The countdown to Pine Creek Lodge’s summer concert series has expired, with the Paradise Valley venue once again bringing a plethora of touring acts to its outdoor stage.
On June 13th is Melvin Seals & Jerry Garcia Band. From blues to funk to rock to jazz, the group serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Joined by JGB, the project brings an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. With acoustic and electric ingredients and unique combinations of Dave Hebert’s guitar and vocals, Pete Lavezzoli’s hearty drums and, of course, a heapin’ helpin’ of the wizard’s magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Along with backing vocals, the result is a most satisfying blend of natural organic grooves that challenges genre boundaries.
Leroy from the North opens for Blind Melon on June 14th. Popularized in the ’90s, the Mississippi neo-psychedelic alternative rockers are best known for their hit single “No Rain” and disbanded after the tragic death of vocalist Shannon Hood. Back on stage and performing around the country, Blind Melon are producing the band’s most mature and dynamic work yet.
Bringing their “Charm & Decadence Tour” to the Lodge on June 15th are Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick. Thelma & the Sleaze open the show.
Since their inception, Drive-By Truckers have carved out a unique niche with their raw, unflinching storytelling, heavy-hitting guitar riffs, and blend of alternative and Southern rock. Recently releasing an expanded edition of their landmark album, American Band, the band continues to push boundaries and explore new musical territories. Drive-By Truckers remain a vital and dynamic force in the rock genre, celebrated for their powerful narratives and unwavering dedication to their craft.
A phenomenally rowdy live act, Deer Tick mainly credit their deep-rooted connection to a mutual love for the unpredictability of the musical impulse. “I feel very lucky that we all ran into each other at some point pretty early on in our lives,” says John McCauley. “From the start, I just wanted to find other musicians that would somehow all stick together, which definitely isn’t easy. But we all have a real fascination with music, and that desire to never limit ourselves or repeat ourselves is something that we all very much continue to share.”
Centennial State outfit Silas Herman & the Tone Unit perform on June 18th. With a passion for music deeply rooted in his upbringing, Herman has honed his skills to captivate audiences with his soulful melodies and heartfelt performances, earning him recognition for his unique sound and virtuosic playing. He infuses his music with elements of new acoustic, folk, bluegrass, psychedelic and Americana, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. From intimate acoustic sets to highly energetic shows, Herman continues to enchant audiences with his musical prowess and unwavering passion for song.
Country starlet Nikki Lane returns to Southwest Montana for a June 19th show. A singer and songwriter who mixes the honky-tonk atmosphere of vintage country with the clever bite of indie rock, Lane is a barroom siren whose music is tough, witty and bold, inhabiting Nashville archetypes while upending them at the same time. Her songs walk a fine line between sincerity and irony, but the passion and effectiveness of her vocals keeps her from sounding like a put-on, and her melodies mix rootsy twang and rock n’ roll edge with confidence. With Denim & Diamonds, she eased back on her country accents and added harder rock energy to her mix.
Opening for singer/songwriter Neal Francis on June 20th are Casper Allen & the Naturals. His latest album, Return to Zero, emerged from the kind of visionary fever dream that only the most masterful and inventive artists are capable of bringing to life. The Chicago-based singer/songwriter and pianist immersed himself in creating a beautifully strange entangling of timeless rock n’ roll and ’70s-era dance music, merging supremely heavy guitar riffs with lush and pulsating grooves – all constructed sans digital programming, in keeping with his devotion to all things analog. Worlds away from the glitzy fantasia of archetypal disco, Return to Zero inhabits a far moodier atmosphere and ultimately makes for the most thrilling manifestation of Francis’ peerless musicality yet.
Tribute rockers Blink-180True deliver a crowd-pleasing set on June 21st. The nationally touring, high energy trio from Southern California pays tribute to the pop-punk legends. The band performs a true-to-era show highlighting songs from the band’s 1993 to 2004 concerts. Blink-180True provides a live show complete with exact band attire plus all the jokes and stage antics that cemented Blink-182 as an arena rock staple in the late ’90s and early aughts. Crowds get swept away as nostalgia sets in wherever they perform, dancing and singing along to all of the hits they know and love.
Back at the Lodge on June 26th are Andy Frasco & the UN with opening support by Cordovas. Incorporating elements of soul, funk and rock, as well as tones of roots and Americana, the band of performers creates a diverse sound and style. Frasco’s shows have been described as infectious, entertaining and feel-good. His performances are recognized as orchestrated chaos, inciting frenzied, undeniable good times, dancing and perhaps even a good old fashioned freak out. Their new album, Growing Pains, is available now.
Texan country star Charley Crockett takes the stage June 27th. The chameleonic Crockett has taken the independent approach to releasing his music and creating its accompanying visuals. He visits Bozeman with his collection of originals at the ready – sad, uplifting, hard, and sweet, complex and delicate all at once. His songs are like life its ownself, just like the songs’ creator: like nothing heard or seen before, a genuine Texas original. His latest LP, Lonesome Drifter, released this spring.
Late this month brings an album release show with Jampoke on June 28th. The Cullen Brothers Band opens. The folk-rock band performs with a heavy jam influence, playing a mix of soulful folk tunes, and more instrumental, high-energy jam rock. Born out of dorms of MSU, Jampoke’s sound is a unique blend of singer-songwriter lyricism with jam-style instrumental soloing.
Looking ahead, the summer series continues with a full spread of shows. Performing next is Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience on July 2nd, Clay Street Unit July 3rd, The Fossils July 4th, Red Elvises July 5th, Pink Talking Fish July 6th, Rich Hall July 9th, Pinky & the Floyd July 10th, moe. July 11th and 12th, Langhorne Slim July 13th, The Young Dubliners with Doublewide Dreams July 17th, Houndmouth July 18th, The Last Revel with honeyholler July 19th, Cracker with Lost Canyons July 23rd, Rich Hall with Robbie Fulks July 29th and Futurebirds with The Nude Party on July 30th.
All shows begin at 7pm, with numerous free performances from the Beer Garden stage. Please visit www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com for additional details, ticketing access and to learn more about the upcoming summer sets. •
