Justin Townes Earle, alt-country artist Corb Lund visit Pine Creek
Justin Townes Earle
Kelly Nicholson Band
Hey, live music lovers! Pine Creek Lodge is but one scenic drive to Paradise Valley away. The modern-rustic space offers an extensive slate of outdoor shows to keep guests and others entertained through the summer months. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Austin native Carson McHone is next up with a Quenby-assisted performance on Wednesday, July 3rd. The Beer Garden show begins at 7pm and is FREE of admission.
Praised by Rolling Stone for her rule-breaking roots music, McHone comes to Montana in support of her latest release, Carousel. The dark, driving, and evocative album captures a period of remarkable growth, shining a light on her honky-tonk roots and development as a modern, alt-country storyteller. It’s a latter-day record unconcerned with flying the flag of old-school country, inspired by diverse sources like Dylan, the Velvet Underground, and American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It wears its eclecticism proudly, with McHone singing each song in a voice that is worldly wise and woozily gorgeous.
Spend Independence Day with a late set by The Fossils on Thursday, July 4th. The Beer Garden show begins at 10pm and includes a $5 cover.
Known around the area for their authentic hippie music, the band guarantees a rockin’ good time. The members have been acquainted for years and are connected by their love of music. The Fossils are Scott Boehler (harmonica), Rich Ruggles (keyboard), Jerry Mullen (guitar), and Donny Scott (drums).
On Friday, July 5th, regional favorite Little Jane & the Pistol Whips will have the audience dancing. The Beer Garden show begins at 7pm and is FREE of admission.
The Americana/country band touches audiences and gets their toes tapping. Led by Ashly “Jane” Holland, The Pistol Whips are Tom “Mando” Murphy (mandolin), Russ Smith and/or Mason Tuttle (bass, vocals), and Mike Singer (banjo). They’ll be performing selections from their album, This Town, in addition to many crowd favorites.
Local darlings Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs hit the Main Stage on Saturday, July 6th. Wasatch bluegrassers Pixie & the Partygrass Boys will get the music started at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of show, based on availability.
The Bird Dogs’ live shows are highlighted by unbridled energy, punctuated by songs performed with fervor and swagger. Fusing old time folk songs with a rock n’ roll attitude, the group push the envelope of what a string band would generally be described as. Having shared stages with Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Mavericks, Wynonna Judd, Mark Chesnutt, and The Lil’ Smokies, their spring-released album Sweet Little Lies features lead-off single “Carolina.”
Lena “Laney Lou” Schiffer is back at Pine Creek to open for returning faves Trout Steak Revival on Wednesday, July 10th. The Main Stage show begins at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of show, based on availability.
When Trout Steak won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition in 2014, they emerged on the roots music scene to listeners anticipating the often-heard dose of progressive bluegrass with a hint of jam. Their unique brand of mountain music stood out, though, and quickly the band caught the attention of fans and folk radio DJs alike. Over the last three years, the Colorado quintet has further refined its style and, with Spirit to the Sea, delivers a mesmerizing and soul-quenching array of original songs resonating with the finer points of folk and Americana.
Following Thursday, July 11th is Justin Townes Earle. New York City troubadour Nathan Xander will get the music started on the Main Stage at 7pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show, based on availability.
Earle, son of country-rock iconoclast Steve Earle, is touring in support of his new release, The Saint of Lost Causes. The album spans everything from traditional country, blues and folk to western swing, roots-rock and boogie-woogie. Earle struggled with addiction for years, with numerous stints in rehab, long stretches of itinerancy and general juvenile delinquency, and a youth he once said he was “lucky to have gotten out of alive.” The new album focuses on a particular America – the disenfranchised and the downtrodden, the oppressed and the oppressors, the hopeful and the hopeless, as well as their geography.
The Black Lillies are back on Friday, July 12th. The Main Stage show opens with Bozeman super-group Kelly Nicholson Band at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of show, based on availability.
Known for their captivating blend of rock & roll and country, the Lillies have become one of Americana music’s biggest success stories: an internationally renowned band of roots-rockers, armed with songs that blur the boundaries between genres. They are a mainstay on radio and album sales charts, with a sound as powerful in the quieter moments as it is explosive during the jubilant ones. The band’s pared down configuration has resulted in a bigger, deeper sound built on undeniable chemistry, lush three-part harmonies, and instrumental virtuosity with a funky edge. Their latest album, Stranger to Me, is available now.
Underground country artist Corb Lund brings another Main Stage show to Pine Creek on Saturday, July 13th. Bozeman’s own Jason Wickens will get the music started at 7pm. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of show, based on availability.
Lund embraces his Western heritage through his music, touching on a range of cowboy themes past and present – from rough-and-tumble tales of lawless frontier saloons, to the somber realities of running a modern family ranch. The Canadian native has been praised by Rolling Stone Country, NPR, and The Washington Post, among others. Backed by his longtime honky-tonk band, The Hurtin’ Albertans, Lund’s live show is a force to be reckoned with. His latest release, Things That Can’t Be Undone, is available now.
Looking to Tuesday, July 16th, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers perform with help from alt-roots artist Mariel Buckley. The Main Stage show begins at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of show, based on availability.
Years, the Disarmers’ sophomore release, features sharpened songwriting, unique perspective, deepened sound and roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. It grabs you by the collar and puts a defiant finger to your chest. It is resolute, blunt and unflinching. Inspired by artists such as the Sex Pistols, Elliott Smith and Hank Williams, Sarah sings with confidence, control and, at times, a hint of menace. The Disarmers match her on every track, coloring the tales of resilience and empathy with as much urgency as ever as well as a broader sonic sweep.
Also in Paradise Valley, Pine Creek presents its Brunch Live Music Series. The weekend offering regularly showcases regional musicians from 11am–1pm. Order some food, maybe a cold beverage, then find a spot! Upcoming acts include: Jackson Holte on July 7th, Brian Ernst on July 13th, Shelly Besler Kersbergen on July 14th, and Jacob Rountree on July 20th. Take your pick and head over! These shows are FREE of admission and open to the public.
Please visit www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com for ticketing information, to reserve your cabin, and to learn more about these and other upcoming events. Pine Creek Lodge is located at 2496 E River Rd., just outside of Livingston. Party bus rentals available for select shows. Call (406) 222-3628 for further information. •
