It is December, which means 2026 is right around the corner! I was a bit behind, but I finally ordered my 2026 calendars, and they will be delivered next week! I’d appreciate it if you are interested in getting it for yourself or for your family and friends!
Please take a look at the calendar here: https://bigskyjazz.net/2026-calendar/
* 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, December 9th, 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, Raphael Lopez on bass, and Sam Layton on drums 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, December 9th, 7:00 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 – John Roberts on keyboard, Robin Martinez on bass, Lloyd Marsh on drums, with guest musician Elijah Sneigoski 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, December 10th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN BOZEMAN
This will be the last show of 2025, Bending Toward the Light…a Jazz Nativity in Bozeman! Thursday, Dec 11th – 7:00 p.m. Please don’t miss this wonderful show!
At each of the performances, the Cast and Crew will honor Montana organizations that continue to encourage and support the community. 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 with an indigenous honor song, and his daughter Lilian Doyle will support his piece with a traditional dance. MSU Professor of Music 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.
Produced by Beth Ann Kennedy, Aunahil, Kindred Spirits, and the Hope Lutheran Center for the Arts. Come support the light in your community while enjoying a truly uplifting experience.
Premium $50 Royal / $35 General /$25 | Family Event
Tickets are available at https://www.jazznativity.org/bozeman
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 11th, 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 11th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE WINDMILL & BAR51 IN BILLINGS
From Elana Hayden!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music and good vibes! Savor the delicious food menu and treat yourself to the best selection of hand-crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect blend of great tunes, great tastes, and great company! Elana Hayden on vocals, Jeff Troxel on guitar, and Mike Leslie on bass.
The Windmill & Bar 51
3429 Transtech Way, Billings, MT
(406) 252-8100
Friday, December 12th, 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 Quartet – Alex Robilotta on guitar, Jake Fleming on saxophone, Michael Steele on bass, and Josh Poole 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 12th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 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, Michael Testagrossa on guitar, Isaac Winemiller on bass, and Austin Belluscio on drums will be making fantastic sounds. Please join them and enjoy their music!
Bozeman Public Library
626 E. Main Street. Bozeman, MT
(406) 582-2400
Saturday, December 13th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT ONE LEGGED MAGPIE IN RED LODGE
From Elana Hayden!
Join Elana Hayden and the Sugar Daddies for holiday fun at the One Legged Magpie! Feat. Elana Hayden on vocals, Mike Leslie on bass, Jeff Troxel on guitar, Lloyd Marsh on drums, Scott Jeppesen on saxophone, and George Higgins on piano.
One Legged Magpie
19 Broadway Ave N, Red Lodge, MT
(406)445-3322
Saturday, December 13th, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE ATTIC IN LIVINGSTON
From FunkyMoto!
Come out and see some instrumental Funk! The band features Marvin Lansverk on trumpet, Gunter Roylance on Trombone, Ben Broyles on Sax, Harlow Punderson on Keys, Jay Khule on Drums, Bill Hyland on Guitar, and John Campbell on Bass. Tickets: $10.
The Attic
110 N Main St, 2nd Floor, Livingston, MT
(406) 222-0665
Saturday, December 13th, 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Doors 7:00 p.m.)
https://www.theatticmontana.com/
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 – Captain Wilson Conspiracy 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 14th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY NIGHT AT EAGLES IN BOZEMAN
Sunday night big band fun! Please join the Bridger Mountain Big Band at the Bozeman Eagles Club!
The Bridger Mountain Big Band or small combo performs at The Eagles on every other Sunday. No cover charge, but there will be a tip jar, so be generous.
Bozeman Eagles Club & Ballroom
316 E Main St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 587-9996
Sunday, December 14th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
UPCOMING JAZZ & MORE
THU, DEC 18TH AT THE COLONEL IN CODY, WY
From Elana Hayden!
Don’t miss the Hayden Quintet live at The Colonel w/Opener Milli Sanchez. Enjoy jazz, blues, and country holiday favorites! Elana Hayden on vocals, Mike Leslie on bass, Jeff Troxel on guitar, Zach Paris on drums, and George Higgins on piano.
Tickets: $12.51 ~ at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hayden-quintet-jazz-evening-wopener-milli-sanchez-the-colonel-tickets-1969988862719
The Colonel Venue & Cigar Lounge
1328 Beck Ave, Cody, WY
(307) 271-1801
Thursday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m. –
FRI, DEC 19TH & SAT, DEC 20TH AT LE RÊVE RESTAURANT IN SHERIDAN, WY
From Elana Hayden!
TWO NIGHTS in SHERIDAN!
(Fri., 12/19 @ 6pm & Sat., 12/20 @ 5pm)
Join us for the holidays inside the beautiful Historic Cady Building at Le Rêve for a truly unique dining experience: Dreaming of Christmas. Enjoy live music, elegant dining with French-inspired cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and a unique atmosphere. Feat. Elana Hayden on vocals, Jeff Troxel on guitar, Joe Sullivan on piano, and Mike Leslie on bass.
Seating is limited. $125 per person (tax and gratuity included)
https://www.lereve.restaurant/dreaming-of-christmas
Le Rêve
1 East Alger Street, Sheridan, WY
(307) 306-0505
Friday, December 19th, 6:00 p.m. / Saturday, December 20th, 5:00 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. –
SUNDAY NIGHT AT ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN HELENA
From Wilbur Rehmann!
Annual Winter Solstice Concert & Celebration at St Paul’s Methodist, on Saturday, December 21st, at 6:00 p.m., free & open to the public. Wilbur Rehmann Quintet with Ann Tappan on piano, Todd Silas on bass, Mike Gillan on drums, and featuring Sarah Elkins on vocals. The celebration features Dan Pocha & Magpie drummers, singers & dancers, and the Cohesion dance company, Judy Fjell leading a group sing, Cuban immigrants Adonis & Mailee on immigrant life in Montana, Solstice thoughts by Gayle Sandholm, retired Methodist pastor, and Janet Tatz with Jewish thoughts on a Solstice night of celebration as we move from darkness to light.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
512 Logan St, Helena, MT
(406) 442-5643
Sunday, December 21st, 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/
BigSkyJazz.net and news letter Jazz this week are non-profit. I am doing this to be a little help for jazz community around Bozeman while I work as a website/graphic designer.
If you feel like helping me with a little reward please donate from “Buy me a glass of wine page“. It is much appreciated!!!