What we saw at “Rhythm and Brews 2023″. Before the downpour.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.