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/.
Sluice + Fust
Tuesday, July 30 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 8 PM // $12 Advance // $15 DOSSluice is the recording project of Durham based musician/engineer Justin Morris (Fust, Weirs, Aunt Sis). Radial Gate, the second release as Sluice, features a wide collection of local talent including Avery Sullivan (Fust, Indigo De Souza), Oliver Child-Lanning (Fust, Weirs), Luke Norton (HC McEntire), Frank Meadows (Fust, Tomberlin, Bellows) and Natalie King (Toss) to name a few. Radial Gate continues the Sluice theme of nature’s intersection with industry, and lyrically explores the ideas of isolation and depression giving way to community and personal growth. “Could you pass me a beer, oh no it fell in the river. Hey man that’s all right, goodnight.”Fust is the songwriting project of Aaron Dowdy, and a Durham NC based alt-country band formed in 2018 currently touring in support of Genevieve, their sophomore album on Dear Life Records. Their first record Evil Joy was a self-described bitter domestic drama obsessed with the kitchen-sink passage of time measured by moments of leaving, returning, leaving, and returning. With Genevieve, we find a different kind of leaving: leaving behind, leaving one’s old ways, starting anew, a small life together, in “Family Country.” Thus, Genevieve: an historical name for both the saintly and the ordinary, the peasantry and the family, the community and the wife, extreme devotion and absolute forbearance. The Pond is tender slowcore meloncholy. They’ve got a new album coming out sometime with the band fka Bombshell Nightlight.For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Glitterfox (Portland) w/ Les Duck & Queenager
Sunday, June 23 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 Advance // $15 DOSThe Portland based band Glitterfox has released five singles in just six months under their new record label Kill Rock Stars, with two more arriving this Spring. The band’s been growing steadily since “Drive” came out in August 2023, with their indie rock recipe that deftly balances Southern songwriting shine and nostalgia-fueled anthems. The four-piece band’s songwriters and front persons, married couple Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker, have always channeled their personal struggles as well as experiences as queer, neurodiverse individuals into their songwriting. Bassist Eric Stalker and drummer Blaine Heinonen bring a love of Americana, grunge, and dance music into the mix. All of these influences can be heard on the band’s latest singles, produced by Chris Funk of The Decemberists, and in their spirited live shows as they prepare for their full-length album debut in 2025.Les Duck is all about fast cars, slow guitars, family and friendship. Lukas Phelan and Sanders Smith trade songs exploring those very themes while Nate Biehl rips the steel guitar and James Rogers tickles the drums. Scrappy, jangly and a wee bit twangy, Les Duck channels a loosey goose sound somewhere between Arthur Russell and Crazy Horse.Queenager is the combination of glitchy, punchy synth tones mixed with vocoded lyrical beauty that pierces listeners straight to the heart. The project was started in January 2020, and through the pandemic the duo Sarah Frazier and Bryan Kostors hunkered down together on a sexy synth wave mission. With the release of their debut album “Easy” in June 2021, Queenager is on the path to leading crowds to dancing bliss and leading the charge on making Montana a place for letting loose.For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Mount Eerie
Saturday, June 22 // Door at 1 PM // Show at 2 PM // $20 Advance // $23 DOS Phil Elverum is an artist and human being from the Pacific Northwest town of Anacortes. His recordings, released variously as The Microphones and Mount Eerie, represent just a portion of his artistic output, which has ranged from running a label and co-organizing festivals to self-publishing books, photography, and painting. But it is for his stunningly original music that he is known best, from the earliest tape experiments of the ’90s to the immersive sound-diary of Microphones in 2020. Elverum has never shied from exploring the high mountain passes, finding new ways to sculpt with sound, and trying to communicate the momentary experience of being human as clearly as the water from freshly melted snow. (written October 2020 by Emily Wirthlin)Sung Mountains is the musical project of multidisciplinary artists Kelly Schirmann and Jay Fiske, and sometimes others. Their music sounds like “meditative light, plains of gold before mountain blue” (from their favorite review). Their album “Sanctuary” is available to stream on Bandcamp and everywhere else. 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 *Please note that this is an afternoon show. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Matthew–Jack + Devon Heavenshire + Caleb ‘Neutrino’ Yeatts + Nyon & Ravi Marsolek
Sunday, April 28 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Advance // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Matthew-Jack is a solo guitarist and sing-songwriter from Wales, UK. MJ specializes in ancient English folk music, playing in the fingerstyle of the 60’s folk revival, often with an environmental theme. His key influences include John Renborne, Bert Jansch, and John Martyn. The more psychedelic music of the same era also impacted his approach to time signatures and musical discipline. As a philosopher and anthropologist by trade, Matthew-Jack’s finds in old music a point of reflection upon the human condition and its deep relation to nature. Devon Heavenshire is the queen of cottagecore, singing that old music you were sad to have forgotten about. Caleb ‘Neutrino’ Yeatts is a multi-instrumentalist whose primary musical discipline is playing handpan. With instruments crafted by Harper’s Handpans (Lake Havasu, AZ) and Celestial Sound (Melbourne Australia), Neutrino suspends haunting melodies over layers of rhythmic complexity, freely moving between composition and improvisational choice.Nyon & Ravi Marsolek are two up-and-coming Missoula area musicians each exploring their own unique musical style and artistic expression. They’ve been creating and performing music since they were very young and have a large repertoire of original songs and compositions written over the last decade. Multi-instrumentalists both, Nyon and Ravi were raised in an environment of music-making, rhythm workshops, and numerous road trips with the world fusion group, Drum Brothers. Since 2021, they have been performing and touring with the band, contributing greatly to the group’s new sound with bass, electric guitar, percussion, and vocals. Inspired by many artists in the singer-songwriter tradition, they bring to the stage a wide set of influences ranging from Joni Mitchell, CSNY and Jeff Buckley, to Phoebe Bridgers and The Tallest Man on Earth. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
