Summertime is the perfect time for an outdoor show, with one of Southwest Montana’s favorite outdoor venues producing an incomparable slate of performers as we enter the peak season. Pine Creek Lodge brings acts of every genre to its space with a grab-bag of shows set for the next few months. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
The Disco Biscuits are set for a three-night run July 7th–9th. Pioneers of “trancefusion,” the band bridges the gap between electronic music and jam band repertoire. They are rock pioneers whose soul belongs as much to marathon dance parties as it does to live improvisational journeys. The Biscuits employ emerging technologies in creation of music that is thoroughly human, although, perhaps not entirely of this earth.
Enjoy a midweek performance by Sean Devine on July 12th. The Montana musician brings together the rugged landscape of the West, a wealth of original songs and a lifetime of personal experience in Here for It All, his latest release. Produced by Josh Thompson, the eloquent project provides a firsthand account of second chances, showing up and seeing it through.
Bozeman’s own Jampoke take the stage on July 13th. The folk-rock band performs with a heavy jam influence, playing a mix of soulful folk tunes, and more instrumental, high-energy jam rock. Born out of dorms of MSU, Jampoke’s sound is a unique blend of singer-songwriter lyricism with jam-style instrumental soloing.
The Lodge plays host to Knapp Fest on July 14th, beginning at 2pm. The event is held in remembrance of Joe Knapp and his contributions to the local music community. The day of live music will feature numerous performances by the likes of Dead Yellers, Band of Drifters, Benn & Abel, Doublewide Dreams, Big Ol, Roadrunner, Dustin Tucker Band, The Kings, Emma & the Ledge, Matt Miller and Marcedes Carroll, among others.
Budding country artist Paul Cauthen fronts back-to-back performances on July 15th and 16th. He is a singer, songwriter, entertainer and proud son of Tyler, Texas. His most recent release, Country Coming Down, was highlighted by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Garden & Gun, among other publications. Upon release, the record was widely considered one of the best country albums of the year. Cauthen has garnered over 110 million career streams to date – including over 13 million album streams.
Benn & Abel are back with a July 19th show. The duo lives in the space between bluegrass, Americana and the blues. Influences vary from guitar players like Chet Atkins, to songwriters such as Doc Watson and duos like the Milk Carton Kids. They play a mixture of originals and covers, with a new album in the works.
Check out Johnny Dango when he performs on July 20th. The Austin, Texas-based Americana singer-songwriter straddles the line between country and rock. Growing up in Oklahoma, he got his start playing local barrooms and touring with his childhood friend Stoney LaRue before going on to co-found the infamous Austin folk-pop band Brothers & Sisters.
Local tribute band Pinky & the Floyd return for their annual “Pinky in the Pines” shows with two unique nights of music on July 21st and 22nd. The Friday show is a 60s-70s Night featuring favorites from Piper at the Gates through Animals, while Saturday’s 80s-90s Night brings highlights from The Wall through Division Bell. Known for their performances of full albums, Pinky has fronted some legendary theatrical productions.
Hurdy Gurdy Girls open for a July 26th performance by Hillfolk North. Built on more than 15 years of “junkerdash” tradition, Hillfolk takes their acoustic guitar, double bass, and “anything you can find at a hardware store” sound and integrates driving drums and an electrified sound. The Boise-based band tells earnest stories about the lives of lovers, law-breakers and the lion-hearted.
North Fork Crossing follow with a July 27th show. Their genre resides somewhere in a strange untapped musical realm between traditional bluegrass, psychedelic rock, Americana and Folk. The quintet are drawn to bluegrass reaching a younger generation, priding themselves on their unique sound being the “evolution of string band music.”
Let loose with Andy Frasco & the UN on July 28th. Incorporating elements of soul, funk and rock, as well as tones of roots and Americana, the band of performers creates a diverse sound and style. Frasco’s shows have been described as infectious, entertaining and feel-good. His performances are recognized as orchestrated chaos, inciting frenzied, undeniable good times, dancing and perhaps even a good old fashioned freak out.
The Last Revel are set to perform on July 29th with help from Marcedes Carroll. A threesome of powerfully talented multi-instrumentalists, The Last Revel naturally blend the genres of folk, rockabilly, old time string-band and rock to create a sound equally original and timeless. They’re known to consistently deliver “bombastic live performances,” as well as delicate and haunting folk ballads. Their latest EP, Riding Horizons, is available now.
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 and find a spot! Upcoming acts include: Tom Susanj on July 8th, Cleo Toll July 9th, Raven Roshi July 15th, Kailee Failla July 16th, Hannah Jo Lally July 22nd, King Harvest Trio July 23rd, Patrick B Ray July 29th and Bryan McPherson on July 30th. These shows are free of admission and open to the public.
All night shows begin at 7pm, unless otherwise noted. Advance admission to ticketed shows on sale now, or at the door based on availability. Select performances are free of admission. Please visit www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com for ticketing details, cabin reservations, and more about these and other upcoming events. •