Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot in Downtown Bozeman is a great place for a caffeine fix, but it also doubles as a live music venue for local artists and those passing through our not-so-little mountain town. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Lane Norberg is back on Saturday, March 31st from 6–8pm. His music is heavily inspired by faith, love, and all of life’s ups and downs. Many of the lyrics to Norberg’s songs are easy to listen to, and often involve elements from his own life. “I believe that music is a unique way to express the kinds of things we all go through every day,” he says. “I want my music to be relatable to people because I think you can really communicate an idea through song if your lyrics are believable and authentic.” NEEDTOBREATHE, Ben Rector, John Mayer, and many other artists have served as inspiration. Norberg spent last summer recording Under the Trees, his first record, at Bozeman’s Basecamp Recording Studio with producer Chris Cunningham. The EP is available now.
Howard Beall & the Fake News follow with another afternoon show on Sunday, April 1st from 1–3pm. The group is a collection of talented young artists from around the great state of Montana. They bring people together by playing groove-based music, specifically pulling from the jazz, rock, and funk genres. The band plays a blend of original compositions, standards, and modern songs with the intent of creating fresh sounds while still respecting the heritage and language of those before them.
The next Open Mic Night will take place Friday, April 6th from 6–8pm. Come for an evening of music performed by local musicians. Bring your guitar, sitar, zither, poetry, comedy, or theremin and take a turn up at the mic. Show Bozeman what you’re made of! Individual set lengths depend on the number of musicians who want to play. Sign-ups start at 5:30pm — first come, first served. Be sure to bring your friends and support live music in Bozeman! A modest contribution to the kitty will be divided by participating musicians at the end of the night. The more people who come, the more money in the pot. An additional Open Mic Night is set for April 21st from 6–8pm.
Wind and the Willows take the stage Saturday, April 7th with help from Kylie Spence from 6–8pm. Imports from Evergreen, Colorado, Willows’ lead singers Ryen Dalvit and Maren Stubenvoll bring their distinct sound to Montana, a blend of brass, strings, and triple harmonies. The band’s roots lie in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. From writing tunes in caves and atop mountains, to performing in taprooms and other intimate venues, these once upon a time classmates became a songwriting duo finding inspiration in their beautiful surroundings and budding sisterhood. The Wind and the Willows bring a fresh taste of folk to their new home of Bozeman. Come check them out!
Charles Ellsworth performs on Sunday, April 8th from 1–3pm. His music has been accused of being “a triumph for American songwriting,” but Ellsworth prefers the classification of ‘Redneck Dadrock.’ Based out of Brooklyn, his roots run back to the mountains of Arizona where he was born and raised, and while the influence of both places can be heard in Ellsworth’s songs so can the pull of the road which keeps him from ever seeing enough of any place he calls home. Ellsworth’s latest album, Cesaréa, is available now.
Brian Stai on Wednesday, April 11th from 6-8pm. He’s an Americana Folk singer and songwriter based out of the Pacific Northwest. With an emphasis on lyrically based songwriting and live performances, Brian mergers the tradition of folk music into his own experience and perspective. His lyrics are honest, authentic, and his storytelling ability will paint a picture for you to step into.
Born and raised in Iowa, life has brought him to currently reside in Spokane, WA. Playing guitar since he was 12, but only songwriting for the past, small-handful, of years. His musical influences include: Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, (Early) Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, and many more Folk and Americana troubadours. His live performances are the canvas in which his stories are really told. His old-time finger picking and beat up vintage Gibson are the paint brushes for these stories. You’ll feel a tug between the old and new during his live sets and his kickdrum and tambourine will keep your foot tapping the whole way through.
Orange Julians, aka Julian DeFelice, stops in on Friday, April 13th from 6–8pm. DeFelice is a solo indie pop performer from Vermont. Hailed as “Vermont’s freshest electro-pop” by Seven Days newspaper, DeFelice recently moved to Montana. He combines pop, nostalgia, and indie rock into an intimate sonic experience. His albums Object and Option are available now.
Neil Filo Beddow is next up on Saturday, April 14th from 6–8pm. He plays original folk rock for the soul, and describes his guitar style as the “West Dakota stutter.” Beddow’s musical influences include Lucinda Williams, Ry Cooder, David Bromberg, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. His lyrically scrambled iambic pentameter can be politically bent, spiritually seeking, tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious. He’s released albums Ray of Light and Song & Peace with a band called Filo Productions, as well as a solo outing.
Looking ahead, Marcedes Carroll returns on Friday, April 27th from 6–8pm. The spunky and fun Gallatin Valley local brings a variety of flavor to her live shows, performing tunes ranging from Turnpike Troubadours to Ella Fitzgerald to Led Zeppelin, along with plenty of originals you just have to hear!
Marcedes has been pursuing music since early youth. At the age of 8, singing “My Heart Will Go On” into her parents’ flashlight in a debonair black sequin dress with the camera rolling was just the beginning. In an effort to hone her craft, Marcedes has studied and practiced music using a combination of professional training and self-teaching. She’s worked with local radio program and live music venue Live From the Divide, and has spent a decent amount of time performing with local band Drink Me Pretty. Marcedes is currently pursuing a career as an independent singer/songwriter.
Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot is located at 18 W Main St. in the heart of historic Downtown Bozeman. Learn more about these and other upcoming events at www.wildjoescoffee.com
