First of all, big congratulations to 11th & Grant with Eric Funk (Montana PBS) team for winning the Northwest Regional Emmy Award!!
Exciting treats to Bozeman Jazz fans! There will be jazz concerts on June 15th, 20th, and 22nd at The Cikan House. I’d call The Cikans Jazz Fest. Each concert will be different from each other, and I can guarantee you will love the music by wonderful bands so please don’t miss them!! BTW, One of the concerts will be by Bob Bowman, extremely talented pianist from Kansas City Brant Jester, and Montana’s own fantastic Alex Nauman! Bob and Brant will have 3 concerts in Big Sky, Bozeman (w/Alex), and Basin (w/ MJ Williams). Please scroll down for the details!
* Musician friends, if you would like to add your message, ongoing projects like new albums, etc. on BigSkyJazz.net please contact me!
* Details of these concerts can be changed due to artists/venues’ circumstances.
MONDAY NIGHT AT ENGINE ROOM PIZZA IN LIVINGSTON
From Garrett Stannard!
Monday, 6:30-8:30 at Engine Room Pizza in Livingston (113 W Park St.) I’ll provide the Keyboard, Bass Amp, and Drum Set.
We’ll be working our way through many of the great jazz standards, one by one. Still, anyone is welcome to call any tune, so long as enough people know it.
Engine Room Deep Dish Pizza
113 W Park Street, Livingston, MT
(406) 595-8202
Monday, June 3rd 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY EVENING AT CARVERSS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE IN BILLINGS
From Elana Hayden!
The Elana Hayden Trio returns to the fabulous Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse with LIVE MUSIC! Enjoy familiar songs that span the decades while dining on authentic Brazilian cuisine! Featuring Elana Hayden on vocals, Jeff Troxel on guitar, and Mike Leslie on bass.
Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse
1390 S 24th St W, Billings, MT
(406) 200-7910
Wednesday, June 5th 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Facebook event page
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ZACC IN MISSOULA
Don’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! Tickets $15 – $20. For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/
Zootown Arts and Community Center / ZACC
216 W. Main St. Missoula, MT
(406)549-7555
Wednesday, June 5th 7:30 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.)
Facebook event page
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT LEVITY IN BILLINGS
Every Wednesday, Levity features Jazz Jam starting at 7:00PM. It’s a Jam Session with local jazz musicians. This week, featured musician Thomas Burke and the house band – Joe Sullivan, Lloyd Marsh, and Robin Martinez will be hosting the Jazz jam! There are always familiar faces, but it’s open to anyone that can play. All you need is raw talent and your instrument!
Levity Bar and Bistro
1027 Shiloh Crossing Blvd Suite 8, Billings, MT
(406) 651-5985
Wednesday, June 5th 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Levity Facebook page
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT TUNE UP BAR IN BOZEMAN
Jazz Night at Tune Up Bar hosted by Eddie T! This week, Cheyenne John-Henderson on keyboard, Alex Robilotta on guitar, Alex Platt on drums, and Eddie T. on bass will be making fantastic sounds! Come down to the cozy bar lounge and enjoy their fantastic sounds! 8PM to 10PM. No cover. They serve food too!
Tune Up Bar (Kimpton Armory Hotel)
24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 551-7702
Wednesday, June 5th 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Facebook event page
THURSDAY EVENING AT SHANE CENTER IN LIVINGSTON
From Swamp Dawg!!
This Thursday, 6/6/24 at the Shane Center in Livingston, Montana: Return of Swamp Dawg! Back by popular demand, the Dawg will be opening the Shane’s Summer Music Series with our version of swampy New Orleans style Rhythm and Blues, and beyond! Gonna be a natural ball, hope you can make it! Music 5:30-7:30pm.
Shane Lalani Center for the Arts
415 E Lewis St, Livingston, MT
(406) 222-1420
Thursday, June 6th 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. / Event 5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE OLD POST IN MISSOULA
Missoula’s most beloved pub The Old Post have live jazz on every Thursday by local musicians. This week Chuck Florence on tenor saxophone, David Horgan on guitar, and Beth Lo on bass will be performing. If you are around Missoula this Thursday, drop by The Old Post to enjoy the live music with American Bistro pub food and some drinks!
The Old Post
103 W Spruce St. Missoula, MT
(406) 540-4433
Thursday, June 6th 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
Come and join Jazz Jam at Craft Local Every Thursday 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.! The Jazz Jam will be hosted by Raphael Lopez and Sam Woodis. The house band will play a short set and after that, the open jam will begin!!! Bring an instrument! Sign up to play a tune! Buy a drink! Tip the band & bar! Make some friends!
Craft Local
2501 Montana Ave. Billings, MT
(406) 702-1458
Thursday, June 6th 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Magic City Jazz Jam FB page
FRIDAY NIGHT AT RED TRACTOR PIZZA IN BOZEMAN
Friday Jazz at Red Tractor Pizza! This week Alex Robilotta on guitar and Bob Bowman on bass will be making fantastic sounds! Please come down and enjoy your Friday night with live music and of course delicious pizza and beer/wine!
Red Tractor Pizza
1007 W Main St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 359-1999
Friday, June 7th 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Facebook event page
SATURDAY NIGHT AT BABCOCK THEATRE IN BILLINGS
Join Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective as they pay tribute to the legendary Stevie Wonder with an unforgettable concert! Delve into six decades of music history with timeless hits like “Sir Duke,” “Innervisions,” “Superstition,” and “Isn’t She Lovely?” Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the music of the most-awarded solo artist of all time in a unique instrumental interpretation. Get your tickets now for a night of jazz and soul that you won’t soon forget. Scott Jeppesen and RMJC with special guests: John Daversa, Ian Vo, Elana Hayden, Clark Stirgus, Brooke Moncada. Tickets $25 – $42. For more information and tickets, please visit https://billingssymphony.org/
Babcock Theatre
2810 2nd Ave N. Billings, MT
(406) 252-3610 *Billings Symphony Office
Saturday, June 8th 7:00 p.m. (Doors 6:00 p.m.)
Facebook event page
SUNDAY NIGHT AT BOZEMAN HOT SPRINGS IN BOZEMAN
John Roberts y Pan Blanco fans! They will return to Bozeman Hot Springs! One of the most energetic groups in the state, the Billings-based “John Roberts y Pan Blanco” is an original-sounding ensemble. Combining elements of multiple different genres, they blend danceable funk, African and Salsa grooves with blistering instrumental solos, all aimed at sharing the love of the music with the audience. *Admissions for the venue vary.
Bozeman Hot Springs
81123 Gallatin Rd, Bozeman, MT
(406) 586-6492
Sunday, June 9th 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Facebook event page
SUNDAY NIGHT AT EAGLES IN BOZEMAN
Sunday night big band fun! Please join The WD40’s Big Band at Bozeman Eagles Club!
The WD40’s perform at The Eagles every other Sunday. No cover. Dancers are welcome!
Bozeman Eagles Club & Ballroom
316 E Main St Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-9996
Sunday, June 9th 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Facebook event page
UPCOMING JAZZ & MORE
SAT, JUN 15TH NIGHT AT THE CIKAN HOUSE IN BOZEMAN
Direct from New York, vocalist Elana Hayden returns to the beautiful Cikan home for a private house concert in Bozeman, MT. This is Elana‘s second show at Cikan House, so don’t miss this very special, intimate house concert where she’ll be joined by some of Montana’s most renowned musicians, including Mike Leslie (bass), Eric Funk (piano), Zach Paris (drums) & Sam White (sax). Enjoy music that spans the decades, from Hoagy Carmichael to Patsy Cline, Ben E. King to Carole King, Etta James to Norah Jones, and John Prine to Elvis Presley.
To reserve your seats, email Elana at elanahayden@gmail.com or text her at 516-474-4332 with your full name and how many tickets you’d like to reserve.
The Cikan House
Bozeman, MT
Saturday, June 15th 7:30 p.m.-
Suggested donation: $30. Payment is CASH ONLY at the door OR via Venmo (@elanahayden) or Paypal (elanahayden@gmail.com)
Facebook event page
THU, JUN 20TH NIGHT AT THE CIKAN HOUSE IN BOZEMAN
From Craig Hall!
Join us for an intense, burning, lofty, soaring, uplifting, bouyant, heartfelt, wild yet refined, thoughtful yet spontaneous set of classic and original jazz-derived improvised music at The Cikan House on Thursday, June 20 around 7 PM. Enjoy some wine and hors d’ouvres (provided) and listen to Philadelphia vibraphonist Silas Stewart, drummer Doctor Zach Paris from Wyoming, Billings upright bassist Parker Brown and I as we say farewell to Billings piano legend Erik Olson, who is leaving Montana in July. Tix are $30 at the door or $25 prepaid or with reservations. Venmo (Craig-Hall-13) or just call, text (406) 551-3496 / craig@craighallmusic.com for a reservation or with questions. Seating is limited, as usual.
The Cikan House in Bozeman
Thursday, June 20th 7:00 p.m. –
JUN 21 – 23 BOB BOWMAN & BRANT JESTER MINI TOUR IN MONTANA
Bob Bowman & Brant Jester in Montana!
Jazz veteran Bob Bowman who has performed nationally/internationally now lives in Montana will bring highly accomplished pianist Brant Jester from Kansas City, MO! In their mini MT tour, Bob and Brant will perform in Big Sky (6/21), Bozeman (6/22), and Basin (6/23). More excitingly, these great musicians will join them – Alex Nauman from Billings at the Cikan House in Bozeman and MJ Williams at the Dusty Bowl in Basin!! Please save the dates and don’t miss the beautiful sounds they make!!
- Fri, Jun 21st at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky (145 Town Center Ave, Big Sky) 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Bob Bowman on bass and Brant Jester on piano
Facebook event page - Sat, Jun 22nd at The Cikan House in Bozeman 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Bob Bowman on bass, Brant Jester on piano, Alex Nauman on guitar. Recommended donation $20/guest. Reservations: yaezo1027@gmail.com
Facebook event page - Sun, Jun 23rd at The Dusty Bowl in Basin (82 Basin St, Basin) 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bob Bowman on bass, Brant Jester on keys, special guest MJ Williams on vocals/trombone
Here are short bios of the musicians…
Jazz bassist Bob Bowman has performed nationally and internationally with jazz legends and heavy hitters in the past 62 years. He is originally from Kansas and now resides in Montana, near West Yellowstone, after living in Portland, New York, L.A., and then over 25 years in KCMO, where he is deeply respected by musicians and jazz fans.
Brant Jester, who is from Ozark, MO, quickly became one of the busiest jazz pianists across the greater Kansas City area after he graduated from Missouri State University in 2020. Not only is he busy as a jazz pianist, piano instructor, adjudicator and accompanist, he also serves at Kansas City Community Radio as a jazz DJ sub for the Jazz In The Afternoon Show. Brant also is a composer and arranger and enjoys writing for jazz ensemble and choral music.
Alex Nauman has been a regular player throughout the Rocky Mountain Gig circuit and an integral member of a long list of eclectic groups even before he could drive himself to gigs. Playing everything from straight-ahead Jazz, Bop, Funk, R&B, Soul, Rock, Hip-Hop, Big-Band Swing, Acoustic Bluegrass, Avant Garde Experimental, and even a little country, it’s easy to see why Alex is considered one of the most talented & versatile Musicians around.
Montana’s own MJ Williams, vocalist, trombonist, Montana native and co-founder of the Montana Artists Refuge (an artist residency program for artists of all genres), has played for several decades in clubs and festivals, locally, regionally, and internationally. MJ was a recipient of the Montana Arts Council’s Governor’s Arts Award in 2016 and “2021 Jazz Heroes” by the Jazz Journalists Association.
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