Montana’s Emerging Music Scene
Outriders Present: Putting Montana on the Music Map with Under the Big Sky Festival and Beyond
Montana, known for its open natural spaces attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, has developed into a thriving music destination, thanks in part to the efforts of Outriders Present. This music promotion company has been bringing big-name bands and festivals to the state, creating new venues, and fostering a music scene that has been gaining national recognition.
The Under The Big Sky festival, hosted by Outriders, attracted 30,000 fans in 2022 and was featured in Rolling Stones magazine.
Rolling Stones magazines accredits the “popularity of [the tv show] Yellowstone, [for] everyone's Montana fever these days. The Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, in the northwest corner of Montana, combines sweeping views of the state that give the TV drama its grandeur with some of the most rough-hewn and cutting-edge artists in country and Americana music — all performing on a real working ranch.”
Past performances at UTBS music festival include Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, Midland, Lord Huron, Jason Isbell, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, just to name a few.
Tyler Childers, performing Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? at Under the Big Sky Festival 2022
In a record-breaking 15 minutes, the tickets for the upcoming July 14-16, 2023 event sold out, demonstrating the festival's immense popularity and support. If you missed out on tickets - don’t stress. The Under the Big Sky festival sponsors a ticket exchange through the platform LYTE.
I recommend not skipping performances by Caamp, a folk/roots band known for their intimate live performances, and returning singer-songwriter, Zach Bryan, known for his raw, emotionally charged lyrics. Also, be sure not to miss the Hogslop String Band, a musical group based in Nashville, as their performances often transform into lively dance parties alongside the cool stream that flows through the festival.
Free and convenient transportation is provided by the festival, shuttling music fans from Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, to the gates of the festival. I recommend grabbing a local handcrafted cocktail at Spotted Bear Spirits Tasting Room, before jumping onto the hassle free shuttle.
Be on the lookout for the announcement of after show events held in Downtown Whitefish venues - tickets will go fast. After show events showcase performances from the festival, and are held at The Great Northern Bar, Remington Bar, and Casey’s Whitefish. Last year, I attended the Shakey Graves, Great Northern Bar after show. The intimate space filled with Shakey Graves unique blend of blues, folk, and rock and roll created the perfect conclusion to a music filled day.
View of Whitefish Mountain Resort, and the Great Northern Bar and Grill
Recently, Outriders Present has expanded the Montana music scene to Abayance Bay Marina Venue in Rexford, MT (1 hour from Whitefish). Nestled on the breathtaking shores of Lake Koocanusa, Abeyance Bay Marina Venue provides an idyllic setting to revel in live music while relishing the stunning sunset descending beyond the horizon. Musical performances scheduled this summer include Greensky Bluegrass, and my personal favorite Shakey Graves with Katie Pruitt (06/16).
Additionally, Outriders is hosting music events at The Coop, a covered outdoor event center in Columbia Falls (Located just 15 minutes from Whitefish). Upcoming events include Nick Shoulders (04/18),The Dip (6/3), and Uncle Lucius (7/7).
Outriders Present is putting Montana on the music map, from the stunning venues they've created to the impressive lineup of artists they've brought to the state. Whether you're a die-hard music fan or just looking for a unique experience in the great outdoors, Montana's music scene is worth exploring.
