2026
SHOWCASE LINEUP
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Montana Performing Arts Consortium
Artist Showcase & Conference
Showcase performances are free and open to the public.*
*Conference events (e.g., workshops, networking sessions, etc.) are for registered conference attendees only.
WE THANK OUR SPONSORS
SHOWCASE I
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 9:00AM
Helena Civic Center
Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Talent Services
Derina Harvey Band
Alberta, Canada
Global / Celtic Rock; Contemporary Folk
The Derina Harvey Band is a Celtic Rock group that has been described as a rockier version of Great Big Sea - if fronted by Adele! The band offers a fresh take on traditional folk tunes as well as their own original contemporary folk songs. Their upbeat live show features powerful lead vocals from Derina Harvey backed by a vacuum-tight band. They toured across North America in support of their 2023 release "Waves of Home", winning fans over and earning an ECMA for "Fans' Choice Entertainer of the Year" in 2024 and two nods for CFMAs in 2025.
Counting Coup​
Montana, United States
Folk/Bluegrass/Americana / Western-blues-folk-rock
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Counting Coup, in its purest form, is an act of bravery reliant upon steel nerves, glorious ambition, and unfaltering faith. This band brings all these things and more to each performance. Counting Coup, with its rugged, rowdy, and broken sound, is bound to draw you in with soulful leads and melodies while flattening you with lyrics that range from gleeful to heart wrenchingly desolate. It is a collaboration of joy, pain, suffering, understanding, and plain old fun.
Steve Soelberg
​Utah, United States
Comedy
https://www.marcatoartists.com/steve-soelberg
Family-friendly comedian Steve Soelberg has over 20 million views on his viral comedy clips, and comedy specials on Amazon Prime, Peacock, Dry Bar, and SiriusXM. He has shared the stage with household names from Kevin James and Norm MacDonald to Sarah Silverman, Demetri Martin, Aziz Ansari, and Nate Bargatze. An observational comic, Steve ranges from the awkwardness of sound baths, to why everyday phrases like “Live Your Best Life!” don’t make sense, to the dangers of eating multiple burritos. His material is appropriate for all ages!
Bare Bait Dance
Montana, United States Classical / Contemporary Modern
https://www.thewestsidetheater.com/barebaitdance
Founded in 2011 by Joy French, Bare Bait Dance is a 501c3, professional dance company based in Missoula, MT. Over the past 15 years, BBD has grown to include a full-season paid professional company, artist residencies, weekly classes/workshops, an annual film festival, and more. We are so honored that audiences and dancers alike continue to be curious about what contemporary dance and performance is and can be. Find Bare Bait Dance at its home venue: Missoula's Westside Theater.
INTERMISSION
ACME Time Machine
​​California, United States
Rock / Pop
https://www.acmetimemachine.com
ACME Time Machine is the ultimate retro Rock ‘n’ Roll revival band, bringing to life the jukebox hits of the 1950s, '60s and beyond by legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke and more. Experience the energy and excitement of these songs performed live as you’ve always imagined they could sound!
Big Sky City Lights
​​Montana, United States
Folk/Bluegrass/Americana / Singer Songwriter
https://www.bigskycitylights.com
Nick Spear and Susan O’Dea live in two completely different worlds. She’s Urban, he’s Rural. She’s Millennial, he’s GenX. She’s a kale chicken caesar, he’s last night’s cold pizza. But when they sing together, they are undeniably aligned. Two things that shouldn’t work actually do, and the connection point for them has always been harmony.
Zephyr Brass Collective​
Colorodo, United States
Classical / Jazz/Pop
https://www.ZephyrBrassCollective.com
The Denver-based Zephyr Brass Collective is a powerhouse quintet performing reimagined pop anthems, jazz-infused grooves, and electrifying takes on orchestral favorites! Zephyr has racked up thousands of new fans through viral performance videos—proving that brass chamber music can be as fresh and current as any genre on stage today. ​Recent appearances include a performance at Colorado State University and a residency at the University of Wyoming, where the ensemble presented programs highlighting new and emerging works for brass quintet.
SHOWCASE II
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1:15PM
Helena Civic Center
Sponsored by MT KUSH
Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce
​​Wisconsin, United States
Popular / Variety
https://www.sungooserecords.com/katevoss
Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce features award-winning vocalist/bassist/melodica player Kate Voss along with her quintet. With a flair for vintage style, they perform a range of styles from Hot Club to originals, Western Swing to Blues and hits from the 50’s-60’s. This band has something for everyone showcasing classic American songs & crooners. With decades on the road, the stories and songs will touch your heart one moment and make you laugh the next. The joy in this show is contagious because as Kate puts it: “We only play songs we love.”
Newbridge
​​Nova Scotia, Canada
Folk/Bluegrass/Americana / country rock
Newbridge is a Halifax, Nova Scotia roots rock/Americana band blending cinematic storytelling with an East Coast perspective. Their debut Past Lives, recorded at Creative Workshop Studio in Nashville with Robbie Crowell, earned national exposure on Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Sportsnet. The band has played Cavendish Beach Music Festival, earned a Music Nova Scotia Americana Award nomination, signed with Rough Trade Publishing NYC, and will appear in a CBC documentary while recording their next album.
The Heels
​​British Columbia Canada
Country / Music (Popular)
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Managed by Conway Entertainment Group, The same powerhouse team behind the rising stars Red Clay Strays and legends Alabama and Randy Travis. The Heels are a country music vocal trio known for their stunning harmonies and captivating storytelling. Made up of Kyla Rawlins, Bobbi Smith, and Brittni Fiddler, the trio delivers a fresh yet timeless sound that blends soulful vocals with heartfelt country roots.
Yaniv Zarif
​​New York, United States
Musical Theatre / Cabaret/Comedy
https://www.marcatoartists.com/yaniv-zarif
Yaniv Zarif is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and entertainer who sings and speaks in 32 languages—from French, Italian and Spanish to Hebrew, Arabic, Japanese, and more. A seasoned touring artist, Zarif has performed in 35 U.S. states, visited more than 100 countries, and shared the stage with legends from Robin Williams to Chita Rivera. Most of all, Yaniv Zarif loves using music, language, and a touch of comedy to celebrate culture and bring people together; after all, music truly is the most universal language of all.
Lee Siegel
​Ontario, Canada
Jazz/Blues / Soul
Lee Siegel presents a retrospective of the greatest soul singers of all time. Drawing from over twenty of the defining voices of soul music such as Sam Cooke, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge. Lee guides his audience through the history of soul with personal recollections on how the music has influenced and guided his life. Featuring the multi-talented Konrad Pluta on keys, this duo has been gracing the stages of Canada and the US since 2008 with their show full of love, laughter and nostalgia.
SHOWCASE III
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 3:45 PM
Helena Civic Center
THE EDGE EFFECT
​Florida, United States
Popular / a cappella
THE EDGE EFFECT - Danny Alan, Troy Dolendo, Sean Gerrity, John Gibson II, and Karl Hudson - is a five-man vocal-band dedicated to great music with NO Autotune. Formed in 2011, the "America's Got Talent" finalists offer a diverse, decade-spanning sound. With experience sharing stages with legends like Prince and Stevie Wonder, they’ve entertained audiences for Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Fortune 500 giants. From high-level VIPs to world tours, they remain dedicated to the raw power of a cappella and vocal harmony.
Mike Super - Magic & Illusion
​Pennsylvania, United States
Magic/Illusion / Theatre
Mike Super is the WINNER of NBC's Hit Series PHENOMENON, the only Magician in history to be named "America's Favorite Mystifier", Top Finalist on America's Got Talent, Featured Artist on Penn & Teller FOOL US. Captivating any audience with his natural ability to entertain and fascinate people. Mike has pioneered a new form of magic with his own inimitable, down-to-earth style and personality. Whether it's through television, stage or simply one-on-one, his personality and sense of humor reaches out and enchants the public.
Nora Spielman
Montana, United States
Classical
Nora Spielman is a dynamic classical guitarist who has captivated audiences across the United States and South America with her powerful solo and chamber performances. Recent engagements include appearances with the Bozeman Symphony, Opera Montana, and Montana Theatre Works, as well as solo recitals at Hunter College, Bloomingdale School of Music, Montana State University, and the Melodies for Montana PBS Benefit Concert. Her programs feature repertoire from the classical canon, Latin America, and new works she has commissioned.
Jason DeShaw​
Montana, United States
Country/Folk
https://www.jasondeshaw.com/​​
Jason DeShaw is a national award-winning mental health advocate and singer-songwriter from Montana whose career spans performances across small towns and international stages. Blending music influenced by Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with a deeply personal story of overcoming mental illness and addiction, DeShaw pairs his rural country performances—often backed by guitarist Dan Henry—with a powerful message of resilience. Alongside his mainstage concerts, he leads "Serenity in the Storm," an educational high school outreach program that has reached over 20,000 students to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.
Dammit Lauren
​Montana, United States
Rock / Alternative
Dammit Lauren! is a rock and roll trio formed in the middle of nowhere, Montana. Born out of a love for alt and indie rock, their music combines melody with unconventional chords and driving rhythm, led by Lauren’s distinctive and dynamic vocals. The band focuses on original music, blending their assorted backgrounds for a soulful alternative rock sound that combines rocking jams with pop hooks.
Artist Jam Session
Sponsored by the LEWIS & CLARK TAP ROOM
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Location: Lewis & Clark Tap Room (1535 Dodge Ave, Helena)
Free & Open to the Public
When the daytime theater showcases wrap up, the music moves to the Lewis & Clark Tap Room for one of the most anticipated traditions of the conference weekend!
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The Artist Jam Session brings together juried showcase performers, visiting musicians, and conference attendees for an unscripted, artist-led evening of spontaneous collaboration. No one knows quite what will happen when this much world-class talent shares one stage—expect impromptu jam sessions, unexpected musical pairings, and unforgettable live energy in a relaxed, welcoming taproom setting.
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Grab a local brew, mingle with the artists, and enjoy a one-of-a-lifetime night of music with the Helena community!