Saturday, April 29, 2006

Stuffing MLA pizzas. I mean conference bags.


When does the pizza get here?
Originally uploaded by stevemtzn.
Perfect weather in Missoula today. 70's and sunny. Perfect time to stuff nearly 400 conference bags! All in all, we finished the job at exactly the right time; when the pizza from McKenzie River Pizza arrived. Thai Peanut pizza ... mmmm.

More Missoula Events

Holy smokes! In the past 2 days I've heard about 3 other great Missoula events going on during conference.

1. The first Missoula Farmer's Market of the year is on Saturday, May 6th! This is a weekly tradition for many Missoulians. The market is at the north end of Higgins (less than 5 blocks from the hotel) and runs 8:30-noon. The real abundance of produce becomes available in late June/July, but you can expect to find plenty of starter plants, lettuces, radishes, and other spring plants. Local bakers also show up, so you can get some tasty pastries for breakfast. The Saturday Arts & Crafts Market will also be going on 2 blocks south of the Farmer's Market.

2. The Garden City Brewfest will be going on in Caras Park (2 blocks from the hotel) noon-8:00 PM on Saturday, May 6th. "Admission to BrewFest is free, but those interested in tasting the beverages on tap will pay $5 for a 7-ounce commemorative glass, a wristband and two tokens, good for beer or wine. Additional tokens are $1 each. Soda, water and a variety of food choices are also available for purchase, including brats and pizza by the Sentinel Kiwanis Club and Mexican faire from El Cazador. Designated drivers who identify themselves will be provided with free soda throughout the day." It's a fun way to try some local microbrews and wines.

3. The 2006 Spring College Rodeos and Bull'o'Rama is happening at the Western Montana Fairgrounds May 4-7. The UM student newspaper, the Kaimin, has the story.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

cates 2005


cates2
Originally uploaded by sreymer.
This is going to be fun. I always enjoy posting embarrassing photos of other people.

At least this one is relatively anonymous. You'd never know it was Bridgett Johnson of Lewistown Public Library, unless some evil person told you.

Looking forward to at least as much fun this year!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Food and Drink in Missoula

We all have local favorites when it comes to food and potent potables. Let's share!

On Wired-MT, Barry Brown noted that there are 3 excellent micro-breweries in town:
  • Bayern
    A Signature Beer: Trout Slayer
  • Big Sky
    A Signature Beer: Moose Drool
  • Kettlehouse
    (a few short blocks from conference site)
    A Signature Beer: Old Bong Water
    (My favorite is Cold Smoke.)

    Missoula has taken Seattle coffee culture to heart. There are many independent coffee houses (and coffee cabooses) in town. Some of my favorite coffee places near the conference hotel include:
  • Liquid Planet
  • Butterfly Herbs
  • Bernice's Bakery
  • The Raven Cafe

    Some of my favorite restaurants near the hotel include:
  • The Old Post (try the cod tacos--you'll be glad you did)
  • SaWaDee (Thai food)
  • The Bridge
  • Uptown Diner
  • The Shack (terrific breakfasts)
  • Higgins Alley

    Please share your favorite restaurants, pubs, and coffeehouses in the comments section.
  • Other Events and Things to Do in Missoula

    A few months ago, several people posted on Wired-MT about other events going on in Missoula during the conference. These are some of the concerts, shows, and other events you may want to attend while you're in Missoula:

    Events on the UM campus
    May 2-12
    Gallery of Visual Arts presents MFA Thesis Exhibitions by Orville Chigbrow, Sarah Conway and Steve Krutek. Opening reception Friday, 5/5, 5-7 PM, gallery hours Monday-Friday, 11 AM-4 PM, 243-2813.

    May 3
    UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 PM, University Theatre, 243-6880*.

    May 3-6
    Department of Drama/Dance presents Spring Dance Concert, 7:30 PM, Montana Theatre, 243-4581*.

    May 4
    Media Arts Spring Showcase, Undergraduates 2-4 PM, Graduates 7-9 PM. Programs feature short narrative/experimental movies and integrated digital art/design work, University Center Theater, open to the public without charge, 243-4540.

    May 6
    Missoula Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Eroica Trio, 7:30 PM, University Theatre, 721-3194*.

    (* indicates that tickets are required)

    Events Downtown

    First Friday
    "Most Missoula galleries celebrate their new exhibits on the First Friday of the month. Many stay open until 8 pm or later and serve a surprising array of refreshments. You won't want to miss this chance to experience Missoula's arts community!"

    The Fifteenth Annual National Juried Exhibition Of Traditional Oils
    "The opening reception and awards ceremony will take place on Friday May 5, 2006, from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m." At the Dana Gallery
    The preliminary program is online.

    MCT Community Theater's production of My Fair Lady. The show runs May 4-7, 10-14, 2006, and is sure to be worth seeing. Tickets go on sale April 17th. You can purchase them online, or call (406) 728-PLAY.

    The Missoula Downtown Association has a list of other events going on downtown.

    Please use the comments option to add your own recommendations for events and things to do in Missoula.

    Wednesday, April 05, 2006

    Watch this space ...

    The MLA Conference blog is on it's way. Over the next month we'll finalize the design of this blog and then call for authors.
    • Are you willing to become a conference blogger? Have a digital camera, or are you simply willing to write down your thoughts on the various happenings in Missoula? Drop a line to Steve McCann and we'll set you up as a co-author of this blog.