Out and About in Northwest Montana

Eureka Rendezvous Days Hot-rods & Buckskins

WhitefishRadio.com braved the rainy cold weather and headed north on April 24 for the 32nd Annual Rendezvous Days in Eureka, MT. The clouds parted and sun shone for the duration of the Hot-rods & Buckskins Parade.



Our Zooniacs, hosts of the Saturday morning kids program featuring Jungle Jack Hanna, made lots of new friends while handing out animal toys to the young spectators. It was great to see our friends from the Whitefish Winter Carnival Royalty atop their float with Yeti & Penguin accompaniment.



We found a great place to set up "camp" among the classic cars and enjoyed meeting our neighbors for the day. The Zooniacs gave away more great prizes and shared some of their expansive knowledge about the animal kingdom.

A big THANK YOU to the Rendezvous Days folks for inviting us and to the great people of Eureka for hosting us; we had a great time and are looking forward to next year!

Bartending for Charity to Benefit North Valley Music School

Whitefish's finest and funnest came out to support the North Valley Music School on April 30, 2010. Ross and Sue Strauser, owners were celebrity bar tenders for the evening with special guests: John Dunnigan, North Valley Music School Suzuki String Students, Roustabout, and David Ackroyd.

A Cruise for Ten on Lake MacDonald with Ribs by Ross was the prize for a special drawing held. Eugene & Carla from Calgary won the drawing and are excited to have a new activity for their annual summer vacation to Glacier National Park.


The Whitefish Winter Carnival Royalty stopped by to bestow the following title on Ross and Sue: Baronial "Big Fish" Bartenders; Celebrated Celebrities, Carefully Concocting Copious Cocktails with a Commanding and Quite Carnival Contrivance. Majestically Mixing Merriment and Melange for the Merit of North Valley Music School.




We appreciate the Boat Club for holding such a wonderful event and the crowd who participated so enthusiastically in the evening's festivities. A great time was had by all!

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH THE BIG FISH!

How does WhitefishRadio.com celebrate Halloween? We'll start a day early on Thursday during Rob Quist live from 10 AM to Noon MST, where you can catch Jungle Jack Hanna sharing his 'Scariest Moments.' On Friday, downtown Whitefish starts jumpin' early from 2:30 to 5:30 PM with Trick or Treat Street. The downtown merchants open their doors to all the little ghouls and goblins who come dressed up to trick or treat in a safe and friendly environment. The Big Fish Trailer will be there playing classic Halloween music, passing out candy, Big Fish bumper stickers and magnets. Come see us at the south end of Main Street. Then, for more frightful Halloween fun, log on to WhitefishRadio.com's live stream for the return of 'DRACULA' at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM MST. This original Mercury Radio Theatre, Orson Wells adaptation is performed by Alpine Theatre Project's David Ackroyd, Luke Walrath, Betsi Morrison, and Nick and Rebecca Spear. To listen, click on the flashing 'LIVE STREAM' button in the upper left corner on our website, turn down the lights, and prepare to scream! Can't listen live? No worries. Dracula is also available 'on-demand'.

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween from all of us at WhitefishRadio.com!

Catch The Big Fish & ATP at the Winter Carnival Parade

On Saturday, February 2nd, WhitefishRadio.com along with our good friends from the Alpine Theatre Project will be in the Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade. Watch for our trailer on the parade route down Central Avenue beginning at 3:00PM. David Ackroyd, from Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! and Nick Spear, Montana's Anchorman right here on The Big Fish, will entertain you along with Rebecca Spear, Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath. We'll have stickers and candy for the kids. Ross Strauser will be announcing the parade with former Prime Minister, Anita Welch from the balcony of the Great Northern Brewery. This duo alone is sure to entertain the crowd. We look forward to seeing everyone downtown at the Whitefish Winter Carnival. For more Winter Carnival information, interviews, photos, and more, visit our website, http://www.whitefishradio.com/.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR FRIENDS!

We are truly blessed here at WhitefishRadio.com, as we close in on our first year on the internet. Thank you to everyone who has helped our endeavor become a success. From our web people and employees, to our many contributers, advertisers and faithful listeners, we 'Thank You!' May each and everyone of you enjoy a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Watch for many exciting new changes coming to The Big Fish soon. In the meantime, catch an all new 'Where in the World is Jack Hanna?', 'Lights, Camera, Ackroyd!', and John Dunnigan's show with The Singing Sons of Beaches. Next week; new holiday specials from Health Quest, and Mac Bledsoe. There are many great holiday events coming up in the near future, many of which are posted on our events page, so check back often!

DRACULA ATTACKS THE BIG FISH!

The Alpine Theatre Project and WhitefishRadio.com are bringing Dracula, Bram Stoker's classic Gothic horror tale, to life in a special radio adaptation to be aired exclusively on the internet on Halloween. Based on a 1938 Orson Welles adaptation, the radio production features the stars of the Alpine Theatre Project in various roles with David Ackroyd performing the blood-sucking Count.

This marks the second radio production by the Alpine Theatre Project. Last year they presented Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol live at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. That production was aired on Montana Public Radio.

"I'm in love with this medium," said ATP Executive Director Luke Walrath. "It's an art form that is slowly making a comeback, and Dracula is a perfect play for it. It's filled with eerie music and terrifying sound effects."

Told mainly through a series of journal entries, Dracula tells the tale of the ageless vampire as he attempts to relocate from Transylvania to Victorian London. The relocation has a terrifying effect on all involved."

"The piece has almost a documentary feel to it at times," said ATP Artistic Director, Betsi Morrison, who also plays Mina Harker in the production. "It creates a truly chilling effect because of that. I like to think of it like a Victorian-era Blair Witch Project."

The production has been recorded and edited at the WhitefishRadio.com studio, helmed by The Big Fish's Ross Strauser who will also be the play's announcer. "One of the reasons we created Whitefishradio.com, was to bring quality entertainment back to radio, and it's a real treat to work with the professionals from Alpine Theatre Project. This is the first of many collaborations planned with ATP," said WhitefishRadio.com owner Ross Strauser.

Unlike traditional radio airings, this production will be available to listeners at any time through WhitefishRadio.com's "On Demand" feature. Listeners will be able to stream the program directly to their computers.

"ATP is committed to reaching out to a larger audience," said Walrath. "We are gaining an national reputation through our regular productions as well as special shows starring our Honorary Board members like John Lithgow and Olympia Dukakis. Broadcasting over the internet is a perfect way to let people all over the world know of what a vibrant community we have here in the Valley."

Dracula, starring Betsi Morrison, Nick Spear, Rebecca Spear, Luke Walrath, and David Ackroyd as Count Dracula, will air on Halloween and can be heard "On Demand" at www.WhitefishRadio.com. Information can be found by calling ATP at 862-7469 or WhitefishRadio.com at 862-5250, and also by visiting The Big Fish website.

The Big Fish, Live on Location!

A Big Fish First! WhitefishRadio.com hits the streets of Downtown Whitefish Tuesday and Thursday, October 9th and 11th, with David Ackroyd and John Dunnigan. David's show, Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! will be live at The Loft (above The Toggery), on Tuesday with special guests, John Zoltek from the Glacier Symphony and Chorale, Betsy Morrison, Luke Walrath, Nick and Rebecca Spear, from Alpine Theatre Project, and a special surprise guest, from 10AM to Noon MST. Then on Thursday, The John Dunnigan Show, goes to the Buffalo Cafe' during his regular show time from 10AM to Noon. John will be joind by musical guests for entertainment and great food. Stop by and join us in Downtown Whitefish or listen live at http://www.whitefishradio.com/. As always, both shows will be available on demand.

Falling Back Into The Swing

Summer flew by, school is back in session, and visitors to our beautiful state of Montana, for the most part, have returned to their homes. Fall is nipping at our heels as we settle back into a routine and prepare ourselves for the winter ahead. As everything around us seems to be slowly winding down, WhitefishRadio.com is full-speed ahead.

Getting back to school is a very positive change for most, but with it comes many challenges for our kids. Mac Bledsoe, features an all new series titled Back to School right here on The Big Fish. This series is full of wonderful advice for parents, students, and teachers on subjects like homework, better grades, following the rules and the importance of kids getting involved with school activities.

More often than not, school activities include a heavy emphasis on sports, which led The Big Fish to fulfill a community request by adding an all new Flathead Valley Sports Page. Here you can keep up with all the latest scores on our sports ticker, view game schedules in one convenient location, hear coach and player interviews, news and more.

Because you can get the hard-hitting news anywhere, WhitefishRadio.com is committed to maintaining a news page that brings positive, community interest stories to the forefront. If you have a story of interest that you would like to see on our site, please contact us here.

It was another great week with our local celebrities, David Ackroyd, John Dunnigan, and Jungle Jack Hanna. The week started off on Tuesday with Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! where Jungle Jack made a special appearance to talk television with David about his upcoming new series Into the Wild. This week David delved into "Bad Career Moves," and Jack was up to his usual animal antics while also discussing his "bad career moves." Back by popular demand, Jerry Clemmens was John Dunnigan's guest on Thursday. During the show an old friend called in, all the way from Austin, Texas to say "hi" to his friend Jerry. Jerry was in prime form with great tunes, crazy jokes and commentary. David, John, and Jack are all available 24/7, on demand.

The Big Fish will be out and about in Whitefish this weekend as Ross Strauser MC's the Two Bear Marathon. Come out and cheer on over 120 runners from all over the world as they participate in this 26.2 mile run. For more on this story, visit our news page where you can hear an interview with Brad Seaman, Co-Director of the event. Hope to see you at the race!

Have a great weekend!

What a Summer It Has Been!

Where to begin....?

It has been a fantastic first summer for us here at WhitefishRadio.com, and we'd like to thank all our listeners and sponsors for making our first months so successful. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you like what you see and hear, tell a friend.

There is so much to catch up on, so let's start with our good friend, John Dunnigan. John is back LIVE! Yes, live in the studio this Thursday! He has returned from his summer fair tour and will be sharing new music from new artists he met on the road; and we are sure he will be telling many other stories you won't want to miss. John writes:

Greetings to all.
Hope you had a safe and smoke free summer?
We are not out of the woods yet!
But at least I can see across the street into my neighbors house..oops.
I had a very eventful summer playing all over the Northwest, opening and
playing with some very cool acts!
Saw old friends and made a ton of new ones.
Had a fishing license in four different states...but believe me the fish populations are the same when I leave as when I got there?
I will be back on the air LIVE this Thursday morning....where I will elaborate a bit more on the travels of a Whitefish guitar player
Thursday at 10 a.m.

Let's shift gears a bit, but stay with the entertainment theme. David Ackroyd has been with us all summer each Tuesday morning from 10 am to Noon MST. In the midst of his insanely busy summer, he managed to bring in special guests each week. If you missed any of the Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! shows, catch them on demand. What a phenomenal summer Alpine Theatre Project has had! There are still a few days left to see "Moonlight and Magnolias." The Big Fish went to all three plays and thoroughly enjoyed it all. David, Luke and Betsi together have brought something so fantastic to this community. Thank you ATP for entertaining us this summer. We are so fortunate to have you here in the Flathead Valley.

Summer has passed in the blink of an eye, as school gets underway. As another school year begins The Big Fish is gearing up to unveil our all new Flathead Valley Sports Page. Whitefishradio.com will be your connection for all the area school sports, scores, calendars, coach and player interviews, and more. So stay tuned...

Along with the new shcool year comes many fun fall events and activities...

Don't miss the "Back to School Bash" presented by Whitefish CARE and Whitefish School District on September 5th from 5-8pm at the Smith Soccer Fields. There will be activities for all ages including a BBQ, dunk tank, games and more. Visit their website here for more detailed information.

The Whitefish PTA is holding the 1st Annual Stumptown Scramble Golf Tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Monday, September 10th. The Big Fish is proud to be involved with this event. We will have our very own team with Ross Strauser, John Dunnigan, Mike Hodges and Mike Dowaliby. Hopefully the "Old Pro" Mike Dowaliby will be able to make the others look like they know what they're doing on the course! Following the tournament, John Dunnigan will be performing during the BBQ. Also, team players will automatically be entered to win one of several prizes from The Big Fish. For more information about this funfilled Whitefish PTA event, to sign up, be a helper, or sponsor, visit their website here.

We are your hometown internet radio station and are here to serve our community in the beautiful Flathead Valley. If you have an event or organization that you would like post on our website, please contact us and let us know what we can do to help.

3 Reasons to Log-On to WhitefishRadio.com

From the computer of Sue Strauser (co-owner of The Big Fish):

Whitefishradio.com had the distinct privilege of interviewing Bob Lee, a 65-year-old colon cancer survivor from Barrington, Illinois, as he passed through Whitefish, Montana on his bicycle. Bob is on a remarkable 6,500 mile journey across America in order to help find cures for cancer and ALS, and to help promote awareness for hospice care. These three reasons affect every community in every state, in every country, and that's why this story is of interest on a local, national and world-wide scale.

I have to be honest, when I first heard about Bob and his mission (before I did any research), my reaction was, "Oh, that's nice." I really didn't think much more about it, other than thinking it to be just another gimmick someone has put together to raise money for a charity. And this is not to say there's anything wrong with finding unique ways to capture an audience for charitable causes. Whatever works to raise money to help others is fine by me as long as it is with good intentions. I am pleased and embarrassed to say I couldn't have been more wrong about this one. When Bob was due to arrive in Whitefish, I was in the midst of and very close to wrapping up a hectic and exhausting week; not only with our business, but my weekday mornings were spent at our church's Vacation Bible School with over 210 kids. So, when Ross, my husband and business partner, asked me to join him on Friday morning for the interview to take photos, I reluctantly said I'd go knowing I had many other chores on my "to do" list. I can't put into words how blessed I was to have been invited to be a part of this indescribable experience. I am a true believer that meetings such as these are no accident. I will fall short of being able to put into words what this man is all about, but I hope millions of people across the country will have the opportunity to meet a true "American Idol" for themselves and experience his infectious optimism and belief in others. No, Bob didn't sing for us; He did much more than that. He is an inspiration, and an example of a real role model so desperately needed in today's broken world. What struck me most about Bob from the second I met him, was that there was no glitz and glamour, no entourage, no logo covered van with a logo covered trailer following behind carrying extra bikes, clothes, supplies, people, etc... There was no fanfare, nothing even close. It was just Bob, his bike and a few, and I mean very few necessities that fit in his bicycle packs. This was real! As I took pictures and listened to the interview, I found myself so lost in his honesty, good nature, and the sincerity behind his three reasons for making the trip. I left the interview in awe to have met and befriended a complete stranger in such a short period of time. Bob exemplifies everything that makes our country great. Freedom, courage, adventure and integrity, just to name a few. I also felt an overwhelming sense of sadness when he hopped on his bike and headed out towards his next stop in Essex, Montana. Not only was I sad for him when I learned that he received a phone call right after our interview informing him that a very dear friend of his had just passed away, but even more than that, I was saddened to think about all the people in our community who did not have the chance to meet Bob in person as I did. I wish more of my friends and neighbors could have experienced what I was so fortunate to have experienced. My hope is that everybody at least once in their lives will have the opportunity to meet a "Bob Lee" if not Bob Lee himself. I can't say enough about this incredible man and his incredible journey. Part of Ross Strauser's interview with Bob can be heard on our live stream during our regularly scheduled news casts at 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM MST. The entire interview can be heard at 12:20 PM MST. You don't want to miss it! Please visit Bob's website at 3reasons.org to learn more, follow his journey and/or to make a donation. This is also a great opportunity for families to view the internet together and in a positive way each day to be a part of Bob's ride across the U.S. The Big Fish will be checking in with Bob periodically throughout the rest of his trip, so check back often and listen in for updates. All of us at WhitefishRadio.com wish Bob safe and happy travels!

Last Friday, June 22, Ross Strauser from The Big Fish was invited to MC the Relay for Life in Whitefish. It was a beautiful evening and a beautiful ceremony. Thank you to all the Relay for Life Organizers for inviting us to be a part of this very special event. We look forward to participating again next year.

Coming up on The Big Fish....

If it's Tuesday, then it's time for "Lights! Camera! Ackroyd!" Catch your host, David Ackroyd, live every Tuesday from 10AM t0 NOON MST, or on-demand. This week David talks with special guest, Luke Walrath from the Alpine Theatre Project, and finishes up with Part Two of "On Location" from last week. If you missed last week's show, it and more is available on-demand.

Check out our all new On-Demand page for easier access to all your favorite shows on WhitefishRadio.com.

New Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! on Tuesday

Tuesday's Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! will broadcast live at 10 AM. The show is called "On Location," and describes some of David's experiences working at beautiful and sometimes not so beautiful locations around the world while making movies and television shows. Catch it tomorrow at 10 AM and On Demand any time after that.

Tomorrow, hear the story of Bob Lee, who is riding his bicycle across America for three separate causes. Bob will be making a stop in our hometown of Whitefish, Montana on Thursday Afternoon. Be sure to check out Bob's website, threereasons.org!

Christ Lutheran Church is hosting over 220 youngsters for Vacation Bible School. Ross Strauser spoke with Pastor Jeff Teeples about the future home of CLC just outside of Whitefish and how it will benefit other churches and organizations in the Flathead.

Steve Howke, comptroller at the Whitefish Credit Union, is moving to Helena to become the new CEO at Treasure State Corporate Credit Union. Howke graduated from Whitefish High School in 1980 and has worked at WCU since 1985. Howke has been an active member in the Whitefish community and will be missed by everyone in Whitefish. The Big Fish wishes Steve the best in his future endeavors!

Summer's Almost Here!

Summer is almost here, seniors have graduated, and the weather is nice in Whitefish, Montana.

Tomorrow, David Ackroyd's Show is going to be called "What Went Wrong." During the show, David is going to share a few of the many stories about miscellaneous Hollywood Mishaps. Catch it tomorrow at 10 AM and On Demand after that.

The Alpine Theatre Project is holding an "Empowerment Through Performance Workshop" this month. It's a three day theatrical/educational workshop, culminating with a performance at the Big Sky Yoga Institute at Sweetwater Ranch called "Night at the Ranch." For more information, go to AlpineTheatreProject.org!

A local 11-year-old needs YOUR votes! Tanner Brock wants to go to Australia this summer to celebrate Bindi Irwin's 9th Birthday, and you can help him get there! Tanner (as well as many kids from around the world) made a video stating why he wants to attend the birthday party. Vote for Tanner here.

The Annual Cat/Dog Boxing Smoker takes place tonight at 7 PM at Memorial Fields in Whitefish. It is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Glacier Twins Baseball Team.

New Shows on The Big Fish!

David Ackroyd's first show, Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! is now available on-demand. Click here to go to David's page and hear all about how David got into show business...starting with his college days, and then on to Broadway, television, and feature films, all the way up to today with his latest and most ambitious endeavor, the Alpine Theater Project in Whitefish, Montana. How it all began for David will surprise you. A big Happy Birthday goes out to David as he turns a very young 67 on May 30th. If you have questions or comments for David, please send an email to david@whitefishradio.com. Don't forget to tune in next Tuesday at 10:00 AM for another intriguing episode of Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! Oh the stories.....you won't want to miss it!

Jack Hanna is back to answer more questions about his wild life and animal adventures from around the world. Find out Where In The World is Jack Hanna? this Wednesday during the ten o'clock hour. Just a few weeks ago, the L.A. Zoo in California was very close to the Griffith Park fires, and Jack answers a question from one of our listeners about what happens to all the animals in a zoo when it is threatened by fire. If you have a question for Jack, please send your email to comments@whitefishradio.com. Remember, Jack is available on-demand, if you can't tune in live.

The Big Fish has taken the Body Challenge. This is a 30 day nutritional program from Isagenix that four members from WhitefishRadio.com have taken to get in shape for summer, and to stay fit for life. The results have been amazing and the Big Fish team is happier and healthier than ever. Next Monday, listen from 10 AM - Noon for all the final results including weigh-ins and measurements! This has been an exciting month of educating ourselves on a more healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition and we want to share it with you, our audience. Stay tuned for exciting news about our all new Health Quest show with your host Kjersti Cote.

Big Things Happening on The Big Fish!

The John Dunnigan Show is live, local, and having fun with special guest Jerry Clemens, this Thursday at 10:00 AM on WhitefishRadio.com. Looking ahead to next week, John's guest will be Shawnee Haveman. John is always available 24/7 on-demand if you can't join the show live.

Whitefish High School students showcase their movie-making talents this Thursday, May 24th, 7:00 PM, at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Several student projects will be shown on various subjects, includng soccer and skiing. WhitefishRadio.com's very own Shane Dowaliby took part in producing two of the entries. This is a great opportunity to see the creativity of our youth in our community. Tickets are $2.00 each and all proceeds go to the WHS Literary Arts Class. Bring a friend and join the fun!

Coming next Tuesday, May 29th, at 10:00AM, the long anticipated debut of Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! with your host, the one.. the only... Actor Extrodinare, David Ackroyd! You won't want to miss this. David will be sharing stories about his 40+ years in the entertainment world, both locally and around the globe. Find out about the latest Alpine Theatre Project productions, and many other fascinating tid-bits involving the sometimes funny and sometimes very bizarre world of show biz! As always at WhitefishRadio.com, if you miss it live, it will be available on-demand 24/7.

Tell all your friends to check out the fun, unique, local programming at WhitefishRadio.com.

All of us at The Big Fish wish each of you a safe, eventful, and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

The New Voices of WhitefishRadio.com

Today's blog is dedicated to learning a bit more about some of the artists featured on The Big Fish!

Tim Torgerson was born and raised in Whitefish, and lived in Las Vegas for a while before moving back home in 2005. When describing his performance style, he says "I kind of have a thing for handmade acoustics and I love to play electric guitars too." His repertoire consists of original songs and instrumentals and also twisted arrangements of classic and current cover songs. Tim enjoys using alternate tunings, standard and custom-designed capos, and electronic gear to get his one of a kind sound. Check out his website here.

The Mission Mountain Woodband has been a Montana favorite since its inception. The Band first came to national prominence in the 70s, touring nonstop and playing over 250 dates a year. Although the band isn't together anymore, they are still on best seller lists of record stores around the state. They seem to attract more fans during each reunion show. During the Reunion Tour in the Summer of 1992 they played for over twenty thousand people in Polson, Missoula and Helena. They also had a reunion concert in Libby in 2003. Check out their website here.

Kyle Archer began recording his first CD at the age of 17 at the Hit Factory in New York City. After graduating high school, Kyle enrolled at Chapman University in California, where he appears in class films, radio shows, school benefits and theater productions. Kyle is continuing performances around the Los Angeles Area, and is currently writing material for his next CD. See his website here.

These are just a few of the many local, Montana, and independent artists heard on WhitefishRadio.com!

In other news, the newest John Dunnigan show with guest Sonny King is now available On Demand...Check it out here! New shows are coming soon to The Big Fish, including David Ackroyd's Lights, Camera, Ackroyd! and Kjersti Cote's Health Quest. Check back often for more updates.