Eagles entertains with barroom bands & bonus Ballroom shows
Downtown Bozeman’s Eagles Bar is home to entertainment aplenty this summer. The seasoned watering hole features drink specials, Friday night BINGO and burgers, regular live music by local musicians, and Ballroom shows featuring visiting acts. Here’s a look at who’s playing at FOE in the coming weeks.
Missoula-based MudSlide Charley will bring their house-rockin’ roots music to Bozeman on Friday and Saturday, August 16th and 17th. From its first sparks in 2004, the band has continued to ignite and morph over the years into what is now a five-piece powerhouse. The band draws its inspiration from a more antiquated era, when Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker first fused the rough and rural vibes of southern acoustic blues with modern electric instruments. MudSlide Charley weaves their blues foundation with Stax-era R&B, hip-hop, and indie rock to perform original songs that bristle with vital relevance, emotional fervor, and soul-drenched blues.
Up in the Ballroom, Thunderpussy take the stage on Monday, August 19th. New York rock band Hollis Brown will open the show at 9pm. If Thor’s Hammer of the Gods from “Immigrant Song” landed in the hands of four wise, willful and wild women, it would sound something like Thunderpussy. The quartet do the most rock n’ roll thing possible and quite literally fuck up every rock n’ roll stereotype you know to be true, piercing the halls of Valhalla in the process. The Seattle-based group has evolved into a quiet phenomenon with the endorsement of Rolling Stone and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, as well as a string of already legendary performances under their high-waisted belts. Tickets to the Bozeman show are $13.50 in-store at Cactus Records.
Back downstairs, KneeJürk entertains with a stripped-down set on Wednesday, August 21st beginning at 8pm. The supersonic Southwest Montana duo incorporates the big band beat, performing the best toe tappin’ sing-alongs from the ‘60s to now.
Country rockers BlueBelly Junction take the stage Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group provides audiences with what they consider “rockabilly music” all over the state of Montana. The high-energy band tends to veer away from slow jams, other than the occasional tune. With an arsenal of originals and personalized covers, the guys will keep you on your feet until last call.
More midweek tunes come courtesy of Mathias on Wednesday, August 28th at 8pm. The Bozeman-based singer/songwriter has been playing music under the big sky for nearly two decades. With powerful vocals and a percussive guitar style, he’s known for his dynamic live performances full of acoustic folk, rock, and funk tunes. Mathias recorded his debut album, Walk Alone, with the help of Emmy Award-winning producer Jeremiah Slovarp.
On Friday and Saturday, August 30th and 31st, Poison Lovers will have folks out acting a fool on the floor. The Bozeman-based honky tonk country rock band is comprised of Rob Lethert (guitar, harmonica), Josh Heins (lead guitar), Bill Scott (bass) and Travis Johnston (drums). Remember your dancing shoes!
Also on Aug. 30th, Canadian psychobilly heavyweights Gutter Demons will front a Ballroom show. Known for their intense stage presence and raucous rock n’ roll, the Demons will bring along their red-blooded rockabilly roots, punk and heavy metal found throughout their catalog. Their most recent release, No God, No Ghost, No Saints, is available now. The music kicks off with local help from the Lucitones and Death Trophy at 8pm. The evening will also feature an art show showcasing local artists. Admission to this 21+ event is $10.
Always a blast, Sunrise Karaoke sets up every Thursday night at 9pm. Sing your heart out, cheer on your friends and maybe even do a dance number between songs!
Bridger Mountain Big Band performs regularly on Sundays from 7–9:30pm. The 17-piece jazz orchestra celebrates the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and more, with original arrangements and music of all genres from the 1900s to today. Check them out on Facebook for performance announcements.
Eagles Bar live music begins at 9pm, unless otherwise noted. Head downtown to play a game of pool, listen to some great local bands, or stop in for a cold one any day of the week! The Eagles is located at 316 E Main, next to the Nova Café. •