Nothing beats live music outdoors in Montana, and there’s a new festival coming you won’t want to miss. Thrive’s Westside Jam will take place on Saturday, September 6th and is their inaugural neighborhood celebration of the West Bozeman community.
Hosted by Blue Collar Restaurant Group and Ferguson Farms at The Market, the Westside Jam is a family friendly music festival that showcases a lively lineup of Americana music in a welcoming outdoor setting.
Attendees can enjoy a local beer garden and a variety of dining options provided by the Blue Collar Restaurant Group restaurants such as Sidewinders, Merry Piglets, Hachi and Tanglewood. All in one enclosed space, you can sample all kinds of food and drinks while enjoying great music.
Two opening bands will kick things off. Emma & the Ledge is a guitar-slinging, blues-singing, sister duo from the Gallatin Valley. Inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Beth Hart and various blues and rock greats from the ’70s to ’90s, the band brings an eclectic set of originals and covers with a re-imagined twist. They’ve received much acclaim throughout the Gallatin Valley with their steadily increasing performances.
Also opening is Bozeman’s own Ten Foot Tall & 80 Proof. An Americana, rhythm & roots, country band, 10/80 is steeped in the tradition and craft of songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Waylon Jennings, Turnpike Troubadours, Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson, among others, they celebrate the country music genre with its own unique blend of original “Big Sky Country.”
The Westside Jam’s featured band will be Give ‘em Hell, FLORABELLE. This honky tonk-soul funk superband is led by powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Cara Schulz. Raised on jazz standards before crafting her own unique sound, Schulz blends her jazz roots, country upbringing, and love for the mountains into a high-energy, unforgettable show. Since returning home in 2023, she’s been rallying the troops to put Montana on the map – one wild performance at a time. Expect surprise guests, prizes, and even healthy snacks as they spread joy, inclusivity and serious grooves.
Westside Jam should prove to be a celebration of great food, drinks, music and community. “This aligns so well with what Thrive is and does,” remarked Executive Director Virginia Hanson. “We’re an invisible hand that’s been in the Gallatin Valley for 40 years to keep families strong and healthy. We’re as local as you get, and we love our West Bozeman and Belgrade communities.” Thrive moved its headquarters into the former Red Chair Restaurant site in January 2023.
Proceeds from all ticket sales will support Thrive’s programming and services. Tickets are available at www.allthrive.org or call (406) 587-3840. The Market is located at 730 Boardwalk Ave in Bozeman. •
