Caverns were rockin' and rollin'

The Lewis and Clark Caverns were alive with the sound of music on Sunday, June 26. Guests were swingin' and swayin' and clapping hands and singing along as they took a moment on their way to or from the Caverns Tour.

This musical weekend had begun several years ago when the Caverns State Park celebrated their 75th Anniversary according to producer Donna Weldon. It was well accepted and continues on. The day holds a wide diversity of music from the Gospel Hour with Donna, John, and Friends, on to a performance of "Old-Time Music" by "Left for Dead" (aka: Brian Rumsy and Dave Zimmerman) to a combination of music types by Dave Parker; to Rock-n-Roll by "Echo Kings;" on to Annierose and Gary Moran and next was Bluegrass featuring Ron Jung, Ed Merrit and Donna Weldon; Country Swing and "Whatnot" by Rex Davis followed; with John Anglin performing Folk and Novelty Songs next on the program. The afternoon ended with an Open Jam Session.

Took a moment to enjoy several of the groups as I sat drinking in the magnificent view of the river and the snow covered mountains. Old-Time Music was the focus for the "Left For Dead" group (Brian Rumsy and Dave Zimmerman) from Pony. Not only do they play at this type of function, they are also two of the 200 Montana members of the Old Time Fiddlers, District #3.

From Cardwell, vocalist, guitarist and composer Dave Parker took to the stage. He entertained with a variety of musical types from a more classical sound of music he composed, to Merle Haggard "Mamma Tried" to Gospel "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me." Parker had begun guitar in his teens. Several years later he lost some fingers in an accident and quit playing; but the call was too strong and he began again, teaching himself to play left-handed. He switched back to playing right handed and began his career as a Music Therapist at Liberty Place.

Couldn't pass up the Rockability sound of the "Echo Kings." One of the group, Bryant McGregor owns the Silver Dollar Saloon in Butte where he and Monty Montgomery, also of Butte, hold an open mike night on Wednesdays. Dr. Paul from Seattle joins them from time to time. He is a Dr. of Philosophy which puts a whole new slant on the music chosen from "No Cure for the Summer Time Blues," to "Maybe Baby" and "Hello, Marylou.

The music continued on under the clear blue skies and one could almost see the guests that were walking to the Caverns' opening swinging and swaying on their way.