“Build it and they will come.” That is what the owners of Lapin’s Garden, Jane Berryhill and Keith McCutcheon manifest in their dream of developing and co-creating an outdoor amphitheatre where original musicians of various styles and genres perform. “Co-creating” is an important and meaningful term for the hosts of this special place. “We want the community to contribute to what happens here and how the experience is enjoyed.” speaking from the heart, the hosts both exclaim almost simultaneously. Berryhill and McCutcheon are enthusiastic and welcoming; their personalities are expressed in their extraordinary project. It is a venture in the works, developing intuitively after each performance, building on ideas from how people experience the “happening”.
Lapin is French for rabbit (pronounced La-pins Gar-dun); the name for this special place is just one of many inspirations the couple has adopted into their unique vision. When forced to describe the facility and the many facets of Lapin’s Garden, it challenges one’s sense of norm, attempting to relate it to anything known. How can someone describe a hand-crafted amphitheatre, with original music from a variety of styles and genres, an art farm, visual art workshop for children and artists and community members? How many places can you sit comfortably inside an amphitheatre, enjoying your own picnic or stand outside in a garden area near a fire, chatting with friends or other people inspired by the surroundings, the music, and the beautiful Montana countryside?
There is seating available for one hundred people inside, under the tarps incase of inclement weather, and warmed with propane heaters when necessary. The audience is surrounded by 35 beautiful and colorful large panels that are reversible and can be pivoted around exposing another image on the reverse side. They aid in controlling air flow in the amphitheatre and helping with acoustics. Each side of the panel was painted by a community volunteer with the simple desire to contribute to this special project and to have some fun. Many of the “artists” had never picked up a paint brush before. They were guided by pre-drawn outlines on large canvas panels of Celtic and Native American inspired designs. The results are quite impressive and contribute to the unique feel of facilities. A rain storm during the June 11 performance of Tom Catmull and the Clerics, a four-piece Americana band brought the audience together in unexpected and wonderful ways. The hosts say, “The rain forced people to come together and relate differently with one another. It turned out to be quite fun and relaxed the visitors. We look for those unexpected happenings at every event to inspire fun and community. We want people to expect the unexpected and be pleasantly surprised by those wonderful things that are impossible to plan.”
Fun and community is what Lapin’s Garden is designed for. From the early origins of Lapin’s Garden over two years ago, the creative couple wanted to involve the community in the creation of the project. It was formed and nurtured organically and intuitively with simple ideas of having fun and involving and blending the community, allowing them to contribute their touch and energy into the unusual place. Some members of the willing community got to paint and decorate partition wall panels, helped build a 125 feet long stone wall, apply mosaic tiles to the seats of benches or the tops of walls. Since no food or drink is served, concert goers can bring whatever they want. Many come with gourmet picnic meals, fine bottles of wine and their own table clothes, tray tables and candles, contributing to the special party. People are encouraged to bring a blanket to snuggle into later in the evening if it should get cold. In the venue there are propane heaters to provide some comfort. There are volunteers that help, making sure ticket buyers are welcome and comfortable. It is important to the owners that people feel like they can relax and truly enjoy themselves. There have been people from many areas of Montana attend and as far away as Colorado so far. Visitors from out of the area can connect with Lapin’s Garden on-line to find out about nearby accommodations, including camping.
Lapin’s Garden is designed as a family oriented venue and experience. Berryhill and McCutcheon encourage all ages to come and enjoy the art, music and gardens. People that are 16 and under are free; concert tickets are $15 each. This is a place to make good memories and to possibly instill the importance of being inspired, being creative and appreciating those special talents that may surround us. The two entrepreneurs agree, “It has been very rewarding for us to watch people during these events and witness their smiles, knowing they are helping us create a special time. This is definitely not a passive venture. It is all about having fun, sharing and blending the community.”
Berryhill and McCutcheon don’t feel any limitations as to what purpose Lapin’s Garden may serve. During school days the grounds and facilities are used for various youth educational programs. It is their intention to make the facilities available for special events like weddings and other special gatherings.
At the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley is Sula; the location on highway 93, which hosts a series of musical concerts of original music. You won’t hear cover bands performing. Berryhill and McCutcheon search many on-line references for interesting and varied performers. Each performance is distinct and not intended to appeal to everyone. Berryhill and McCutcheon may be among a few who would appreciate each of the talented performers. Each concert should attract a slightly different kind of crowd and music appreciators.
The remainder of the concert season sounds like this!
Sunday, July 4, Celebrate Independence Day with Grant Maledy and his Jazz Trio from Missouri and Jim Pearson with his personable style of country rock.
Saturday, July 10, Original Americana and contemporary folk music from the talented and humorous singer/songwriter Roy Schneider accompanied by Kim Mayfield. Saturday, July 24, StoneCircle brings a driving, unique sound fusing jazz, classical, and original material to traditional Celtic-based music. Dan Dubuque opens with blues, rhythm, and Soul Sounds of Now through the Charango and Weissenborn.
Friday, August 13, Lapin’s Garden welcomes Portland, Oregon native Keegan Smith!
Saturday, August 28, Drum Brothers with their high energy performance celebrating a diverse mix of world instruments and sounds.
Saturday, September 4, Nashville’s Bonepony and their unique brand of “Stomp Rock” with all the fervor of a traveling tent revival. All shows start at seven in the evening, see www.lapinsgarden.com for more details and links to sample some of the music line-up. Tickets for all shows can be purchased from Mountain Music and Sam’s Spade in Hamilton.
Located at 5880 Hwy 93 South, the third drive on the east after you pass mile marker 19 heading south from Hamilton and Darby. They are one mile north of the Rocky Knob and two miles south of the Naughty Moose. Call 406-821-4883.
Lapin’s Garden is interesting in both a practical and aesthetic sense. Both solar power and a wind turbine contribute to some outdoor lighting and other non-critical electronics. There is a large greenhouse nurturing an herb garden. Everything about the place, especially the creators, Berryhill and McCutcheon says, “Welcome, relax, enjoy, and have fun.”
