Wild Joe*s welcomes regional acts, soulful pop of Reverend Doctor
Leisurely walks down Main are becoming a lot more regular, and it’s all uphill from here as summer closes in. While you’re enjoying the changing season, Downtown Bozeman’s Coffee Spot is a great place to check out acoustic sets by local and traveling artists. And of course, their menu offers plenty of delicious caffeinated and other treats to enjoy alongside the tunes! Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Denver-based artist John Lensing will entertain on Friday, May 3rd from 6–8pm. Lensing writes songs for the same reason he street performs for a living: to make people care. About themselves, about others, and things that sometimes hurt to care about. The singer/songwriter stumbled upon street performing years ago. Backpacking Europe, Lensing found people introducing themselves and opening up to him. All he had to do was play his guitar and sing. He began to learn how contagious vulnerability can be. Since then, he’s toured and street performed across the US and Canada, and has been called “an artist to watch” by folk magazine No Depression. Lensing’s 2016 self-titled EP and new single “Growing Pains” are available now.
New to Bozeman’s music scene, The Night Caps perform on Saturday, May 4th from 6–8pm. The band embodies the fun, upbeat nature of bluegrass music while also embracing the tender nuances of folk storytelling. With a diverse array of music, powerful lyrics, and intricate instrumentation, they’ll surely bring your evening to a pleasant close.
Returning Sunday, May 5th, Matthew Weber takes the stage from 1–3pm. The multi-faceted performer specializes in improvisation of all forms of entertainment. He studied classical guitar and theater at Valparaiso University in Indiana and has developed a style of performance that adapts to each audience. Weber continually studies different genres of music and implements them into his own style so that the diversity of sound can accompany any social setting. Off stage, he’s a yoga instructor and designer of functional art and interactive art installations at various music and art festivals around the world.
Previously announced for May 3rd, the next Open Mic Night moves to Friday, May 10th from 6–8pm. Come for an evening of music performed by local musicians. Bring your guitar, sitar, zither, poetry, comedy, or theremin and take a turn up at the mic. Show Bozeman what you’re made of! Individual set lengths depend on the number of musicians who want to play. Sign-ups start at 5:30pm – first come, first served. Be sure to bring your friends and support live music in Bozeman! A modest contribution to the kitty will be divided by participating musicians at the end of the night. The more people who come, the more money in the pot. An additional Open Mic Night is set for Saturday, May 18th from 6–8pm.
Touring soul pop act Reverend Doctor brings a special Tuesday show to Bozeman on May 14th from 6–8pm. He’s an uplifting and defiantly positive artist who aims to connect people and build community through music that moves minds and feet. Rooted in the likes of Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, and Tracy Chapman, his relentlessly optimistic music tells inspirational stories and creates safe spaces for those to gather. As a singer and guitarist, Rev Doc’s songwriting aims to preach and to heal through positive messages of hope and love.
Born and raised in the Midwest, the Reverend’s story is everyone’s story: Love, loss, struggle, but marked by the decision to encourage others on a musical escapade of love across the world. Rev now borrows from the jazz roots of the Bayou, funk that healed the world, along with R&B, pop, and rock, resulting in an upbeat sound that’ll make you dance or simply bring a smile to your face.
Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot is located at 18 W Main St. in the heart of historic Downtown Bozeman. Learn more about these and other upcoming events at www.wildjoescoffee.com. •
