The Friends of Montana PBS are pleased to announce Melodies for Montana PBS, a benefit concert to raise funds for Montana PBS’s “Bridge the Gap” campaign launched to help offset the organization’s $1.8 million federal funding cut.
On July 24th, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025 into law, canceling two years of previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Beginning in October, Montana PBS will experience a shortfall of $1.8 million, which represents 20% of its annual operating budget. Montana PBS is calling on viewers and supporters across the state to help bridge the gap.
To meet this unprecedented challenge, a group of generous Montana donors has stepped forward with a $900,000 matching gift, pledging to match dollar-for-dollar every contribution from the public until the full funding gap is closed. All proceeds raised from “Melodies for Montana PBS” will be counted toward this matching challenge.
The lineup for the concert includes a who’s who of Montana music. More than 40 artists will be performing, representing a wide range of musical styles and genres. From contemporary classical musicians like Angella Ahn and Carrie Krause, to artists like Jeni Fleming, Paige Rasmussen and Phil Aaberg, to the hard-driving “sloppy rock” of the Love Darts, this concert will feature something for everyone. Eric Funk personally curated the list of artists and invited them to perform, and all the featured musicians are donating their time to raise funds for Montana PBS. The Ellen Theatre is also donating the venue and promoting the event to support fundraising efforts.
“We are thrilled to present this event and humbled by the fact that these amazing artists as well as The Ellen are donating their time and talent to help secure the future of public media in Montana,” said Kristina Martin, Director of Development for Montana PBS. “Eric (Funk) has been a friend of ours for many years, and we are so grateful to him and the Ellen Theatre for making this happen.”
Montana Governor’s Award for the Arts recipient Dr. Eric Funk, classical composer, conductor, musician and professor, recipient of multiple teaching awards during his 50-year teaching career, 20 years of which were at Montana State University, is also the Host and Artistic Director of the Montana PBS series 11th & Grant. The series has won multiple Emmy Awards, and features Montana musicians representing all genres of music. The amazing Montana musicians featured in this event have appeared or soon will appear on 11th & Grant. “This concert will I think be one of the most memorable showcases in recent Bozeman history,” said Funk. “Should be absolutely stellar.”
Melodies for Montana PBS will take place at 7pm on the evening of Thursday, October 23rd at the Ellen Theatre. Tickets to the event are available at www.theellentheatre.com. Admission starts at $125 per person. All proceeds from tickets sales will go to Montana PBS’s “Bridge the Gap” Matching Challenge, and attendees will be given the opportunity to make an additional contribution during the event.
For 40 years, Montana PBS has been dedicated to connecting the people of Montana to the land they call home – and to each other – by highlighting their shared stories and fostering a spirit of community. The statewide network now broadcasts five channels with more than 275,000 Montanans viewing each week. •
