Missoula Says Goodbye to the One Man Who Radically Changed Its Music Scene

Tonight, Missoula nightlife patrons and close friends bid a fond farewell to a man who carved a niche in the downtown Missoula dance scene unlike anyone else before him.

John Kinda, an African native who practically popped up out of nowhere and called Zootown his home, brought a flavor of club events to Montana venues that local party-goers had never quite experienced before. This evening, Kinda celebrated his final night in town at an exclusive private party at the Downtown Dance Collective with the people closest to him.

Before Kinda partnered with local promotion powerhouse RMF Entertainment for their seasonal city-wide bashes, he ventured out on his own with a backpack strapped to his shoulder filled with flyers for parties that offered bottle service, something nearly no Missoula bar offered at the time. Labeling his team Fever Entertainment, Kinda would put an emphasis on "V.I.P." and the benefits of making his patrons feel special the moment they walked in the door. From photo backdrops and red carpet arrivals, to limousines and black tie affairs, no one knew how to throw a party like John Kinda.

Tonight, we wish John only the best, as he will be moving back to Africa to, what else, run a club. A special thanks from the crew here at 107.5 Zoo FM, Missoula Nightlife, RMF Entertainment, and practically all of Missoula. We so very much appreciate him and all of his contributions to our local music scene.

Share your favorite John Kinda moment or memory in the comments below.