[best of missoula]
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Jeff Medley
Best Writer James Lee Burke
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James Lee Burke has long been considered among the best crime fiction writers of his generation. It just so happens that the tireless author lives part of the year in a modest home outside of Lolo. His Montana surroundings play a prominent part in the esteemed author’s latest novel, Light of the World, in which his longtime Louisiana-based protagonists Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcel pick up a case in Big Sky Country. The book is already receiving rave reviews—something about as surprising as Burke’s steady place atop this category. James Lee Burke: jamesleeburke.com Finalists, Best Writer 2. Mark Gibbons: gibbonspoetry.com 3. Jamie Rogers
Best Movie Theater Wilma Theatre Going to the movies was once a glamorous experience in and of itself. Mid-century theaters were lavishly decorated and included balconies and comfy seats. Watching a film at the Wilma is like stepping back into those days, with the added benefit of beer, wine and specials on popcorn, plus the option to see indie flicks we aren’t likely to catch anywhere else in town. Wilma Theatre: 131 S. Higgins, 728-2521, thewilma.com Finalists, Best Movie Theater 2. Carmike Cinemas: 3640 Mullan Rd., 541-7467, carmike.com 3. The Roxy: 718 S. Higgins Ave., 728-9380
Best New Band Shakewell Shakewell understands two things: “If there’s no tambourine, your band’s too green.” Also, “If there ain’t no conga, your funk’s all wronga!” This skin-tight, sixpiece dance/funk outfit started lighting up stages from Missoula to Hamilton (if the sticker above the urinal in
Missoula Independent Page 4 Best of Missoula 2013
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
the Bitter Root Brewery men’s room is to be believed) in 2012, and came out of nowhere to take third place in Sean Kelly’s Top of the Mic competition this spring. Their juggernaut toward world domination continues unabated as they cause rumps to shake and backbones to slide at every sweaty show. Interesting factoid: In the hallowed history of the Indy’s Best of Missoula poll, no band has ever repeated in this category. Shakewell: facebook.com/shakewellmusic Finalists, Best New Band 2. TIE: The BoxCutters: reverbnation.com/theboxcutters The Hasslers: facebook.com/thehasslers 3. The Codependents: reverbnation.com/codependents
Best Actor/Actress Jeff Medley Jeff Medley has been acting for a few years in Missoula, but recently he got some attention for being an impersonator. In his original production, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, he reenacted an entire Mister Rogers album with great humor and respect. He also, in an avant-garde twist, impersonated local artist Jack Metcalf at Metcalf ’s own exhibit. Medley’s done everything from Shakespeare to Rocky Horror to the dark Crime in A Madhouse, where he played a creepy doctor. His lanky presence and his precise and often humorous possession of his characters makes him one of the most fun-to-watch actors around. Finalists, Best Actor/Actress 2. Rosie Ayers 3. Robin Rose Rice
Best Artist Monte Dolack Monte Dolack’s colorful, nearly dreamlike natural landscapes have made him a favorite in the West. His comedic paintings of wildlife—for instance, fish lounging on couches—have induced chuckles for decades. His work appears on beer bottles and license plates. And it’s not unusual for real people to see themselves in his art. The most recent license plate from the painting “Placid Lake Sunset,” shows