The Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman is not only your source for some of the area’s best film and stage performances. It also houses some great musical acts—both local and those coming through through town. Here’s a look at what’s coming up. Music fills the stage on Saturday, January 21st, with the yodeling sensation Wylie & The Wild West! A native Montanan, Wylie Gustafson is considered “the coolest cowpoke around,” best known as the voice of the Yahoo! yodel. Over the past 25 years, Wylie and his band have toured the country, performing everywhere from small town venues to large music festivals. They have appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and have played The Grand Ole Opry more than fifty times! The concert begins at 7:30pm and all seats are just $12.
Wylie Gustafson, Lester Rocks at the Ellen on February 4th at 7:30pm
Lester Rocks is set for a return performance at the Ellen on Saturday, February 4th at 7:30pm. Tickets to this show are $15.50. A Lester Rocks show is not just a concert. It’s music satire, showcasing clever songwriting and some of Bozeman’s premier musicians. Bandleader Stefan Stern plays piano and sings lead vocals backed up by Krista Barnett and Jeni Fleming, Jake Fleming on bass guitar, and Drew Fleming with drums. This show will feature new songs written by Stern, as well as old audience favorites like “Buckrake Avenue,” “Comb It Over,” and “You Try to Crucify Yourself.” The band’s repertoire appeals not just to music lovers, but anyone with a good sense of humor. The songs, written by Stefan Stern, often have a comical twist rooted in autobiographical or anecdotal life experience. The lyrics for “Your Casserole” conjure a dish Stern’s mother used to make and is remembered as being particularly bad. “Puckaroo” tells the story of Stern’s dog and how he failed as a therapy dog at an old folks’ home. Other songs are inspired by breakups, an ex-girlfriend’s obsessive self-destructive pedicures, and many more funny stories told through music. The music flows through different genres. Lester Rocks’ styles may remind the listener of big arena rock a la Queen or the piano-based songs of Paul McCartney, while some cross into jazz or swing. Lester Rocks…rocks!
Wine, beer, and other refreshments, which may be brought into the theatre, will be sold in the lobby beginning one hour prior to all show times. For questions about these events, ticketing information, or other inquiries, visit www.theellentheatre.com/ or call The Ellen box office at (406) 585-5885. •
