Hard Hugs + Goosetooth + Soft x Moth
Sunday, October 23 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket Hard Hugs is a synth-heavy, punk-rock-disco outfit from Helena, Montana. Drawing on their long history of songwriting and musicianship and wide variety of sonic influences, the band has created a sound that is at once focused, surprising, and original. With an aggressive groove and electronic textures, HH aims to create an experience that invites audiences to dance and shout along in communal catharsis. HH was recently featured on the Myrna Soundstage, the Myrna Loy Theater’s live music YouTube series, and are eager to perform live and in person around Montana and the Northwest. Goosetooth is a musical project created by Billings born and based debutant Ty Herman. The songs featured on the debut album ‘Goosetooth’ contain smooth and soothing chord progressions guided by a sweet, clean and shimmering electric guitar, accompanied with Herman’s raspy and confidently struggle filled voice wading through melancholy lyrical content. In the recording process of the first Goosetooth album, no performances were “over-dubbed”, in order to showcase the artist’s ability to loop and play over their own parts, transition in and out of songs seamlessly, and constantly maintain a melodic presence in a live setting. Soft x Moth is the solo music project of Sawyer Braig. A classically trained bassist and pianist, they have collated their past two decades of sonic exploration into their debut album and tour, Catch Me. This soundscape performance consists of electronic tonal percussion, acoustic strings, and melismatic vocals – all performed simultaneously by Sawyer. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Goth Ball
Friday, October 28 // Door at 8 PM // $10 The Montana Goth Ball is back! Release the bats Friday, October 28 at The ZACC. DJs GingerBat and Sister Midnight will bring you the spookiest tunes along with a LIVE performance by Negative Gain recording artist Order of The Static Temple. DJs will rotate throughout the night, so be ready to DANCE! This is your excuse to dress up and party – Gothic, leather, fetish, punk, Victorian, latex, and lace (or if in doubt, wear black). Dress to DEPRESS! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
MAITA w/ Maddie Alpert & ESP
Sunday, November 6 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 8 // $12 Advance // $14 Day of ShowOpeners Maddie Alpert & ESP Hot off the heels off MAITA’s 2020 debut, Best Wishes, named one of the “50 Albums that Define Oregon” (Portland Monthly), MAITA’s sophomore LP, I Just Want To Be Wild For You, digs into the crippling oxymoron of modernity: the constant bombardment of communication paired with utter disconnection. Released February 18th via venerable indie label Kill Rock Stars, I Just Want To Be Wild For You grasps passionately for a world that too often seems at a gauzy distance. Of the new record, Bob Boilen (NPR music) says “She just has this sensitivity to her sound that I really really love.” KEXP calls MAITA, “a master storyteller who can turn intimate moments into quippy, catchy indie-rock songs. Splitting time between her mom’s Japanese-speaking home and her father’s English-speaking home, songwriter Maria Maita-Keppeler found an expressive avenue out of her childhood shyness through music. The Portland-based songwriter tapped into that grand yet intimate reverence for MAITA’s sophomore album, from the churning twinkle of “Pastel Concrete” to the riotous give-and-take of “Honey, Have I Lost It All?”. In those moments of disconnect, of confusion, of isolation, I Just Want To Be Wild For You thunders ahead, forging unexpected connections along the way. Named Portland’s “Best New Band by the Willamette Week,” MAITA, has gone on to reach national acclaim, opening for the likes of Mirah, Blind Pilot, Horse Feathers, Typhoon, as well as completing a headlining national album release tour culminating in official showcases at Treefort and SXSW, where they were named one of the 101 Essential Acts (Austin Chronicle). “A clear-eyed look at growing up and holding yourself responsible for actively creating the life you want to live instead of just waiting around for it to happen.” — Cyrena Touros, NPR’s All Songs Considered “I Just Want To Be Wild For You is emotional gold.” — BUST “One of the most impressive and shining acts to come out of Portland in quite some time.” — Portland Mercury “The rarified class of artists with the ability to enthrall the listener right from the jump.” — Spin For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Divide: The Montana Jazz Project
Saturday, October 8 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 General Admission // $10 Students & Seniors Supported by the National Endowment of the Arts and the Montana Arts Council, ‘Divide: The Montana Jazz Project’ brings world class jazz to cities and towns throughout Montana. The tour consists of Loren Stillman on saxophones, Bob Bowman on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Weaving together melody and improvisation, the three players are internationally-acclaimed musicians who combine jazz tradition with spontaneous arrangement. While jazz can take many forms, there is no substitute for live collaboration. Divide brings original music as live performance to Montanans across the state. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Deconsecration (Seattle) w/ Night Witch and Swamp Ritual
Tuesday, September 27 // Door at 7:30 PM // Show at 8 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket A metal show for the truest fans. Deconsecration is death metal coming at you all the way from Seattle, whose line-up is composed of ex-members of Capitalist Casualties, Catheter, Wilt, and Hideous Creep. If you’re in the mood for death metal cut from particularly foul and disease-ridden cloth, ghastly in the extreme and gruesome in almost every way, then Deconsecration is just what the mad doctor ordered, to make the sick among you even more ill. Stoner-metal Nightwitch will be dropping heavy bombs like veteran anti-fascist pilots fighting Nazis when they shred searing twin-jet guitars, thunderous rhythms and piercing screams to the ZACC! Swamp Ritual is drum and bass stoner / doom metal, formed in 2010 in the Missoula mountains. With Dustin Fugere on bass and vocals, and Sid LaTray on drums and vocals. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Lyrics Born
Wednesday, October 26 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 8 PM // $20w/ opener R’Know Lyrics Born relocated to the United States from his birthplace of Toyko, Japan right around the time Hip Hop was exploding on the East Coast. From the moment he heard Sugar Hill Gang’s 1980 classic “Rapper’s Delight,” the Bay Area Hip Hop luminary knew he’d found his calling. Twenty-five years later, LB has obliterated the stereotypes of what an MC is “supposed to” look like and captured the hearts of countless fans who gravitate to his distinctive voice. He’s now the only Asian-American MC to release 10 studios albums and the first to play major music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. From his Quannum Recordings debut with Latyrx,1997’s The Album, to 2003’s seminal solo album Later That Day, he’s consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft. His newest project, Quite A Life, is like the exclamation point on his milestone year. “Ten albums is a lot for any artist, let alone an indie artist who colored outside the lines, so to speak,” LB says. “I’m just appreciative there was always somehow a path for me, no matter how impossible it seemed — either on paper or in practice.” As the first Asian-American to release a greatest hits compilation, he’s pumped out multiple smash singles across four official studio albums. From “Stop Complaining” to “Callin’ Out” and “I Like It, I Love It” and “I Changed My Mind,” his material has always retained a musically eclectic feel. The self-proclaimed “funkiest rapper alive” carries on his tradition of weaving funk and soul into classic, boom-bap Hip Hop on Quite A Life. For live shows, LB often recruits a full band to “keep it all the way funky” for his audience. Coupled with wife/singer Joyo Velarde’s powerful voice, the unrelenting energy of his performances electrify every crowd. Since establishing himself among the upper echelon of indie Hip Hop artists, LB has expanded his empire into film. This year, he has roles in Boots Riley’s critically acclaimed film Sorry To Bother You and the Netflix movie Always Be My Maybe starring comedian Ali Wong and Keanu Reeves. “I’m funny, or so I’m told [laughs],” LB says.“I absolutely love comedy and being ridiculous. These past couple films have been an incredible experience. I’m especially proud to be a part of films that challenge norms and it doesn’t hurt to work with your friends either. “I really love comedic acting. As an artist, it’s like another color on my palette. I will be doing more advocating for the underserved in the arts as well, particular for Asian Americans and other people of color. The world needs the same diversity in the arts as we do in real life.” Photo Credit Mark Chua. A Missoula native, 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. The stage is his favorite place to be, so look forward to high energy and a whole lot of rapping! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Illuminati Congo w/ Ras Jashua / Conscious Hip Hop & Roots Reggae
Thursday, September 29 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket Illuminati Congo is a conscious and forward thinking lyricist from Chicago, Illinois. In a time where so much is uncertain and in question, he brings some much needed positive vibrations. When their plan is division, we counter them with unity, oneness, and breath. And that is exactly our intention with hosting this gathering. Having a place where we can all commune and come together as a community. Congo is rooted in hip hop and roots reggae with the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassaie, laying the foundation. Our good Brother Ras Jahshua from Yuma, Arizona will be opening on the 1’s and 2’s with some roots reggae in dub, and will be Congo’s DJ for the evening. A long time Brother and wicked musician for the past 20 years, Ras Jahshua plays multiple instruments and produces many of the local artists in his hometown of Yuma, Arizona. *Please note that you may use cannabis outside the venue, as it is legal for those over 21 to use recreationally in Montana, but you may not smoke any substances inside the venue – including cannabis. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Hemlock Blue + Larysa Blavatsky + Tuskerz
Sunday, September 25 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Hemlock Blue is an indie-rock band based in Missoula, MT. With music inspired by the sound and tradition of singer-songwriters, Hemlock Blue is excited to be premiering its batch of original songs. The songs, written by guitarist Matthew Knight, were composed with the sole pursuit of writing the ‘perfect song’. While they never quite achieved that, what resulted is a lineup that Hemlock Blue is thrilled to be debuting as an ensemble. Hemlock Blue is guitarist and vocalist Matthew Knight, drummer Willie Baltz, bassist Connor Racicot, saxophonist Cade Chastain, and cellist Kat Burgstahler. Tuskerz is a funhouse mirror, it’s a wet kiss, a dreamsicle with spikes, a Big Gulp filled to the brim with lava. Tuskers are a three-piece from Missoula with nothing to lose. Larysa Blavatsky is a multi-talented musician with a folk-pop sensibility. She’s a violinist, pianist, guitarist, organist, and vocalist who was raised in Butte, where she began her musical journey. She’s now in her last year studying music education and violin performance at the UM School of Music. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Shayna Steele w/ Opener Maria Zepeda
Friday, September 23 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket “In one performance, California-born, New York-based vocalist Shayna Steele unleashed enough voltage to light up the West End.” — London Jazz News One of the greatest singing sensations of our time, known from recordings with Snarky Puppy and Moby and a host of other stars, Shayna Steele takes flight on her third album, “Watch Me Fly”. Offering six self-penned originals and four select classics ranging from Soul via Blues and Gospel and easily crossing over to retro R&B and Jazz, showcasing Shayna Steele’s supremely soulful energy, as well as her mind blowing vocal artistry and songwriting skills. “I am outrageous, larger than life” are the first words on Shayna Steele’s new album. The few notes she sings to voice them in the aptly named song “Be” already make it clear that this is not braggadocio, but a fact. The singer, born in California and raised in Mississippi, who as a self-proclaimed “American Air Force brat” grew up all over the world, but lives and thrives in New York, not only has a charismatic, charming and truly unique voice, but also plenty of technique and the vocal strength of a volcano. Shayna has performed with the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bette Midler and Steely Dan as a sought after background vocalist. Shayna made the decision that being in the background was not an option anymore and has been touring regularly as a featured vocalist with Grammy Award winning trumpeter, Chris Botti, was a featured vocalist on Snarky Puppy’s “Family Dinner” and reached #1 on the Dance Billboard charts as a featured vocalist on Moby’s “Disco Lies.” Saying Shayna is ready to step out on her own would be a major understatement. 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. Maria’s sound has been compared to the likes of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Halsey, Jewel and Brandi Carlile. Rich, powerful, smokey, and full of soulful emotion come through her curious being. Her lyrics come through her lived experience and at times, through the channeling of spirit singing through her. She sings because it connects her to the truth of her soul. She sings because singing lets her know she is alive. She sings in hopes that you will let it move you into your own beautiful becoming. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Infinite Ammo + Simp (WA) + But I’m a Cheerleader
Thursday, September 8 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Tour Supporter Ticket Infinite Ammo came out of the swamps of Missoula changing the local music scene forever. Started in March of 2021 with just a short song developed for a demo at Subtower, Steven Seagull the first song ever written didn’t even have a full band, it was just for fun. Then we decided (Keith S, and Cameron) to start a new band, playing grindcore/powerviolence. With the addition to the band, Moses on Drums, and Elli on Bass, the band was set to take off. During Covid we created a sound and practiced 2-3 times a month until December when we played our first show with Big Laugh(Milwaukee). Keeping it going we played shows at multiple different venues in Missoula as well as Mosh In the Mountains in Libby, and a show in Moscow,Idaho. Recently we did a two date run to Dreyfest. The sound is ever changing with Keith stepping down from guitar and Brady stepping in. Our newest song SPEEEEED is thrash with doom riffs. We decided we are forever changing our sound whether its hardcore punk or grind we want to do something no one does in this ever changing local music scene. Simp is a hardcore band from Clarkston, WA, that sounds like if Ted Nugent had a child who disowned him. But I’m a Cheerleader is a band comprised of three nice queers and all of their repressed feelings they sing about. They invite you into all their sweetness and rage expressed through song (if you’re into that kind of thing). For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
