Butte-bred talent taking the stage at the Montana Folk Festival

The Montana Folk Festival has grown into one of the biggest and most successful events of the summer in Montana because of the incredible array of world music and culture that it brings to the Mining City. And this year for three performances, organizers needed to look no further than our own backyard to fill some important spots on the performance schedule. Say hello once again to the popular duo The Berkeley Pits, veteran singer/songwriter Chad Okrusch and welcome the relatively new but very talented band Juniper Creek to this year's lineup.

THE BERKELEY PITS

Photo: Facebook/The Berkeley Pits

The Berkeley Pits consist of John Stenson on guitar and vocals and percussionist/vocalist Mark LaFond taking care of the rhythm. They are also two-thirds of one of Butte's most popular rock bands, King Friday, and have a resume that includes membership in legendary bands such as Outlaw, Uncle Mary, Chain City and others too numerous to mention. To say that they are polished and entertaining is an understatement. They will be on the Montana Traditions Stage at 2pm on Saturday.

CHAD OKRUSCH

Chances are you've seen Chad before and equally likely is the probability that you left his show impressed. Chad combines elements of folk, rock and country in his impressive catalog of original music and the covers he performs become his own. Chad will be playing the Montana Traditions stage on Sunday evening at 5pm.

JUNIPER CREEK

Juniper Creek got their start in the hallways of Butte High School a few years ago and have evolved into an impressive harmony band with a strong set of both covers and originals. Juniper Creek consists of Emma Hall on guitar and vocals, along with vocalists Andrea Holland and Mackenzie West and will be appearing at 2pm Sunday on the Montana Traditions Stage. Juniper Creek is also celebrating some big news. Their new EP will drop on July 16 and they will also be the featured performers next week at Lunch in the Park.

Be sure to check out this array of local talent this weekend at the Montana Folk Festival. Here is a complete schedule of events.

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