Bozeman’s newest music venue, Faultline North is the dream of owners David and Nancy, inspired by growing up in the musical whirlwind that was San Francisco in the late 70s and early 80s. Their mission is to bring a more eclectic music scene to Bozeman, one that introduces new genres, fresh acts, and puts local bands on stage. Metalheads as well as software engineers, David and Nancy both possess an obsession for melody, technology and precision that fuels Faultline North’s flawless sound engineering. As parents, they’re especially invested in raising the next generation of musicians and listeners, hosting camps and workshops when they’re not too busy hosting an ecclectic blend of live musicians.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up in November.
The ultimate Metallica tribute Blistered Earth is coming to Faultline on Friday, November 6th at 9pm. Formed in December of 2009, Blistered Earth is the best Metallica tribute band on the planet. Playing classic songs ranging from 1983’s “Kill Em’ All”, to 1991’s self-titled “Metallica” this tribute pays its respects to one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time with the raw energy, showmanship, look and song selections that die-hard Metallica fans want to see and hear–they are the ultimate tribute to Metallica. Tickets to this all-ages show are $12 in advance and at the door. Doors at 8pm. Ladyface: A Fundraiser for Red Ants Pants will take over the venue on Saturday, November 7th at 8pm. This special night will feature Bozeman-based and female-fronted bands The Hawthorne Roots, The Sweetbacks, and Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs. All proceeds to this event will directly support the Red Ants Pants Foundation and atendees will have the opportunity to score a pair of tickets to the 2016 music festival. Tickets to this all-ages show are $8 and available at the door only. Doors at 7pm.
Greensky Bluegrass will bring their defiant, powerful sound to Faultline North on Wednesday, November 11th with support by Tom Hamilton’s American Babies at 8pm. From their unlikely base of Kalamazoo, Michigan (home of the original Gibson Mandolin-Guitar factory), Greensky–which also includes banjoist Michael Arlen Bont and bassist Michael Devol–arrived at their unique take on the bluegrass tradition by working from the outside inward. “I found bluegrass through the back door,” Beck says, “through the Jerry Garcia route. That’s how I got to listening to Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs. It’s really interesting how many people in our generation got into acoustic music through that channel.” By playing up to 175 shows a year, mostly in rock clubs and more open-minded festivals like Telluride, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Greensky Bluegrass became a word-of-mouth underground sensation, cultivating a devoted legion of fans entranced both by the band’s improvisational acumen and the quality of their songwriting. Then and now, despite their wide-ranging musical interests, Greensky continues to work within the structure of a classic five-man stringband. “The cool thing about a bluegrass band or, really, any drummerless band,” Hoffman explains, “is that it’s like acoustic chamber music–challenging, exciting, and fun to play.” That their sound is so seamless, so organic, is testament to Greensky’s enduring vision and tireless dedication. Since their first rumblings at the start of the millennium, they have emerged as relentless road warriors, creating a captivating live show while at the same time developing a knack for evocative, disarming songcraft. Tickets to this all-ages show are $25 in advance and $28 at the door. Doors at 7pm. Faultline will play host to the Music Villa School of Music Fall Recital Showcase on Sunday, November 15th at 5pm. This band showcase will feature ten (10!) student bands giving the people of Bozeman the fruits of their labor. This is a free show and all are welcome, so please come out and support these amazing artists! For more information on these upcoming shows or to buy tickets, visit faultlinenorth.com or cactusrecords.net. Faultine North is located at 346 Gallatin Park Dr., just on the edge of Bozeman. •
