It’s been a long road this year for the Lil’ Smokies. Between constant touring and several lineup changes, the group’s growing national popularity has created some unexpected (but not entirely unwelcome) twists and turns.

“We’ve been in constant motion, which is exciting,” said Lil’ Smokies Dobro player and Whitefish native Andy Dunnigan. “We’ve been traveling extensively in the last year ... It all just blew up and got bigger than any of us originally expected it would.

“We’ve gone through some internal remodeling, but we’ve persevered through. Everyone has adjusted and it’s all for the best. It’s a good testament of the band.”

The Lil’ Smokies current lineup includes Dunnigan, Scott Parker on upright bass, Matt Cornette on banjo, Jake Simpson on fiddle and Matt Rieger on guitar.

“We’re back to a five-piece and we’re hoping to keep it that way for awhile,” Dunnigan said.

This weekend, the Lil’ Smokies will be making a tour stop in Columbia Falls at Falls Fest before heading to the Midwest and East Coast for a packed season of shows and festivals.

“We love playing up in the Flathead,” Dunnigan said. “To be back in the old stompin’ grounds is great.

“We really get dialed in when we’ve been on tour and playing so much, so it’s treat to share that with our Montana fans. This is kind of a culmination of the crazy touring of this year, and it’s great to come home.”

Falls Fest, a community-focused music benefit event, is in its second year. The Rotary Club of Columbia Falls and Oskee Creative and Marketing have partnered to bring a full day of live music to Marantette Park on Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Performers include Whitefish singer-songwriter Kyle Dean; Denver-based alt-folk band King Cardinal; Flathead Valley rock staple the Mike Murray Band; and the Missoula-based Lil’ Smokies.

“Falls Fest serves a dual purpose,” explained Columbia Falls Rotarian Patrick McCracken. “It brings cool music to the town, but it’s also a fundraiser. We want it to be fun for the community, but it also allows [the Rotary] to give back to that community, allowing us to gift funds to the many local charities we support.”

The proceeds from this year’s event will primarily benefit the Boys and Girls Club, Columbia Falls Food Bank and Montana Wounded Warriors.

In addition to the live music, Falls Fest will feature food and drink vendors, a variety of raffles and kids’ activities. Advance tickets are $15, and tickets at the gate Saturday are $20. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the evening should wrap up around 10 p.m.

“The needs in our area are real, they aren’t being met and they aren’t going away,” McCracken said. “The Rotary wants to continue to meet what needs we can, and we want to serve as a conduit through which others can help, too.

“Columbia Falls in all its eccentricities is alive and well. We want to celebrate that and also contribute in a positive way. So come hang out in the park and listen to some great music!”

As for the Lil’ Smokies, the band is back on the road immediately following Falls Fest.

“We are touring in the East this fall,” Dunnigan said. “We are heading to New York, and we’ve never been there before so that will be fun.”

The band will also perform at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bluegrass Ramble in North Carolina on Sept. 28. The Lil’ Smokies have been nominated for the second time in three years for the IBMA’s Momentum Band of the Year.

“It’s a really prestigious award for bands that are new on people’s radars,” Dunnigan said. “We were nominated a couple of years ago but didn’t win, so hopefully that will end differently this time.”

The Lil’ Smokies also plan to spend time in the recording studio in October, working on the next full-length project. Dunnigan said the band hopes to release the new, all-original album around the first of the year.

For more information about the Lil’ Smokies and a full tour schedule, visit www.thelilsmokies.com.

For more information about Falls Fest or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.fallsfestmusic.com or www.facebook.com/fallsfestmusic.

Entertainment editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.