Events
For youth and adult theatre classes, check out our Education Programming Calendar
For public events hosted by friends of the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, see our Community Events Calendar
Livingston Bluegrass Festival
The Livingston Bluegrass Festival returns for its second year, bringing two full days of world-class bluegrass music to the Henry E. Blake Pavilion. Featuring nationally touring acts alongside regional favorites, this festival is quickly becoming a must-attend event for music lovers across Montana and beyond.
Saturday Lineup
Release the Squirrels
A dynamic bluegrass quintet from Western Montana’s rugged valleys, unleashes a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground. Formed in 2024, this spirited ensemble blends danceable old-time originals, inventive covers of modern hits, and reimagined bluegrass classics. Rooted in the legacy of Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Album Band, and John Reischman’s intricate instrumental compositions, the Squirrels infuse their music with bold arrangements and a modern edge. Their virtuosic musicianship shines through blistering flatpicking, hard-driving banjo, rock-steady upright bass, mesmerizing fiddle melodies, and inspired mandolin runs.
Special Consensus
For five decades, banjo master Greg Cahill has led with a clear musical vision rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. Anchored by Cahill’s distinctive banjo style and the powerful lead vocals of Greg Blake, the 2023 and 2025 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, alongside Brian McCarty (mandolin and vocals) and Nico Humby (bass and vocals), Special Consensus moves effortlessly from jazz-tinged instrumentals to award-winning originals—always maintaining their bluegrass core while following their creative instincts. Special C has released 22 recordings that have garnered two Grammy nominations and eight IBMA awards.
From lightning-fast picking and soaring harmonies to foot-stomping jams and unforgettable live performances, the Livingston Bluegrass Festival promises an incredible weekend of music, community, and mountain-town magic.
Pie Eating Contest
Think you've got what it takes?
Do you love pie? Do you think you can eat pie faster than everyone else?
Do you want to win $300, a championship belt, and ultimate bragging rights?
Then register for the First-Ever Livingston Pie Eating Contest
Registration Deadline - Friday, September 18 at 4PM
WHO: Any pie lovers 13 years or older
WHAT: Be the first contestant to eat an entire pie down to the tin!
Contestants will compete in preliminary heats. The top two contestants from each heat will advancing to the championship round.
WHERE: The Henry E. Blake Pavilion’s Stage at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 415 E. Lewis St. Livingston, MT
WHEN:Saturday, September 19 at, 4PM - Check-In at 3:30PM
Entry Fee: $10
Your registration also includes admission to the evening Bluegrass Festival performances-a savings of more than 60%!
Generously sponsored by Walter & Regina Wunsch - SPECTEC TIC, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Marcia McCrum, and Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani.
Livingston Bluegrass Festival
The Livingston Bluegrass Festival returns for its second year, bringing two full days of world-class bluegrass music to the Henry E. Blake Pavilion. Featuring nationally touring acts alongside regional favorites, this festival is quickly becoming a must-attend event for music lovers across Montana and beyond.
Friday Lineup
Montana Standard
Their combined decades of experience, unique twin fiddles, tight vocal harmonies and rock-solid instrumentation produce an excitingly energetic sound unique to the region, perhaps to the country. Their reverence for the traditions of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, as well as vintage country music set the stage for a great show!
Damn Tall Buildings
Celebrated folk-bluegrass band based in Brooklyn, known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. This seasoned trio—Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta—has spent over a decade honing their craft through dedicated touring and recording, creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar, and bass arrangements.
“Think of: The Carter Family for the millennial generation. Old Crow Medicine Show meets Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros meets Flatt & Scruggs meets Nickel Creek, with a dash of Avett Brothers and a sprinkle of Johnny Cash.” - The Boston Globe
Saturday Lineup
Release the Squirrels
A dynamic bluegrass quintet from Western Montana’s rugged valleys, unleashes a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground. Formed in 2024, this spirited ensemble blends danceable old-time originals, inventive covers of modern hits, and reimagined bluegrass classics. Rooted in the legacy of Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Album Band, and John Reischman’s intricate instrumental compositions, the Squirrels infuse their music with bold arrangements and a modern edge. Their virtuosic musicianship shines through blistering flatpicking, hard-driving banjo, rock-steady upright bass, mesmerizing fiddle melodies, and inspired mandolin runs.
Special Consensus
For five decades, banjo master Greg Cahill has led with a clear musical vision rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. Anchored by Cahill’s distinctive banjo style and the powerful lead vocals of Greg Blake, the 2023 and 2025 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, alongside Brian McCarty (mandolin and vocals) and Nico Humby (bass and vocals), Special Consensus moves effortlessly from jazz-tinged instrumentals to award-winning originals—always maintaining their bluegrass core while following their creative instincts. Special C has released 22 recordings that have garnered two Grammy nominations and eight IBMA awards.
From lightning-fast picking and soaring harmonies to foot-stomping jams and unforgettable live performances, the Livingston Bluegrass Festival promises an incredible weekend of music, community, and mountain-town magic.
Generously sponsored by Walter & Regina Wunsch - SPECTEC TIC, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Marcia McCrum, and Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani.
