More Background On Original-Festival.com

Nestled in the heart of historic Butte, Montana, Original-Festival.com served as the online home for the Original Festival, an ambitious independent music and arts event that sought to redefine Montana's live entertainment landscape. Although the festival only operated for several years, it became one of the state's most distinctive grassroots cultural gatherings by combining nationally recognized musicians with local performers, visual artists, community organizations, and the rich industrial backdrop of one of America's most historic mining cities.

Unlike many commercial music festivals built around large corporate sponsorships, the Original Festival emphasized community engagement, artistic diversity, and celebrating Butte's unique identity. Founded by Butte native Matthew Boyle, the event quickly evolved from a relatively small electronic music gathering into a multi-genre festival featuring hip-hop, indie rock, folk, reggae, bluegrass, electronic dance music, visual arts, family activities, and charitable initiatives.

While the festival ultimately ceased operations after its fifth year, its legacy continues to be remembered by attendees, musicians, and residents who viewed it as an example of what passionate local organizers could accomplish with limited resources but abundant vision.

The Original-Festival.com Website

Original-Festival.com functioned primarily as the festival's official information portal during its active years, particularly for the 2015 and 2016 editions. The website provided visitors with virtually everything needed to attend the event, including:

• Artist announcements
• Ticket purchasing
• Festival schedules
• Camping information
• Frequently asked questions
• Volunteer opportunities
• Vendor details
• Hotel recommendations
• Press releases
• Community initiatives
• Festival news

Unlike modern festival websites filled with interactive apps and personalized schedules, Original-Festival.com remained relatively straightforward. Its purpose was practical: helping attendees understand the festival while showcasing its eclectic musical lineup and emphasizing the importance of Butte as more than simply the host city.

After the festival ended, the website eventually transitioned into an archival resource documenting the festival's history rather than serving as an active event portal.

Origins of the Festival

The Original Festival officially launched in 2013, but its roots stretch back to approximately 2011.

Festival founder Matthew Boyle and his then-business partner Curtis Reid spent much of that summer attending music festivals across the western United States. Inspired by the atmosphere, production quality, and communal spirit of those events, they recognized a gap in Butte's entertainment offerings.

According to Boyle, young adults in Butte had relatively few opportunities to experience the kinds of modern music festivals becoming increasingly popular throughout North America.

Rather than simply promoting concerts, Boyle envisioned creating an immersive experience that combined:

• Electronic music
• Live bands
• Performance art
• Local culture
• Community service
• Historic preservation
• Tourism

Their earliest production was an electronic music event at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Butte that attracted roughly 400 attendees. The strong response demonstrated that there was genuine demand for alternative music programming within southwest Montana.

Encouraged by this success, Boyle and Reid expanded the concept into a full outdoor festival.

The Inspiration Behind the Festival

The Original Festival was intentionally designed to blend several successful festival models instead of copying any one event.

Boyle frequently cited influences including:

• Montana Folk Festival
• Sasquatch! Music Festival in Washington
• Various electronic dance festivals
• Independent arts festivals across the western United States

Instead of focusing exclusively on electronic dance music, organizers gradually broadened the programming.

Their philosophy became simple:

Bring together artists from different musical backgrounds while maintaining the festival's electronic roots.

This approach helped distinguish Original Festival from genre-specific events throughout the region.

Why Butte?

One of the most remarkable aspects of Original Festival was its location.

Rather than using fairgrounds or a conventional park, organizers selected the Original Mine Yard, one of Butte's historic mining properties.

This decision was significant for several reasons.

Butte possesses one of America's richest mining histories. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the city became known worldwide as "The Richest Hill on Earth" because of its enormous copper deposits.

The city's historic mining structures remain among Montana's most recognizable industrial landmarks.

Rather than treating these remnants as relics, Original Festival transformed them into dramatic visual backdrops for live music.

Festival attendees experienced performances surrounded by:

• Historic headframes
• Mining infrastructure
• Mountain scenery
• Industrial architecture
• Expansive open spaces

The contrast between contemporary music and historic mining structures created an atmosphere unlike almost any other festival in the region.

Boyle repeatedly emphasized that the location itself helped define the event's identity.

A Festival That Reflected Butte

Original Festival never attempted to hide its local identity.

Instead, organizers celebrated Butte's personality.

Marketing materials frequently highlighted:

• Butte's resilience
• Its working-class heritage
• Artistic community
• Independent spirit
• Historic architecture
• Strong local culture

The event was intentionally designed to feel authentic rather than commercial.

Many visitors remarked that attending the festival offered an opportunity to experience Butte from a different perspective—not simply as a former mining town but as an evolving cultural destination.

Growth During the Early Years

Attendance grew steadily during the festival's first several years.

Organizers reported approximately:

• Around 450 attendees during the inaugural year
• Roughly double that attendance the following year
• Continued expansion leading into 2015

By its third year, Boyle hoped attendance would eventually reach several thousand visitors, filling the expansive lawn surrounding the Original Mine venue.

Although those ambitious attendance goals proved challenging, the event clearly demonstrated growing regional interest.

Festival organizers also expanded infrastructure each year by adding:

• Additional performance stages
• More food vendors
• Expanded art installations
• Children's programming
• Community organizations
• Camping opportunities

The increasing scale reflected both growing public awareness and Boyle's confidence in the festival's long-term potential.

Founder Matthew Boyle

The driving force behind Original Festival was Matthew Boyle.

More than simply an event promoter, Boyle became widely recognized throughout Butte for his civic involvement.

His work extended well beyond the festival itself.

Over the years he became involved with:

• Butte Public Library Board of Trustees
• Mother Lode Theatre
• KBMF Community Radio
• Butte America Foundation
• Montana Booking Agency
• Community parades
• Local arts initiatives

His commitment to Butte influenced nearly every aspect of Original Festival.

Rather than maximizing profits, Boyle repeatedly emphasized community development, artistic opportunity, and giving residents reasons to feel proud of their city.

To support the festival professionally, Boyle established SHGF (Super Happy Giggly Fun) Productions along with Encomp-Us Live, organizations responsible for producing concerts and related entertainment throughout Montana.

Musical Diversity

Although Original Festival initially developed around electronic music, it quickly became far more eclectic.

By 2015, festival organizers intentionally assembled artists representing numerous genres, including:

• Dubstep
• EDM
• Hip-hop
• Indie rock
• Alternative rock
• Folk
• Bluegrass
• Americana
• Reggae
• Latin roots music
• Acoustic singer-songwriters

Boyle believed audiences would appreciate discovering unfamiliar artists alongside internationally recognized performers.

Instead of creating isolated genre-specific experiences, Original Festival encouraged musical exploration.

This philosophy became one of the event's defining characteristics.

Bringing National Artists to Butte

One reason Original Festival attracted increasing media attention was its ability to secure respected touring artists despite operating with relatively modest resources.

The 2015 lineup featured performers such as:

• SKisM, one of dubstep's internationally recognized DJs and producers
• Chadwick Stokes of Dispatch and State Radio
• Independent hip-hop artist Sage Francis
• Montana rapper Supaman
• Bachaco
• Numerous regional bands and emerging artists

The combination surprised many observers because these performers typically appeared in much larger metropolitan markets.

Boyle worked to demonstrate that audiences in smaller cities deserved access to nationally respected musicians without traveling hundreds of miles.

That philosophy continued into 2016, when the festival secured perhaps its highest-profile performer yet: Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, whose appearance significantly elevated the festival's national profile.

Community Engagement Beyond Music

One of the qualities that distinguished Original Festival from many independent music festivals was its commitment to serving the broader Butte community rather than functioning solely as an entertainment event. Matthew Boyle consistently emphasized that the festival should contribute to the city's cultural and civic life.

A notable example was the festival's partnership with the Butte Public Library. Festival attendees who donated books at the gate received discounts on admission, creating a charitable initiative that benefited the library while encouraging literacy and community involvement. Boyle, who served on the library's Board of Trustees, modeled the idea after successful book drives organized by musician Chadwick Stokes through his nonprofit organization Calling All Crows.

The festival also introduced a Kids & Family Area in 2015, sponsored by Butte Teens Advocating a Safe Community (TASC). Rather than focusing exclusively on adult audiences, organizers created activities including:

• Face painting
• Bounce houses
• Sidewalk chalk art
• Coloring stations
• Children's games

Children seven years old and younger were admitted free, reinforcing the festival's goal of becoming a truly all-ages community celebration rather than a niche music event.

Honoring Butte's Heritage and Residents

Original Festival demonstrated a strong connection to the local community by dedicating stages to respected residents and honoring individuals whose lives had recently been lost.

During the 2015 festival, the main stage was designated the Burgman-Boyle Memorial Stage in memory of Casey Boyle, Matthew Boyle's brother, and Casey's close friend Kyle Burgman, who had died in a tragic automobile accident earlier that summer.

A second performance area honored Robert Ernest "Tallahassee Bob" Peeples, a well-known local harmonica player remembered throughout Butte's music scene.

These memorials reflected the festival's personal nature. Rather than simply naming stages after corporate sponsors, organizers used them to recognize members of the community who had influenced Butte's musical and cultural identity.

The 2015 Festival

The third annual Original Festival, held on September 11–12, 2015, represented a significant turning point in the event's development.

More than twenty performers appeared across two stages at the Original Mine Yard, with programming running from the afternoon into late evening.

Highlights of the lineup included internationally recognized electronic music artist SKisM, socially conscious rapper Sage Francis, Dispatch frontman Chadwick Stokes, Montana hip-hop performer Supaman, reggae-rock group Bachaco, bluegrass musicians, aerial performers, live painters, and fire dancers.

The festival deliberately blended mainstream touring acts with Montana-based musicians, providing regional artists an opportunity to perform alongside nationally recognized talent.

The event also attracted visitors from outside Montana, aided by on-site camping at Mountain Con Mine Yard, whose elevated location offered panoramic views of Butte and the surrounding mountains.

Featured Artists

The diversity of performers reflected the organizers' ambition to expose audiences to a wide range of musical styles.

SKisM

British DJ and producer SKisM was among the festival's highest-profile electronic performers. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy dubstep, he had collaborated with artists including Flux Pavilion, Excision, Zomboy, and Porter Robinson. His energetic four-deck DJ performances were already well known throughout the international electronic music community.

Chadwick Stokes

Dispatch and State Radio frontman Chadwick Stokes brought a contrasting acoustic and folk influence to the festival. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Stokes was recognized for his activism and his nonprofit organization Calling All Crows, which mobilizes musicians and fans to participate in community service projects.

Sage Francis

Independent hip-hop artist Sage Francis represented another major booking. Known for thoughtful lyricism and politically engaged storytelling, Francis had earned national recognition as one of underground hip-hop's leading voices.

Supaman

Montana Native American rapper Supaman added an important regional perspective to the lineup. His performances combine contemporary hip-hop with Indigenous dance, culture, and traditional music, making him one of Montana's most celebrated performers.

Expanding the Festival in 2016

By 2016, Original Festival entered its fourth year with even greater ambitions.

Rather than limiting itself to electronic music, the event evolved into a broad alternative music festival featuring indie rock, hip-hop, Americana, surf rock, bluegrass, folk, and electronic music.

The biggest announcement was the booking of Ghostface Killah, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member whose critically acclaimed solo career had earned recognition from MTV, NPR, Pitchfork, Q Magazine, and numerous other music publications.

Ghostface Killah's appearance significantly increased media attention surrounding the festival and demonstrated Boyle's growing ability to attract internationally recognized performers to southwest Montana.

Supporting acts included:

• Cave Singers
• Kitchen Dwellers
• Jeff Crosby & the Refugees
• Surf Curse
• The Frights
• Butterscotch
• Christy Hays
• Chloe Gendrow
• Sista Otis
• Sound Beast
• YURT

Electronic music continued after the main performances through official after-parties featuring DJs and producers at venues such as the Silver Dollar Saloon and the Covellite Theatre.

An Accessible Festival Experience

Unlike many large music festivals that emphasize premium ticket packages and VIP experiences, Original Festival remained intentionally affordable.

Advance tickets in earlier years were priced at levels accessible to students, young adults, and local families. During the 2016 festival, promotional pricing reached as little as five dollars before increasing closer to the event.

Organizers chose not to offer VIP passes, preferring a more egalitarian atmosphere where attendees shared the same experience regardless of ticket price.

The festival also provided practical guidance for visitors by recommending local hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and downtown businesses, helping direct tourism spending into the local economy.

Press Coverage and Public Reception

Original Festival received favorable coverage from regional media outlets including The Montana Standard and the Missoulian, which frequently highlighted Boyle's enthusiasm, the event's artistic diversity, and its importance to Butte's cultural landscape.

Articles often described the festival as one of Montana's most promising independent music gatherings because it successfully combined nationally recognized performers with strong community engagement.

Writers praised Boyle's willingness to take creative risks and his determination to establish Butte as a destination for alternative music.

Community leaders similarly noted that the festival increased foot traffic in Uptown Butte during what had traditionally been a quieter tourism period in September.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Although Original Festival never reached the scale of Montana Folk Festival or other large regional events, it nevertheless generated meaningful economic activity.

Visitors purchased hotel accommodations, dined at local restaurants, patronized breweries, and shopped at local businesses before and after performances.

The festival also strengthened Butte's reputation as a city capable of hosting modern arts and entertainment events in addition to celebrating its historic mining heritage.

For younger residents especially, Original Festival demonstrated that nationally recognized artists could perform in Butte without requiring travel to larger cities such as Spokane, Seattle, Denver, or Salt Lake City.

Financial Challenges and the End of the Festival

Despite positive reviews and growing recognition, Original Festival faced persistent financial difficulties.

Producing a multi-day festival required substantial investments in artist fees, staging, security, insurance, permits, equipment rentals, marketing, sanitation, and staffing. Sponsorships and grants helped offset some costs, but according to Boyle, the event routinely operated at a financial loss.

The festival's budget reportedly grew from approximately $15,000 during its inaugural year to around $91,000 within five years. Even with increased attendance and sponsorship support, Boyle described the event as both "a labor of love" and "a money pit."

In 2017, organizers experimented with making admission free in hopes of attracting larger crowds and increasing community participation. While the move reflected the festival's inclusive philosophy, it also reduced a significant revenue source.

By early 2018, Boyle announced that Original Festival would not return that year. He explained that organizing the festival alongside his numerous civic responsibilities—including work with the Mother Lode Theatre, KBMF Community Radio, the Butte America Foundation, and local parades—had become financially and personally unsustainable.

Although he expressed hope that the festival might eventually return under a new brand or format, no comparable revival has taken place.

Legacy

Although Original Festival existed for only a handful of years, it occupies a distinctive place in Butte's modern cultural history.

It demonstrated that an independently organized event could attract internationally recognized performers, celebrate local musicians, support charitable causes, and transform an iconic industrial landscape into a vibrant gathering place for thousands of music fans.

The festival also highlighted the power of grassroots leadership. Matthew Boyle's vision extended well beyond booking artists; he sought to create an event that reflected Butte's resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Even after the festival ended, many residents continued to remember it as one of the city's most ambitious cultural projects of the 2010s.

Today, Original-Festival.com remains an archival reminder of those efforts, preserving information about an event that successfully blended music, art, history, and civic pride into a uniquely Montana experience.