Rialto presents shows by Lucius, Bryan John Appleby & The Motet
Bryan-John-Appleby-photo by-Bebe-Besch
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.
Lucius launches its first acoustic tour with a Bozeman performance on Wednesday, March 7th with American singer, guitarist and pianist Ethan Gruska opening at 8pm. Tickets to this 18+ show are $30. Doors at 7pm.
Fronted by the enchanting Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, Lucius has drawn acclaim for powerful songs showcasing taut hooks, along with their mesmerizing stage presence and bold visual aesthetics. The New York Times described Wolfe and Laessig’s vocals as being “especially gorgeous,” while Rolling Stone says Lucius is “powerful enough to knock you over.” Talented multi-instrumentalists Peter Lalish and Dan Molad round out the group. The band has released a pair of albums: Wildewoman in 2013 and Good Grief in 2016, which landed on various best-of lists and elicited praise from London’s The Times for its “sunshine-drenched pop” and “vocal harmonies carrying songs rich in melody.” They recently contributed the song “Million Dollar Secret” to one of the last episodes of HBO’s Girls and scored the soundtrack to the film Band Aid. Wolfe and Laessig have become in-demand collaborators on their own —singing on albums for artists including John Legend, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, The War on Drugs, as well as Roger Waters’ most recent release, Is This the Life We Really Want?, and have toured as part of Roger Waters’ band over the last few years.
Cole & The Thornes bring their album release show to the Rialto with help from Left On Tenth, Thursday, March 8th at 8pm. Tickets to this all ages show are $10. Doors at 7pm.
The Bozeman band began with an infectious restlessness and a heart engraved with longing adventure. Front woman Cole Thorne (ukulele) and Jordan Cole Rodenbiker (bass) founded the group in 2013, then performing as a soulful, R&B infused, reggae-influenced duet. After a tour to Maui and a freight train music tour across the country, the band bloomed into a seven-piece in the summer of 2016 when members Jelani Mahiri (afrobeat-inspired percussion), Andy Gavin (drums), and Aaron Banfield (jazz guitar) were added. The Thornes then brought in Daniel Wood (pocket trumpet) and Matt Sloan (saxophone) to create a playful horn section. Cole & The Thornes have since performed throughout Montana, playing at various music festivals like Harvest Fusion, The Original Festival, and Groovin On’. Now, in 2018, they’re releasing Map Maker, their debut. The album is a collection of songs filled with funky grooves, sultry vocals, and empowering lyrics that capture the true meaning of being in the now.
Bryan John Appleby follows on Saturday, March 10th with a show beginning at 8pm. Tickets to this 18+ show are $9.50. Doors at 7pm.
The Seattle-based singer/songwriter and composer has, over the years, gained a reputation as a notable lyricist and compelling solo performer with a clear voice and intricately crafted lyrics. Appleby is touring his catalog, performing selections from his latest release, The Narrow Valley. The album deals with the sun-bleached landscape of his youth — a dreamy, densely constructed cinematic world more musically tied to the maximalist West Coast pop traditions of outsider California composers like Van Dyke Parks and Brian Wilson than to the folk roots of Appleby’s early work. The Narrow Valley’s orchestral character takes dramatic steps away from heartfelt folk balladry, showcasing Appleby’s deftness in composition and arrangement while still managing to deliver the epic line-by-line lyricism he is known for. Whether re-interpreting the songs with the influence of his long-standing live band (multi-instrumentalist Kyle Zantos, bassist Joe Ruppert, drummer Cole Mauro) or performing alone, his range as a writer and performer continually expands outward, and he maintains his ability to connect with and capture the attention of his audiences.
The Motet is set for Wednesday, March 14th at 8pm. Tickets to this 18+ show are $20. Doors at 7pm.
You can’t fake the funk, and this Denver-based group brings it on hard with a signature style that slaps you in the face with sounds fresh and unique. The future of funk is clear on The Motet’s latest studio album, Totem. The recent addition of singer Lyle Divinsky, who joined the band in early 2016, fans the flames of this already hot band. The Motet are Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keyboards), Garrett Sayers (bass), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), Gabriel Mervine (trumpet), Lyle Divinsky (vocals), Drew Sayers (saxophone). Their most recent singles, “Supernova” and “Get It Right,” are available now.
St. Patrick’s Day at the Rialto is more than green beer and goofy hats. It’s about reflecting on what immigrants mean to our country and how they’ve woven traditions into the fabric of our diverse society. So, on Saturday, March 17th, join for New Neighbors Project Films & Music with Joel Makeci at 7:30pm. Recently arrived African refugees will share their stories of assimilation since joining our statewide community. The evening will feature short films and a Q&A session with the filmmakers themselves. Afterwards, steady yourself for the wonderfully worldly sounds from Joel Makeci, a true and mysterious musical gift from way across the waters, now at home in Missoula. Celebrate what makes this country unique this St. Patrick’s Day by welcoming new voices, styles, and music into your lives — and meet your new neighbors! Tickets to this all ages event are $10. Doors at 6:30pm.
Looking ahead, Twin Peaks will entertain with help from The Districts on Tuesday, March 20th at 8pm. Tickets to this all ages show are $16. Doors at 7pm.
Born of Chicago’s league-leading DIY scene, the band members share an enthusiasm, authenticity and passion their audiences have found contagious. Since dropping out of college to support their debut album Sunken, the group has performed at festivals in the United States and Europe, including Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, and Roskilde.
Their latest full-length, Down In Heaven, makes it increasingly hard to call their sound “classic.” It’s rock new and old, it’s a little bit of country, it’s a whole lot of punk attitude, and it’s something to get excited about. Twin Peaks comes to Bozeman in support of their just-released collection of tunes, Sweet ‘17 Singles.
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 current happenings and buy advance tickets. Follow the Rialto on Facebook for the most up to date event announcements, @therialto. •
