The 2023 edition of "Rhythm and Brews" at the Original Mineyard was off to possibly its best start in event history.  In fact, the party was in full swing, and kids and adults alike were having a great time.  And then the storm hit.  Saturday evening's freak lightning storm and torrential downpour put an abrupt end to the event just after 5pm.  But other than the early end and soaked partygoers, the fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Butte was a big success.  Here's a look at some of the fun that was had before the clouds opened.

The food was fantastic this year with Rockin MT, Big Hole Pizza and Extra Sprinkles on hand to feed the hungry masses.

Rockin MT. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Rockin MT. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...
Big Hole Pizza. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Medai
Big Hole Pizza. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...

And there certainly was a big crowd.  The car show was incredible, one of the biggest of the year in Southwest Montana.

Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...

The car show was sponsored by Butte Auto and the trophies were impressive.

Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...

The music was on point with 85-minute sets by John Montoya and The Berkeley Pits who had the Saturday afternoon crowd dancing and clapping along.

John Montoya. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
John Montoya. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...
The Berkeley Pits. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
The Berkeley Pits.  Mark LaFond, left, John Stenson, right.  Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
loading...

High Ore Road took the stage just after 4pm and were a little over an hour into their set when lighting began to buzz the area as the storm clouds rolled in.  It was decided that it was in everybody's best interest end the event shortly after 5.  In fact, the band was in the process of getting their amplifiers off of the stage when the storm finally hit.  And it hit with fury bringing an end to an otherwise great event.

High Ore Road as the rain comes down, Photo: Jessica Cash
High Ore Road as the rain comes down, Photo: Jessica Cash
loading...

Despite the rain and the sudden demand for towels, the event was a big success and organizers are already looking forward to next year's event.

PICTURES: See Inside Jason Aldean's Stunning $10.2 Million Florida Oceanfront Mansion

Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany, have purchased a spectacular oceanfront beach mansion in Florida, and pictures show a stunning luxury property.

The Evolution of the Marvel Logo

Here is how the Marvel logo has appeared over the course of the last 60 years.

25 Best Places For Prime Rib in Montana

Looking for quality prime rib? Here are some of the best places to check out in Montana.

LOOK: 30 Best Major League Baseball Home Run Celebrations Using Props

We examined every Major League Baseball team and found our 30 favorite home run celebrations where players brought props to the party.

Scrapped Albums That Were Never Released

From Prince to Beyoncé, some of the biggest artists in the world have scrapped entire albums. Below, check out 25 albums that never saw the light of day.

Guns N' Roses: A Photo Timeline of Their Famed Career

The story of the jungle.

More From 95.5 KMBR