Performing Arts Council Spring Gala features Pollo Loco

It was an experiment when a group in Mineral County sponsored a set of informal concerts in 2007, and the public enthusiasm was what they had hoped would happen.

The next year, Mineral County Performing Arts Council established itself as a 501C (3) tax exempt nonprofit and initiated a performance season consisting of five events between September and August, which they have done since. In 2012, MCPAC became the lead organization for continuation with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.

Their Spring Gala is on Saturday, May 3 and takes place in the Superior High School multipurpose room at 6 p.m., which might resemble the inside of a barn that evening. 

MCPAC secured a trio of fun-loving dudes that make up Pollo Loco (Crazy Chickens) that many have christened Montana’s Finest Cowboy Western Vocal Group. The audience will be invited to saddle their pony and take a ride into the past enjoying western music, with a twist. 

“We're excited to be performing for the folks in Superior,” wrote Jeff Christiansen, who is one of the musicians and singers of Pollo Loco. “All that I can tell you is that our shows are spontaneous. The only thing for certain is nothing's for certain. We love to interact with our audiences and hecklers are encouraged! Other than that, we’re all looking forward to meeting everyone.”

From the Grand Palace in Branson, Missouri to the Grand Formosa in Taipei, Taiwan, Pollo Loco has entertained audiences with their unique brand of humor and classic cowboy music. Since 1989, their impeccable three-part harmonies have been rattling the rafters. They'll take you back to the days of Gene and Roy, bringing warmth to the classic western songs they sing. The crowd, the harmonies, and the humor is what brings these three guys together.

Prior to 2001, Pollo Loco had released two recordings: "Committed to Country" and "Songs from the Saddle." 

Now, they've written six new songs and collected a few of the most requested tunes for their new release, "Three Hombres on the Trail," which they debuted at the Red Ants Pants Festival in White Sulphur Springs in 2017. 

MCPAC, Treasurer, Jim Goss had this to say: “Pollo Loco is a trio of talented musicians with guitar-driven western music featuring tight vocal harmonies.  In addition, they are likeable and genuine people both on and off stage. I was excited to learn that they would like to put on an abbreviated show for residents at our local long term care facility at Mineral Community Hospital on Saturday afternoon before their performance at the High School multipurpose room.”

Performing Arts Councils across the state charge for every performance they bring to their respective community. The only performance that MCPAC charges for is the Spring Gala, but it comes with a full dinner before the concert. The meat is from Superior Meats and Elly Hollenback’s famous baked beans accompany the meal with coleslaw and cornbread, butter and honey. Then, a huge assortment of desserts, many homemade, will comfortably fill you for the 7 p.m. performance. 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Darlow’s Quality Foods customer service desk. Tickets are also available by calling Mary Jo Berry at 406-822-2213 or email Jim Goss at jgossorcreich@blackfoot.net.