It’s December, and it’s finally snowing! There will be concerts by MSU Billings students this week, directed by John Roberts, Scott Jeppesen, and Alex Nauman. Don’t miss the chance to see future talents! If you’re in the Bozeman area, please join Bending Toward the Light… a Jazz Nativity at Hope Lutheran Church on 12/4, 12/7, and 12/11. The show’s director, Beth Ann Kennedy, has led this production in New York for years, and in 2023, she brought it to Bozeman, performed by wonderful local musicians! Don’t miss this beautiful experience!
* 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.
BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT… A JAZZ NATIVITY IN BOZEMAN
Starting this Thursday!! 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.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT MSU-B CISEL HALL IN BILLINGS
From MSU-Billings Music!
MSUB Music Majors will perform at this final Student Recital of the Fall Semester 2025. Students will perform in a variety of genres and instruments at Cisel Recital Hall, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 3:10 pm. Free Admission. Donations appreciated.
MSU Billings Cisel Recital Hall
1500 University Dr, Billings, MT
Wednesday, December 3rd, 3:10 p.m.-
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ON BROADWAY IN HELENA
From Cottonwood Club!
Guys, grab your dolls and join us for an evening of Django-inspired acoustic swing jazz!
On Broadway
106 E Broadway St, Helena, MT
(406) 443-1929
Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00 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 Sam Woodis on saxophone – 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, December 3rd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT TUNE UP BAR IN BOZEMAN
Jazz Night hosted by Eddie T. at Tune Up Bar on the first Wednesday of every month! On Wednesday, December 3rd, Eddie T. on bass, Alex Robilotta on guitar, Jeremy Shanok on keyboard, and Chris Naro on drums will be playing! Enjoy 20% off all menu items with a valid Montana ID, excluding Happy Hour Specials!
Tune Up Bar (Kimpton Armory Hotel)
24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 551-7702
Wednesday, December 3rd, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 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, December 4th, 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, December 4th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
From MSU Billings Music!
MSUB Small Jazz Ensembles, directed by Dr. Scott Jeppesen and Mr. Alex Nauman, will perform live in concert on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Craft Local. Entry by Donation. Your donations are appreciated. MSUB Students are free with ID.
Craft Local
2501 Montana Ave. Billings, MT
(406) 702-1458
Thursday, December 4th, 7:00 p.m. –
THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE WAITING ROOM IN BILLINGS
From Elana Hayden!
Join the Hayden Quartet for live music and cool cocktails at “The Waiting Room.” Check out this fabulous Speakeasy in downtown Billings. Enter through Doc Harper’s! Feat. Elana Hayden on vocals, Mike Leslie on bass, Jeff Troxel on guitar, and Sam Woodis on saxophone.
The Waiting Room (Doc Harper’s Tavern)
116 North Broadway, Billings, MT
(406) 200-7177
Thursday, December 4th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY EVENING IN THE DOWNTOWN BILLINGS HOLIDAY STROLL
From Elana Hayden!
Enjoy LIVE MUSIC with the Hayden Quartet feat. Elana Hayden (vocals), Alex Nauman (guitar), Mike Leslie (bass) & Sam Woodis (sax) for First Friday / Downtown Billings Holiday Stroll! The group is playing indoors at YesterYears Antique Mall (208 N Broadway, Billings). Support downtown businesses while you spread and share holiday cheer!
YesterYears Antique Mall
208 N Broadway, Billings, MT
(406) 256-3567
Friday, December 5th, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT CLAY ARTS GUILD OF HELENA ANNUAL HOLIDAY STORE
From Wilbur Rehmann!
December 5th at Clay Arts Guild of Helena Holiday Store in the former Joslin’s furniture store, corner of Benton & Euclid. Wilbur Rehmann Duo – Wilbur Rehmann on saxophone and Mike Carey on acoustic bass will play for the event from 6 PM to 8 PM!
The Old Joslin’s Furniture Building
301 Euclid Ave, Helena, MT
Friday, December 5th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
From MSU Billings Music!
MSUB Jazz Orchestra, directed by John J. Roberts, will perform at Craft Local, 2501 Montana Avenue, Billings, on Friday, December 5th at 7 pm. Entry by donation. MSUB Students are free with ID. Your donations are appreciated.
Craft Local
2501 Montana Ave. Billings, MT
(406) 702-1458
Friday, December 5th, 7:00 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, Isaac Winemiller on bass, and Austin Belluscio 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, December 5th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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. –
SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The weekly Improvised Music at the Library, curated by guitarist Alex Robilotta on Saturdays from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, upstairs at the Bozeman Public Library. This week, the series will start with this trio: Craig Hall on guitar, Aaron Johnson on guitar, and Michael Testagrossa on bass. Please join them and enjoy their music!
Bozeman Public Library
626 E. Main Street. Bozeman, MT
(406) 582-2400
Saturday, December 6th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SUNDAY NIGHT AT THIRSTY STREET & BREWING CO. IN BILLINGS
From Elana Hayden!
TIS THE SEASON!!! *** Bring a NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY to Thirsty Street for our holiday “Toys for Tots” toy drive!
$10 in advance
$10 at the door WITH A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY!
$15 at the door / no toy – Bah Humbug!
Join Elana Hayden & Friends for a Holiday Concert at Thirsty Street! Feat. Elana Hayden (vocals), Mike Leslie (bass), Joe Sullivan (piano), Zach Paris (drums), Jeff Troxel (guitar) and Scott Jeppesen (sax).
* Opening Act: Gavin Russell
Enjoy Michelle’s Pantry’s Holiday Treats!
Thirsty Street Brewing Co.
2123 1st Ave. N., Billings, MT
(406) 534-6332
Sunday, December 7th, 6:00 p.m.-
SUNDAY NIGHT AT DRAUGHT WORKS IN MISSOULA
From Draught Works!
Unwind and enjoy the sounds of jazz in our taproom every Sunday night from 6-8 PM this winter during our Winter Sunday Night Jazz Series! This week’s Jazz – Missoula Jazz Collective will be playing original music by the members to make your Sunday night special!
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT
(406) 541-1592
Sunday, December 7th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 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, December 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
UPCOMING JAZZ & MORE
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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