Bridger supplies craft beer + pizza with complimentary side of live tunes
The summer menu at Bridger Brewing is satisfying tastebuds with its zesty selection of seasonally appropriate pizzas, including the mango-habanero ‘Luchador’ and pesto-based ‘Heart Beet.’ But aside from its award-winning pies and delectable suds, the south-side brewer also hosts Music & Mussels every Wednesday and {Pints with Purpose} on Mondays. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming acts and nonprofits.
Wednesday nights from 5:30–8pm, Bridger Brewing hosts Music & Mussels! Enjoy some live music and succulent, steamed mussels with house-made sweet Italian sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes, topped with parsley and tomato salsa.
Christy Hays and Tony Polecastro team up for an evening of tunes on Wednesday, July 17th. Hays’ music has folk and country tinges, thoughtfully penned stories and a full band sound that’s both driving alt country and moody folk rock. Compared to Brandi Carlile, Lucinda Williams, Rhett Miller, Kathleen Edwards and Patty Griffin, she has a sound uniquely her own. She’s shared the stage with Hayes Carll, Sturgil Simpson, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis and Jeffery Foucault to name a few. River Swimmer, Hays’ third full-length and fifth release overall, brings the culmination of her influences and experiences traveling the world. The album is available now.
Polecastro is a YouTube Guitar Geek, instructor, and lover of all things strings. The local artist plays original material spanning from American Primitive guitar-influenced instrumentals a la John Fahey and Daniel Bachman, to more modern fingerstyle flights of fancy. To round out the sonic pie, he also sings his originals and covers out of the traditional and folk catalog. Often teamed up with singer/songwriters such as Shelly Bessler and Christy Hays, Polecastro rarely has a microphone in front of him, but his solo shows turn all that inside out. Expect multiple guitars, dobro, and even some old time banjo to blend with his elegant croaking – ahem – singing.
Keith Scott Blues returns on Wednesday, July 24th. Remarkably versatile, the Chicago-based blues/rock guitarist has been working his way methodically up through the blues’ ranks since his parents bought him his first guitar at age 14 and his young ears heard Muddy Waters in 1980. Scott is one of Chicago’s most vibrant musicians who has built his reputation as a sizzling blues guitarist, dynamic performer, noteworthy songwriter and bandleader. Scott has toured the United States and Europe, both with his band and blues great Jimmy Dawkins.
Bridger Creek Boys close out the month on Wednesday, July 31st. The Boys are an acoustic bluegrass quartet steeped in old-time tradition, while also pushing the genre with newgrass. The band blends originals with covers of traditional bluegrass and more contemporary artists. Their style is confident, complex and full of improvisation that’ll draw you in and have you shaking all over with bluegrass joy.
Also this summer, enjoy a solo acoustic show on the patio by Joe Knapp of SlomoJoe on Tuesdays from 5–7pm. Brew-lovers will be treated to a variety of styles including Americana, rock n’ roll, old time and country music. These outdoor sets are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Bridger Brewing also plays host {Pints with Purpose} every Monday night from 5–8pm where $1 of every pint sold will be donated to a featured local nonprofit. Here’s a look at some of the nonprofits on the calendar in the coming weeks. Head over to enjoy a house-brewed pint and be charitable in the process!
Proceeds from Monday, July 22nd will benefit Windhorse Equine Learning. By providing experiential and reflective learning opportunities with horses, the nonprofit empowers individuals to discover and realize their full potential. Learn more at www.windhorseequinelearning.org.
Aid the efforts of the Gallatin Gardeners Club on Monday, July 29th. This inclusive group of gardening enthusiasts grow home gardens but also plant, harvest and sell fresh produce from their market garden at the MSU Horticulture farm. Learn more at www.gallatingardenersclub.com.
Bridger Brewing provides the Bozeman community with unique hand-crafted brews, fresh artisan-style pizzas, and more. Learn more about upcoming events and daily specials at www.bridgerbrewing.com. Bridger is located at 1609 S 11th Ave., just across from the Fieldhouse. They’re open for business from 11:30am–9pm daily. •