It’s the second time around for Interchange; a self described festival and experiential remix of music, rallies and public dialogue that supports human rights, equality and many of today’s leading issues. This years leading social issues include PTSD & Veterans, LGBTQ, Women’s Rights, Hunger and Homelessness, Human Trafficking and Racism. Interchange is meant to be an investment in our social fabric, and has been created; by founder Tate Chamberlin, as a way for the community to engage in conversation or situations that are often overlooked or brushed aside. It is meant to “tackle the social trauma closet experience” that nearly everyone has a part in, or can relate to in some way.

The broad topics included in the 2014 Interchange stem from the social state of America today. The festival is set to include films, concerts, a parade, rally and parties where participants can engage in spaces that will naturally create room for storytelling, connection, empathy and dialogue. Interchange will rip a bandaid off the taboo and sometimes mindblowing topics that make up our society, and create a strong dialogue around each of these topics. It will also bring together people who generally do not interact, and create a space for them to problem solve together.

On Wednesday June 25th Interchange will kick off its experimental remix with a film festival at the Emerson’s Crawford Theatre. Montana-made films Not Yet Begun To Fight [the story of Retired Marine Colonel Eric Hastings’ journey from veteran to fly fisherman] and Indian Relay [a documentary of modern-day Native American life and what it takes to win one of the more exciting forms of horse racing]. Both film will be followed by Q & A with the producers. Thursday June 26th Interchange will show Bridegroom [a documentary that tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship — a relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof], and Shortbus and 18+ show about [A group of New Yorkers caught up in their romantic-sexual milieu].

Friday June 27th brings leaders together from veterans affairs, the ACLU and NHR as well as Not In Our Town for an Interchange Summit; a boardroom lounge atmosphere where goals and hurdles can be discussed in a moderated discussion. This Interchange event is a closed session that will be followed by an open cocktail happy hour from 6-8pm at the Emerson Cultural Center and Remix Runway Show fused with fashion, break-dancers, poi dancers, drag and more. The Interchange Remix Runway Show is hitting the Emerson Ballroom from 8-10pm.
An 11am Parade kicks off Interchange on Saturday June 28th in Downtown Bozeman. The Bozeman Fire Dept, local non-profits plus the Bozeman Corgie Club will strut their stuff downtown to the Bozeman Public Library where an after parade BBQ, rally and party that will encourage social dialogue, storytelling and community interaction. Open education will follow in the Library’s Community Room from 1-4. Local leaders will give 4-6 minute Ted-like talks on taboo topics meant to inspire and educate. At 5pm Lindley park with be set off with the music of Paul Oakenfold + People Under The Stairs + Late Night Radio + The Trap Door Project. $25 tickets are available at Cactus Records and iaminterchange.com for this evening of music and fun.

Interchange will wrap up on Sunday the 29th from 9-11am at Soroptomist Park in Downtown Bozeman with a Kiki Garden Party and Gospel Brunch hosted by the Nova Café. This Kentucky Derby style Garden Party pays tribute to the festival, featuring gospel music, mimosas & brunch to digest the weekend.

Interchange is a chance to create dialogue about the not-so-pretty topics of today while enjoying social events that will allow you to gain friendships, learn something, solve problems, drink beer, dance to music and move our community forward. You are Interchange.

    To learn more go to iaminterchange.com, bozemanmagazine.com/events or just show up!