HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Artist’s Society presented an evening with Fresh Off the Vine, a jazz instrumental band from Whitefish. The band combined a unique guitar and cello medley to create a smooth relaxing experience for anyone listening.

“It has been a really awesome show,” attendee Ross Pendery said. “I love their sound and the cello is awesome.”

Pendery, a musician himself, loves the artists the Artist’s Society is able to bring to the area.

“It’s amazing how many different kind of people come to Hot Springs,” Pendery said. “It’s located perfectly between Kalispell and Missoula.”

Fresh Off the Vine became the latest in the line of unique artists to travel to the area. Guitarist Karl Berdimurat and Lucas Mace started as punk rockers until they met cellist Jesse Ahmann. The group started jamming and developing their sound.

“We really started when Jesse moved to Whitefish,” Mace said. “We kind of just developed our sound around his cello.”

Ahmann made the move from Port Angeles, Washington to Montana State University in Bozeman, where he studied music. His cello playing adds uniqueness to the band unlike any other band. Fresh Off the Vine incorporates a mixture of jazz and blues melodies with major influence from Ahmann’s cello.

“Sometimes he just plays with his pedals,” Berdimurat said. “We just play.”

The Artist’s Society gives residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enjoy a great meal combined with the intimate setting of music for anyone to enjoy.

“It was a good mixture of up-tempo and smooth jazz,” Pendery said. “The residents of Hot Springs are lucky to have this hidden gem.”

Fresh Off the Vine featured a guest appearance from violinist Clara Wieck – another Whitefish artist. The crowd, though small, erupted at the performance and the energy the band provided.

“We sometimes just jam,” Berdimurat said. “You just get into it and go.”

Though the band has only been playing together a short time they have the new, but old sound to captivate audiences who enjoy an intimate setting with great friends.

Fresh Off the Vine gave residents a chance to hear live music without a long drive.

“You get such a mixed bag of people,” Pendrey said. “It’s great that you don’t have to go too far to see artists like this.”

The Hot Springs Artist’s Society offers music most weekends in October. Next on the calendar is Living Well, a classic rock band on October 11 at the Symes Hotel.