There’s rarely a darkened stage at the Filling Station, the locals’ tried and true source for the very best in independent artists. Their concerts showcase artists from a variety of genres, welcoming diverse audiences to the north Bozeman space with performances held throughout the week.
A night of the very best in regional metal is set for April 4th featuring Big Knife, Xerox, Geimhreidh and Amiskelm. Enjoy the metal grind and thrashy black metal from these ensembles from Washington, Idaho and right here in Bozeman.
Denver’s Only Echoes visits Bozeman on April 5th with openers Hot Milk and the Flower Pallets. The five-piece elevates the concept of instrumental post-metal to new heights with their three guitars, using them to create intricate layers throughout each song. The monumental riffs, clean atmospherics and melodic solos create something new.
Ryan Chrys & the Roughcuts perform with help from the Dead Yellers on April 6th. The four-piece touring band shares male and female leads in a mix of old school country and rock n roll. Call it western outlaw, modern outlaw country, or just plain outlaw. The Rough Cuts bring forth new energy to music fans who love the heroes and outlaws of old. Influenced by the songs and personalities of legends like Waylon and Willie, they drive their sound with blazing guitars and a rock n’ roll attitude.
Settle in for a night of audible entertainment with Cosmic Sans on April 7th. Puddle and Come Back K will open the show. The psychedelic rock band from Missoula released their eponymous debut last fall featuring a blend of psych rock, punk, jazz, and soul. Described as “psychedelic jams with otherworldly aspirations” by the Missoulian, the band has enjoyed an easy footing in the arts community of Western Montana.
The Wilder Blue return to the Gallatin Valley on April 8th. Sharp storytelling. Gripping and gorgeous five-part harmonies. Arrangements that can swing between fun, engaging, and lively one moment and stirring, booming, and chill-inducing the next. These are the essential elements that make up the sound of The Wilder Blue, the Texas five-piece who put their own spin on rock-influenced country with their studio releases.
Minneapolis-based Humbird performs alongside Ryan Acker on April 11th. Combining a wintry longing with the warmth of a familiar folktale, Humbird stretches between experimental folk and environmental Americana to embrace the unexpected. Revolving around Siri Undlin’s songwriting and storytelling, Humbird began as a solo moniker before evolving into an award-winning, rotating cast of musicians and collaborators that now often include woodwinds, upright bass, synthesizer, and drums.
The Shook Twins are once again live in Bozeman with Daniel Rodriguez on April 13th. Central to Shook Twins’ sound is their wide range of instrumentation: banjo, acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass, mandolin, electronic drums, face drum (beat-box), glockenspiel, ukulele, banjo-head drumming and their signature Golden Egg. Beautiful twin harmonies, layered upon acoustic and electric instrumentation – coupled with Laurie’s inventive use of percussive and ambient vocal loops, and Katelyn’s re-purposed telephone microphone – set their sound apart, creating a unique and eccentric blend of folk, roots, groove and soul.
Performing with help from Mathias on April 14th, El Wencho take the Filler stage mid-month. Featuring John Mclellan and Josh Keehr from the Clintons, the rowdy two-piece captures the story of life in rural Montana and brings it to you wrapped with rock beats and cowboy chords.
Oregon’s high energy, multi-genre Spunj take the stage April 15th with opening support by One Leaf. Using their diverse musical backgrounds and tastes, Spunj believes in making their live shows not just a musical performance, but an experience. The band incorporates classic songwriting with sections of improvisation to seamlessly weave from genre to genre while keeping the energy high and always danceable.
Eight-piece soul machine Orgone will provide the musical revelry on a very special 4/20. Drawing on their love of Funkadelic, Santana, Muscle Shoals and all things Stax, the duo has churned out gritty funk and soul recordings and toured relentlessly. Orgone’s live show captivates audiences and packs dance floors, whether on sold-out headlining tours or sharing the stage with The Roots, Al Green, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Galactic.
The Dead Yellers return to the Filler on April 21st with openers Bubba Fett. Founded by frontman Peter King, the music follows a theme of courage in the face of adversity, delivered in an upbeat, western roots format, ultimately leaving the audience feeling hopeful and happy. Sometimes joined by fiddle, pedal steel, bass and harmonica, this group always brings something unique to their performances.
April 22nd sees the return of Jon Wayne & the Payne with help from Jazz Cabbage. Powered by a lineup of heartbreaking reggae ballads illustrating how our most precious growth often blooms from pain, combined with a handful of beat thumping tracks, the band’s fifth studio album “Growth Lines” showcases their musical breadth. They also recruited heavyweight performers G Love, Tropidelic, Bumpin’ Uglies and Indubious to add flavor and texture to the tracklist that tugs at heartstrings and keeps feet moving.
Back in Bozeman on April 27th is Dead tribute Terrapin Flyer. Their music has been described as an extension of the Grateful Dead’s improvisational, genre-blurring style. Overall, Terrapin Flyer is a talented and highly regarded band that has made a significant impact on the national music scene. Their shows are always lively and dynamic, and their music is guaranteed to get audiences dancing and singing along.
Rescheduled from late last month, 3 Miles to Clyde are set to perform April 28th. Daniel Kosel & Madrona Road will be on hand as opening support. The energetic ensemble specializes in unforgettable live performances and music that keeps its audiences moving. This five-piece consists of two guitars, drums, bass, and keys to bring a complete rock sound for their listeners.
North Fork Crossing provide the live entertainment on April 29th with the Ryan Acker Trio. The local Bozeman bluegrass band combines traditional styles with modern jam to bring a new perspective to the genre.
Closing out the month are Raven Black on April 30th. Sorryimolive and Kat Bee will open. Their unique brand of metal – influenced by gothic, classical, and heavy metal music – is the soundtrack to vocalist Raven’s duality as she shares her story of being a hybrid of both dark and light.
Advance ticketing information for these and other shows are available at www.fillertickets.com. Log on to the website for additional details and a full calendar of upcoming concerts. Follow the Filler on social media for event updates and other venue announcements. •
