineral Avenue. “We know this past week’s historic flooding has been incredibly difficult for many in our community,” organizer Kayley Conauer said. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. After checking conditions and working with local partners, we’re confident we can safely move forward and offer a little holiday cheer during a challenging time.” The parade’s big trucks will be parked on Idaho Avenue by the old Asa Wood School at 4:30 p.m. so kids can see them up close. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be stations on each block for hot cocoa, S’mores and hot cider. There will also be glow sticks and gift bags. Tabitha and the LOR Foundation are hosting a marshmallow roasting station between The Fix and First Montana Bank where parade attendees can enjoy roasting a marshmallow and warm up around the fire.
Hungry Horse News
Gilk-Robinson takes helm of Community Choir
“It’s the only organism that large that breathes at the same time,” said Catherine Gilk-Robinson in an interview last week. “A conductor gives and upbeat and a choir breathes.” Gilk-Robinson is the new director of the Columbia Falls Community Choir, taking helm of the group this year after Steve Holte retired. Gilk-Robinson is a Columbia Falls native. She graduated from Columbia Falls in 1973 and her father, the always affable Ed Gilk, was a high school typing, bookkeeping and shorthand teacher. Ed always had records playing in the house when she was growing up and Catherine started playing piano in second grade, taught by former Columbia Falls music teacher Ron Bond (who was also a longtime director of the Community Choir). By eighth grade, Gilk-Robinson was playing piano for the Sonifers during recitals and concerts. She would continue her musical pursuits in college, graduating from the University of Idaho in 1977 with a degree in music education. She went on to teach at schools for more than 30 years across the Northwest, though most of her career was spent in Washington state. She went on to get a master’s degree in choral conducting from California State University Los Angeles. She
Whitefish Pilot
PHOTOS: Orchestral excellence brightens the season
The Whitefish Middle School orchestra and the Whitefish High School’s Sinfonia and Camerata orchestras performed winter concerts last week at the Performing Arts Center under the direction of Summer Boggess-Hertz. Freshman Bella Woodruff on the bass at the winter concert. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Violinist Clay Pohlman plays at the winter concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Camerata violinists, junior Edolie Petersen, sophomore Vivian Trieweiler-Schmidt, senior Syrcie Johnson and concertmaster Logan Hyland, a senior, at the winter concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Senior Kenny Stone plays bass in the Whitefish High School winter concert. (Julie Engler/Whitefsih Pilot) Sixth grader Nadia Bruckerhoff and eighth grader Grayson Farler in the violin section at the middle school orchestra concert. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Casey Kreider Eighth graders and violinists, Cade McDermott and Bryson O'Dell, chat during a break at the Whitefish Middle School orchestra's winter concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Seventh grade violinists Ruth Smeltzer and Eli Sparkman at the orchestra concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Seventh grader Kiev Lambrecht plays cello in the winter concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Eighth grade bass player, Wade Algeo, plays at the winter concert last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot) Seventh grader, Ruedi Sawtelle, plays
Whitefish Pilot
Alpine Theatre Project presents Yuletide Affair XXII
Alpine Theatre Project presents Yuletide Affair XXII, its signature holiday concert event and the 22nd annual edition of a tradition that has become synonymous with Broadway-caliber performance in Northwest Montana. Performances run Dec. 20–22 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Now in its second year under the artistic leadership of Artistic Director Tracy McDowell, Yuletide Affair XXII continues the theatre’s long-standing commitment to pairing nationally recognized professional artists with outstanding Montana-based performers and musicians in an intimate holiday concert that has become a Flathead Valley tradition. “Yuletide Affair has always represented the heart of Alpine Theatre Project,” said Cynthia Benkelman, executive director of Alpine Theatre Project. “This is our 22nd year bringing exceptional professional artists to Whitefish during the holidays, and it’s especially meaningful to see the tradition continue to grow under Tracy’s artistic leadership. The level of talent on this stage rivals what you’d see in much larger markets—yet it’s happening right here, in a room where the connection between artists and audience feels personal.” This year’s cast features an exceptional lineup of Broadway and nationally touring artists, alongside Montana-based performers, including DeWitt Fleming Jr., Jenny Harney-Fleming, Luke Hawkins, Eric Krop, Ross Bridgeman, Susan O’Dea, Nick Spear, Rebecca Spear,
Whitefish Pilot
Photos: Valley Voices Community Choir Christmas concert
Valley Voices Community Choir performed their 25th annual Christmas concert at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday. Shauna Moffit performs a solo in "What Child is This" during the Valley Voices Community Choir's annual Christmas concert. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) John Hendricks, master of ceremonies, at the Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert. Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir Director Allyson Kuechmann. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Soloists Duane Herriges, Kathy Cook and David Cook in "Please Don't Sing Another Fa La La." (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot) Valley Voices Community Choir's 25th annual Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
Whitefish Pilot
PHOTOS: Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland on Ice
Photos from Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland on Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Dec. 19 and 20, 2025. Finnegan Irwin and Braxten Quimby perform in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Braxten Quimby performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Lyla Fleming performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Madeleine Monasakanian performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Lorine Monasakanian performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Audrey Heslop performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot) Estelle Muhlner performs in Glacier Skate Academy's Winter Wonderland On Ice show at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on