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/.
Bill Kautz / Naomi Siegel / Michael Musick, w/ Molly Liu Buchanan & s_nya
Wednesday, September 7 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket Billy Kautz (cornet), Michael Musick (live electronics), and Naomi Siegel (trombone) have been working together in many contexts in Missoula’s creative music environment but this show marks the first time they will come together to create electro-acoustic sounds as a trio. Michael Musick uses custom developed software to process and synthesize the trio’s musical material. The most significant of these systems takes live microphone signals from Billy and Naomi and the space they are in, and tries to understand the sound using machine learning. This then affects the sound before sending it back out into the space. Billy Kautz is a composer, educator and bandleader based in Missoula. He leads and composes for his ensemble crosstalk, a free music ensemble drawing from the great jazz continuum as well as composing in his role as Music Coordinator at UCC Missoula. He has hosted Something Else, a weekly radio show on KBGA 89.9FM since 2017 featuring creative music and artist interviews. He is also a co-founder of the monthly improvisation sessions, The FreeSessions, along with Naomi Siegel. Michael Musick is a sonic artist, interactive artist, composer, performer and improviser; he is also a faculty member in and director for the School of Visual & Media Arts at the University of Montana. His current practice and research explores interactive music systems, creative improvisation, installation art, soundscape / acoustic-ecology, and interactive theory. Much of Michael’s work is part of his larger Sonic Spaces Project, which explores the creation of ecosystems of sound and music. This work, including performances, installations, recordings, and lectures, has been presented throughout the US and internationally. Trombonist, composer, and educator Naomi Siegel creates work geared towards authentic expression and honest connection. A winner of an Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Emerging Artist of the Year, her expressive trombone playing is changing the way the trombone is heard and viewed. Fusing folk melodies with fantastical soundscapes and tight grooves, she plays her own style of indie-folk/pop/jazz that transcends genre. Her music is introspective and celebratory, intimate and full. Molly Liu Buchanan offers a collection of soft electronic music she wrote while going on walks through town during the past two years. She is inspired by the artists Bjork, Aphex Twin, Portico Quartet, and Kelly Lee Owens. Her music is nostalgic, lo-fi and intimate. Drummer, producer, and DJ, Cole Bronson (s_nya) has been one of Missoula’s more prolific musical artists in the last few years. Creating under the moniker ‘s_nya’ (sunya) Bronson’s catalog of eclectic, afro-centric, sample-based recordings ranges from hip-hop, to free-jazz, to ambient, and all things in between. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Izaak Opatz w/ The Pettifoggers and Chloé Little
Sunday, September 4 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket 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. 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 cocaine. Although they’ve taken their sweet time in releasing their highly-anticipated debut album, “New World Warblers” (available later this summer), this band is not slowing down. Expect a show that toes the line between basement rager and post-harvest Americana jam session. Chloé Little has lived in Montana for several years but hails from California. For close to 15 years, she has used songwriting as a form of mental release and creative expression. She uses the outdoors, love, soul-searching, and self-discovery as inspiration. Through her songs, she aspires to spark connection with the audience – or at least plant a seed of thought. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Lowest Pair w/ Dylan Running Crane
Wednesday, October 5 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Advance // $13 Day of ShowOpener Dylan Running Crane Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee are two kindred spirits who first met on the banks of the Mississippi while touring the Midwest festival circuit. Born and raised in Arkansas, Winter found herself drawn to the evergreens and damp air of the Pacific Northwest, as well as the boundless music scene of Olympia, Washington. She released three solo records on Olympia-based indie label, K Records, and performed in ramblin’ folk bands and anarchic punk bands before serendipitously meeting Palmer T. Lee in 2013. Lee had built his first banjo when he was 19 from pieces he inherited and began cutting his teeth fronting Minneapolis string bands before convincing Winter that they should form a banjo duo. Now, as The Lowest Pair, they have recorded and released five albums together, relentlessly toured North America, and ventured to the UK twice, playing over 500 live shows over the past five years. After each releasing solo albums via Conor Oberst’s Team Love Records in 2018, Winter and Lee began working on The Lowest Pair’s forthcoming 10 song set, The Perfect Plan. As a songwriting team, the duo tends to see artistic sparks all around them — in poems, people, ideas, experiences – and throughout the process of writing these new songs, they felt the need to push their creative limits. They turned to producer Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes who took them to ARC Studios in Omaha, Nebraska, and set them in a soundscape backed by a slate of session players that lifts the album from simple folk into spirited Americana and beyond. Clawhammer banjo and acoustic guitar still hold the heart of The Lowest Pair, but the fleshed-out sound of The Perfect Plan leans gently into Winter’s punk past, as well as the sonic playground of her mind, to set the band down a new path on their musical journey. “I love the stripped-down versions of these songs,” Winter admits. “I think they leave a lot to the imagination, and I trust people have enough juice to choose their own adventures in the space that the band fills out on the record. But we also can’t wait to tour with a full band and to see how that magic translates on stage. It felt really exciting in the studio, and the songs pack a much greater punch with the added instrumentation.”Dylan Running Crane is a singer-songwriter from Browning, Montana, a place that remains the subject of most of her work. Her vibe is country meets rez-folk meets tender and silly. Check out her work with Cry Baby – https://crybabymissoula.bandcamp.com/track/missoula For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Swing Dance! w/ Night Blooming Jasmine & The Dewdroppers
Saturday, September 10 // Doors at 7 PM // Dance at 7:30 PM // $15 Dress your best for the Swing Dance! Join Missoula’s own hot club swing sextet Night Blooming Jasmine with special guests the Dewdroppers for a night of live music and footloose dancing. Night Blooming Jasmine is a string jazz collective based in Missoula, Montana since 2016. Drawing inspiration from the sound of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s Hot Club quintet, NBJ features the angelic voice of Whitni Kent, Geoffrey Taylor’s violin, John Rosett’s mandolin, and Jon Schick’s slick six-string guitar. John Sporman and Jasper lay down la pomp with guitar and double bass. NBJ has been featured at the Big Sky Django Jazz Festival and the Northwest Folklife Festival. The Dewdroppers is a dynamic jazz trio from hailing Idaho Falls, ID. Featuring vocalist Katie Engstrom, guitarist Freddy Gildersleeve, and bassist Alex Holloway, the Dewdroppers craft a sophisticated sound both familiar and fresh. Listen:https://www.thedewdroppersmusic.com/https://geoffreypaultaylor1.bandcamp.com/album/night-blooming-jasmine-live-at-longstaff-house For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.Event image artwork by Courtney Blazon.
MJ Lenderman w/ Spencer Radcliffe
Wednesday, October 19 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 8 PM // $10 Advance // $13 Day of Show Jake Lenderman lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He plays guitar in the indie band Wednesday, sometimes fishes on the Pigeon River, and creates his own music as MJ Lenderman. His latest solo release with Dear Life Records is titled Boat Songs. Lenderman describes the album as his most “polished” sound to date, built around songs that “chase fulfillment and happiness” — whether that means buying a boat, drinking too much, or watching seeds fall from the bird feeder. A clavichord honks throughout ‘You Have Bought Yourself A Boat’ with the playfulness of a live Dylan/Band set. ‘SUV’ screams with My Bloody Valentine distortion. When Xandy Chelmis beautifully bends his steel guitar on ‘TLC Cage Match’ you can’t help but think of Gram Parsons. And ‘Tastes Just Like It Costs’ howls with the intensity of Crazy Horse era Neil Young. Boat Songs is fearless and it’s exciting. It challenges the perception of what modern day country music is supposed to be and where it can go. But no matter where Boat Songs goes sonically, the album is deeply rooted in Lenderman’s natural gifts as a storyteller. Someone once asked Hank Williams what made country music successful and he said, “One word: sincerity.” Filled with everyday observations ripped straight from his journal, Lenderman’s lyrics are sincere in their absurdities, with the vulnerability and honesty of Jason Molina and Daniel Johnston. There are moments of humor (‘Jackass is funny like the Earth is round’), admission (‘I know why we get so fucked up’), and recognition of beauty others mightnot stop to see (‘Your laundry looks so pretty…relaxing in the wind’). Read alone on the page, ‘Hangover Game,’ ‘You Have Bought Yourself A Boat,’ and ‘Dan Marino,’ stand out as perfect little poems, unpretentious and real. Simply said, these songs are unforgettable. words by Ashleigh Bryant Phillips Spencer Radcliffe is a songwriter and musician from Southern Ohio. Often joined by the ever-shifting backing band Everyone Else, Radcliffe makes uncompromising records for the real heads, far out freaks, and ever suspicious straight shooters. While the music tends to avoid stylistic constants, one can be sure to find the lyric sheet full of two-thirds baked observations on all the classic roadblocks to total peace: time, illusion of purpose, the mirage of security, and so on. Let’s keep it light hearted though, we’ll make it to wherever we’re headed. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
