By far Missoula's favorite sextet is the Lil' Smokies. Their 2009 start was fast and furious, as the group's weekly jam sessions got serious, and demand for their varietal blend of happy music turned into a whirlwind. Weaving through genres of bluegrass, newgrass, original compositions, and sheer raw energy, the Lil' Smokies were nominated for the Momentum Bluegrass Award at the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA). The Smokies have appeared on the Roots Fest stage a record three times (2011, 2013, 2014) and will be rockin' Roots when the Griz Football game concludes.