TESTIMONIALS

Nothing compares to an unplugged guitar and voice in close proximity. And via folks who have been doing the work of scooting their ego to the side, so as not to get in the way of the connective space that a song can provide.

-Kelley Smith-

It is so tough to describe the un-initiated, but I think Clayton Ryan's description gets it right: "A music festival without the ego." Such good times were had with this crew.

--Rachel Bearinger--

There was one moment late Saturday night where the person next to me in a song circle was absolutely shredding a bluegrass-tinged cover of a tune by one of my favorite songwriters, Adrianne Lenker, and up walks a guy, Steve Fisher, who says, "Hey, nice job!" And the guy next to him says, "He was just on tour with Adrianne Lenker." And the person who just played the cover said, "I know! I was playing your version of that song! That's wild!"

That was the magic of the Montrose Music Festival. So many stories swirling together, everyone there to celebrate songcraft and each other.

--Jon Bakken--

Love so many things about the festival this year. Friday evening open mic stage was fun. The song circles are like being backstage in the "green room" with these talented people. For fun, I took the water color class and my husband took the spoon class. The crown jewel is the music classes taught by these wonderful professionals willing to share their knowledge. I was blessed to attend the Songwriter class. Both my guitar instructor and I were sure the majority would be way over my skill level but it was presented in such a good way I did gain a lot from it. Thank you for bringing this to Montrose!

--Linda Ruste--

It's hard to explain the magic of Montrose Music Festival. There's no real set schedule and no main stage. Songwriters play spontaneous sets in the local cafe, on the back of a flatbed truck, and in circles throughout the campground from mid morning through the wee hours of the next day.

This makes for a space where you're not rushing to the next thing. It's easier to just be in the moment. Off the clock. Experiencing whatever song is happening. Nationally touring artists end up mixed in a circle with locals, kids, and beginner musicians. Everyone takes their turn around the circle, and in turn, we're building this amazing community of music... It's truly magic.

--Megan Bee--

I gotta just say: Montrose Music Festival is my all time favorite festival I've ever attended! 

Each year I'm reminded by the kindness, community, and love that I feel when I'm there. The schedule of events for all ages is SOOOO AMAZING and diverse. The encouragement and engagement of all persons there, whether big or very small, is always the perfect energy...

If you're craving community, connection, and real fellowship, I highly encourage you attend next year! It's truly MAGICAL... It genuinely unburdened my soul and lifted things I was carrying around on my own. I'm grateful for the family I have in each of you.

--Kelli--

It's remarkable for our little town to have something like this happen here. I'm sitting here in tears listening to a circle and remembering that I'm sitting right here in Montrose. As much as anything, because I can sit here next to my folks and enjoy something like this with them. My dad knows the names of most of the artists and just loves hearing their stories. You're doing something magic here my friend!

--Joe--

I pulled into Montrose on the last day of the festival. I had no idea what the event would be like. I saw a few people roaming around with guitars, but no group assembled so I just wandered my way toward the few people I saw. We sat down in a circle on the stumps of logs and slowly began sharing songs. Three people turned into five. Five people turned into seven. I saw further down the way, another group assembled with handmade guitars and instruments. After an hour or more these groups converged and grew into a beautiful song share. No one led the group... it was just a natural, organic afternoon filled with songs from beginners to professionals. Sometimes people played along, other times everyone sat silent as the songwriter poured their heart out to the group laying in the grass or sitting in a lawn chair. This jam went late into the night as folks bid farewell to others, rearranged their plans so that they could stay just a little while longer in the moment that is the Montrose Music Festival.

After 24 years of playing festivals and concerts, it was one of the most beautiful song circles I've been a part of. No ego. No plan. Just sharing for the love of songs. I look forward to more in the future. But next time, I plan to be there for the whole weekend.

--Chad--

Montrose Music Festival is amazing. Everyone from the audience, to the townspeople, the musicians and the business owners had only good things to say while we were there. What a great event to stimulate the economy of small town South Dakota.

--Anna--

Song circles were incredibly supportive and inclusive. Wonderful environment for beginners to professionals.

--Keith Edward--