Femme Cell, Anna McClellan, & Sardines
Sunday, March 9 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Femme Cell is psychosis rock from Portland, OR. It’s ten in the morning, and Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait” rings from the punchy speakers of a young Anna McClellan’s living room TV. It’s the summer of 2004, and Anna’s parents have signed up for basic cable—a lifeline for a kid left to her own devices while her parents were at work. For McClellan, shows like Dawson’s Creek, The O.C., and Friends were not just entertainment but friends and mentors, shaping her understanding of relationships and life. These long summers spent in front of the TV cemented a love of narrative that would later reveal itself through songwriting. By seventeen, Anna McClellan was performing original songs in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Her debut album, Fire Flames, garnered attention and earned her an opening slot on a Frankie Cosmos tour, setting the stage for her subsequently adored albums, 2018’s Yes and No and I saw first light, released in late 2020. Now, with her most recent release Electric Bouquet, out October 25, 2024 via Father/Daughter Records, McClellan crafts a musical journey that unfolds like one of her cherished television series. Each track is an episode, chronicling the past four years of her life – navigating a career change, a cross-country move, and relationships gone sour. Electric Bouquet is a narrative tour de force showcasing McClellan’s remarkable ability to transform life’s myriad of messy experiences into captivating musical stories. The Sardines are three friendly and freshly packaged fish saturated with wonder and the joy of song. The elite of the sea. If you choose to consume, you may unleash sonic whimsy.
Joyer w/ The Pond & (latent)
Monday, December 9 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Advance // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Joyer formed in New Jersey in 2017, and after releasing two self-recorded demo collections, they released their first studio album, Sun Into Flies, in 2020, followed by Perfect Gray in 2021. Night Songs marks a departure from their hushed slowcore beginnings and displays a more expansive sound—from blowtorched shoegaze guitars and poppier vocals to melancholy synths and pastoral lap steel. Fittingly, their detour into twistier, heavier territory coincides with the depraved nature of nighttime activities, and their foray into a more hi-fi, pop-forward direction aligns with the stark clarity that pitch-black skies provide. Their devilish distortion also functions as a cathartic foil to their quiet, real-life demeanors, and was informed by their live shows, which increasingly featured gnarlier versions of past Joyer songs. The more Joyer traveled to new places, the more they connected with like-minded artists, and consequently, Night Songs became their most collaborative record to date—also featuring appearances from Teethe’s Boone Patrello (guitar and piano on “777”) and Kitchen’s James Keegan (synth on “Night Song”). Another friend recorded and mastered the album, Big Nice Studio’s Bradford Krieger (Horse Jumper of Love, Squirrel Flower), who they describe as a magician and worked on their two previous full-lengths, while Drop of Sun Studios’ Alex Farrar (Wednesday, Indigo De Souza) mixed the LP and was a new addition to Joyer’s sonic universe, bringing a newfound polish. The writing and recording process for Night Songs was by far the longest period they’ve spent working on a Joyer record, and its dynamic songwriting and dense textures—beaming, blinking and evaporating like the headlights of distant traffic—bear this out. The Pond is Tender slowcore melancholy. They’ve got a new album coming out sometime with the band fka Bombshell Nightlight. (latent) is a Missoula based band composed of Zack Buchholo, Nick Togliatti, and Jake Swank. These three fellers have been playing music together for nearly a decade and this band is a culmination of their endeavors to incorporate absurdity, sincerity, and high energy music into a single intense project.
Beau Akimbo Album Release Party
Thursday, October 24 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Formed in 2020, Beau Akimbo is a Missoula-based Indie Pop band that is crafting their sound over the last four years. Their music consists of lush harmonies, earworm melodies, and tongue and cheek lyrics about their fucked up 20’s. Their music resembles the influences of bands like The Magnetic Fields, Lake Street Dive, Avett Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and more. Come join them for the release of their debut album at the ZACC. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Ivory Daze w/ Wildlands & Perfect Blue
Tuesday, September 3 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Ivory Daze is an alternative shoegaze band from Lincoln, Nebraska formed in early 2022. Consisting of Isahen Harms, Maeve Nelson, and Van Foster. They released their debut EP “Doing Just Great” in May of 2023 and released their newest single “Junebug” August 16th. The band seamlessly mixes new sounds and ideas with classic 90s grunge influences while consistently pushing how much power a three piece can have. Wildlands is an aspiring Indie Rock Quartet based out of Missoula. The band creates and performs with an electrifying stage presence for all to enjoy. The power of the songwriting and the chemistry between the members creates an infectious atmosphere full of excitement, heartbreak and the urge to move around. Wildlands is here to inspire, entertain and show the world the passion of music. The band consists of Ben MC, the snow loving frontman. Josh Streit, the resident electrician that rips on the guitar. Runyon Matthews, the 1# King Gizzard fan that lays down the bass and Spencer Nelson the Titan of sound behind the drums. Perfect Blue is an Instrumental, Experimental Post-Rock band from Missoula, Montana. 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/.
Earthware & Telemarket w/ The Sardines
Sunday, July 28 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter EARTHWAREEarthware is an indie pop solo project from Portland, Oregon-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eli Wheeler. TELEMARKETad nauseam /ad-’ nô-zē-ǝm, -am/ – adverb: 1. to a sickening extent 2. to go on endlessly due out August 25th on Elephant 6 label affiliate Cloud Recordings and Science Project Records. Running at 34 minutes and 34 seconds, this thirteen track odyssey discovers itself through bouts of exuberant feedback and snappy hooks, and ultimately finds resolution surrounded by good friends in its musical home of Athens. Among these friends is John Fernandes of Cloud Recordings, a former member of projects Olivia Tremor Control and Circulatory System and longtime Elephant 6 collaborator, who teamed up with Telemarket to release and distribute the group’s LP. Ad Nauseam features artwork from late Georgia artist Patrick Dean, to whom the record is dedicated. Dean’s piece ‘Welcome to Athens, Y’all’ was featured on Athens GA publication Flagpole’s cover in August of 1999. Telemarket provides a distorted vessel for the shape-shifting songcraft of vocalist/guitarist Adam Wayton, and features collaborations with many of his talented Athens friends. Wayton together with guitarist and engineer Will Wise hunkered down in their Odd Street home studio for much of 2021-2022—a piece of time many would just as soon forget—and managed to create something memorable together in Ad Nauseam. Vocalist/keyboardist Josie Callahan, bassist Hunter Pinkston, and percussionist Jack Colclough round out the group’s personnel, bringing counterpoint and consummation to Telemarket’s work. THE SARDINESThree friendly and freshly packaged fish saturated with wonder and the joy of song. The elite of the sea. If you choose to consume, you may unleash sonic whimsy. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Leisure Hour (Indiana) w/ The Western States & But I’m A Cheerleader
Thursday, July 25 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Leisure Hour is an emo/pop punk band from Muncie, Indiana. Taking inspiration from bands such as The Front Bottoms, The 1975, and Weezer, Leisure Hour’s unique mix of roaring electric guitars, bright synthesizers, and cathartic vocal performances make the group the most exciting band in the upcoming emo rock scene. The band has toured extensively throughout the United States, and has played with acts such as Michael Cera Palin, Equipment, Charmer, Widowdusk, and Camping in Alaska. Their self titled EP, built on genuine passion and filled with nostalgic passion, is out now on Refresh Recs. The Western States is a punk rock band from Missoula, MT. The band just released their full length “Heavy Pours” in 2021. The album is full of anthemic songs featuring classic punk gang vocals and old school pop punk hooks. 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/.
*CANCELED* – Windier (Maine) w/ The Waddlers (Seattle) & Cactus Cuts (Bozeman)
THIS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO ILLNESS. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. Monday, July 15 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Windier is foggy electric folk music from Portland, Maine, made up of cello, drums, guitar, bass, and three voices. They are touring across the US with a new album of lyric-forward songs about place, dreams, the life of mountains and towers, and strange birds overhead. The Waddlers are an alt-country band formed in Seattle, WA, made up of two young phrase-turners and three other finger-users. Just like how one candle doesn’t lose anything by lighting another, Jack has the kind of luck that’ll spread if you get close enough. The best-parking-spot-at-a-funeral kind of luck. And like water waiting to find its level, Kelsi is patient and powerful. She can lasso the whole room and pull them in tight with an ease that makes the herd trust the loop. Playfully authentic and hard to pin down, The Waddlers are an adventure to watch. Cactus Cuts is a captivating five-piece Americana folk band. Drawing inspiration from the harmonious melodies of the Milk Carton Kids and the virtuosic guitar stylings of Doc Watson, Cactus Cuts are quickly making waves with their fresh and unique sound. Formed in 2022 in Bozeman, MT, Cactus Cuts weaves together acoustic arrangements, storytelling, and simple vocal harmonies that are the perfect combination of modern bluegrass and old-time Americana. With their heartfelt delivery, the band invites listeners on a sonic journey, with beautiful ballads, foot-stomping hoedowns, and everything in between. Cactus Cuts has shared the stage with The Last Revel, and Laney Lou and The Bird Dogs along with many other groups from SW Montana and beyond. They’ve headlined venues around Montana, like Pine Creek Lodge and The Rialto. Whether performing in intimate venues or commanding larger stages, their passion for the music and genuine camaraderie shines through, creating an unforgettable experience for their audience. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Beautiful Freaks w/ Crash Monroe & Riley James
Monday, July 22 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Beautiful Freaks are a hardcore glam pop band ready Formed in 2013, Peter Bryson and James Bonaci came together over their love for metal, jazz & punk. Crash Monroe is a 5-piece heavy, melodic, hard-rock band based out of Humboldt County, CA. Forming together in 2022, they have consistently blended their style into new exciting areas. Their sound combines intricate melodic riffs with heavy rhythms that create a dark but energizing atmosphere. These aspects of their song writing are matched by invigorating vocals that work to create a storytelling experience for listeners.Riley James is a multi-instrumentalist who creates music from his own life experiences. Often ranging from deep blues to experimental psychedelic pop, he has a style uniquely his. With a message of Love he strives to create an uplifting atmosphere, even when the story he is sharing is filled with pain. From electric solos to danceable rhythms, he truly has a style that is suitable for everyone. If you enjoy unique, expressive music that has soul, you will enjoy Riley James.For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Diaphane & Dexter J w/ Calamity Cowboy & Shane Coburn
Saturday, June 29 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 GA // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Diaphane is an indie-rock band currently in its high concept era, cosplaying as an ensemble of queer cowpokes who make country music… kinda. They give it their best anyway. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Blessing (he/they), a Long Island native who exiled himself to South Dakota in 2020 amidst the urban diaspora of the covid pandemic. Originally forming the band in Philadelphia in 2016, Blessing recorded an EP of noise-folk tunes, the Red Shift EP, which he released in May of 2018, followed by the full-length LP, Portraits, released in 2022. Recorded, re-recorded, and mixed over 4 years with a sprawling cast of Philadelphia musicians, Portraits is an indie-rock epic, spanning everything from free-jazz, to emo, to punk, tied together by the concept of painting portraits of those around us, only to find ourselves in the end, reflected in every facet of what we decide the important details of our muses are. Moving out West was intended by Blessing as a journey into the wilderness, a solitary search for a voice he felt he had lost along the way in his sojourns with various bands up and down the east coast. This happened to coincide with a self-realization of identity and queerness in a place seemingly hostile to such things. Set against a picturesque western backdrop, it set the scene for the country record he’d always wanted to make.Dexter J (@therealdexterj) is a singer – songwriter, film maker, and constant seeker based in the Black Hills of South Dakota by way of Portland, OR. With introspective lyrics that explore the human condition juxtaposed against muscular, driving guitars, Dexter J draws from the influence of bands such as The Beatles, The Mountain Goats, Neutral Milk Hotel, Weezer and Bleachers to weave a high energy, yet moody and atmospheric indie/alt-rock tapestry defined by glimpses of both blustering confidence and crippling self awareness. Calamity Cowboy is the colloquial name given to a group of viscous homunculi believed to have originated sometime in the early 19th century. After aimlessly wandering for a couple hundred years, they decided to start a rock and roll band together. They play a blend of country and psychedelic rock that has garnered tens of fans. It’s the real deal! Shane Coburn is a songwriter and performer in Missoula, MT. Coburn is active in the Missoula open mic scene, and performs songs he’s written about life in Western Montana. His solo music is often described as “Alt-Country” and “not too bad”. The music shoots for clever and skewed, and was designed to make people giggle and sometimes dance. 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/.
