The jazz world has lost another giant with the passing of tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins on May 25th at age 95. Known as one of the most influential musicians in the genre, BZN Jazz fan Greg recommends starting with his legendary album, Saxophone Colossus, which is widely available on streaming platforms.
I’m also deeply saddened by the recent loss of pianist and composer Phil Aaberg, who passed away on May 23rd. Beyond his immense talent, Phil was a beautiful soul. I have such fond memories of spending time with him and his family alongside my late husband, Kelly. I will always remember Phil as a deeply warm, kind, and humble person.
* 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 THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE IN BILLINGS
Come shop, sip, and enjoy live music to celebrate women-owned businesses and creators at the 2nd annual Women’s Collective! This special event celebrates the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit of women in our community.
Enjoy live music by The Hayden Quintet feat. Elana Hayden on vocals, Mike Leslie on bass, Sam Woodis on saxophone, Lloyd Marsh on drums, and Joe Sullivan on keyboard at 6:30 PM, a fashion show, arts and culture, a silent auction, good eats, cash bar, and meet some fabulous local vendors!
Tickets: $25 at https://juniorleagueofbillings.org/womenscollective
Billings Hotel & Convention Center
1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT
(406) 248-7151
Tuesday, June 2nd, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. // Music 6:30 p.m.-
TUESDAY NIGHT AT CRAFT LOCAL IN BILLINGS
From Magic City Jazz Jam!
THIS TUESDAY, Magic City Jazz Jam @ Craft Local! (7 pm – 9 pm)
The house band will play a short set, and then the open jam will begin! 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, June 2nd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ON BROADWAY IN HELENA
From Cottonwood Club!
Vocals? What! Come check out our blend of Django classics, originals and now featuring vocals by Sarah!
On Broadway
106 E Broadway St, Helena, MT
(406) 443-1929
Wednesday, June 2nd, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT TUNE UP BAR IN BOZEMAN
TWO Jazz performances at Tune Up on Wednesday, June 3rd! Enjoy 20% off all menu items with a valid Montana ID, excluding Happy Hour Specials!
Ian & Jazz Friends: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Eddie T Quartet: 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Eddie T. on bass, Jake Fleming on saxophone, David Charles on keyboard, Chris Naro on drums.
Tune Up Bar (Kimpton Armory Hotel)
24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 551-7702
Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm. / 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ENGINE ROOM PIZZA IN LIVINGSTON
From Garrett Stannard!
Funky Keyboard Trio 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 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM!
Engine Room Deep Dish Pizza
113 W Park Street, Livingston, MT
(406) 595-8202
Wednesday, June 3rd, 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 – Joe Sullivan on keyboard, Robin Martinez on bass, Lloyd Marsh on drums, and a featured 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, June 3rd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT ON BROADWAY IN HELENA
Don’t miss The Yardbird Quartet feat. Matt Austin on saxophone, Rob Kohler on guitar, Luke Michaelson on bass, and Jeremy Slead on drums at On Broadway with delicious homemade Italian cuisine and a fine dining experience!
On Broadway
106 E Broadway St, Helena, MT
(406) 443-1929
Thursday, June 4th, 6:00 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, June 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, features live jazz every Thursday with 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, June 4th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT AT TUNE UP BAR IN BOZEMAN
Swamp Dawg is hitting the stage at Tune Up Bar! Come out and catch their heavy, New Orleans-style Rhythm & Blues. Let’s party!
Susan Miller on vocals. Mike Helland on bass, Blaise Arsenault on guitar/vocals, Orin Gunderson on trumpet/vocals, and Michael Gillan on drums/vocals.
Tune Up Bar (Kimpton Armory Hotel)
24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 551-7702
Thursday, June 4th, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT ZACC IN MISSOULA
The Haymaker – Loren Stillman on saxophone, Tommy Sciple on bass, and John Wicks on drums – plays at The ZACC on first and third Fridays in The ZACC basement space! “This room feels right—intimate, creative, and built for listening. We’re looking forward to settling in, stretching out, and letting the music evolve over time. Each night will be a little different. Same band, same spirit—new paths.
We’d love for you to come along for the ride and help us shape this next chapter.” ~ Loren Stillman.
Zootown Arts and Community Center (ZACC)
216 W. Main St. Missoula, MT
(406) 549-7555
Friday, June 5th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT GUTE LAUNE IN BOZEMAN
Friday Night Jazz at gute Laune (upstairs at the Rialto)! Join the Jake Fleming Trio: Jake Fleming on saxophone, Bob Nell on keyboard, and Isaac Winemiller on bass. Enjoy their sounds with good beer, good food, and good vibes!
gute Laune
10 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT
(406) 404-7911
Friday, June 5th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT TUNE UP BAR IN BOZEMAN
Tsunami Funk at Tune Up Bar! Come and dance to their funky sounds!
Tune Up Bar (Kimpton Armory Hotel)
24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT
(406) 551-7702
Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
SUNDAY NIGHT AT DRAUGHT WORKS IN MISSOULA
The perfect way to wrap up your weekend: Summer Sunday Night Jazz at Draught Works! Sip your favorite brew from 6–8 PM while Captain Wilson Conspiracy, a contemporary approach to chamber jazz, sets the mood for your evening.
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT
(406) 541-1592
Sunday, June 7th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY NIGHT AT ZACC IN MISSOULA
Get your dancing shoes on and spend a Sunday with hits from Ed Norton Big Band in The Show Room at the ZACC! Dance lessons with Lindy Hop begin at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12 // $15-$20 Artist Supporter
Zootown Arts and Community Center (ZACC)
216 W. Main St., Missoula, MT
(406) 549-7555
Sunday, June 7th, 7:00 p.m. (Doors & Lessons at 6:30 PM)
SUNDAY NIGHT AT EAGLES IN BOZEMAN
Sunday night big band fun! Please join The WD40’s Big Band at Bozeman Eagles Club!
No cover! Dancers are welcome!
Bozeman Eagles Club & Ballroom
316 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-9996
Sunday, June 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
UPCOMING JAZZ & MORE
SAT, JUN 13TH AT PIANO GALLERY MUSIC SUPERSTORE IN IDAHO FALLS, ID
Bob Bowman & Brant Jester Jazz Concert
Join us for an incredible afternoon of music featuring veteran jazz bassist Bob Bowman and highly accomplished Kansas City pianist Brant Jester.
Suggested donation: $10 –
Piano Gallery Music Superstore
2995 E 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID
(208) 524-4420
Saturday, June 13th, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
SAT, JUN 13TH AT Q STATON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN BILLINGS
From Billings Symphony!
Get ready to groove with vocalist Clark Stirgus and the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective as they take us on a wild ride through the Detroit music scene in the ‘60s. They’ll be laying down Motown hits and vibrant jazz renditions, celebrating the rhythm and soul of this legendary genre. Got soul? See you there!
Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective / Scott Jeppesen, director / Clark Stirgus, guest vocalist.
Tickets: Standard $45 / U30 $25 (under 30 years old. ID required at the door)
Q Staton Performing Arts Center (Lockwood High School)
2016 Old US 87, Billings, MT
Saturday, June 13th, 7:00 p.m. –
SUN, JUN 14TH AT THE CIKAN HOUSE IN BOZEMAN
From Craig Hall!
On June 14th, Scott and Roxanne Jeppesen, Mike Leslie, and I will be joined by LA jazz players Ian Vo, Josh Aguiar, and Gary Fukushima for a 4 PM hit at the Cikan House. (We all will have played the night before in Billings at Lockwood Performing Arts Center with the RMJC, check it out, a big band performance that should be big fun.) Email me (craig@craighallmusic) for Cikan House details and reservations. Admission $30 (Venmo to craig-hall-13). This will be a good one.
The Cikan House
31 Hitching Post, Bozeman, MT
Sunday, June 14th, 4:00 p.m. –
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If you feel like helping me with a little reward please donate from “Buy me a glass of wine page“. It is much appreciated!!!