Night of local country, Mardi Gras Masquerade & more at Rialto
The historic Rialto theater has reopened its doors in the heart of Downtown Bozeman. This brand new event venue promises to bring an exciting lineup of top-tier talent from around the country. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming happenings.
Join for a night of solid local country. Ian Thomas & Band of Drifters is set for a performance on Friday, February 2nd with help from King Ropes and The Dead Yellers beginning at 8:30pm. Tickets to this all-ages show are $10. Doors open at 7:30pm.
In an age of the southern pop virus being passed off as the genuine article, these bands are the real deal, the cure for the Nashville disease. So pull on your boots, dust off that cowboy hat, and throw on that flannel for the sweet twang of Montana’s own, by way of Tennessee, Ian Thomas and his Band of Drifters. Exercise the demons with local hero Peter King and The Dead Yellers, and if you happen to get lost, you’ll be rounded up by Dave Hollier and King Ropes.
Ian Thomas returns as part of The Songwriter’s Roundtable on Thursday, February 8th at 8pm. He joins fellow singer/songwriters Dalton C. Brink, Danny Bee, and Joe Knapp for an evening of storytelling, songcraft, and maybe even a few tunes. Tickets to this all-ages event are $10. Doors open at 7pm.
Join for a Rialto-style Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball with live music by Swamp Dawg on Tuesday, February 13th at 8:30pm. The evening will feature traditional N’awlins blues and plenty of dancing! Come dressed in your best and be prepared to get down with the get down. Masks will be available for purchase at the door. Tickets to this 21+ event are $20. Doors at 7:30pm.
Swamp Dawg brings New Orleans-style funk, second line, and swampy Southern Soul to Southwest Montana and beyond. Inspired by the music of Dr. John, Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas, Tab Benoit, Snooks Eaglin, and the artists of Stax Records and the Memphis Soul scene, the band brings forth a relaxed yet energized beat that gets you on your feet and ready to dance. The core four includes Susan Miller (vocals), Blaise Arsenault (guitar, vocals), Jamey Warren (bass guitar), and Michael “Mikey G” Gillan (drums, vocals).
Following on Wednesday, February 14th, the Rialto hosts An Intimate Valentine’s Evening with Jeni Fleming at 8:30pm. Treat your special someone to a romantic piano jazz performance along with some tasty bites, wine, and dessert. Tickets to this 21+ evening begin at $40. Ticket includes two glasses of wine and a shared dessert. Doors at 7:30pm.
Jeni Fleming brings a breathtaking originality to some of the best music of the American songbook. From classic jazz standards from composers such as Gershwin, Cole Porter and Jobim, to re-arranged pop hits by Cyndi Lauper, The Grateful Dead, or The Beatles, Jeni defies easy classification simply saying in defense “a good song is a good song.” Her signature ballads drip with so much emotion that an audience member suggested adding Kleenex boxes on each chair in her tech rider. Big Sky Journal commented, “an evening of this and you’re both whipped and exhilarated, you’ve wiped your eyes, yet your cheeks hurt from all the grinning.” With every performance, the songs and stories of Jeni Fleming are winning the hearts of audiences from coast to coast.
Looking ahead, San Francisco-based Monophonics are set for a show on Thursday, February 22nd at 8pm. Tickets to this 18+ show are $17. Doors at 7pm.
Raised amid the rich musical culture and history of the Bay Area, Monophonics play their own brand of music known as “Psychedelic Soul.” While their earlier tunes saw the band pulling influences from such acts as early Funkadelic, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Temptations, Monophonics has since shifted focus to the groups that inspired those soul acts to embrace the psychedelic sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s — bands such as The Zombies, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Pink Floyd. Touching on Northern soul, doo-wop, rock n’ roll, Psych pop, and cinematic music, Monophonics show off their diversity while remaining true to their roots. Their latest album, Sound of Sinning, is available now.
The Rialto is located at 10 W Main St. in the center of historic Downtown Bozeman. Get further acquainted with this exciting new event space at www.rialtobozeman.com, where you can also peruse all happenings and buy advance tickets. Follow the Rialto on Facebook for the most up to date event announcements, @therialto. •
