Helena-area arts and entertainment news

String & Shadow Puppet Theater out of Olympia, Washington, returns to Helena for a free show at Anchor Park next to the Lewis & Clark Library on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.

Known for their giant puppet shows set to live, original music, String & Shadow uses a mix of magical realism, science fiction and folk tale to create heartfelt performances for people of all ages.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks offers a free performance at Anchor Park of William Shakespeare’s ”Hamlet,” at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. 

Despite being over 420 years old, Hamlet’s story continues to be one that resonates today. Secure your blanket anytime Monday morning after 7 a.m. with nonperishable food items for the Helena Food Share.

The second night of Shakespeare in the Parks will be Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. with the performance of William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale.” This is a tragicomedy. From the dark, cold of winter and a tragic turn of events in the first half of the play, Shakespeare transports us to warm, bright, comic scenes in the second half.

The MFPE Foundation presents the inaugural Feaver Fest, in memory of Eric Feaver, on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Women’s Park.

Live music by Big Ska Country, Montana-made beers, ciders, seltzers and nonalcoholic drinks, food trucks and family friendly activities. 

Tickets are $25 and include a 10 oz. commemorative glass and three pours. Get tickets at www.mfpe.org/feaverfest.

The State Capital Band will perform their last concert of the summer series at Memorial Park on Thursday, Aug. 1, from 8-9 p.m.

The band is one of the longest continually performing bands in the country and will be conducted by Robert Loveridge. 

Tonight, the band will present the pieces that were voted the favorites from the previous five concerts. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music with friends and family.

The free summer concert series Alive at Five continues from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, on the patio lawn at the Lewis & Clark Tap Room, 1535 Dodge Ave.

Music from Blue Tattoo, a rock band that play hard-hitting classic rock covers.

Join us Monday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. for an evening for artist talks presented by the current resident artists at The Bray.

Learn about the inspirations and influences that drive their work. Hear the stories of how they got to where they are today and the possibilities of where they may go.

All talks are free and open to the public. Presentations will take place at The Bray’s Frances Senska Center for Education and Engagement.

The Bray is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the enrichment of the ceramic arts, located at 2915 Country Club Ave. in Helena, just 1/3 mile west of Spring Meadow Lake. Galleries are free and open to the public.