Western Union
Friday, June 28 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 GA // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Louie and Kimberlee are founding members of Montana’s hottest Texas swing band Western Union Swing Band (Texas Swing) with bandmates David Horgan and Beth Lo from one of Montana’s most renowned jazz and R&B bands-the Big Sky Mudflaps. They have the distinction of being the only Montana band to play at the Montana Folk Festival (July 2016) in addition to opening for Marty Stewart (Sept 2015) and Colorado’s renowned Hot Rize (July 2015). Where jazz meets country, Western Union is Montana’s favorite “countrypolitan” western swing band, specializing in classic Texas Swing & Honky Tonk music. With electric and acoustic guitars, standup bass, pedal steel guitar, and drums – plus sharp-as-a-tack lead vocals and vocal harmonies — Western Union delivers the true-blue sound of grassroots America. All tickets are general admission. Artist Supporter Tickets are a way for patrons to provide more financial support to performers.For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Benevolents w/ Galactic Axis & Austin Britton
Friday, June 21 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Based out of Missoula, Montana, The Benevolents are a groovy folk-rock five-piece that blends ripping guitar and fiddle solos, catchy vocal harmonies, and a driving rhythmic flow into funky, meter-crossing tunes. The band primarily plays the globally-influenced compositions of John Kratz, lead singer and finger-style electric guitarist, who writes and sings in English and Spanish about nature, beauty, love, and loss. Holly Riley animates the music with her precise harmonies and energetic fiddle playing. Michael Calucchia adds his powerful voice and rhythmic mandolin technique. Holding down the rhythm section are Daniel Kiely, who brings a bit of Alabama soul to his driving drum beats, and Ryan Stiles, groovemaster extraordinaire on the bass. Galactic Axis is a new rock-fusion band in Missoula, Montana, featuring PanMan on drums, Rau D. on bass, and Matty J on lead guitar & vocals. A galaxy of original music awaits concert goers seeking energetic, dynamic, interstellar jams! Austin Britton has been playing music his whole life, and has been doing it in Missoula the past 4 years. He has just released a new single ‘Make A Friend’ on all streaming platforms. You can follow him on instagram at @austinbrittonmusic and visit his website austinbrittonmusic.com. He continues to write, record, and play shows all over and loves having Missoula as his homebase. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Christian Wallowing Bull w/ Maria Zepeda & R’Know
Wednesday, June 19 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Advance // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Indigenous singer-songwriter, Christian Wallowing Bull resides in Wyoming, just outside the Wind River Reservation. With familial relations to the Wind River, as an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, his heart as a storyteller is to represent his own indigenous roots, and to bridge perspective and healing to the lives of those indigenous, as well as non-indigenous. He is a powerful voice in today’s industry. Ever since the humble beginnings of his first album release, “Warrior” in (2020), he has been leaving his growing audience and following in complete awe. With a voice like thunder, he carries an ancestral power in all of his live shows. Wallowing Bull released his first ever LP (full length album) “MY FIRST BUFFLAO HUNT” January 5th 2024. His work is featured in several short films and documentaries.SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CKo0U7aCM0TkFLI2BvftQ WEBSITE: https://christianwallowingbull.com Maria Zepeda lives to express through creation. Whether that is through song, advocacy, community, or connection, she expresses with a loving passion that encourages others to find their loving passion too. Her larger than life presence invites you to take a closer look at the ways we can live in love for ourselves, each other, and our planet.R’Know has been writing and performing hip hop music since 2010. Taking inspiration from artists such as J. Cole, Tech N9ne, Eminem, and many more, he prides himself on making songs packed with clever wordplay, diverse flows, and catchy hooks.All tickets are general admission. Artist Supporter Tickets are a way for patrons to provide more financial support to performers. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Lindsay Lou
Friday, September 20 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 8 PM // $15 Advance // $18 DOS “Guided by life experiences, Lindsay Lou’s sound and songwriting continues to evolve and intertwine her sturdy Bluegrass roots with progressive Americana and Folk.” – PBS Lou’s vocals are a powerful companion to her songwriting. “In an era when style and trends can become genericana, [Lou] focuses on the song,” said No Depression. “It is infectious and joyful, soulful even.” The undeniable centerpiece throughout Queen of Time, Lou’s voice is a molasses-sweet instrument equally capable of clarion ache, slicing deep into the soul. The daughter of a literal coal-miner and millwright, and the granddaughter of a teacher gone Rainbow Gathering healer, Lou honed her honest and resonant style with her bluegrass-inspired band, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, and Michigan supergroup, Sweet Water Warblers (Rachael Davis, May Erlewine), excavating elements of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and soulful pop for their emotional depths. The Warblers’ debut album, The Dream That Holds This Child (2020), was dubbed “a testament to the trio’s range” by Billboard, running the gamut of blues, gospel, soul, and Appalachian folk. Named among NPR’s “12 Best Live Performances” in 2015, Lou has long been beloved as a live performer, from Telluride Bluegrass Festival to Stagecoach, Celtic Connections to Australia’s National Folk Festival, and a “Can’t Miss Act” at AmericanaFest — not to mention acclaim from PBS, No Depression, Billboard, Holler, Paste, and The Bluegrass Situation, among other outlets. “(Maya de Vitry is …) the perfect soundtrack for uncorking that emotion and (defiantly) loving life again” – NPR Maya de Vitry’s dynamic and vibrant voice seems to rise out of some necessity of bringing songs to life, embracing listeners with what Folk Alley calls a “soulful intimacy”. She grew up in a musical family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, understanding music to be a place of gathering, a way to spend a summer night around a campfire. Maya first traveled and performed as a fiddling street musician, and then in bars, theaters, and on festival stages as a founding member of The Stray Birds. When the band parted ways in 2018, Maya embarked on an ever-evolving musical path of solo work and new collaborations. Her recordings and live performances embody both sincerity and playfulness, and a compelling reverence for the power of songs to be a place of gathering – whether played on stage, or around a campfire. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Livid (Wisconsin) w/ Infinite Ammo & Stoned to Death
Tuesday, June 11 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter DEVASTATING THE WEST COAST ON THEIR 2024 JUNE TOUR LIVID IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH A 2 Piece XXX hardcore powerviolence from Kenosha Wisconsin. Infinite Ammo banded together at the beginning of Covid and started a band that would soon be known for their weird sound that collides powerviolence/grindcore/death metal/hardcore punk into one giant mass of sound. Featuring members of The Foilies, Lust Hag, and Frontside Crime. Cameron came up with the idea for the band with Keith Szardarski who previously played guitar in the band. They added Moses on drums and Elli on Bass, with Dizzy taking over guitar duties in summer of ‘22. Stoned to Death has been making noise in Missoula Montana since 2018, brought back from the dead in 2024 with new lead singer, drummer and guitarist, rise of the new respect to the old! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Winona Forever
Thursday, July 18 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 8 PM // $15 Advance // $18 DOS Vancouver’s Winona Forever have ridden a wave of musical curiosity and chemistry further than imagined when forming in high school. After spending formative years touring Canada and packing Vancouver’s resilient DIY venues, the band stumbled into an international following with 2017 single Keep Kool. Listeners were quick to tune in to previous releases while waiting for 2019’s Feelgood, a sophomore album that sold out a first vinyl release through Kingfisher Bluez label. In 2022, Winona Forever started to distribute new singles through Acrophase Records, with an aggressive US touring schedule allowing longtime cross-border listeners to finally come see the real thing. 2023 LP Acrobat offers 9 tracks of pop songwriting and fresh production chops, signaling another chapter in the Winona Forever songbook. The band toured the release across North America, as well as joining label mate Ginger Root on a run of shows in Europe. In 2024, Winona Forever is set to release singles from fourth LP Sound Argument, a full length record that was tracked live off the floor in BC studios. Having lived together for many years, Winona Forever’s live show plays as a confident and witty conversation between friends. With milestones such as Pop Montreal, M For Montreal, SXSW, Treefort Fest, Sled Island and an Audiotree live session under their belt, the band continues to push forward towards fresh musical territory and new adventures. “Sarah Frazier’s unique brand of electronic music is composed of ethereal and melodic vocals, layers of looped instruments, and undeniable pop sensibilities. Her music feels like a journey with songs that swell only to fall away again. Her performance at Humble Burger earlier this year was absolutely breathtaking to watch.” — Nate H Wolf (Modest Music Festival, Moscow, ID) Jolene Green, and her neo soul/fusion band Order of the Sunshine Deity, are based out of Missoula, MT. The band has Connor Racicot on keys, Llwyn Clark-Gaynor on drums, Evan Nesbitt on bass, Cameron Kinney on guitar, Cade Chastain on alto sax, Sean Stineford on trombone and Jolene Green on vocals/tenor sax. The band was started by its frontwoman, Jolene, and plays her original music which is a blend of jazz, low-fi, soul, hip hop, and metal. The band members are all former or current top music students at the University of Montana and use their formal training to create a sound that is new, unique, and informed. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Crocodiles Farewell Show w/ The Selsun Blues & The Velvet Handlebars
Monday, June 3 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter The Crocodiles were born in Missoula, three years ago, in the garage at Mighty Fine Flower Farm, where they first played to teaming throngs of feral cats. Blinded by the summer suns angled afternoon rays, the Crocodiles honed their auditory senses, gaining size and strength, acquiring new territory and practice space. They now hail from deep central Missoula’s swampiest warehouse space endearingly called the Croc Pit. Recently adding to their ranks the Crocodiles are now a 5-piece, double barrel guitars, bass, drums, and vocals. If you have seen them play before, I would be surprised. But if you see them now, you will be surprised. Watch out for the bite of the Crocodiles!Formed in Missoula in 2015, The Selsun Blues is an eclectic woman-fronted band featuring some of Missoula’s bedrock talent. Riding a wave of sounds from Dick Dale-inspired surf instrumentals, all the way to 90s indie, riot grrl, garage rock, and an occasional alt-country song just because, they are a rollicking good time. Jake Knudsen and Dan Strachan on guitars and vocals, drummer LeRoy Menahan on drums, and Krispen Nelson on bass and lead vocals. The Velvet Handlebars bring revved up riffs & velvet vibes. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Billywhips w/ Witch Bitch & Stoned to Death
Saturday, June 1 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Billywhips, a portmanteau of Coachwhips (the infamous San Franciscan garage punk group of the early noughties) and hillbilly, is a garage psych band with folk sensibilities. Borrowing the groovy ear worm garage rock of Frankie and the Witch Fingers and the melodically intricate guitar work of Joni Mitchell, Billywhips teeters on an obscure line between folk musings and freak-out cow punk. Frontman Will Stoskopf enlists the help of drummer Caleb Tutty and bassist Colin Merrick to make this esoteric dream a reality, with hopes to tantalize and polarize. Witch Bitch is a two-piece band that leaves your skull in two pieces. Dark, tropical, and fuzzy, Witch Bitch melts tsunamis, ancient pyramids, and corpse effluvium in a sonic crucible. What remains will make your bones rattle – sludgy surf that’s sweeter than sipping a piña colada on a private beach in hell. Stoned to Death has been making noise in Missoula Montana since 2018, brought back from the dead in 2024 with new lead singer, drummer and guitarist, rise of the new respect to the old! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Patti Nolan & The Undeniables + Rob Tapper & The Jazz Collective
Wednesday, June 5 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 // $15-$20 Artist SupporterDon’t miss this spirited night of Montana jazz – featuring two powerhouse Missoula acts: Patti Nolan & The Undeniables, and Rob Tapper & The Jazz Collective! During the first set, Patti’s timeless vocals will be backed by Ben Schuberg on piano, Pete Hand on bass, Graeme Pletscher on saxophone, and Ed Stalling on drums. The second set features Rob Tapper on the trombone, joined by Tommy Sciple on bass, Connor Racicot on piano, and Sam Purvis on drums. Bring a snack, bring a date, or just bring yourself – but just don’t miss this show!For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Missoula Jazz Orchestra with Dawn Clement and the Mile High All-Stars
Friday, January 17 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $31.50 GA // $14.50 Student // $24.50 Seniors The Missoula Jazz Orchestra is proud to team with Dawn Clement (piano/vocals), Shane Endsley (trumpet), Steve Kovalcheck (guitar) and Dru Heller (drum set) for an incredible evening big band music. These internationally recognized jazz artists are joined by the phenomenal Missoula Jazz Orchestra performing jazz big band standards along with original compositions and arrangements. This musical journey is bound to be a highlight of 2025. For more information about the artists: DAWN CLEMENT https://www.dawnclement.com/ SHANE ENDSLEY https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Endsley STEVE KOVALCHECK https://www.kovalcheckmusic.com/bio DRU HELLER http://www.druhellermusic.com/ For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
