I’ll bet most of you don’t know that Montana Coffee Traders in Columbia Falls is open in the evening on the first Friday of every month. But it’s true.
On the first Friday of every month the kitchen stays open late with a special dinner menu, and a rotating group of brilliant musicians holds an intimate and varied jam.
The group is led by Rachel Masat Penner. Rachel is a stunningly talented Mandolin player, music teacher, and member of the Masat family, who are well-known throughout the music community. She has performed in more than 300 professional appearances, often with her banjo-master brother, Sterling.
Rachel and Sterling were there tonight, playing along with Tradewinds, a Kalispell-based group featuring fine fiddle playing, guitar, and much fun.
The place was PACKED. In fact, not one empty chair was available when I walked in about 6:30pm, so I hung out in the back with First Best Place Task Force’s Barry Conger, Barry’s mom, and Barney Dorn, one of the Park’s shuttle drivers who also runs an ink business.
Next month, the first Friday of the month is the 4th of July, so the concert is scheduled for the second Friday of the month. See you then – but come early if you want a seat.