Fair entertainment: Aaron Watson, Randy Houser, Everclear & more
Randy Houser at The 2018 Big Sky Country State Fair returns to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on July 19th
The Big Sky Country State Fair returns to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Wednesday through Sunday, July 18th–22nd for another round of food, fun, music, and so much more! Here’s a look at this year’s performers and some other highlights.
On Wednesday, July 18th, original country artist Aaron Watson performs with help from High Valley at 8pm. Extremely popular with those who maybe aren’t as fond of “bro country,” Watson’s latest album, Vaquero, is an ambitious set of character-driven storytelling, level-headed cultural commentary, and love songs for grown-ups that promise to further solidify his status as one of today’s finest torch-bearers of real country music. Available now, the album confidently draws from Texas’ storied musical melting pot: dancehall shuffles, dustbowl narratives, Tejano, and more.
High Valley is an Albertan brothers duo known for their singles “Make You Mine” and “She’s With Me,” both featured on their recently released Farmhouse Sessions compilation.
Randy Houser follows on Thursday, July 19th at 8pm. With an inimitable voice The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” the Mississippi native has racked up five consecutive country radio hits and over five million singles sales. He topped the charts with the “How Country Feels,” “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “Goodnight Kiss,” “We Went,” and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Like a Cowboy.” Houser’s latest album, Fired Up, is available now.
On Friday, July 20th, Everclear hits the stage at 8pm. Formed by Art Alexakis in 1991, in Portland, Oregon, the iconic rock band has enjoyed a lengthy career spanning 11 studio releases, numerous videos, thousands of shows and accolades that include a 1998 Grammy nomination. Although the band hasn’t released a new studio album since 2015’s triumphant Black Is the New Black, Everclear continues to tour actively. And while it’s a virtual surety that no Everclear gig is complete without a rendition of “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” lately the band has found that exploring the full range of past material – especially the “deep cuts” – not only gives fans a rare treat, but also injects new life into the band’s live dynamic.
All shows are held in Anderson Arena with doors at 7pm and the performances at 8pm. Main stage acts are included with fair admission. Special seating and ticket packages are also available. The new Pit Pass will be offered at just $29. Only 400 will be sold per show and the deal will include stage-side viewing, a private bartender, and private restroom facilities.
Also during the Fair, the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo is set for Saturday and Sunday, July 21st–22nd at Anderson Arena. Saturday performances will kick off at 1pm and 7pm, with the finals to follow at 1pm on Sunday. Ranch Rodeo reflects today’s true working cowboy from the big open. Seven events are packed full of excitement representing work done on the ranch: Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, Trailer Loading, Team Sorting, Ranch Bronc Riding, Team Doctoring, and Hide Race.
Kids and thrill-seekers: don’t forget the rides! The Carnival is open from 1–11pm daily (closing at 8pm on July 22nd). North Star Amusements returns with super spectacular rides Vertigo and G-Force, kiddie rides, and traditional favorites. Single-day wristbands are $30 and gain entry to unlimited rides. Ride coupons are also available for $1 each or ten for $9.
Big Sky Country State Fair is held Wednesday, July 18th through Sunday, July 22nd in Bozeman. The Gallatin County 4-H Horse Show is featured Monday and Tuesday, July 16th–17th. The Fair opens to the public Wed., July 18th. Admission is $10 for adults 13 and older, $3 for youth 6–12, free for those 5 and under, and $6 for seniors 62 and older. Visit www.406statefair.com to purchase tickets and for more information on this year’s festivities. •
