U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Mike and Tari Conroy of Ravalli County for their tremendous impact on the state of Montana.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
Mr. President, Mr. Daines this week I rise to recognize Mike and Tari Conroy, for their impact on Ravalli County and the surrounding areas. Through their work as bluegrass musicians, the Conroy’s have brought delight to the hearts of their Montanan listeners.
The Conroy’s devotion to bluegrass extends beyond their respective playing of the banjo, guitar, and other traditional bluegrass instruments. The events the Conroy’s take part in, such as celebrating the birthday of a 90 year old US Army veteran or the closing of an essential Missoula landmark, represent the very best of Montana. It is no surprise that Mr. Conroy is the President of the Montana Bluegrass Association.
Additionally, the Conroy’s have worked tirelessly to share their love of bluegrass music with their fellow Montanans by organizing the annual Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival, which takes place just south of Hamilton, Montana. This festival brings numerous bluegrass bands from the Northwestern United States to perform in Montana. Despite the financial and logistical hurdles, the Conroy’s are committed to sharing their passion with their fellow Montanans. As the festival enters its 11th year, it has truly become a cultural staple of the Bitterroot.
I applaud Mike and Tari Conroy for their work promoting and spreading the joy of bluegrass music across the state of Montana. As the Conroy’s prepare for the next festival, I wish them all the best.
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