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Articles by Kate Widmer
Hidden exhibits: Exploring mini-museums on campus
Squirreled away between classrooms, the University of Montana is home to a number of “hidden exhibits” – mini-museums that showcase various artifacts, usually related to whatever specialty the building is dedicated to. They’re interesting enough to capture attention, yet close enough and small enough in scope that you can comfortably view them on a lunch break.
Calamity Cowboy releases album “Roadkill Kingdom”
The Zootown Arts Community Center’s showroom was filled with a completely electric crowd on the night of April 27, virtually everyone in the room was moshing and dancing with permanent smiles on their faces to driving, blown out guitar music. Also featuring opening bands and fellow Missoulians Sardines and But I’m A Cheerleader, the show’s mass of attendees were there to celebrate the release of Missoula band Calamity Cowboy’s amazing third album.
Students present senior projects at exhibition
Upon entering the Gallery of Arts, the space bursts with vivid color and excited chatter during the opening reception for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition on April 17 -– no corner of the narrow rooms were left unattended, with friends, family and art enthusiasts crowding the space to celebrate the completion of 16 students’ years of hard work and artistic development.
Students present senior projects at exhibition
Upon entering the Gallery of Arts, the space bursts with vivid color and excited chatter during the opening reception for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition on April 17 -– no corner of the narrow rooms were left unattended, with friends, family and art enthusiasts crowding the space to celebrate the completion of 16 students’ years of hard work and artistic development.
Drag show raises scholarship money for students
The performance space in the Zootown Arts Community Center buzzed with pre-show energy as friends and performers complimented each other on their bedazzled outfits and dramatic makeup, waiting with their dollar bills for the drag show, “Night of One Thousand Stars.” Featuring performers from all over Montana and the greater West, the performance raised over $1,800 for the Rosalinda de la Luna Scholarship, which is awarded annually to Montana students pursuing post-secondary education.
Drag show raises scholarship money for students
The performance space in the Zootown Arts Community Center buzzed with pre-show energy as friends and performers complimented each other on their bedazzled outfits and dramatic makeup, waiting with their dollar bills for the drag show, “Night of One Thousand Stars.” Featuring performers from all over Montana and the greater West, the performance raised over $1,800 for the Rosalinda de la Luna Scholarship, which is awarded annually to Montana students pursuing post-secondary education.
What UM tradition are you?
Whether you think of them as culture-defining acts or just peer pressure from dead people, traditions are a part of how we understand our identities. For college students, traditions are a big part of what makes college so memorable, even when they aren’t exactly inspiring. So, which University of Montana tradition are you? ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Any time a political commentator comes to campus, the whole place feels like it’s been flipped upside down.
Theater students bring Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’ to life
The gray of the stage, the black pool in the center, the sunset mural behind gold accented columns and a wooden piano all sharing the same relatively small space feels random and claustrophobic. But when the lights go out and the spotlight hits the pool water, making it shimmer, it immediately makes sense. The key to the University of Montana theater’s recent play “Metamorphoses” is in the details — small moments between people and places coming together to form an emotional whole.
Sculpture exhibit explores relationships of shape and color
Bold color and big movement define the works in ceramic sculptor and Master’s of Fine Arts candidate Joe Taylor’s thesis exhibition, titled “Tenaciously Curious.” Pulling from childlike wonder and the natural world’s sense of surprise, the resulting works are dynamic and vibrant, demanding attention even if one isn’t sure what yet you’re looking at.
What’s recurring in your dreams?
Dreams have long been a mysterious fascination. Some even claim that dreams can tell you the secrets of your inner psyche. If that’s true, then what the fuck does your weirdly specific recurring dream say about you? PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): So many people read fanfiction nowadays that you don’t feel embarrassed to bring it up in casual conversation among friends, but you’re definitely keeping your recurring sex dream with a certain favorite fictional character a secret.
Seeking the stage
On a March evening, the frantic pounding of drums, wail of a guitar and cheers of concert attendees pierced the calm, peaceful atmosphere of a typically quiet Missoula neighborhood. But the noise wasn’t coming from a show at the Washington-Grizzly Stadium, the KettleHouse Amphitheater or even The Wilma. This show was bursting from a two-car garage. Most attendees wore dark colors, some had on heavy makeup or patches on their clothes and others sported uneven haircuts.
What music are you annoying about?
Everyone has music they’re annoying about. Everyone. Whether you’re actively a Swiftie or formerly a middle school emo, we’ve got some advice for you and your aux cord below. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): We get it, you’re sappy. You can’t help what you can’t help. But listening to Mitski is a decision, not a compulsion, and the constant exposure is only worsening your emotional health.
Student choreographers bring cranes and carousels to regional conference
As the seats of the Open Dance Theater filled for the annual American College Dance Association Benefit Concert, there was an extra buzz in the air. The Feb. 7 ACDA Benefit Concert aimed to raise money for the performers to attend an upcoming regional conference, while also giving the public a chance to see the dances performed.
The 67th Grammy Awards: Anything for you, Beyonce?
Award ceremonies might be inherently based in clout chasing, but the chance to see your favorite artist get recognized for their work is basically the closest thing the average person gets to being able to say “Thank you for the music!” So, despite my better judgment, I do tend to get a little wrapped up in them. This year’s Grammy Awards is no different, other than the fact that the nominations are almost unusually stacked.
Winter binge-o-scope
To college students, winter break provides a rare luxury: time. Some people may have used that time for productive things, like work, but all too often, it ends up being spent on a really good binge. The question is, what does the media you spent all break glued to say about you? AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): We know you love a binge-watch, Aquarius, so it’s no surprise that you took winter break to rewatch all 34 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And maybe a show or two, but who’s counting?
Pick your poison
It’s nothing to feel bad about, we’ve all got a habit that we wish we didn’t. Maybe you pound energy drinks or hit your vape way too many times in a day. Either way, if you can’t laugh at your own flaws, what can you laugh at? SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): You may say that you smoke weed because it helps manage your stress, but let’s be real, it’s just because you think it makes you more fun to be around. But maybe you’re right.
Supertherapy-o-scope
With great power might come great responsibility, but that doesn’t mean the heroes we know and love are necessarily equipped with the emotional tools to handle said responsibility.
Learning Ourselves
If you watched any movies as a teenager, you probably had a pretty specific vision of what college is supposed to be like: wild ragers, spooky frat basements and tough classes. And alongside the chaos, every character seems to be going through so many changes. Missoula has a unique mix of that — a vibrant music scene, supportive LGBTQIA+ community and a general laid back outdoorsy vibe sets the scene for development and discovery.
Local band drops debut rock album
Missoula trio Senterline recently released its debut album “I Spoke to the Sun Today,” a 30-minute vortex of unabashed ‘90s/‘00s alt-rock that’s been boiled down to its hallmarks and pushed to its limits. While some may roll their eyes at that, there’s something to be admired about knowing what you love and fucking running with it, which Senterline does with obvious enthusiasm.
UM paleontology collections manager wants you to dig deeper
If you walk into the east wing of the Clapp Building, you’ll be greeted by a slack-jawed replica of the skull of Peck’s Rex, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, staring back at you. Originally recovered near Fort Peck, Montana, in 1977, the skull has eye sockets as big as basketballs, banana-sized curved teeth and scarring on its upper jaw that’s almost reminiscent of a Glasgow smile, all contained in a display case that’s 50 inches tall.
UM professor builds bridges via books
Professor Quan Manh Ha has been teaching literature at the University of Montana since 2011, specializing in post-1900 American literature, multi-ethnic United States literature, Vietnam War literature, critical race theory and literary translation. In a faculty that’s predominantly white, he ends up teaching many different types of classes on literature, such as African-American literature or U.S. Writers of Color in addition to Asian-American literature and more general classes.
A student’s guide to Missoula’s music underground
When people think of Missoula, their first thought probably isn’t about the music. While it may not be New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, Missoula has been a unique longstanding haven for regional artists. As a University town, there’s always something new and interesting being developed by local youth. Although Missoula is starting to become more of a touring destination, with recent shows by Pearl Jam, Tyler Childers and P!nk, the local music scene still flies largely under the radar.
Artful Poetry or Abject Delusion? Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
There’s no denying that Taylor Swift is the definitive singer-songwriter of our generation, even before the advent of the “Taylor’s Version” re-releases, the Eras Tour and the increased media attention surrounding her every move. From the very get-go with her eponymous debut, Swift allows her fans insight into her life as she experiences it: the heartbreak, the romance, the little joys and the ironic experiences that shape her life, which, through her songs, become a part of our lives too.
Montana punk band means business: Invest in Bull Market
Bull Market’s investment seminars often begin with Phil Griffin, the firm’s frontman, tossing a roll of toilet paper into the crowd. He does this so attendees can ball up the tissue and shove it in their ears as makeshift earplugs. Longtime investors, their fans’ nickname, know that’s not necessarily an act of kindness so much as it’s a warning. Hailing from Billings, Montana, Bull Market is a three-piece investment firm that also happens to make ragged punk music.
The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Issue
Now entering its 21st season, The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is an opportunity for film artists from across Montana and the world to share their work on the big and little screens. The annual 10-day event draws roughly 20,000 audience members who can watch films in popular places throughout Missoula and from the comfort of their own homes.
RIP Pitchfork: Why care about music writing?
On Jan. 17, Pitchfork lost the little publishing independence it still had. The music publication’s parent company, Condé Nast (also the owner of Vogue, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, among others) decided Pitchfork would be “folded under the GQ name,” meaning that all of its writing will now be geared toward “millennial men” rather than the incredibly diverse world of musicians and music fans.
But is it fetch? ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) soundtrack revisited
It became an internet trend a while ago to make “my life as a movie” playlists, but what no one seemed to realize is that they were doing it completely wrong. Instead of throwing “Mr. Blue Sky” into your sad girl indie mix, what you should be doing is listening to actual movie soundtracks. More specifically, the soundtracks of the best movies ever: 2000s movies.
On the rise: Cosmic Sans in 2024
Cosmic Sans is a local psych-rock band made up of Jake Howell (vocals/guitar), Seamus Jennings (vocals/guitar/keys), Will Stoskopf (vocals/guitar/keys/synth), Lane Ulberg (bass), and Cole Bronson (drums). In the four years they’ve been together, the band has released two albums and played shows all over Montana and the surrounding states, including a show at last year’s Treefort Music Festival in Boise.
2023 recap: Kate’s top four releases
The 2020s are proving to be a musical renaissance of sorts. As genre becomes more and more blurred and artistic sensibilities are continually being pushed to the forefront, we’re witnessing the release of some of the most unique music ever made. With that in mind, my top four releases from this year are all ones that I listen to religiously and ones that I feel will be referenced in the coming decades as major influences on their respective scenes and music as we know it.
The Pettifoggers play at Free Cycles to celebrate new album ‘Small Claims’
On Saturday, Nov. 11, I had the joy of getting to see the Pettifoggers play at Free Cycles. My friend Mallory first made me aware of them when their new album “Small Claims” came out in September; she had seen them perform before and told me that they were absolutely amazing. I didn’t know how I hadn’t managed to hear of them before, given the amount of time I spend around local music, but seeing the band perform just furthers my opinion of them as a hidden gem.
“Long Road Ahead” sees Little Jane and the Pistol Whips back in the saddle for the first time in 12 years
The new album “Long Road Ahead” by Little Jane and the Pistol Whips is Americana candy, full of heart and sweet from the inside out. Little Jane and the Pistol Whips is a country/roots/Americana project born out of Livingston, Montana, led by dynamic frontwoman/lead singer-songwriter Ashly Holland.
Panther Car’s new album ‘Lagrange’ sees the band hone its prog-pop prowess
Bozeman’s entertainment scene might be best known for its bar circuit, but look below the surface and there’s some gems to be found. DIY music (music made by so-called non-professionals) in Bozeman is alive and well, but while a lot of other bands hone their sound by building on the classics, Panther Car built its reputation on sonic experimentation, which, in turn, has made it one of the most unique bands in the Montana scene.
What’s in an EP? The boygenius Extended Play dichotomy
First we had “the record,” and now we have “the rest.” Courtesy of boygenius, the inimitable indie-rock supergroup made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, the world now gets to enjoy another gut-punch of an extended play. Except, unlike “boygenius” (the band’s 2018 debut that’s often lovingly referred to as “the EP), “the rest” also functions as a sort of demos compilation, which is really interesting to see because artists of boygenius’ caliber rarely release those.
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS’ is good, but it could have been great
Following 2021’s explosive debut “SOUR,” Olivia Rodrigo’s new album “GUTS” had a lot to live up to. The good news: It absolutely does live up to the hype. Rodrigo’s songwriting has improved immensely, and the entire record has a feeling of increased maturity and daringness. But also, “GUTS” always feels as if there’s something missing.
The Foilies’ debut album ‘Kick Out The Grams’ is American speed-rock incarnate
The Foilies’ “Kick Out The Grams” is a coked-out rock ‘n’ roll basement show in album form. Grab a beer and take a swig, let’s get into it. To start: Who the fuck are the Foilies?
‘Plastic Eternity’ sees Mudhoney at its most inventive
Mudhoney has returned, but not with a vengeance so much as with something to say. A landmark band in the grunge cannon, Mudhoney is renowned both for its music and for its mark on the Seattle scene — the quartet made its debut at roughly the same time as the so-called “Big Four”: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.
Courtesy of Margo Cilker, new album ‘Valley of the Heart’s Delight’ is Americana Bliss
Margo Cilker’s songs are musical lassos. Once in her hold, you’re bound to be spun in circles, twisted through her Americana daydreams until your vision has the same saturation levels as the ‘50s film “Annie Get Your Gun.” While her first release may only be as recent as 2021, Cilker is no newbie.
Goldenrod’s ‘s’ok’ takes listeners on an acoustic journey through the anxious mind
In a spin around Bandcamp, make a stop with Montana ties. Goldenrod, the alias of Josie Sollars of Billings, makes deeply personal songs about deeply personal experiences, backed by acoustic guitar and the occasional wandering bassline, banjo and even harmonica. Her 2020 album “s’ok” chronicles various changes in her personal life with lyrics centered around incidents and feelings from when she was between ages 17 and 19.
‘Very Very Rare’ by Luis Pradella is a lo-fi experiment that pays off
“Very Very Rare” by Luis Pradella is a debut album that lives somewhere between the intersection of beat poetry and experimental alternative rock. The album’s instrumentation alternates between jagged rhythms and slower, warmer melody lines, both of which leave plenty of space for his stream-of-consciousness lyrics to become poetry.
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