Referred to as "Sully" throughout my youth, I contemplated using it as an "on-air" name. Needless to say this never happened, but it's still fun to mention and there's still time! As a graduate of the University of Montana, I first ventured my way onto the air waves as a television reporter. Not long after, I dove into the radio industry. I enjoy media as a career and the potential it has to inform and support the community. Other than consume comfort food nightly, I do have some hobbies. I'm a huge fan of forensic documentaries, chick flicks and mobster movies (I don't understand the combination, either) Plus, I love concerts! Rock, country, jazz, classical, reggae, alternative, electronic, R&B, hip-hop, rap, folk...pick the genre and I'm there! I especially love outdoor concerts and another great love I have of the outdoors, involves long walks with my incredible dog and the occasional human. For many years now, I have tested the waters as a performer in live, local theatre, and whether it be studio artwork, ballet, jazz or modern dance, I'm a big supporter of the arts. As for sports and no matter the level, I'm a huge fan of basketball, track & field and baseball. Any or all of the above, of course, is only important and possible with the bond of family and friends. Here's to those special bonds for everyone.
Carin Sullivan
‘Just Like That’ Bonnie Raitt Tickets ON SALE Friday for Kettlehouse Show
Thanks to Logjam Presents, the Kettlehouse Amphitheater in Missoula has an endless array of top-notch concerts underway! Added to that list? Sultry singer song-writer Bonnie Raitt! Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Melissa Etheridge in 2000, Raitt will bring her blend of R&B, folk, blues, pop, and rock to the Kettlehouse on September 8th! Raitt is a ten-time Grammy Award winner and is on the 100 Greatest Guitarists and Singers list by Rolling Stone Magazine. Raitt’s career took off in the late 1980s, and around that time, I had the opportunity to see her perform LIVE at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle in 1989! My brother-in-law and sister sprung for the tickets (thank you!), and like that, we witnessed greatness on stage as Raitt played master guitar alongside Danny O’Keefe. To say it was a night to remember is an understatement!
A Montana Teen’s Transition from Cassette Tapes to CDs Back in the Day
As time went on, and by the late-80s, my friends and I were ready to ditch our cassette tapes and move on like the rest of the world. By then, many scrambled to buy portable CD players, plus state-of-the-art CD consoles and stereos for their cars and homes. So, when was the first time you bought a music CD, and what one was it? Here are some fun facts as presented by Discogs and Kodak Digitalizing. The band ABBA and musician Billy Joel were the first pop/rock artists to release CDs. ABBA released their 1981 album Visitors on CD in Europe a year later, and Billy Joel released his album 52nd Street in Japan that same year. However, the first commercial CD released in early 1982 was a classical rendition of Chopin Waltzes by Claudio Arrau. The United States finally got a piece of the compact disc pie when Bruce Springsteen released Born in the USA in September of 1984. No doubt the world of technology continues to change, but regardless of how many different devices we've played our favorite music on over the years, one thing is for certain: "The Song Remains the Same". Hmm, yet another great CD!....oh, and cassette...and download...
Comedy Central Comedian is Capital City Bound Next Month
Sean Patton, of Comedy Central fame, is set to perform at the Lewis and Clark Taproom in Helena (1517 Doge Avenue) on February 5th! As illustrated by Bone Dry Comedy, the organizers of the event, Patton has appeared in two Comedy Central originals, Live at Gotham and Inside Amy Schumer. He has also been featured on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, What's Your F@#king Deal?!, Viceland's Flophouse, IFC's Maron, TruTV's Those Who Can't, The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail, and This is Not Happening.
With Temps Dropping 30+ Degrees Time to Bring Our Furry Friends Indoors
If your dog, cat, or any other pets you possess are accustomed to being outdoors year-round, then it's time to put a kibosh on those plans this weekend and bring them indoors! As of today, Friday, January 27th, a winter storm warning remains in effect, with temperatures expected to plunge from 33 to 4 degrees by this evening. By tomorrow, wind chill values will hit -15, and temperatures will drop to -24 by Saturday night. Even though no new snow is expected Sunday or Monday, temperatures on both days will be very harsh for humans and pets alike, so refrain from enduring any extensive outdoor activities during that timeframe.
How Many Pancakes Can You Eat in Support of the Orphan Girl Children’s Theatre?
With everything that theatre programs offer, it's no wonder the Butte Elks Lodge is on board to support the Orphan Girl Children's Theatre next month with a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. Of course, none of this is possible without the community's support, so thank you in advance to those who plan to attend. So, here's what to expect during the fundraiser on February 5th. From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Butte Elks Lodge (206 W Galena) will serve pancakes, with everything from eggs, bacon, and sausage, to juice and coffee. The cost is only $10 a plate, and children five and under eat for free. Proceeds will help to pay tuition fees for aspiring young actors and actresses. So, to all supporters, take a well-deserved bow! Bravo!
A 1970s Kid’s Longing for Clackers, Pong, Battleship & Other Retro Gems
As a product of the 1970s, there's still a longing to reminisce about toys from a decade that offered a limited selection of electronics. Not to mention nothing that resembles the technology we have today. With the exception of retro toys such as Simon, Speak & Spell, Pong, Atari 2600, Baby Alive, Easy Bake Oven, and Mattel's Electronic Football, most that held a child's undivided attention that did not require an electrical outlet or batteries 50 years ago were Rubik's Cube, Pet Rocks, Weebles, Clackers, Big Wheel, Connect Four, Uno, Barbie, G.I. Joe, Nerf Football, possibly Hungry Hungry Hippo and more. As for Cabbage Patch Dolls, they were manufactured in mass consumption in 1982 by Xavier Roberts. So, unless you were able to purchase an original prototype created by Martha Nelson Thomas in 1976, we'll save discussion of that trendy doll for an article about toys from the 1980s. So, what toys did you embrace growing up in the 1970s?
Anaconda First Responders Host FIRST BALL for a Great Cause
On endless occasions, the Anaconda Fire Department has come to the community's rescue. Now it's time to show gratitude for their services by supporting their upcoming and first-ever Firefighters Ball! The event set for Saturday, February 25th, at the Anaconda Elks Lodge (#239) is an effort to support their benevolent fund...
Programs for Both Kids and Adults Continue this Year at Butte’s Clark Chateau
January is a good time to devise a yearly game plan of creative activities for the family. But not only for your children or grandchildren but for yourself. Take the Clark Chateau, for instance. Currently, a Young Creators Youth Art Program is available for school-age children (1st through 6th grade). As for their adult programs, the Clark Chateau is continuing with their ukelele jam sessions every month. So, if you've strummed a ukelele once or twice in your lifetime, you may be a good candidate for jamming out at the Clark Chateau. (see below)
The Mother Lode Theatre is Front and Center this Winter
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you shouldn't do the things you enjoy. This past weekend, many took in the excitement of Snoflinga. Now, if you're not entirely on board with activities that involve physically touching snow, then take in some events that won't leave your toes cold and requires wearing a parka. This article; highly suggests a trip to the Mother Lode Theatre in Butte. To wrap up the month of January, here are two incredible LIVE performances to choose from at reasonable prices. If you're not up to driving to the theatre this winter, schedule an Uber or have a friend or family member drive you there! Here's what's on tap at the Mother Lode Theatre this month:
Big Thumbs Up to Grandmas Everywhere Today Even if You’re Not from Poland
Today is National Grandma's Day! Well, technically, in Poland, but I'm in a mood, so let's spread the love to the United States today! Yes, time to pay tribute to the person you could often run to when your parents gave you a hard time! You could do no wrong in grandma's eyes, and she was probably right! However, some grandmas out there could (and continue to be) stricter than parents. You know the type; disciplinarians who practiced tough love and would put you to work with a list of chores when you came to visit. There's even the case of grandmas who raised their grandchildren, which is more common than not. For others, it's possible they didn't see their grandmas as often growing up but still have fond memories of them either through birthday cards or phone calls. Thankfully with today's technology, kids and adults alike can also Facetime with their grandmothers. Whatever the case may be for you, and if you're feeling the love today, give your grandma a call, shoot her a text, or give her a shout-out on social media.