Patti Nolan & The Undeniables + The Mitchell Bailey Large Ensemble
Tuesday, October 22 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $15 Patti Nolan & The Undeniables perform their unique and spirited blend of jazz classics and standards, with Patti on vocals, Ben Schuberg on piano, Pete Hand on bass, Graeme Pletscher on saxophone, and Ed Stalling on drums. The Mitchell Bailey Large Ensemble is a 17-piece jazz big band, featuring a plethora of creative musicians from the Missoula Music Scene. The band plays original music and arrangements by Mitchell Bailey, along with other members of the band and modern big band writers. Although listeners will hear nods to titans of music such as Thad Jones, Wayne Shorter, and Charlie Parker, the band is also heavily influenced by contemporary jazz, modern rock, free music, electronic music, and hip hop. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Missoula Collective Music Ensemble, Conducted by Naomi Moon Siegel
Monday, October 21 // Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $5-$25 Sliding Scale Admission Featuring the entire ensemble under conduction/direction by Siegel, these collective improvisations and compositions feature “conduction”, a jazz technique utilized to organize, expand and inspire improvisation in a large group setting. “Conduction” was created by the late Lawrence “Butch” Morris and is now used throughout the world. Siegel learned Conduction from playing in Wayne Horvitz’s ensemble for many years. The first set will be an open rehearsal, and then second set will be a performance utilizing the Conduction techniques practiced in the open rehearsal. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Loren Stillman & Haymaker
Wednesday, October 9 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 Advance // $15 Day of Show Haymaker is: Loren Stillman on Saxophone & Songs, Tommy Sciple on Bass, and John Wicks on Drums. One of the greatest challenges in music is making complexity feel natural and effortless. Saxophonist Loren Stillman continues to push his compositional boundaries, creating free-flowing pieces that draw from the past 60 years of American jazz — embracing its wide range of styles and temperaments: soft and loud, fast and slow, in tempo and out, free and composed, cluttered and sparse, swinging and non-swinging. His compositions challenge musicians to navigate these intricate musical landscapes while driving the music forward. To bring this vision to life, Stillman partners with collaborators, bassist Tommy Sciple and drummer John Wicks, performing a dynamic repertoire of new works. The saxophonist Loren Stillman communicates great intensity but not a lot of drama. He’s an intuitive self-regulating improviser, averse to any flourish that calls attention to itself. What you hear in his playing is the real-time synthesis of information, the melodic and harmonic, and the rigorous subtlety of his response. He pairs uncannily mature instincts with the open-minded spark of youth. – Nate Chinen, The New York Times In this first hearing I believe that as a writer and a stylist, he (Stillman) has found a previously unoccupied slot in the jazz spectrum, which is a very rare thing indeed. – Anthony Troon, Jazz Review UK The magic, that which entrances, is not technique, although Stillman obviously can play anything his mind hears. He is that special musician, one who is totally free. Stillman projects a searching intelligence far beyond his years with every note. – Budd Kopman, Cadence Magazine For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Elana Hayden w/ Mike Gillan, Mike Leslie, Owen Ross, & Joe Sullivan
Wednesday, September 11 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 Advanced // $12 Day of Show // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Join New York vocalist, Elana Hayden & some of Montana’s most renowned and respected musicians when they perform LIVE at the Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC) in Missoula, MT! This is Elana’s first time performing at ZACC and she’s thrilled to be joined by Montana players, Mike Leslie (bass), Owen Ross (guitar), Mike Gillan (drums) & Joe Sullivan (piano). Guest artists from Missoula will also sit in with the band for a few songs during the show, including Bob Packwood, Doc Halsell, Lhanna Writesel, and Milan House – so don’t miss this exciting event! Enjoy familiar songs from Patsy Cline to Hoagy Carmichael, John Prine to Elvis Presley, Ben E. King to Carole King, & Etta James to Norah Jones. ELANA HAYDEN is a versatile and seasoned vocalist who has written, recorded, produced, and licensed numerous songs, jingles and voiceovers for TV, film, radio, and video including spots for Showtime, HBO, and the NBA, among others. She has appeared and/or recorded with Bernard Purdie (Aretha Franklin), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors), Jon Herington (Steely Dan), and Richie Cannata (Billy Joel), to name a few. As a session singer, Elana was a member of several groups, both as a lead and background vocalist, recording and releasing songs in the U.S. and abroad. She was featured on Q-Club’s, “I’ll Be There,” in Italy, Force of 2’s single “Victory is Ours” (Tommy O Records), appeared on Teddy Kumpel’s CD, “Nome Sane” (Hooney Records) and sang lead vocals for the group “Push” on their cover of the ABBA song, “The Winner Takes It All”( Blank Frank Records). Elana toured with “Beehive: The 60s Musical,” the band “Renegade,” and “All About Joel,” a NY-based Billy Joel Tribute Band. She has enjoyed success with her debut album, “Carry You Home” and her voice and music can be heard on various forms of media across the globe. A native New Yorker, Elana recently made the move to Billings, Montana and now splits her time between The Big Apple and Big Sky Country. Elana is beyond thrilled to perform at the fabulous Zootown Arts Community Center and is thankful to make music with some of the most renowned and respected musicians in Montana. www.elanahayden.com For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Patti Nolan & The Undeniables + Rob Tapper & The Jazz Collective
Wednesday, June 5 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $12 // $15-$20 Artist SupporterDon’t miss this spirited night of Montana jazz – featuring two powerhouse Missoula acts: Patti Nolan & The Undeniables, and Rob Tapper & The Jazz Collective! During the first set, Patti’s timeless vocals will be backed by Ben Schuberg on piano, Pete Hand on bass, Graeme Pletscher on saxophone, and Ed Stalling on drums. The second set features Rob Tapper on the trombone, joined by Tommy Sciple on bass, Connor Racicot on piano, and Sam Purvis on drums. Bring a snack, bring a date, or just bring yourself – but just don’t miss this show!For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
The Missoula Jazz Orchestra with Dawn Clement and the Mile High All-Stars
Friday, January 17 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $31.50 GA // $14.50 Student // $24.50 Seniors The Missoula Jazz Orchestra is proud to team with Dawn Clement (piano/vocals), Shane Endsley (trumpet), Steve Kovalcheck (guitar) and Dru Heller (drum set) for an incredible evening big band music. These internationally recognized jazz artists are joined by the phenomenal Missoula Jazz Orchestra performing jazz big band standards along with original compositions and arrangements. This musical journey is bound to be a highlight of 2025. For more information about the artists: DAWN CLEMENT https://www.dawnclement.com/ SHANE ENDSLEY https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Endsley STEVE KOVALCHECK https://www.kovalcheckmusic.com/bio DRU HELLER http://www.druhellermusic.com/ For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Parallel Universe: A Journey through Contemporary Jazz
Friday, May 31 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter Boundless Possibilities. Drawn together by a deep love of the collective improvisation at the heart of jazz, these musicians share a belief that the essence of a song is the shape of the story – its arc through emotion and sound. While each tune is (sometimes…) written in the notes on the page, each journey through the moment is entirely its own, flowing through the spaces between the notes and beyond. The Absent Wilson Conspiracy explores acoustic and electric jazz through spacious original compositions and contemporary standards. Absent Wilson is: Steven Gores – Piano, DR Halsell – Guitar, Ed Stalling – Percussion, Lhanna Writesel – Alto Sax, Steve Kalling – Double BassGolden Mean features original compositions by Bill Kautz that are arranged specifically for this ensemble. The compositions feature thoroughly composed melodies and improvisation in various structures that can be developed uniquely to the given moment. Bill Kautz – Trumpet, Cornet & Compositions, Steve Kalling – Double Bass, Aria Peters – Violin, Hannah Ransom – Percussion, Jake Ransom – Vibraphone … and Neutrino – Hand Pans. 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/.
Missoula Collective Music Ensemble
Monday, May 13 // Door at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM // $10-$30 Sliding Scale Tickets w/ Bill Kautz, John Wicks, Ed Stalling, Jessica Catron, Jeremy Drake, Johan Eriksson, Beth Youngblood, Tommy Sciple, Loren Stillman, Naomi Moon Siegel, MJ Williams, Tanner Fruit, Natalita, & Jesse Dochnahl The Missoula Collective Music Ensemble brings together an exciting ensemble of Missoula-based improvisers with guest artist Wayne Horvitz leading the band. The first set is a quartet featuring Naomi Moon Siegel, Jessica Catron, Jeremy Drake, and Wayne Horvitz. The second set features the entire ensemble, under conduction/direction by Horvitz. These collective improvisations and compositions feature “conduction”, a jazz technique utilized to organize, expand and inspire improvisation in a large group setting. “Conduction” was created but the late Lawrence “Butch” Morris, and is now used throughout the world. Mr. Horvitz and Mr. Morris were friends and colleagues, and Horvitz learned the technique as a member of many of Butch’s early groups. Wayne Horvitz continues to use conduction frequently in his ensembles The Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble and Electric Circus, and as a guest artist throughout Europe and North America. Featuring: Bill Kautz – Trumpet John Wicks – DrumsEd Stalling – Drums Jessica Catron – Cello Jeremy Drake – Guitar Johan Eriksson – Alto Saxophone Beth Youngblood – Violin Tommy Sciple – Bass Loren Stillman – Saxophone Naomi Moon Siegel – Trombone MJ Williams – Vocals/Trombone Tanner Fruit – Saxophone Natalita – Vocals Jesse Dochnahl – Saxophone For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
JAZZOULA 2024
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // April 24, 25, 26, & 27 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) It’s Jazzoula ‘24! Celebrating 20+ years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting nearly 20 jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over four days, April 24, 25, 26, and 27. 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. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. Wednesday, April 24 Line-up (MTPR Recording):All-City JazzOwen RossKyle Curtis TrioC.Florence/D.Horgan/B.Lo Trio Thursday, April 25 Line-up:Bill Kautz’s Golden MeanNight Blooming JasmineConnor RacicotAbsent Wilson Conspiracy8 Ball (Boyd B) Friday, April 26 Line-up:Naomi Moon Siegel MSO TrioVerne Stimpling ProjectBob PackwoodBasement BoysAlly Fradkin Saturday, April 27 Line-up: Dylan Bautiste TrioPatti Nolan and the UndeniablesJohn Wicks/Loren Stillman PunisherCanta BrasilJolene Green and the Sunshine Deity For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
JAZZOULA 2024
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday // April 24, 25, 26, & 27 // Doors at 5:30 // Show at 6:30 PM // $20 // $17 Students & Seniors (50+) It’s Jazzoula ‘24! Celebrating 20+ years of Jazz in the Missoula community – presenting nearly 20 jazz combos, big bands, vocalists, and multi-instrumentalists over four days, April 24, 25, 26, and 27. 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. Enjoy short sets and a fantastic variety of awesome jazz music. See you there. Wednesday, April 24 Line-up (MTPR Recording):All-City JazzOwen RossKyle Curtis TrioC.Florence/D.Horgan/B.Lo Trio Thursday, April 25 Line-up:Bill Kautz’s Golden MeanNight Blooming JasmineConnor RacicotAbsent Wilson Conspiracy8 Ball (Boyd B) Friday, April 26 Line-up:Naomi Moon Siegel MSO TrioVerne Stimpling ProjectBob PackwoodBasement BoysAlly Fradkin Saturday, April 27 Line-up: Dylan Bautiste TrioPatti Nolan and the UndeniablesJohn Wicks/Loren Stillman PunisherCanta BrasilJolene Green and the Sunshine Deity For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
