Weekend sounds & slices with songsmith Jess Atkins, PermaFunk
Red Tractor fills the bellies of locals and visitors on a nightly basis, but the local pizza joint also welcomes sets by independent musicians throughout the week. The live music serves as a perfect complement to its handcrafted rounds and wide selection of regional brews. Here’s a look at who’s coming up.
Bridger Creek Boys return to their usual Thursday slot on January 16th at 7pm. The Boys are an acoustic bluegrass quartet steeped in old-time tradition, while also pushing the genre with newgrass. The band blends originals with covers of traditional bluegrass and more contemporary artists. Their style is confident, complex, and full of improvisation that will draw you in and get you shaking all over with bluegrass joy. Bridger Creek Boys will bring additional performances to Red Tractor on January 23rd and 30th at 7pm.
On January 17th, Jazz Night takes over Red Tractor, as it does every Friday, at 7pm. Curated by guitarist and composer Alex Robilotta, these evenings feature the music styles of jazz, funk, latin, and more. Come out, get ready to groove, and hear America’s only original art form as it exists and evolves in the 21st century. Additional Jazz Nights are set for January 24th and 31st at 7pm.
Jess Atkins performs at 7pm on Saturday, January 18th. The Montana native’s finger and flatpicking styles bring to mind players like Leo Kottke, John Fahey, Keller Williams and Dave Matthews. A self-taught musician, his songs reflect melodies and interpretations of subjects everyone thinks about, but can’t always articulate. Along with his self-penned compositions, he easily blends in timeless classics like Danny O’Keefe’s “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues” and Santo and Johnny’s “Sleepwalk,” among other blues and country tunes. A stunning instrumentalist and true showman, Atkins is a must-see for any music enthusiast.
Music Monday features Chandler Huntley on January 20th at 6:30pm. The South Carolina native draws influence from Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Guy Clark, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and other country greats, from the current and past. His upbeat, finger-picking guitar style and soulful voice are something to behold.
Sunday, January 26th, sees the monthly return of The Dirt Farmers at 6pm. They’re a foot-stomping string band who have dubbed their musical style “paisley grass.” They’ve gained a following for their fun-loving mix of old school country, bluegrass, blues and rock – with the occasional slip into hip-hop. The band members, as unique as their song list, serve it all up with a smile on mandolin, banjo, guitar, fiddle and bass with vocal harmonies. The Dirt Farmers invite you to be “Having a Good Time” and experience the flavor and fun of Montana life.
Weston Lewis is back on Tuesday, January 28th at 7pm. Lewis plays with a number of local bands, solo performances, and as a sit-in lead guitarist for artists including The Andrew Hand Band, John Sherrill, The Electric Sunday, Lang Termes, Mathias, and MOTH. His solo sets are comprised mostly of acoustic rock covers and some of his original songs. In band settings, he likes to play funk, jazz, country and more.
PermaFunk is back on Saturday, February 1st at 7pm. The Bozeman-based group makes music to keep bodies moving and souls grooving! Expect plenty of funky, soulful, psychedelic, and Latin-infused grooves. The band is inspired by the creativity and passion of the 1970s and everyone who participates in the PermaFunk experiment.
Red Tractor Pizza is located at 1007 W Main in Bozeman. Check out their menu at www.redtractorpizza.com. •