ESP + Motorhome + Norwell – Benefit for Blue Mountain Clinic

Sunday, May 14 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // Choose Your Ticket Price ($10-$30) // Proceeds Benefit Blue Mountain Clinic Locals ESP, Motorhome, and Norwell play a showcase benefit for Missoula’s Blue Mountain Clinic. Proceeds will support Blue Mountain Clinic’s mission of service to the community and access to abortion care. They describe their aims as providing “…patient-centered, family practice and primary care services to the local community through a choice based perspective…” “Blue Mountain Clinic strives to provide feminist based approaches to health care, education, and advocacy in the region… [and] on the local level to improve policies that have a negative impact on patients’ economic and political access to health care” (https://www.bluemountainclinic.org/, accessed 12/5/2022). For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Rocking Raccoons from Sussex School

Wednesday, May 3 // Door at 6:30 PM // Show at 7 PM // $10 The Rocking Raccoons are an ensemble from Sussex School, an independent progressive school here in Missoula. They have seven members coming from grades fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth. They play the bass, guitar, drums, vocals, and keys, and have been working together for seven months now. The Rocking Raccoons will be performing eight songs during their performance at the ZACC. The songs will vary from slow, to upbeat, to fast, and will include different arrangements of pop and rock songs. This show will be their culminating performance for all of the work we have done this year, so they really hope to see you there! Watch out, because the Rocking Raccoons are about to start rockin! For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Empty Pockets (Chicago) w/ Mudslide Charley

Wednesday, September 6 // Door at 7:30 PM // Show at 8 PM // $15 Tight and gritty Americana quartet The Empty Pockets play a soulful, 70’s-inspired blend of exploratory grooves, shifting time signatures and distinctive vocals. After earning their first Billboard #1 with the acclaimed 2022 release of Outside Spectrum (topping the Blues Albums Chart), Chicago Roots Rock band The Empty Pockets are back on the road with a new full length album in the works. The husband and wife fronted quartet are at the peak of their musical skills. The Empty Pockets are a live band at heart, and it shows. Photo credit ©GraceCoudalPhotography. Mudslide Charley is a Missoula, Montana born band that plays gutbucket blues and house rockin’ roots rock. We draw inspiration from a more antiquated era when Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker first fused the rough and rural vibes of Southern acoustic blues with modern electric instruments. The band writes and performs original songs pumping with vital relevance and emotional fervor that exude a true reverence for the blues musicians who have paved our way. Using gritty electric guitar, elastic bass, chest thumping backbeat, and rich soulful vocals punctuated by harmonica, piano, and saxophone, Mudslide Charley creates a musical gumbo that rattles bones and loosens limbs. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Points in Time Album Release / Skyler Mendell Sextet, w/ Connor Racicot Trio

Sunday, May 7 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket // $5 Students (Door Only, Griz Card Required) The Skyler Mendell Sextet plays all original, high energy, creative jazz. The group was formed by Skyler when he moved to Missoula to pursue a Master’s Degree in Trumpet Performance – and he will graduate in May. Since November 2021, they have played all around Missoula. The band is Skyler Mendell on trumpet, Aidan Robinson on sax, Sean Stineford on trombone, Dylan Bautista on piano, Connor Racicot on bass, and Llwyn Clark-Gaynor on drums. The Connor Racicot Trio brings a fresh perspective to great American standards. Featuring Owen Cleary on the upright bass and Sam Purvis on the drums and cymbals, the trio distills nearly 80 years of influences into a modern and exciting sound. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Bummer + Disease + Rank and Vile + The Follies

Sunday, April 30 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket Bummer is a two piece grindcore/fastcore band from Seattle, WA that started in 2017. Influences are Gutalax, Poomp and (Hed)pe. We have 7 releases and are workin on a 3rd demo with our new drummer. Disease is a 2 piece grindcore band from Seattle, WA which started in 2016. They play old school grind with some new school tricks. Influences are Unholy grave, Insect Warfare, Superbad, and PizzaHiFive. We have 6 releases, done 4 tours and are currently working on an LP. Rank and Vile is a politically charged deathgrind quartet from Portland Oregon. While they wrap up the release of their second full length, you can see them across the western US this year. For fans of Rotten Sound, Trap Them, eating rich people, the separation of church and state, and Chris Dorner. The Foilies are a 4-piece, Montana-based speedrock/punk/rock ‘n roll band bringing tight riffs, sick leads and an always driving bass line with a full on assault to your ear drums from a relentless machine of a drummer. They balance this by exchanging lead vocals between three people and having backing gang vocals to match. This sonic attack will make you feel like you’re about to go off the rails on every song right before arriving at your abrupt destination. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Blue Dream + Erin Szalda-Petree + Wailing Aaron Jennings

Friday, April 21 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket Blue Dream is Ann Szalda-Petree and Clark Grant. The duo met through community radio and have been playing together since 2009. They have released two records: Blue Dream and Timeless Time. Their unique sound combines elements of dreamy pop and indie rock, using layers of acoustic delay and reverb to sculpt original songs about sleep, self-loathing, and the nature of friendship. Their music is surprising, powerful, at times funny, and emotional. Erin Szalda-Petree is a musician from Missoula, MT. Frequently, she can be seen playing around town in local bands, Bluest and ESP. Her songs are a collection of moments from her personal life, exploring themes of embarrassment, confliction, and familial relationships. A third-generation Montanan who had the good luck or bad timing to be born in Texas, Wailing Aaron Jennings is a singer and songwriter living in Missoula. Inspired by a book of songs and poetry written by his great-grandfather, a singing cowboy in the 1920’s, and the words “Yodel Here”, this young punk unplugged his guitar and started hooting and hollering in the mountains, valleys, and tunnels. Jennings’s songs champion the traditions of Honky Tonk and Western Swing while giving a knowing wink and a nod to the modern world. Every song is a story whether it’s a rambling waltzing exposition, a dance tune punctuated with acrobatic yodels, or a rockin boogie woogie – the ghosts of the past are jumping, shouting and dancing right along with Wailing Aaron Jennings (and YOU!). For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
420! w/ R’Know + Catnyp + Crooked Looks + The Pettifoggers

Thursday, April 20 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket 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. Catnyp has drawn recent comparison to Pixies, Daniel Ash, David Bowie, and even Led Zeppelin — largely based on the fearless vocal experimentation frontman Henderson K Shatner (HKS) employs on Catnyp IIII, channeling his favorite vocalists for different tracks. Melodic, agile bass parts invoke Beatles-era McCartney while surf guitar and clean overdriven tones provide a nod to California punk and Britpop. Formed by lead vocalist/lead guitarist Sage Collette, Crooked Looks is a hard stoner-rock band that rides the wave of fierce, fuzzy sounds made popular by Queens of the Stone Age and fellow Pacific Northwest band Soundgarden. Light melodies and firm riffs paired with lyrics that emanate a youthful but ever-knowing and ever-partying spirit stream from this group’s musical subconscious, and in a short span of time Crooked Looks has proven themselves worthy of a spot on the charts. The Pettifoggers are sticking it to the man. Part folk, part punk, with a dash of grunge, this super-group of poets and farmers puts the SEX in sextet. Led by singer-songwriter Daniela Garvue, Foggies tunes are impassioned examinations of the heart, the Earth, and cannabis. Although they’ve taken their sweet time in releasing their highly-anticipated debut album, “Small Claims” (to be released this Spring), this band is not slowing down. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Jazzoula Spring 2023

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // April 26, 27, 28, & 29 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) It’s Jazzoula Spring ‘23! Celebrating 21 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over four days, April 26, 27, 28, and 29. 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 All City Jazz, Margi Cates, Salsa Loca, Joan Zen Quintet, Night Blooming Jasmine, Finn Carroll Trio, Basement Boyz, Ryan Belski Quartet, Missoula Jazz Collective, Patti Nolan and the Undeniables, Skyler Mendell Sextet, Chuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City Five, Owen Ross Trio, An Absent Wilson Conspiracy, U of M Boyd Combo, Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Loren Stillman, Kyle Curtis Trio, and SG Modern Jazz Project. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. Wednesday, April 26 Line-up:All City JazzMargi CatesSalsa LocaJoan Zen QuintetConnor Racicot Trio Thursday, April 27 Line-up:Night Blooming JasmineFinn Carroll TrioBasement BoyzRyan Belski QuartetMissoula Jazz Collective Friday, April 28 Line-up:Patti Nolan and the UndeniablesSkyler Mendell SextetChuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City FiveOwen Ross TrioAn Absent Wilson Conspiracy Saturday, April 29 Line-up:U of M Boyd ComboMelody Anderson Vocal TrioLoren StillmanKyle Curtis TrioSG Modern Jazz Project For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Jazzoula Spring 2023

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // April 26, 27, 28, & 29 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) It’s Jazzoula Spring ‘23! Celebrating 21 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over four days, April 26, 27, 28, and 29. 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 All City Jazz, Margi Cates, Salsa Loca, Joan Zen Quintet, Night Blooming Jasmine, Finn Carroll Trio, Basement Boyz, Ryan Belski Quartet, Missoula Jazz Collective, Patti Nolan and the Undeniables, Skyler Mendell Sextet, Chuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City Five, Owen Ross Trio, An Absent Wilson Conspiracy, U of M Boyd Combo, Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Loren Stillman, Kyle Curtis Trio, and SG Modern Jazz Project. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. Wednesday, April 26 Line-up:All City JazzMargi CatesSalsa LocaJoan Zen QuintetConnor Racicot Trio Thursday, April 27 Line-up:Night Blooming JasmineFinn Carroll TrioBasement BoyzRyan Belski QuartetMissoula Jazz Collective Friday, April 28 Line-up:Patti Nolan and the UndeniablesSkyler Mendell SextetChuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City FiveOwen Ross TrioAn Absent Wilson Conspiracy Saturday, April 29 Line-up:U of M Boyd ComboMelody Anderson Vocal TrioLoren StillmanKyle Curtis TrioSG Modern Jazz Project For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Jazzoula Spring 2023

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // April 26, 27, 28, & 29 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) It’s Jazzoula Spring ‘23! Celebrating 21 years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting 20 plus jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over four days, April 26, 27, 28, and 29. 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 All City Jazz, Margi Cates, Salsa Loca, Joan Zen Quintet, Night Blooming Jasmine, Finn Carroll Trio, Basement Boyz, Ryan Belski Quartet, Missoula Jazz Collective, Patti Nolan and the Undeniables, Skyler Mendell Sextet, Chuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City Five, Owen Ross Trio, An Absent Wilson Conspiracy, U of M Boyd Combo, Melody Anderson Vocal Trio, Loren Stillman, Kyle Curtis Trio, and SG Modern Jazz Project. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. Wednesday, April 26 Line-up:All City JazzMargi CatesSalsa LocaJoan Zen QuintetConnor Racicot Trio Thursday, April 27 Line-up:Night Blooming JasmineFinn Carroll TrioBasement BoyzRyan Belski QuartetMissoula Jazz Collective Friday, April 28 Line-up:Patti Nolan and the UndeniablesSkyler Mendell SextetChuck Florence Birthday Bash – Featuring Chuck Florence and His Motor City FiveOwen Ross TrioAn Absent Wilson Conspiracy Saturday, April 29 Line-up:U of M Boyd ComboMelody Anderson Vocal TrioLoren StillmanKyle Curtis TrioSG Modern Jazz Project For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.