North Valley Music School’s new program director Taylor Ackley has planned a treat for the Flathead Valley in the form of the three-day Bluegrass and Roots Mini Festival.

Professional bluegrass musicians Ackley and his wife, Allison, have performed around the country and were planning to give a concert in Whitefish this summer when those plans took a turn. One performance soon developed into a midweek celebration of music and community.  

All festival events are free, and everyone is welcome to come out of the woodshed and do some noodling at a pickin' party with some of the area's best. 

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the North Valley Music School will host a full day of workshops, classes, lessons and jams.  

Eight talented bluegrass musicians from Northwest Montana will be on hand to teach things like how to play fiddle in a bluegrass band and how to take a banjo solo. Instruments will be available for participants. 

“Bluegrass festivals work really differently than other types of festivals because they're almost like these communities that grow for a little while,” Ackley said. “It's every bit as much about playing music together and learning about the music as it is listening to performances.” 

On Tuesday evening, there will be a barbeque and an open mic night at the school, where people can share their music and have the instructors as their backup band, Ackley said. 

On Aug. 5, several of the instructors will play a family folk concert in Kalispell's Depot Park. 

"[We are hoping] to connect more with folks in Kalispell, especially to let young families know about the really robust scholarship program that we have at North Valley Music School,” he said. “That's one of the things that I'm super proud of, and we want people all over the valley to know that ... whatever music they want to do and whatever they can afford, they can be part of the things that we have happening at North Valley Music School. 

“Pretty much everything that we do at the school is open for everyone, and even as we are starting to do more ambitious programming, like this Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival, we want to keep it that way,” he said, adding that he hopes people don’t pass on a music school opportunity because they feel they cannot afford it. 

Finally, on Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., the Ackleys will take the stage at the music school’s Stack Recital Hall. The pair recently released their third album together but first as a duo. Joining them will be Whitefish musician Andrew Brozek, a singer, songwriter, banjo player and guitarist. 

While all events at the Bluegrass and Roots Mini Festival are free, the school has set suggested donations and encourages people to pre-register at northvalleymusicschool.org.  

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    Taylor and Allison Ackley will perform a concert featuring music from their new album on Aug. 6, as the closing event of the Bluegrass and Roots Mini Festival. (Photo provided)