We really enjoyed the National Folk Festival in Butte that recently happened.  If you get the chance, go see it next year and the year after that, before it moves on to a new city.  This was the first time in 40 years that it’s been held West of the Mississippi (I guess it was held last in Denver on this side) so who knows when it will be back.  It’s fun, family oriented, and the music and activities were top-notch. 

Butte’s uptown layout presented some challenges, there was a sidewalk leading to the Original stage that really could have used some repair.  I wondered how the older Floridians were handling the very sloping streets.  There was a handy shuttle service whisking people to and fro, so I am thinking that probably helped.  I did manage to get a few photos. 

Here is a shot from the NAIA pow-wow (not part of the NFF) that we stopped to watch.  My son loved listening to the drums.  I’m pretty sure he was ready to run out there and take part. 

Here’s a shot looking down at the “Original” stage (so named because that giant black structure is the original Butte mineframe) from Montana street

We had dinner at the Pekin Noodle Parlor.  If you are ever in Butte, do yourself a favor and try this out.  Be adventurous.  The booths are great and the waitresses can tell you some stories about them…

A sign on North Main Street.  The NFF was spread out over quite a large area, with seven stages and a shuttle service

Rahim AlHaj, a great source of Iraqi music.  I liked these guys so much I bought two of their CDs.

Some Basque dancers.  I wasn’t too crazy about these guys…the dancing was great but the music was a little “screechy” for me.  Still, there was plenty to see. 

The food area near the Original stage.

Shamekia Copeland had a lot of fans there.  Now I didn’t know a thing about her before the NFF but her performance really blew me away on Saturday night.  A great blues lady. 

The weather was perfect and the night was gorgeous.  I can’t wait until next year!