Mike:
Buchta, thanks for coming in.

Carolyn:
Thanks for having me.

Mike:
Carolyn Buchta on The Trail 103-3, KDTR FM Florence, Missoula. So, what are we doing?

Carolyn:
Oh my gosh, it’s Dance Till Dusk again! This Saturday night, March 28th, from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Badlander.

Mike:
What is that exactly?

Carolyn:
It’s a ladies’ dance party early in the night, so you can be home by 10 o’clock in your cozy jammies. The goal isn’t to go out and get hit on… or get smashed, though you can. It’s a bar, after all. The real goal is just to be with your friends, listen to some great music—old school, new school, you can even request songs—and be home safely by 10.

Mike:
Got it. And when exactly is it happening?

Carolyn:
This Saturday night at the Badlander. Plus, there’s a little pre-party at the new Florence Cocktail Bar. Have you been there yet?

Mike:
I haven’t, but I’ve heard great things.

Carolyn:
My friends and the owners relaunched this beautiful bar in Florence. It’s right across from the famous phone booths where everyone used to get their pictures taken. They’ve got a cozy fireplace, comfy couches, and they’ll be serving some special Dance Till Dusk punch and “gems”—kind of like jello shots but all-natural and beautiful. They’ll also have mocktails, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Mike:
Nice. And this is the dance party where you played some of your gin-inspired music, right?

Carolyn:
Yep! Dance Till Dusk draws people of all ages and backgrounds. Last time, we had over 150 attendees—mostly women, but guys are welcome too as long as they’re cool. It’s not a meat market; it’s just about dancing, making new friends, and having fun. The vibe is amazing.

Mike:
Sounds like a throwback to the best parts of growing up—singing and dancing with friends.

Carolyn:
Exactly! It’s like a sleepover in your living room, but with drinks and lots of new friends on the dance floor.

Mike:
How did this all start? I mean, you’re the kind of person who enjoys a glass of wine after work—what made you decide to throw a dance party?

Carolyn:
I love to dance. It’s one of my favorite things. I love old music, new music… I just love it. And most women, when they’re with friends, a song comes on and it naturally turns into a dance party. I also think women are naturally better dancers—guys my age, we’re just geeks! (laughs) But everyone’s welcome to dance and sing their heart out.

Mike:
Girls just wanna have fun, right?

Carolyn:
Exactly. And this event is a place to do just that. Come in workout clothes, pajamas, or dressed to the nines—no one cares.

Mike:
This is one of those events people have been waiting for years.

Carolyn:
Yep. I just had to do it for me. I called the Badlander, they said “let’s do it,” and it’s been great ever since.

Mike:
And of course, you’re also known as the chick who doesn’t know sports on ESPN.

Carolyn:
That’s right. I really don’t. Maybe March Madness is on in the background, but I’m not bellied up to a bar betting on games.

Mike:
But that doesn’t stop you from hosting on ESPN 102.9.

Carolyn:
Correct.

Mike:
When can people catch you on the radio?

Carolyn:
Fridays at 5 p.m.

Mike:
102.9, way to kick off the weekend. So, one more time—what are the Dance Till Dusk details?

Carolyn:
Saturday, 6:30–9:30 p.m. at the Badlander. $5 cover, bring a $5 bill. Pre-party at the Florence Cocktail Bar starts at 5 p.m.—drink specials, little jello shots, Dance Till Dusk punch. Come alone or bring a gaggle of friends, it’s all about having fun. Follow us at Dance Till Dusk MT on Instagram and Facebook.

Mike:
Carolyn Buchta, Dance Till Dusk, here on The Trail 103-3. And for the soundtrack… David Bowie and Mick Jagger, Dancing in the Street. Remember that one?