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It is not every day that a soul song asks what would happen if you developed a crush on an alien, but Montana Joanna’s debut solo single “Same Stars” embraces that quirky premise with confidence, charm, and a groove that is impossible to resist. Marking the launch of the singer-bassist’s solo journey after years of performing with multiple bands, the track feels both deeply personal and refreshingly playful, blending old-school soul traditions with a contemporary rhythmic pulse.

Built entirely around live instrumentation, “Same Stars” carries the warmth and authenticity of classic soul recordings. The arrangement is rich without feeling crowded, drawing on a full band setup that includes horns, clavinet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. The vibrant soundscape tips its hat to the groove-heavy soul and funk of the 1960s and 70s while sneaking in modern influences through subtle rhythmic shifts and syncopation.

Right from the opening moments, glistening piano lines glide across the mix as sparkling cymbals shimmer overhead. Beneath them, heavy, rumbling drums establish a relaxed yet infectious pocket that never loses momentum. Then comes Joanna’s voice—the centerpiece of the song. Thick, rich, and overflowing with soul, she moves effortlessly between smooth phrasing and powerful belts, injecting every line with personality. Soft backing vocals drift alongside her, adding a comforting layer that complements the song’s dreamy atmosphere.

Lyrically, the track is where things get delightfully unusual. Astrology references, birth charts, rising signs, and extraterrestrial attraction collide in a clever stream of wordplay. What begins as a humorous concept gradually expands into something more universal, ending on the comforting notion that everyone is made from the same cosmic dust.

At its core, “Same Stars” is a celebration of individuality and creative ambition. Catchy, colorful, and full of heart, Montana Joanna’s debut proves that soul music still has plenty of room for fresh ideas—and that sometimes the most unexpected concepts shine the brightest.

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Review by: Naomi Joan

BOZEMAN —  It’s been an exciting week at Alpacas of Montana in Bozeman, as a team of shearers prepares to shear nearly 90 animals on the farm, including alpacas and llamas.

Alpacas of Montana owner James Budd notes that this is a great day for both the business and the animals – especially following such a dry, warm winter and spring.

Alpacas of Montana kicks off summer shearing season for nearly 90 alpacas and llamas in Bozeman

“It’s exciting for me to look at the fiber, see what kind of quality animals we have — what kind of products I can make with each specific yarn,” Budd said.

The fiber will be processed into ‘Alpaca Tech Yarn’ and later sold at the Alpacas of Montana shop. Alpacas of Montana is the largest alpaca clothing company in the country, Budd said.

One member of the shearing operation is Kyle Michaels from Biosecure Alpaca Shearing. Michaels has been in the business since 2012, and notes that the goal of the entire process is to shear the animal as gently and as quickly as possible.

MTN NEWS

Janicki to expand to Great Falls, Montana

Janicki, located in Sedro-Woolley, is building a new manufacturing campus in Great Falls, Montana, the company announced Tuesday, June 2. The new, $800-million campus intends to meet the “growing demand” from the company’s aerospace, defense and space customers, and will result in 2,000 new jobs when construction is complete. Construction is set to begin in July 2026. The company will continue to operate campuses in Washington and Utah despite the expansion in Montana.

Blaine pizza shop changes hands

Border Town Pizza in Blaine is under new ownership. Owners Laura and Kara Massaro have passed the independent pizza shop, located at 738 Peace Portal Drive, to Tami and Kamal Bhachu. After 11 years of ownership, Kara Massaro said in a social media post that they will be retiring and spending more time with family. “Wonderful changes will be coming, with the same great flavors and staff!” she wrote.

New skincare boutique opens in Fairhaven

Midlife Skin, a small batch, handcrafted skincare line, is opening its first brick-and-mortar store inside the Sycamore Square Building, 1200 Harris Ave., Suite 406, in Bellingham. The grand opening will happen from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 10.

Kate Power, the founder and skincare formulator, said in a news release the boutique spot will offer customers the chance to meet the person making their skincare on site. Previously, Power sold at maker markets.

Midlife Skin launched in 2022 with a focus on bringing natural ingredients and cosmetic science to its skincare products.

Visitor spending in Whatcom County dipped slightly in 2025

Data from Tourism Economics shows a slight dip in spending by tourists in 2025 compared to 2024.
Visitors to Whatcom County spent $772.8 million last year, down 0.4% from the year prior, Visit Bellingham announced in a news release on June 3.

Across the state, tourist spending grew 0.9% from 2024, a drop in growth from the year prior (5.3%). However, data shows that overnight visitors, of which there were 1.46 million, spent more per day this year ($350) compared to last ($300).

By sector, spending on accommodations dropped 2.9% and spending on transportation dropped 4.8%. Tourism jobs also decreased by 4.1%. But food and beverage (2.2%) and recreation (5.8%) saw growth in spending. Retail spending stayed steady.

Nooksack Tribe to close Deming dispensary

Between the Ferns Cannabis, the marijuana dispensary in Deming, will close for good after selling out of inventory, according to an announcement by the Nooksack Indian Tribe on June 2.

Between the Ferns Cannabis, located at 5058 Water St. just off Mount Baker Highway, opened in 2021 as the first tribally owned cannabis shop in Whatcom County.

The Nooksack Tribal Council and Business Council Board of Directors decided to close the business, but promised that “exciting plans are underway for the future of this space that will bring a new revenue stream and continued opportunity for the Nooksack people.”

Closeout sales began Wednesday, June 3. The dispensary will be open 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily until all remaining product is sold. Closure updates will be posted on social media and at the dispensary website at betweenthefernsdeming.com.

Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County leader to step down

The CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, John Sternlicht, is stepping down early next year, the EDASC announced in a news release on Monday, June 1.

Sternlicht has led the ESASC since summer 2015 and has brought it into a “new era of economic development that focuses on best practices not only in business attraction, retention and expansion, but also in capacity building for systems and services that enhance the well-being of all county residents,” according to the news release.

Sternlicht said the decision came with “mixed emotions,” and called his work at the EDASC “the most rewarding work I have done in my career.”

“Nevertheless, after 11 years, it is time for a new generation of leadership now that I have essentially accomplished what I set out to do in this position,” he said in the release.

The EDASC plans to begin searching for a new CEO in mid-summer, with a goal to hire by October.

Multiple reporters and CDN Business Contributor Frank Catalano contributed to this report. Send any ideas for business stories to newstips@cascadiadaily.com with “Business Tip” in the subject line.