Aug. 5 event will recall stories from colorful life of late Big Sky community member
By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
Picture this: It’s 1976 in Big Sky, it’s New Year’s Eve, and a Nebraska, Tennessee-based band called Timberline, is playing at Buck’s T-4 Lodge. This tale is just one of many that will be told about the life of Jim Salestrom, the late musician, songwriter and Big Sky community member, in Big Sky on Monday.
A Celebration of Life event for Salestrom will be held at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Aug. 5 at 3:30 p.m., open to all. Daughter Casey Salestrom and her brother James will lead the fluid celebration in honor of their father, beginning with Casey’s recollection of Salestrom’s life history, and a letter that she and Salestrom wrote together at the end of his life.
James, a talented musician himself, will play a few songs for his father at the event, loved ones will share stories, and videos will detail parts of Salestrom’s colorful life.
“It’s a homage to all of his sounds,” Casey said. She added that his music has always been inspired by the people around him, including those in Big Sky.
Salestrom, a close friend of John Denver and singer in Dolly Parton’s band for decades, played alongside dozens of well-known musicians over his career and performed for five U.S. presidents.
The artist spent the last 20 to 25 years enjoying the beauty of the mountains and community in Big Sky, and passed away beside loved ones in Colorado in November 2023. Casey said that Big Sky was love at first sight for Salestrom.
“He fell in love with his surroundings,” Casey told EBS in a phone call. She hopes that attendees at the celebration of life don’t treat it as a sit-down service, but instead as an opportunity to enjoy live music, some wine provided by BYWOM, and honor the life of her father through the telling of stories.
“I hope by the end, [attendees] walk away knowing a little bit more about Jim,” Casey said. She noted it has been heartwarming to see the community support her effort. This will be the third and last celebration of life for Jim this year after holding two separate events in his hometown in Nebraska, and in Breckenridge, Colorado. John Zirkle, executive director at WMPAC, assisted in making the space suitable for the event.
Following the celebration of life, James will play live music at Riverhouse BBQ & Events for all attendees and community members.
