BSED Presents ‘Origins & Evolutions’ at REVEL 2020

February 1, 2020

On April 3 and 4, Billings Depot is bringing the ultimate experiential event back to Billings, where REVELers will have ALL of their senses dazzled. REVEL at the Taste of Billings is back for its second year with 11 Sponsor Teams creating unique dining experiences within each of their respective spaces.

Introducing Team Big Sky Economic Development

Team Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) - along with Visit Billings and Downtown Billings Alliance - is comprised of Melanie Schwarz, Shawnee Krauszer is acting as REVEL Butler for the team, Chef Austin Stewart is bringing the REVEL Flavor, and Jim Gainan completes the team as the REVEL Artist.

Big Sky Economic Development (Co-sponsors: Downtown Billings Alliance & Visit Billings)

Sponsor: Melanie Schwarz, BSED
Butler: Shawnee Krauszer
Chef: Austin Stewart, Buffalo Block
Artist: Jim Gainan, Gainan’s Midtown Flowers
Theme+Direction: Origins & Evolutions

About the Sponsor

Big Sky Economic Development’s mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development.

Co-sponsoring the Community Collaboration Cove are Visit Billings, Downtown Billings Alliance, along with other potential co-sponsors like these Billings Public School Career Center programs: Culinary Arts, Interior Design, and Construction.

Behind the Theme: ORIGINS & EVOLUTIONS

The BSED Cove looks forward to incorporating the talents of their team, along with the exciting addition of bringing these high school youths’ talents into all aspects of the Cove’s inspiration.

Meet the Chef: REVEL Flavor

Chef Austin Stewart made his way to the Magic City by way of Florida after accepting the position of Head Chef at Buffalo Block. For REVEL, Chef Austin is working closely with Buffalo Block General Manager, Mitch Fox, along with Sous Chef Kelvin Le to develop mind blowing ideas that involve a dichotomy of cuisine from Montana past and Montana modern, coupled with a juxtaposition of rural and urban.

Under new ownership and a fresh remodel, the Rex has been given new life as Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse at the Rex. With new venting, a completely new floor plan, and brand-new décor, along with top notch service, Buffalo Block has reimagined a vibrant, new experience in local fine dining. At Buffalo Block it’s honoring the past while embracing the future!

Meet the REVEL Artist

Jim Gainan, President of Gainan’s Midtown Flowers, points to Gainan’s Flowers enduring place in the Billings community, as they have been proudly serving Billings and the surrounding area since 1951. This family owned and operated business is one with a rich and storied history.

Gainan’s mission is to partner with their customers during all seasons of life through the highest level of service, quality merchandise, and guaranteed customer satisfaction. Committed to the community, Gainan’s strives to provide an excellent working and shopping environment for its employees and customers.

Meet the REVEL Butler

Shawnee Krauszer, Funeral Director at Heights Family Funeral Home, attended REVEL as a guest last year and knew this was something she needed to be a part of this year. She reveals that the magic and over-the-top designs in space and food were mesmerizing. She aims to help her team to provide that same kind of experience for the guests at their table this year.

Inside the Cove

Though the details are being finalized for the Origins & Evolutions Cove, they are looking forward to their artist’s touch (in collaboration with a student from the Interior Design Program at the Career Center), creating a masterpiece using fresh flowers, grasses, and even herbs and vegetables to incorporate the Urban/Rural idea into their Cove design.

The BSED Team has taken their Cove concept and run with it, embracing partnerships between a variety of organizations whose missions are to make Billings a better place to live and work, allowing them to create something truly special within their space.

Bringing the Career Center students’ talents into play is something that truly sets this Cove apart. The addition of these young people to the team adds another dimension, and they are excited to show how Billings truly is a great place to live and work – with a bright future ahead.

When asked what most excites the BSED Team about REVEL, they reiterate the overall magical qualities of the event with its over-the-top production involving so many talented people who are working to create something so spectacular.

2020's REVEL at the Taste of Billings

After undergoing a reimagination last year, REVEL at the Taste of Billings is back for its second year for a two-night extravaganza! This fully experiential evening is Billings Depot’s premier fundraising event of the year