The Billings Free Press

Today’s edition of The Billings Gazette has some good stories today which are worth reading.

The first is a story about the Japanese community in 20th century Harlowton and the second is of the last Japanese native in Harlowton. The story of Henry Muneta is especially poignant since he is the father-in-law of a Big Sky blogger.

I’ll let you figure out who the blogger is.

The next story is a nice one about the local Bluegrass music club which has weekly jam sessions at a local Hardee’s. The Gazette also has a nice photo album to go with the story.

I wonder if the Long Time Lonesome Dogs ever play at Hardee’s?

The scuttlebutt concerns the Chili’s Grill & Bar and Romano’s Macaroni Grill which are coming to Billings. The word I’ve heard on the street is that they’re planning to build next to the new Cabela’s on King Ave. East.

Do you have any scuttlebutt you want to share?

If you’re going to be out and about this evening and want to enjoy some great live music, food, beverages and camaraderie then today it your lucky day.

Head on down to The Rex (2401 Montana Ave.) from 5-8 p.m. for Alive After Five. The Jared Stewart Band will be performing for free and when they wrap things up stroll across the parking lot to Venture Theatre (2319 Montana Ave.) and take in Billy Pilgrims Concert. Tickets are $10 and the concert starts at 8 p.m.. The Yellowstone Bluegrass Association and KEMC are sponsoring the retro-country and bluegrass band. After being outside for Alive After Five what could be better than relaxing in an air-conditioned theater?

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere with your live music check out the St. John’s Lutheran Ministries Summer Concert Series at 3940 Rimrock Road. Tonight’s featured act is The Shuffle Bums. Things start happening at 6 p.m.. The concert is free and picnic dinners are available for $7.

What could be better than starting your weekend a day early? Everyone needs to unwind. Right?

UPDATE: Next week “The Longtime Lonesome Dogs play blues and folk tunes at the Alive After 5 weekly concert. 5-8 p.m., Pug Mahon’s.” Don’t recognize the name of the band? One of its members is the one and only Ed Kemmick.