Ian Thomas, Reverend Raven, CatSkills & more at Chico Saloon
Catch some great live music at Chico Hot Springs Saloon after a relaxing dip or drive through Paradise Valley. Live entertainment heads to Pray every Friday and Saturday evening – and Sundays through the summer – so you can kick up your feet and soak them too!
Ian Thomas & Band of Drifters perform Friday and Saturday, August 3rd–4th. The band plays modern American roots music and encourage their audiences to dance. Based mostly in Montana and Tennessee, the band also includes players from all over the country, keeping the music varied in arrangement, instrumentation, and regional influences. The Drifters’ sets draw from country, folk and blues traditions with an emphasis on original songs, done in the old style. The band’s latest release, the full-length Live in 2016, was recorded throughout Montana with 14 original songs deeply rooted in the classic country and American folk sounds.
Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys close out the weekend on Sunday, August 5th. Bringing crowds to their feet at the hardest to please and sophisticated night clubs in the Midwest, the group play traditional blues, straight up with a big dose of passion. With smoking grooves, served up with hot harmonica and smooth, stinging guitar, they play original songs peppered with nods to Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells and the Three Kings.
CatSkills pop in for a pair of lively performances, Friday and Saturday, August 10th–11th. Listeners and dancers enjoy this diverse trio’s style, playing a wide variety of classic rock, country, and more. The group was formed in 2016 by three musical friends — Bruce Craig, Ken Nelson, and Allan Langdon.
Enjoy the blues-rock of Shaw Davis and the Black Ties on Sunday, August 12th beginning at 8pm. Davis is quickly becoming an artist to watch in contemporary blues. He’s a fast and flashy player whose approach rests equally on technical assurance and musical intelligence. Known for his raw and emotional style, the twenty-something guitarist fronts the band of musicians known as Shaw Davis & the Black Ties. The group features their own brand of psychedelic blues-rock that continues to win over fans with their crowd pleasing performances. The band has created a serious buzz in the blues-rock community with the help of their self-titled debut album, released in 2017.
Paige & The People’s Band rock the house Friday and Saturday, August 17th–18th. The nine-piece horn powered and vocally charged group has a feeling of ‘70s soul with a modern twist. The band is somewhat reminiscent of groups like Cold Blood or Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, but with a much more contemporary feel. Paige & The People dress to impress, giving their performances a sense of occasion, then blast the roof off with their big band, powerhouse sound! The soul, R&B, jazz, and pop group are one of Bozeman’s best, and are excited to bring their brand of musical devotion and “funky spices” to “The People.”
Sunday, August 19th marks the arrival of the 20th Annual Neighborhood Block Party featuring live music by Montana Rose. The BBQ and beer tent opens at 5pm, followed by the music and street dance at 6pm. With eight recordings to their credit, Montana Rose has come to embody the spirit of Americana. Montana Rose is a harmonious union of the most recognizable genres of American music blended into a unique western style. Forged in the crucible of cowboy bars throughout the Rocky Mountain West, Montana Rose is comprised of front woman Claudia Williams, guitarist Bill Dwyer, bassist Todd Silas, and Rick Philipp holding the groove.
Chico Saloon music begins at 9pm, unless otherwise noted. Chico Hot Springs is located in Pray, 20 miles south of Livingston. Come sip, soak, and swing! For more information, call (406) 333-4933 or visit www.chicohotsprings.com. •