Pinky, Hayes Carll & Young Dubliners take Pine Creek stage
It’s officially summer as one of Southwest Montana’s favorite outdoor venues continues to host a full slate of performances in majestic Paradise Valley. Pine Creek Lodge brings acts of every genre to its space for live music aficionados far and wide. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Chandler Huntley performs July 6th at 6pm. He draws influence from Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Guy Clark, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and other country greats, from the current and past. This show is free of admission.
Pinky & the Floyd bring their 11th annual “Pinky in the Pines” show to the outdoor stage July 7th and 8th. Pinky’s 2022 tour production entitled “Beyond the Darkside” will feature a thoughtfully curated master set that explores Pink Floyd’s darker side, including a full ‘Echoes’ and ‘Dogs,’ ‘One of These Days,’ ‘Sorrow,’ ‘Great Gig,’ and many other classics from the band’s immense catalog. Advance tickets are $35 or $40 day of.
Peter King follows on July 9th at 6pm. He writes songs about the decisions we make, good and bad, that encompass the human condition. A true Montana roots artist in both performance and persona, King keeps the cowboy troubadour vision alive and well in the West. This show is free of admission.
Paul Lee Kupfer showcases his talents July 13th at 6pm. He has a distinctive approach and his arrangements are inventive and fun. Restless touring and writing has allowed him to share the bill with some of his heroes and bring his music to many different kinds of people across the United States. This show is free of admission.
Check out Dan Dubuque on July 14th at 6pm. With a show consisting of slide guitar, ukulele, charango, electric and acoustic guitar, he expertly blends these strings into an experimental one-man guitar show. This show is free of admission.
Dead Sky take the stage for back-to-back performances July 15th and 16th. The local Grateful Dead tribute features members of Pinky & the Floyd, MOTH, Kelly Nicholson Band, Hooligans, Dead Yellers, SlomoJoe and more. Advance tickets are $25 or $30 day of.
Ian Thomas stops by for a solo show on July 20th at 6pm. Whether performing solo or with his Band of Drifters, Thomas draws on a variety of American roots influences, delivering a captivating raw live performance and distinctive sound alongside his original compositions on guitar, harmonica and kazoo. This show is free of admission.
Black Lillies frontman Cruz Contreras entertains July 21st at 6pm. The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter and producer has impacted Americana music worldwide. An architect of the Lillies’ raw and rootsy sound, he also co-founded Robinella and the CCstringband and has collaborated with musicians ranging from John Oates and Jim Lauderdale, to Langhorne Slim and Turnpike Troubadours. This show is free of admission.
Hayes Carll returns to Southwest Montana with help from Travis Linville on July 24th. The country simplicity that imbues the acclaimed artist’s songs can sometimes hide the social conscience and sharp humor that also runs through them, but if you want to find those things, they are there. In fact, Carll has spent over 20 years having a conversation about what it is we’re all doing here with anyone who will listen. He makes us laugh – but then he makes us cry. We judge a song’s protagonist, only for Carll to spin us around to commiserate with them. Advance tickets are $30 or $35 day of.
Coming July 27th is the Katherine Taylor Duo at 6pm. The frontwoman sings and writes songs born of rural American tradition, songs of people and places. She’s influenced by gospel, bluegrass and western tradition. This show is free of admission.
Colorado-based Floodgate Operators visit Pine Creek July 28th at 6pm. The five-piece bluegrass band combines fast, flat-picking traditionals with energetic, heartfelt originals to create a unique and outrageously fun performance. This show is free of admission.
The Young Dubliners are back July 29th with local help from Doublewide Dreams. After thirty years as one of the world’s leading Celtic rock bands, the boys return to Paradise with crowd favorites and cuts from their recent studio releases. Advance tickets are $25 or $30 day of show.
Looking to a new month, don’t miss Lil Smokies with opening support from Pert Near Sandstone on August 4th. Drawing on the energy of a rock band and the Laurel Canyon songwriting of the ‘70s, the Smokies reimagined their approach to roots music on Tornillo, the band’s third studio album, named for the remote Texas town where it was recorded. Formed in Missoula, Lil Smokies have built a national following through constant touring with performances at Red Rocks, Telluride and more. Advance tickets are $35 or $40 day of show.
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: Addison Lea Thompson on July 9th, Ryan Acker July 10th, Jackson Holte & Ian Stranh July 16th, Benn & Abel July 17th, Dick McCumber July 23rd, Cleo Toll July 24th, Steph Yeager July 30th and Peter King on July 31st. These shows are free of admission and open to the public.
All night shows begin at 7pm, unless otherwise noted. Advance tickets available now, or at the door based on availability. Please visit www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com for ticketing information, cabin reservations, and more about these and other upcoming events. •
