Tuskerz + Wildlands + Calamity Cowboy
Thursday, December 8 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket Tuskerz is a synth metal pop 3 piece out of Missoula. They play their music so that you can explore middle earth, save Arakis, and dance a jig or mosh. It’s Tuskers Time. Wildlands is an aspiring three piece Indie Pop band based out of Missoula. The band’s goal is to create and perform electrifying pop music for all to enjoy. It was formed by singer/songwriter Benjamin Medina Caplis while he was in Highschool. Benjamin played in many different bands in highschool but felt left out of the creative process. He decided to create his own project and named it Wildlands. Wildlands grew when Benjamin went to the UM School of Music and met bassist Josh Streit and Drummer Dylan Vandeberg. After gaining two new members Wildlands officially started gigging in the Missoula/Montana Area. The power of songwriting and the chemistry between the members creates an infectious atmosphere full of excitement, heartbreak and blissful ignorance. Wildlands is here to inspire and let the good times roll. “A knight in shining armor could never love a cowboy like me.” – Calamity Cowboy For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Tenci w/ Bluest & But I’m a Cheerleader
Saturday, April 22 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 Advance // $15 Day of Showw/ Bluest & But I’m a Cheerleader Swollen River, A Well Overflowing is Tenci’s second album, coming after their 2020 debut My Heart Is An Open Field, which introduced Jess Shoman’s experimentations to the world. With guidance of the push and pull of intuitive guitar and vocal edges, Tenci is a band that plays with time. Shoman admits that their first album dealt with letting go of painful life experiences, resulting in emptiness. In this recent collection of wiser years and distance from that former grief zone, Tenci carries an opposite feeling, a celebration of self-rejuvenation. A Swollen River, A Well Overflowing shows Shoman steering their inventive folk style further and wilder, spilling over with 12 fable-like songs. In a combination of milk, coins, glass, contained water, and light, each song forms a spell to “fill my heart back up,” Shoman says, “by reframing complex feelings by turning my head sideways and seeing them in a different way.” From the close-knit Chicago scene, Shoman is joined by Curtis Oren on saxophone and guitar (Curt Oren), Izzy Reidy on bass (Izzy True), and Joseph Farago on drums (Joey Nebulous). In the past couple years, they’ve been playing shows together at home in Chicago, on their tours around the country, and recording this album with Abby Black, adding fuller instrumentation and natural harmony of friends. While the themes of Tenci shuffle around a serious pool of thought and trying to understand life’s wrongings, their live set often interludes with goofy light-heartedness. Anyone who knows the band members of Tenci knows they are the funniest people on earth. And their playful coordination and dynamics of loose drums and bass, huffing sax, and vocal waterfalls leaves us warmer than before. The songs on A Swollen River, A Well Overflowing bundle together like weavings of twigs to create that fire, a burning message to keep going and going. Bluest is an indie rock band out of Missoula MT, orchestrated by the longings and hauntings of Noelle Huser. Her songs are chalked full of adolescent nostalgia and sweetness, soured by the biting existential dread of figuring out who you are in it all. With pleas of empathetic anger a la diary-scrawled lyrics, she pays homage to her 90s/00s angst pop and country influences Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow. Bluest’s chilling debut album Cold Sweat, sifts through dreams and nightmares to find solace in serenading ghosts. It is emboldened with a hunger to return from dissociation back into the body, finding oneself in the present, feet on the ground, blood boiling, head in the clouds and heart on the sleeve. Cold Sweat will be released May 5th 2023 through Anything Bagel, their first single “Talk Soon” is out on all streaming platforms 3/31. But I’m a Cheerleader (Missoula, MT) wants you to scream, cry, trans your gender, and sing along to their twee-punk wailings. You don’t have to, if you don’t want to, though. You can just pick one. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Disq w/ Bluest & JAAG
Wednesday, December 7 // Door at 7:30 PM // Show at 8 PM // $13 Advance // $15 Day of Show With their debut album Collector, the Wisconsin-bred alternative rock outfit Disq seemed to have everything required to take the world by storm. They had the full support of revered veteran indie label Saddle Creek. They’d received favorable notices from outlets such as the NME, the Guardian, and Stereogum. They had an energetic live show which was sure to convert a sea of devotees, and an international tour booked to prove it. Most crucially, they had an album of winning and memorable rock songs, polished to a fine sheen by legendary producer Rob Schnapf. You could not fault these five fresh-faced youngsters for betting it all, but their big mistake was one that no musician could have seen coming : their release date, March 6, 2020. Within days, the world Disq was poised to conquer ceased to exist. Undaunted by a storm of misfortunate which would have crushed a lesser band, Disq now returns to take what is rightfully theirs, with their sophomore effort Desperately Imagining Someplace Quiet, a record which reaffirms the charms of Collector while pushing the sound and dynamic of the band in exciting and unexpected new directions. Rather than splintering and surrendering to their cursed circumstance, Disq has emerged a stronger band, more daring and more defiant, ready to finish the job. It is fitting that the clever backronym effectively makes this the band’s self-titled album, as it introduces the public to a new Disq, a band both seasoned by experience and newly invigorated toward vivid new heights. Bluest is an indie rock band out of Missoula MT, orchestrated by the longings and hauntings of Noelle Huser. Her songs walk the edge of nostalgic confession, using that to cut through the assumption that softness is weak. Empathetic pleas of anger a la diary-scrawled lyrics pay homage to 90s/00s angst pop and country influences like Alanis Moirissete and Sheryl Crow. Bluest’s debut album Cold Sweat, sifts through dreams and nightmares to find solace by serenading ghosts. Emboldened with a hunger to return from dissociation back into her body, she finds her feet on the ground, head in the clouds and heart on her sleeve. Cold Sweat will be released in January 2023 through Anything Bagel. JAAG is a new band drawing from post-punk and 90s rock to craft a dark and driving sonic journey. The project was initiated by Hank Donovan on guitar (Magpies, Rattlesnake Cable Company) and recent homecomer Jamie Aaron Aux on vocals and guitar (Le Butcherettes, XVIII Eyes), acquaintances with long mutual respect in the Northwest music sphere, both agreeing to test the waters after each taking breaks from band life. With a handful of demos written, the two brought in John Sporman on bass (Wylie & the Wild West, Jupiter Beat, Shahs) and Christopher Baumann on drums (Mass FM, Victory Smokes, Dead Hipster) to kick the rock into high gear. Christopher and Jamie share a long musical history as former bandmates in the early-2000’s Jay’s Upstairs-era emo band, The Pleasure. The group has not yet recorded any material but probably will soon because that’s what bands do. IG: @_j_a_a_g For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
JAZZOULA FALL ’22
The ZACC & Rockin’ Rudy’s Present JAZZOULA FALL ’22 Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // November 10, 11, 12 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) Saturday’s Line-up:Conor Racicot TrioRyan Belski QuartetKatie & the DewdroppersAirmail Special featuring Chuck Florence and David HorganBob Packwood & Tommy Sciple Jazzoula Fall ’22! Celebrating 20 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over three days, November 10, 11, and 12. Providing a complete variety of the only original form of American music: jazz. Jazzoula gives the listener a chance to experience Missoula’s eclectic jazz performers showcasing their individual talents with their groups, and as soloists. With combo jazz, trios, big band, vocalists, student groups, and various musical incarnations. Acts include Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Milan House Trio, Ryan Belski Quartet, Jim Driscoll/Chuck Florence Quartet, U of M Boyd Combo, Canta Brasil, Basement Boys, MJ Williams with Ann Tappan, Skyler Mendel Sextet, Naomi Siegel Quartet, Conor Racicot Trio, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bob Packwood & Tommy Sciple, Katie and the Dewdroppers, and Airmail Special. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
JAZZOULA FALL ’22
The ZACC & Rockin’ Rudy’s Present JAZZOULA FALL ’22 Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // November 10, 11, 12 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) Friday’s Line-up:Canta BrasilNaomi Siegel QuartetBasement BoysMJ Williams / Ann Tappan / Rob KohlerSkyler Mendell Sextet Jazzoula Fall ’22! Celebrating 20 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over three days, November 10, 11, and 12. Providing a complete variety of the only original form of American music: jazz. Jazzoula gives the listener a chance to experience Missoula’s eclectic jazz performers showcasing their individual talents with their groups, and as soloists. With combo jazz, trios, big band, vocalists, student groups, and various musical incarnations. Acts include Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Milan House Trio, Ryan Belski Quartet, Jim Driscoll/Chuck Florence Quartet, U of M Boyd Combo, Canta Brasil, Basement Boys, MJ Williams with Ann Tappan, Skyler Mendel Sextet, Naomi Siegel Quartet, Conor Racicot Trio, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bob Packwood & Tommy Sciple, Katie and the Dewdroppers, and Airmail Special. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
JAZZOULA FALL ’22
The ZACC & Rockin’ Rudy’s Present JAZZOULA FALL ’22 Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // November 10, 11, 12 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) Thursday’s Line-up:Night Blooming JasmineMilan House TrioJeff Troxel & FriendsSG Modern Jazz ProjectU of M Boyd Combo Jazzoula Fall ’22! Celebrating 20 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over three days, November 10, 11, and 12. Providing a complete variety of the only original form of American music: jazz. Jazzoula gives the listener a chance to experience Missoula’s eclectic jazz performers showcasing their individual talents with their groups, and as soloists. With combo jazz, trios, big band, vocalists, student groups, and various musical incarnations. Acts include Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Milan House Trio, Ryan Belski Quartet, Jim Driscoll/Chuck Florence Quartet, U of M Boyd Combo, Canta Brasil, Basement Boys, MJ Williams with Ann Tappan, Skyler Mendel Sextet, Naomi Siegel Quartet, Conor Racicot Trio, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bob Packwood & Tommy Sciple, Katie and the Dewdroppers, and Airmail Special. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
King Ropes + Red Onion Purple + 1finite Now
Wednesday, November 30 // Door at 7:30 PM // Show at 8 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket King Ropes are a psychedelic americana band. Or maybe it’s indie desert rock? Whatever you call it, the band’s latest album, Super Natural, leans into their distinctive ability to combine mystical and banal imagery. The single ‘Greedy’, with its deadpan stream-of-consciousness, captures the vibe of an album that is a ramshackle ode to both the grace and difficulty of living in our strange world. As the lyrics to the song say; “Kinda trippy. Kinda dreamy.” Red Onion Purple is an eclectic musical outfit based in Missoula, MT. The group has a rotating cast, with core members Bethany Joyce on cello, Sean Burress on guitar, Cole Grant on bass, and Joshua Chai on drums. From one concert to the next, Red Onion Purple can be heard playing 1930’s jazz standards, creative reworkings of modern covers, and haunting original material. They are accessible yet hard to pin down; at times upbeat and danceable, then mysterious and ambient. 1nfinite Now is music and creative content composed, produced, and performed by LeRoy Menahan and various artists. This will be their live debut on a ZACC bill! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Hermina Jean + Joseph Running Crane
Friday, November 18 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Blackfeet country does nothing in small measure. Whether it’s the broad, sweeping prairie, the infinite horizons or the monolithic reach of the mountains, Amskapii Piikuni traditional territory refuses to understate itself. So too is the case with Joseph Running Crane’s songwriting. After having spent his formative musical years in second-or-third-hand vans traveling the country playing deafening punk, metal and hardcore, Joseph Running Crane brings similarly confrontational lyrical ideas into his solo work. With a lucid belief in letting the stories tell themselves, Running Crane leaves his songs mostly unadorned, and this austere approach seeks to highlight the interplay between his exhaustively constructed lyrics and the complex and sometimes harsh stories they convey. Imbued with a unique humor and levity, Running Crane’s live show rarely fails to elicit laughter, contemplation, and the dancing spirit, oftentimes from one song to the next. Hermina Jean grew up in Montana and was raised on a diet of Neil Young and The Breeders. She writes songs about failure, dreams, and confusion. She is currently working on a new album with her band Junior, and trying to write songs that make her feel good. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Miss Massive Snowflake + Worm Womb + False Teeth
Sunday, November 20 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket Shane De Leon started Miss Massive Snowflake in 2004 as a solo project. The band plays genre-layering narrative songwriting, indie glam art rock, and stoner noise Americana. De Leon fingerpicks breezy melodies that turn into tumultuous feedback. His words revel in the realness of everyday life. The angst, the small joys, the want. Conner Haman (Hey, ILY) and Isaiah Demontiney will be the rhythm section on this short run of Montana shows. Miss Massive Snowflake has performed over 800 shows in 10 countries and nearly all states, released 6 albums, multiple eps and singles. Kelsey Star is the front woman of Worm Womb. She grew up in Montana playing rock music with friends and participating in live theatre. She loves performing live, and believes music is medicine for the soul. Kelsey is currently learning music engineering and just released her first (partially self produced) album out of Pyrymyd Music Studios, with the help of another musician and mixing extraordinaire, Angel of Discord. Stream Worm Womb’s album Desert Honey on Spotify NOW and find out more about Kelsey on Instagram @kelseystarart – many thanks, many blessings! Since 2010 False Teeth has been the pseudonym of audio collage, beats, visual projection, and performance art creative Nora Justice. Exploring themes of nature, death, surrealism, jazz, history, and pop ephemera, False Teeth as a project grows in scope with each release. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Shady Cove + Junior + Izaak Opatz
Sunday, October 30 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket Four hours south of Portland, Oregon, the Rogue River flows right through the center of a small municipality called Shady Cove. This is where songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Sarah Rose and Sarah Nienaber, formerly of Candace, recorded the track that would become the name of their new project; this is where, in an unassuming cabin, the two seasoned collaborators began exploring desire’s revolutionary potential and the nomadic impulses borne of creative restlessness and the claustrophobia of city life. “We were not writing these songs with the idea of a band in mind,” says Sarah Rose, describing how the album came together. “It felt like these songs wanted to belong to something new, rather than the continuation of a previous project.” “We’re always searching for the right place, the good place, the landing place, the final resting place,” Nienaber reflects, implying that the only thing that will satisfy desire is more desire. “In these songs, I think there is a self-conscious acknowledgement that I, or you, or we, will never get there … Shady Cove is a celebration of that unshakeable longing, the forever search.” At the junction of sparse folk, pop, and cosmic country you’ll find Junior, helmed by three Missoula, MT-based songwriters. Listeners might have heard members of Junior play in groups including: Butter, Stellarondo, Burlesco, Broken Valley Roadshow, Shahs, Hermina Jean, The Cigarette Girls, Caroline Keys, Worst Feelings, Danny’s Dilemma, Travis Sehorn and the Pebble Light, The Best Westerns, and Patsy Grime. Each member of Junior packs a quiver of instrumental skills and is constantly acquiring more to add to the group. Junior has been compared to Sibylle Baier, Karen Dalton, and The Roches. Like many of his favorite songwriters (John Hartford, Lucinda Williams, Jeff Tweedy), Izaak Opatz is an ungulate in life’s winter pasture, chewing on and metabolizing disappointment, heartbreak, and the other tough stuff into enjoyable musical carbohydrates. A compulsive metaphorager (and inveterate wordplayboy), Opatz breaks it all down with enzymes of wry humor, thoughtful simile and close observation – a therapeutic process of narrativizing his own life that, almost as a byproduct, turns out savory nuggets of literate, confessional pop. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
