Julia Louis Dreyfest 2024: Billings’ Only DIY Music Extravaganza
August 8, 2024
Article by Brooke Wagner
Photo by Donai Cian Lakuta
What do you call a combination of creativity, community spirit, and an intense mashup of poetry, comedy, art, and music? Yada yada yada…Julia Louis Dreyfest, of course! The festival, back by popular demand this weekend, August 9-11, is a celebration of diversity in art and culture. Named in honor of actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus of 'Seinfeld' fame, the event is more than a 'festivus for the rest of us.' It's a premier event for artists, performers, and fans alike, a vibrant community celebrating a diverse array of artistic expressions.
The weekend will span multiple days and locations, with the lineup appearing everywhere from Nova Center for the Performing Arts to Craft Local to the North Park Rec Center. A wide array of local artists and national acts will be on display. Hailed as "Montana's Premier DIY Festival," it's hard to pigeonhole exactly what Dreyfest is and is not. JLD showcases a broad spectrum of artistic endeavors, from visual arts and music to poetry and comedy. The open-ended style of the festival offers audiences the chance to experience cutting-edge performances that would be difficult to find elsewhere! A few highlights are an edgy comedy show by Billings native Yaz Baez, poetry hosted by Montana-based writer Anna Paige, and an appearance by local noise artist Agnar.
As a tribute to Julia Louis-Dreyfus's comedic genius, the festival dedicates a significant portion of its programming to comedy. Stand-up performances, improv shows, and comedy workshops highlight the importance of humor in arts and culture. The festival often features surprise appearances by renowned artists, adding an element of excitement and spontaneity to the event. Their Instagram graphic teases ‘scores of fun extracurricular activities throughout the weekend,' promising an element of surprise and excitement for attendees. The festival menu includes a vegan potluck, a kickball game, and a hilariously competitive Julia Louis-Dreyfus look-alike contest.
Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, Julia Louis-Dreyfest offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for all! Wristbands, available for purchase at https://waste-division.org to give you access to every weekend show.
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