I enjoyed watching my very first Northern Lights last Tuesday! I also enjoyed seeing photos of the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky on social media. Unfortunately, the following night, which was supposed to be more intense, was cloudy, so I appreciate that we had at least one night to experience the amazing colors in the sky!
* 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.
TUESDAY NIGHT AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
From Magic City Jazz Jam!
THIS TUESDAY, November 18th, Magic City Jazz Jam @ Craft Local! (7pm-9pm)
The house band will play a short set, and after that, the open jam will begin!!! This week, Sam Woodis on piano, Mike Leslie on bass, Sam Layton on drums, and Tyler Hancoop on trumpet will host the jam!
FREE! Bring an instrument! Sign up to play a tune! Buy a drink! Tip the band & bar! Make some friends! Support OUR local community!!
Craft Local
2501 Montana Ave. Billings, MT
(406) 702-1458
Tuesday, November 18th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ENGINE ROOM PIZZA IN LIVINGSTON
Cocktail Jazz at Engine Room Pizza in Livingston this Wednesday! Garrett Stannard on drums, Matt Ridgeway on piano, and Bridger Himmelspach on bass will be playing from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM!
Engine Room Deep Dish Pizza
113 W Park Street, Livingston, MT
(406) 595-8202
Wednesday, November 19th, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT LEVITY IN BILLINGS
Every Wednesday, Levity features Jazz Jam starting at 7:00 p.m. It’s a Jam Session with local jazz musicians. This week, the house band – Joe Sullivan on keyboard, Robin Martinez on bass, Lloyd Marsh on drums, with guest musician Tyler Honcoop on trumpet – will be hosting the jam session! There are always familiar faces, but it’s open to anyone who 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, November 19th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT MADHOUSE BAR & GRILL IN BILLINGS
From Joe Sullivan!
Playing at the MadHouse Bar & Grill on Thursday nights, 6 – 8 PM. Just me and my grand piano!
Madhouse Bar & Grill
926 Grand Ave, Billings, MT
(406) 534-4822
Thursday, November 20th, 6:00 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 Chuck Florence on tenor saxophone, David Horgan on guitar, and Beth Lo on bass. 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, November 20th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT BENNY’S BISTRO IN HELENA
From Wilbur Rehmann!
Wilbur Rehmann, saxophone, and Fred Cobb, piano, will be performing as a jazz duo at Benny’s Bistro in Helena. Classic saxophone and piano jazz and blues standards. Delicious food, main dishes featuring Montana-grown products. And the very best American & International wines. Come on out for the food and stay to hear these great jazzers, Wilbur and Fred.
Benny’s Bistro
108 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT
Friday, November 21st, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT GUTE LAUNE IN BOZEMAN
Friday Night Jazz at gute Laune (upstairs at the Rialto)! Come join Alex Robilotta Trio – Alex Robilotta on guitar, Rob Kohler on bass, and Adam Greenberg on drums. Enjoy their sounds with good beer, good food, and good vibes!
gute Laune
10 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT
(406) 404-7911
Friday, November 21st, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY AT YELLOWSTONE CELLARS & WINERY IN BILLINGS
From The Winery!
Classic jazz standards by some of the best musicians in town. Get ready for a memorable show that will give you goosebumps! Marie Smith on vocals, Scott Jeppesen on saxophone, Joe Sullivan on keyboard, Erik Gothberg on bass, and Roxanne Jeppesen on drums.
Yellowstone Cellars & Winery
1335 Holiday Cir, Billings, MT
(406) 281-8400
Saturday, November 22nd, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
SATURDAY AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
Craft Local Salsa Fest by John Roberts y Pan Blanco!
Get your salsa fix at the Pan Blanco late show! ~ John Roberts.
Craft Local
2501 Montana Ave. Billings, MT
(406) 702-1458
Saturday, November 22nd, 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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, November 23rd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
UPCOMING JAZZ & MORE
BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT… A JAZZ NATIVITY IN BOZEMAN
IT’S BACK!!!!!!! After a wildly popular Premiere in 2023, Bending Toward the Light…a Jazz Nativity will be performed on: Thursday, Dec 4 – 7 PM / Sunday, Dec 7 – 4 PM / Thursday, Dec 11 – 7 PM
Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 W Graf St, Bozeman, MT
Premium $50 Royal / $35 General /$25 | Family Event
Tickets are available at https://www.jazznativity.org/bozeman
At each of the 2025 performances the Cast and Crew will honor Montana organizations that continue to encourage and support our community to live in the light. Dec 4th – Montana PBS and YPR, Dec 7th – Warriors & Quiet Waters, Dec 11th – Bozeman Art Museum in the Schools, Eagle Mount, Greater Gallatin United Way, Montana Mindfulness, Montana Shakes in the Schools, Shane Lalani Center for the Arts and Thrive.
Dr. Shane Doyle, Apsáalooke, will open Bozeman’s second annual production with an indigenous honor song and his daughter Lilian Doyle will support his piece with a traditional dance. MSU Professor of Music and Grammy Award Winner, Ryan Matzinger, will conduct the shows which includes local luminaries Jeni Fleming (Mary), Jake Fleming (a ‘King’) Lori Rosolowsky (piano), tap queen Katherine Kramer (Quing), the Big Sky Voices, Maddisen Sheedy, a beautiful rhythm section, members of The One O’clock Concert Jazz Ensemble and a 40+ member Choir. The debut cast of characters and musicians will be polishing their brass, tuning their guitars, and lifting their voices in preparation for three thrilling performances.
Produced by Beth Ann Kennedy, Aunahil, Kindred Spirits and the Hope Lutheran Center for the Arts. It’s not too early to plan your Holiday Season (the debut performances in 2023 sold out!) Come support the light in your community while enjoying a truly uplifting experience.
FRI, DEC 5TH & SAT, DEC 6TH AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE IN WY
Holiday Swing ‘25 directed by Dr. Eric Richards at Sheridan College! On Friday, December 5th, at 7 PM, and Saturday, December 6th, at 4 PM, in Kinnison Hall in the Whitney Center for the Arts at Sheridan College. The Holiday Swing 2025 features the Sheridan College Symphony Band, the Sheridan College Jazz Ensemble, the Sheridan County Youth Choir, Marie Smith as vocal soloist, Alison Dooley as violin soloist, and Ivy Dillon as SC music. “Tickets are free, but recommended for reserved seating, as this is always a packed house.”! Almost sold out! Tickets are available at https://whitneycenterforthearts.thundertix.com/events/248164
Kinnison Hall in the Whitney Center for the Arts
1 Whitney Way, Sheridan, WY
(307) 675-0360
Friday, December 5th, 7:00 p.m. – / Saturday, December 6th, 4:00 p.m. –
SAT, DEC 20TH AT THE CIKAN HOUSE IN BOZEMAN
From Marie Smith!
This exceptional performance hosted at the exclusive venue, The Cikan House, brings together a curated ensemble of premier jazz musicians from across the state. A bold, beautiful fusion of styles and shared passion, delivering a one-night-only experience of world-class artistry.
Craig Hall on guitar, Scott Jeppesen on saxophone, Rob Tapper on trombone, Tommy Sciple on bass, Adam Greenberg on drums, and Marie Smith on vocals.
Reservations recommended:
$30 donation | Venmo: Craig-Hall-13
Reservations: Craig@craighallmusic.com
The Cikan House
31 Hitching Post, Bozeman, MT
Saturday, December 20th, 7:00 p.m. –
SAT, JAN 24TH AT ZACC IN MISSOULA
From ZACC!
One Stage. All Corners of Montana Meet. Pure Jazz Brilliance. This exceptional performance brings together a curated ensemble of premier jazz musicians from across the state. A bold, beautiful fusion of styles and shared passion, delivering a one-night-only experience of world-class artistry.
Zootown Arts and Community Center
216 W. Main St. Missoula, MT
(406) 549-7555
Saturday, January 24th, Door 7:00 p.m. / Music 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30 Sliding Scale // $17 Student
For the details and tickets, please visit https://showroom.zootownarts.org/event/marie-smith-jazz-group/zootown-arts-community-center/missoula-montana/
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