BOZEMAN — Automobile and motorcycle paintings and the cross-section of engineering and the human body will be the themes for the newest exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies. “LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” and "Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering" will both open on Saturday, Jan. 22.

“LUSTER” is a traveling exhibit of more than 45 paintings by more than 10 current realist and hyperrealist artists who use automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subjects. The exhibit intends to capture the vehicles’ status as icons of American art as well as symbols of the 20th and 21st centuries and encompasses a broad range of cars and motorcycles, from pre-1940 to more recent classic vehicles.

During the post-World War II boom years, cheap gas and the advent of the interstate highway system in 1956 propelled automotive design and sales. In the 1950s, the industry reached new heights, offering consumers increased horsepower and more artful, integrated design, exemplified by features such as tail fins. “LUSTER” features paintings of passenger automobiles from those boom years and since, plus a range of motorcycles and racing vehicles, according to Alicia Harvey, director of marketing for the Museum of the Rockies.

The “Human Plus” exhibit offers museum visitors the chance to explore a range of low- and high-tech tools that extend the human body’s abilities and create myriad possibilities to improve day-to-day life for people. The exhibit, funded by the National Science Foundation, features interactive examples such as a simulated downhill mono-ski course, a wheelchair used to control a DJ station, a touch panel that translates music into vibrations, a hands-free computer mouse controlled through slight movements of the head and more.

Visitors can also “redesign” themselves and test body enhancement technologies that supersize their strength in a full-body simulation that showcases the new horizon of engineering.

“From busy moms to engineers, adventurers to dance performers, people who use these new technologies and the innovators themselves share their stories through videos and the real-life tools they use every day,” Harvey said. “Whether caring for children or reaching the summit of Mt. Everest, these stories will captivate our visitors and engage them in the process of discovery and possibilities.”

The exhibitions will be on display through May 1. Museum members will have an opportunity to preview the exhibitions early from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21. They are both included in the price of admission. For more information visit museumoftherockies.org.

The Belgrade City Council on Tuesday, January 18 issued a proclamation recognizing HRDC Streamline for a national transit award the service has received acknowledging its service to the Gallatin Valley during the COVID pandemic.

During a time when many other transit agencies in the country temporarily suspended service, HRDC’s Streamline continued to operate day after day to ensure seniors, veterans and those with disabilities could access essential services in the Gallatin Valley, while also providing critical workforce transportation to those employed in our community.

HRDC recently received national recognition for this outstanding service during the pandemic from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA honored HRDC’s Streamline for keeping the community connected and essential workers on the job during the COVID pandemic.

HRDC was one of only six rural transit agencies in the country to receive the FTA’s "Connecting Rural Communities" Award for its outstanding public transportation system. The other agencies that received the award operate in Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Texas.

"From converting buses into vaccination clinics, to delivering meals to senior citizens and students, to bringing healthy groceries to food deserts and reaching underserved people, these six transit agencies and their workers went above and beyond," said FTA Administrator Fernandez. "Our agency is proud to support transit agencies around the country who are playing such essential roles in the communities they serve."

HRDC DETAILS:
For over 45 years, HRDC has been committed to building a better community in the greater Bozeman area. Through transportation solutions, food and nutrition services, affordable housing, early childhood education, and financial coaching, HRDC plays a pivotal role in enhancing our hard-working neighbors’ quality of life. Visit theHRDC.org to learn more.

BOZEMAN — With a series of recently awarded grants totaling $6.4 million, Montana State University scientists and their collaborators are exploring ways to optimize the use of algae for making biofuel and other products while removing carbon dioxide from the air.

Building on more than a decade of MSU research on the topic, the three projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation seek to advance understanding of how the tiny, plant-like microorganisms interact with their aquatic environment. That could lead to new ways of fine-tuning algae's ability to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into natural oils that can then be refined into vehicle fuels, plastics and more, according to MSU researcher Robin Gerlach.

"It’s a topic that's really heating up right now," said Gerlach, professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in MSU's Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. "We're using a new generation of technologies to look at interactions in algae communities down to the level of single cells."

Gerlach is leading one of the projects, funded with $1.2 million from the NSF, that focuses on studying the relationship between algae and the other microbes they coexist with in the swimming pool-like tanks where algae are typically cultivated. In much the same way that human digestion relies on a community of bacteria found in the gut, growing evidence suggests that algae may also benefit from a so-called microbiome, Gerlach said.

By cultivating algae in the lab and then carefully introducing one or more strains of bacteria, the MSU researchers can study how the different organisms exchange nutrients. Lasers are used to pluck individual cells from sample dishes, and rapid genetic sequencing of the specimens can provide insight into how the bacteria and algae interact.

"What we're trying to do is build teams of microorganisms that have better capabilities together than each has individually," said Ross Carlson, professor in the chemical and biological engineering department, who is co-leading the project with Huyen Bui, assistant research professor in MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering, and CBE Director Matthew Fields. "Ultimately we hope to create something like a library of bacteria that we know interact with algae in productive ways," Carlson said.

Together with a related project funded with $2 million from DOE, the studies focus on algae adapted to living with high concentrations of sodium bicarbonate, the primary ingredient in baking soda. MSU collaborators at University of Toledo discovered a strain of algae in eastern Washington’s Soap Lake, which contains high levels of the mineral. Subsequent research showed that the lake's unique environment allows the algae to metabolize carbon dioxide very efficiently while reducing competition from other microbes. According to Fields, alkaline systems with high pH like the lake can produce some of the highest carbon dioxide utilization rates in nature, which was one of the driving factors to investigate the microorganisms under these conditions.

“These algae are definitely what you’d call extremophiles,” or organisms adapted to extreme environments, Carlson said. “We’re still learning how to fully leverage that.”

The DOE project — which includes collaborators at University of Toledo, University of North Carolina, Clemson University, Ford Motor Co. and industrial products manufacturer Sonoco — is focused on exploring several potential production improvements using the natural advantages of the unique algae, such as new ways of circulating water in cultivation tanks. Typically, large algae farms rely on supplemental carbon dioxide, such as from a fossil fuel-burning power plant, but the extremophile algae may be able to subsist wholly by pulling the gas from ambient air, according to Gerlach. That could enable algae production in more locations and reduce the need for costly infrastructure. Plus, production facilities could create the high alkalinity needed by adding sodium bicarbonate, a readily available and inexpensive mineral, he added.

Related research led by Sridhar Viamajala, professor of chemical engineering at University of Toledo, focuses on optimizing algae production by reducing biochemical inefficiencies caused by the daily swing from sunlight-filled day to dark night. The study, funded by an additional $3.2 million from DOE, dovetails with the NSF project by seeking to improve algae production with cooperative communities of microbes as well as new cultivation practices.

The goal of the project, which includes collaborators at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Hawaii-based biotech company Global Algae Innovations, is to boost productivity by 20% during fall and spring, according to Gerlach, who is co-leading the MSU portion of the project with Carlson and Fields. MSU is receiving roughly $1 million of the funds.

Gerlach estimated that the three projects will support a total of at least six doctoral students and two postdoctoral researchers at MSU and will directly involve more than a dozen MSU undergraduates.

Interest in algae biofuel reached a peak during the 1970s energy shortages and has since ebbed and flowed in response to oil prices, with the high costs of piping in carbon dioxide reducing the thin profit margins, Gerlach explained. That’s why tapping the full potential of organisms like the Soap Lake algae to produce biomaterials using only ambient carbon dioxide could have such a big impact, he said.

“These projects could make significant contributions to moving us toward a new bioeconomy where algae play a major role in making fuel, plastics and other products while helping us reduce carbon emissions,” Gerlach said. "We have instrumentation and expertise here at MSU that are really well suited to tackling that challenge.”

Bozeman, MT— The City of Bozeman signed into effect this month a new policy to provide paid parental leave of up to eight weeks for City employees. The policy recognizes the importance of bonding and caring for a new child, and hopes to support parents during an exciting and stressful time in their lives.

The policy provides eligible City employees with up to eight weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or adoption, either experienced by themselves or with their spouse or partner. Qualified employees must have been employed by the City for at least 180 days.

City Manager Jeff Mihelich says, “Adding a new family member is both thrilling and overwhelming. I’m proud to say that as an employer we are taking steps to ensure that City staff have a means of financial support as they go through a big life event!”

Mihelich adds, “The City of Bozeman strives to be a best in class employer and already offers great benefits as a government agency. However, now more than ever it is critical that we do everything we can to retain the great employees that we have. This new policy is just another way for us to make the City a great place for employees to have a long career.”

Implementing a paid parental leave policy was identified as a part of the City of Bozeman’s work to be a more inclusive city. The goal of this work is to ensure that every resident, visitor, and City of Bozeman employee feel welcomed and valued, and can thrive no matter their race, identity, or life circumstance.

Several cities and counties in Montana have enacted similar policies. The City of Bozeman is the first local municipality employer to offer a full eight weeks to employees.

See the City of Bozeman’s full policy on their website.

Calling all adventurers, nature admirers, and campers, to explore the breathtaking Lake Tahoe. It is situated on the California-Nevada state line and is easily the most beautiful lake in this State. Lake Tahoe is deeper than the Empire State Building with a whopping 22-mile radius. The larger-than-life lake is a dreamy all-year-round getaway. Here are 6 cool things to do on an escape to Lake Tahoe. 

Boating at Emerald Bay 

Relaxing cruises while tanning or kayaking with your buddies, Emerald Bay is the perfect spot for you. It is on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe. We highly recommend renting a boat at Lake Tahoe for the best Tahoe experience with your friends or family. As it is more shaded than the rest of the lake and shallower, the water changes from crystal blue to a blue-green (hence the name); making for beautiful photo opportunities. 

Tahoe Day Hikes 

On a summer's day, nature trails are the perfect activity whether you are alone or in a large group. Lake Tahoe’s trail is scenic and rejuvenating. The Cascade Fall Trail is best for beginners, Rubicon Trail is a tourist favorite while Mount Tallac is suited for advanced hikers and backpackers. Hikes can be enjoyed on foot, mountain bike, and even horseback. So saddle up, grab your sunnies and enjoy the day in nature. If you are unsure of the path, make sure to check out the route beforehand via GPS to ensure a safe excursion. 

Snowboarding and Skiing Adventures

Sweaty summer trails are not for the faint-hearted but Lake Tahoe’s winter slopes are its claim to fame since the 1960s Winter Olympics. You can stay at the Palisades Tahoe Resort for a historical throwback to the Olympics, or at the Heavenly Resort for a variety of slopes. While skiing, keep an eye out for the majestic Tundra Swan and other winter animals. If you are like me and drawn to the snow, grab your skis and head to Lake Tahoe in January and February. 

Most Instagram-Worthy Foods

Glazed and Confused is the iconic donut spot at Lake Tahoe. This boutique bakery puts a whimsical take on your predictable store-bought donut. Locals’ favorite is the fried chicken glazed donut. Floyd the Donut is the store’s mascot who pops up in-store - a fun family-friendly selfie moment. Stop by the Glazed and Confused cafe for your morning go-to snack before exploring the rest of your day. 

Local Historic Sites

Lake Tahoe has a strong historical architecture imprinted in its natural surroundings. The Washoe Tribe, meaning ‘people from here’, were native to Lake Tahoe. The Tallac Museum on the Baldwin Estate honors the tribe’s history, featuring early 1930’s home life. Taking the time to acknowledge the origin story of the lake is a reflective and insightful experience. Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian-inspired historical site, built in 1929 by Mrs. Knight at Emerald Bay. You can take a tour of the mansion, stay a night or exclusively explore through ‘Conversations with History’. Partying during the 1920s is recreated during August each year. The Gatsby Festival includes vintage car displays, jazz concerts, and family fun markets on the estate premises. Grab your pearls, practice doing your hair in the classic 1920’s finger waves, and hide your liquor, for a night filled with Louis Armstrong musical wonders. 

Camping at Kings Beach

Camping or lounging at the beach is an inexpensive and easy alternative to all the activities at Lake Tahoe. Tourists will love it because it has so many trendy cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Grab your camera and take your family and friends along to experience a relaxing water adventure on paddleboards and kayaks. For all of the fishermen, don’t forget to apply for a license so that you can enjoy a long day of fishing in the summer sun. We recommend ending the beach day off with a couple of blankets and campfire songs while you stay warm next in the barbecue pits and have late-night conversations and laughs at the picnic tables. Mark Twain best described Lake Tahoe as the fairest picture on earth. With endless adventure activities for everyone, it is no understatement that Lake Tahoe is a wonderful getaway destination.  

BOZEMAN — A new feature-length documentary film from Montana PBS about Montana’s freestyle skiing legacy will premiere on Montana PBS at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. It will be accompanied by free screenings at the Emerson Center’s Crawford Theater in Bozeman on Jan. 26 and at the Wilma Theater in Missoula on Jan. 27.

“Mavericks” follows the careers of a number of Montana freestyle skiers, including Missoula’s Olympic gold medal winner Eric Bergoust, Butte’s Bryon Wilson and Whitefish’s Maggie Voisin. Using visuals from international competitions, archival footage and original cinematography, the film captures “the struggles, victories, unsurpassed work ethic and unbreakable spirit of some of the state’s most renowned athletes in a sport where mere seconds determine the outcome of a career,” according to Kelly Gorham, producer and writer. Scott Sterling, director of production at Montana PBS, is the film’s producer, director and editor; and Aaron Pruitt, Montana PBS director and general manager, is executive producer.

The filmmakers call Montana freestyle skiers the mavericks of the sport, with multiple freestyle skiers from throughout the state getting their start on homemade jumps and then going on to impressive careers. Freestyle skiing is a sport comprising aerials, moguls, half-pipe, slopestyle and more, with skiers often performing aerial flips and spins.

“Opportunities to make a film like ‘Mavericks’ don’t come along often,” Sterling said. “This film was as exciting to produce as it is to watch, and I’m thrilled to bring the incredible legacy of freestyle skiing in Montana to the forefront while celebrating our local athletes and inspiring future generations.”

During the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan, Bergoust won an Olympic gold medal and set a world record for aerials. A dozen years later, Wilson took home bronze for his mogul performance at the Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada. Voisin followed with an X Games gold medal in Colorado in 2018 and a second X Games gold medal in Norway in 2020. She also competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she finished fourth in the slopestyle competition, and has earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Ski Team for the 2022 Winter Olympics, which are set to begin next month in Beijing. The film also follows the careers of Olympians Heather McPhie of Bozeman, Darian Stevens of Missoula and Bradley Wilson of Butte.

Gorham – a former competitive freestyle skier who, decades ago, trained and competed with many of the individuals featured in the film – began crafting the “Mavericks” story more than 10 years ago. Crews began filming “Mavericks” in 2018, capturing footage of athletes performing at several major events, including the 2018 FIS VISA Freestyle International in Deer Valley, Utah, and the 2019 FIS World Championships in Deer Valley and Park City, Utah. Other filming locations have included Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Whitefish. Gorham said he and Sterling also sorted through hundreds of hours of archival footage to find the right clips to use in the roughly 57-minute film.

But even though it features impressive skiing feats in beautiful settings, Gorham said the film isn’t what many would consider to be a traditional ski film.

“I feel like we’re breaking new ground,” he said. “We’re focusing on the history (of the sport), as well as current modern freestyle. We also talk about the darker side of freestyle skiing: injuries, failures, self-doubt.”

Gorham, now 49, said his own experience and reality as a freestyle skier may be why he was so intent on making sure the film addressed injuries and more.

Gorham, who grew up in Missoula, competed in freestyle skiing from 1986 to 1992. He achieved success regionally, including competing at the 1989 U.S. Junior National championships held in Telluride, Colorado. In 1991, he made the U.S. Junior ski team. He also qualified for the Junior World Championships that were held that year in France, but he wasn’t able to compete due to injury. He spent the next summer in Oregon training at Mt. Hood and expected to continue competing at a high level. But a crash resulted in a bone graft surgery, ending his competitive skiing career.

Making a film featuring many of his closest friends and skiing teammates was challenging in some ways, Gorham said.

“So many of these people (in the film) I’ve known for so long; I felt extra pressure to write a story that did the history and the people justice,” he said.

Still, his deep understanding of the sport and friendship with many of the people featured in “Mavericks” likely benefitted the film, Gorham added. 

“At the same time, I’m not an outsider, and it was very easy to talk to them,” Gorham said. “I had a comfort that I don’t know that I would have had otherwise to ask them the more difficult questions about things like injury and the mental side of the sport.”

At its heart, Sterling – who grew up on the slopes in Aspen, Colorado, and also has a passion for skiing – said the film is a story about hard-working people who love what they do.

“These people happen to be skiers, and they happen to be doing really cool stuff with their bodies and really amazing tricks,” he said. “But as far as I’m concerned, they could be bike riders, chess players or anything else. The point is to tell their story, which is a Montana story.

“We made this film to appeal to everybody,” he added. “We want it to appeal to a farmer in Broadus just as much as someone who is a (competitive freestyle skier).”

Both Sterling and Gorham agreed that the film benefitted from what they called a unique collaboration.

“This project likely wouldn’t have happened, at least in this way, without Kelly’s background and knowledge of the subject, and without the experience, assets and desire on the part of Montana PBS to tell the story,” Sterling said.

“This was a challenging production, and it needed someone with Scott’s experience to carry it across the finish line,” Gorham said.

Gorham added he is thrilled with the final product.

“If I had a million dollars and another year to work on it, there’s nothing I would change,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best film we could possibly make.”

Both Gorham and Sterling are graduates of the MSU School of Film and Photography. In addition to his work on the film, Gorham serves as director of visual media for MSU’s communications office. Sterling is an accomplished filmmaker and has received numerous professional recognitions, including 11 Northwest Emmy® Awards. Perhaps his most successful film so far has been “The Violin Alone,” which won six Northwest Regional Emmy Awards in 2018. He also serves as director and producer of Montana PBS’s award-winning series “11th & Grant with Eric Funk.”

In addition to its Jan. 30 premiere at 6 p.m. on Montana PBS, “Mavericks” will air again at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, and during the Montana PBS pledge drive on Monday, Feb. 28.

The Bozeman premiere of “Mavericks” on Jan. 26 is free and open to the public. Doors to the Emerson Center’s Crawford Theater will open at 6:30 p.m., with the film beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are not required, but those attending are advised to arrive early to get a seat. Door prizes will be offered to those in attendance, with giveaway items courtesy of Girls Outdoors. 

On the following night, Jan. 27, the film will premiere in Missoula at the Wilma. Doors to that free screening will open at 6:30 p.m., with the film beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are not required, but those attending are advised to arrive early to get a seat.

More information about the film is available at montanapbs.org/programs/mavericks/.

Are you facing issues with productivity while working remotely? Well, you’re not alone: many people aren’t performing as well as they used to. However, there are plenty of ways to make you better at what you do.

The past few years have shown us that health should be our number one priority. Moreover, it also proved that working from home is possible, although it isn’t always the best thing when it comes to productivity. If you’re still working remotely to this day, we’ve gathered a few tips that will help you improve your productivity.

Let’s check them out!

Top ways to boost productivity while working remotely

To ensure that you are productive while working remotely and have enough time at the end of the day to spend with your loved ones, follow the steps below!

1. Set some rules with the people you live with

According to Statista, around 33.8% of people reported that their kids were a source of distraction while working from home. Understandably, you will need to provide time for your family. However, to ensure that this does not clash with your work hours, set some ground rules.

Make sure that your kids and other family members are busy somewhere else while you work. They should be aware that you are working and can’t be disturbed constantly.

To be the best at your work, make sure you use the right technology. For instance,

By utilizing the right technology, your work will be much more efficient, organized, and you’ll spend your time much more productively.

Working from your bed may sound great, but it usually isn’t the most productive working environment. To be productive and keep it up, make sure you have a proper workspace. Here are a few things to do:

One of the best ways to keep yourself disciplined and productive is by setting your working hours. Yes, it can be a bit tough to follow them initially as you probably have many other things to take care of during the day. But giving all of your attention to your work for a given period of time will make you much more productive than you would be if you jumped around your tasks all day.

Also, avoid sleeping in and starting work super late. Try to start as early as possible as your mind is more active in the morning.

We all have tasks related to both our personal lives and work. The more things you need to get done, the more likely you are to forget them, so you should always have a to-do list. A well-written list of tasks makes it easy for you to remember them and stay committed.

Many of us don’t care about what we wear while working from home. It may be comfortable to work in your pajamas right after you get out of bed, but that may not be very good for productivity. Always dress up before starting work, even if that just means swapping your pajamas with sweatpants. Getting dressed gives your brain a signal that you are awake and ready to work.

Conclusion

Being productive can be a great challenge when working from home. However, there are many great solutions to this problem. Keep all the above-mentioned factors in mind and include them in your routine to stay on top of all of your tasks.

The recreational use of cannabis or marijuana has been popular for a long time. However, the laws are different for each place. Cannabis is still illegal in many cities. In recent times, though, many states across the US have started the process of decriminalizing the use of cannabis. This means you can legally take weed both for recreational and medical use there. In other parts of the world, such as Amsterdam, for example, the authorities have been more acceptable for a long time.

Restrictions are being lifted in many other parts of the world as well. So, which place should you visit if you are thinking of indulging a little? Here are some of the world’s best places to smoke cannabis. Check them out.

Top 5 Places in the World to Smoke Cannabis

Here are some of the world’s most cannabis-friendly places

Barcelona is Spain’s second-biggest city and a major tourist destination. There is so much to see and do both within the city and around it. Cannabis too is a major attraction in Barcelona. It attracts a lot of visitors.

There are two ways to smoke cannabis legally in Barcelona. You can do it in the privacy of a local. It is legal for the locals to grow up to two plants in their homes. And second, you can become a member of a cannabis club in Barcelona. Even visiting tourists are allowed membership for a year, after which, it can easily be renewed. Remember, it is illegal to smoke, buy, or sell cannabis in public in Barcelona, which makes the club the best place.

You will find hundreds of cannabis clubs in the city, so there are plenty of options. Many of these clubs play live music, have games, food, and drinks.

Amsterdam has for long been very popular with cannabis smokers. It is one of the world’s most free-thinking cities. Marijuana is completely legal in Amsterdam, which means, you will find it readily. The locals and visiting tourists can both buy cannabis in the many cafes that are spread throughout this Dutch city. However, you have to be at least 18 years old to buy cannabis in these coffee shops. You can come twice daily to the same café to get your marijuana. There is also a large product range to choose from. Interestingly, unlike Barcelona, the locals cannot grow cannabis in their homes. There are no cannabis clubs as well.

In the United States, the first state that legalized the medical use of cannabis was California. That was in 1996. CA was also among the first that legalize its recreational use. This is why many weed lovers flock to California to try various types of cannabis. San Francisco has emerged as a top destination.

You will find many dispensaries in San Francisco where you will find various types of strains. Many cannabis lovers also go to Los Angeles for this. Other popular cities in the state for marijuana are Glendale, Fullerton, and Garden Grove. You will find everything related to cannabis in these cities.

Many consider Denver in Colorado, USA, to be the marijuana capital of the country. The city doesn’t have any coffee shops where you can get marijuana like in Amsterdam. There are also no cannabis clubs like Barcelona or dispensaries like San Francisco.

In Denver, to get marijuana, you have to go to a social consumption lounge. The city has more than 400 of these lounges. You can also visit Lakewood and Colorado Springs in the same state to get your plant or marijuana.

Jamaica’s capital Kingston should also make it to this list. Marijuana is very popular in many local communities. The city also doesn’t have any cannabis clubs. There are no coffee shops too. However, you can easily find your marijuana on the beaches. It is easily available. There are some medical dispensaries too where you can get it.

Of course, there are other cannabis-friendly cities spread throughout the world as well, such as Montego Bay in Jamaica, Chicago, Montevideo in Uruguay, Vancouver, Toronto, Nimbin in Australia, and Goa. Marijuana is available easily in many of these places, but it is not always legal. To get it legally, it is best to visit Amsterdam or Barcelona.

Bozeman, January 2022 – The Bozeman Symphony is proud to announce the appointment of its first-ever General Manager Jacob Blaser, a veteran in the events management industry with more than two decades of experience. Blaser has worked with world-renowned companies such as Intel, Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and most recently as Oregon Symphony’s Director of Operations, before officially joining the Bozeman Symphony administrative team on January 3, 2022.


As the Bozeman Symphony continues to grow under the leadership of Music Director Norman Huynh and Executive Director Emily Paris-Matin, so did the need to hire additional specialized staff to help propel the organization forward. Blaser will assist Huynh and Paris-Martin on the Bozeman Symphony’s leadership team through managing orchestra operations, concert production, and long-term vision and growth plans to ensure this bright future.

“It is wonderful that we have not only expanded our administrative leadership team, but we have recruited an individual like Jacob with significant skills and expertise that will be an active part of the Symphony’s next phase of development,” said Paris-Martin. “The Symphony is poised for growth as we continue to experience increased enthusiasm within the community. It is remarkable the support Bozeman demonstrates for its Symphony, providing the opportunity for us to invest in, and attract, exceptional talent among our leadership and musicians.”

Huynh was first introduced to Blaser at the Oregon Symphony in 2017 and quickly recognized his talents to operate a team and effectively manage large-scale events. Since becoming Music Director in June 2020, Huynh has expanded the Bozeman Symphony’s offerings beyond classical with Bozeman Symphony Presents, a celebration of popular music accessible to all audiences; Current Commotion, an experimental music series highlighting living composers; and a strong desire to launch a summertime music festival.

“The Bozeman Symphony is growing at an unprecedented rate,” said Huynh. “We are pushing the envelope in the concerts that we produce and Jacob’s vast experience across multiple industries is essential to ensuring that we are successful in our endeavor to be a leader in the performing arts for the Gallatin Valley region. His knowledge of music, production, and his keen eye for quality will ensure that our growth is successful.”

Blaser was first introduced to the Bozeman community for the Symphony’s sold-out performances of Holiday Spectacular in December 2021, where he assisted the Bozeman Symphony musicians, staff, and volunteers for an incredibly successful weekend of live symphonic music.

“The Bozeman Symphony is an organization gearing up for big things, in a vibrant and growing community that clearly loves to support and enjoy the arts,” said Blaser. “I am thrilled to be joining a fabulous team for this next leg of the Symphony's journey and growth. There is a great opportunity right now for how the arts respond to the changes in the region, and I am excited to add my voice to that conversation.”

As the Bozeman Symphony enters the second half of the 2021/22 concert season, and planning for next season has already begun, the organization will look to Blaser’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry to continue its success.

“The power of music to transform and inspire rarely happens by chance,” said Blaser. “It takes musicians willing to work hard and perform even harder on stage, as well as a team of dedicated people behind the scenes who enable that performance. I believe the Bozeman Symphony is going to be making tremendous artistic and community contributions in the next few years, and I am looking forward to lending my experience in arts administration and my passion for music, to make that a reality.”

For more information or media inquiries about the appointment of General Manager Jacob Blaser, please contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585-9774 or info@bozemansymphony.org.

Jacob Blaser, General Manager - Jacob Blaser grew up in the Pacific Northwest, from the college town, and home of the Ducks, Eugene Oregon. Music performance was a strong passion for Jacob while in High School and College. This led him towards broadening his education, both in the classroom and on the stage, to include concert technologies and logistics, a combination of disciplines that would prove to be a strong foundation for his career.

With over two decades of event management experience, Jacob offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge. After starting a successful music studio in the Willamette Valley and working with local acts on studio and live concert recordings, Jacob moved in 2002 to Portland, Oregon where he honed his skills as an event producer for a small AV and Event company. Jacob’s management and leadership skills helped the company grow its yearly event revenue by over 1300% in just a few years, working with world-recognized companies such as Intel, Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and numerous others throughout the West Coast, including many of the arts nonprofits that operate in Oregon.

Most recently before joining the Bozeman Symphony, Jacob worked for the oldest orchestra in the Western United States, the Oregon Symphony, joining the team in 2015 as an Operations Manager, before being promoted as Director of Operations. While there he supervised a fantastic administrative and technical team that implemented hundreds of concerts and worked with numerous artists, vendors, and venues. Jacob also paved the way for media to play a stronger role at the Oregon Symphony, producing and directing multiple video projects, as well as implementing the Symphony's first ever paid live stream event.

As the General Manager for the Bozeman Symphony Jacob is excited to take part in the region's thriving arts and music scene, to get to know the Bozeman community and to enjoy the natural splendor that Montana has to offer.

In his off time, you can find Jacob playing his guitar, out in nature, traveling locally and abroad, reading a good book at home, or spending time with his friends and family, most likely playing a fun board game.