FPST Serves up Salsa and Brews

Normally, one expects to see actors front and center, but on July 28, it was the stage that was, well, center stage at the Busted Knuckle Brewery in Glasgow.

Sunday evening, hot off the opening weekend of Peter Pan, the Fort Peck Summer Theatre crew and members of the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council took over the Busted Knuckle for Brews for a Cause. Their goal, aside from relaxing, was to raise funds for a new stage floor for the nearly 100-year-old building.

Volunteers set up a salsa bar and a donation bucket, while Busted Knuckle owners, Ben and Connie Boreson, donated a dollar from every pint sold from 6 until 9 p.m. “It is our pleasure to support the FPST each year. They provide our community and visitors from around the state an opportunity to see wonderful live theatre,” said C. Boreson, of hosting the event. “They are a treasure!”

Two actors from the Theatre played a new role, stepping behind the stage as guest bartenders. Jacob Herrera and Garret Deffert both played their parts to great effect, entertaining guests and staff alike. Deffert even expressed a desire to earn a bartender’s license in the future, to keep him busy when he is not rehearsing or performing.

Regulars to the brewery know that members of the FPST often bring their instruments and lend their vocal talents to impromptu musical sessions, and the fundraiser was no different. “It was fun!” gushed FPFAC Executive Director Jennifer Fewer. “Outdoors jamming. There isn’t anything better than that.”

The evening raised $500 for the cause. FPFAC board member Kari Prewitt said, “We’re very grateful to the Busted Knuckle Brewery for providing this service, because it is one of the smoothest, most stress-free fundraisers that we host.”

The fundraising push started last year, with the twin goals of supporting a new stage and being able to produce blockbusters shows for the 50th Season anniversary. Prewitt explained that this is a big ticket item, “It is a historic building, so we have to be very cautious. We can’t go to the lumber yard to pick up stuff and just start working.”

An architect has been contacted regarding the plans and proposed bid. Melani Vandall, who is on the restoration committee, told Fewer the timeline for installation is tentative at this stage, “The latest plan is get the design (and cost), demo in Fall 2020, and open with the new stage in 2021.”

“We want to thank those who supported us, including the cast and crew for bringing the entertainment and great bartending,” said Prewitt. “With all the fundraising this community does, we are thankful to be a part of that. Even with the pool fundraiser a few days prior, we did well.”

The effort to secure monies for the stage floor is continuing. Prewitt encourages anyone with knowledge of available grants, whether state or federal, to reach out to the FPFAC. And of course, donations may be made at any time by visiting their office at 529 2nd Ave S, Glasgow (located in the Sean R. Heavey Gallery) or the website, fortpecktheatre.org.