By Carli Johnson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
On Saturday, April 19, the Arts Council of Big Sky held a release party to announce the summer 2025 Music in the Mountains lineup. This is the 16th year of the free concert series in Big Sky.
Voted Big Sky’s Best Annual Event and Best Family Friendly Activity by readers of Explore Big Sky, Music in the Mountains kicks off on June 26 and concludes on Sept. 4 with the third annual Metal in the Mountains. This year, the arts council is bringing back the Emerging Artist program to provide opening bands for all shows.
“We’re excited about the whole series again. I think we really always try to get a good variety of music and artists throughout the summer, and I think we’ve done that again this year,” said Executive Director Brian Hurlbut in an interview with EBS.
The series opens with John ‘Papa’ Gros, a New Orleans based artist who melds funk, rock, jazz and blues, according to a press release from the arts council. Gros began his career as a solo performer in the early 1990s, and will make his Big Sky debut on June 26.
On July 3 the band Yarn performs with emerging artist Ben Larson opening. Yarn spent two years honing their sound during a Monday night residency in New York’s Greenwich Village. With five studio albums and four Grammy nominations, Yarn plays upwards of 170 shows a year.
The Tiny Band returns to Big Sky for their traditional July 4 show. A blend of Motown, rock, soul and pop, The Tiny Band will bring big vocals and high energy to Big Sky for the 10th year in a row.
On July 10, moe. presents Big Sky with two sets of music in one evening. Hailing from the University of Buffalo, a posse of six musician friends got together and have been playing ever since. Praised by American Songwriter for its “mind-bending musicality,” moe. is beloved for its sonic adventurousness, unbridled showmanship and its witty and insightful songwriting, according to the press release.
The Brothers Comatose return to Big Sky on July 17 with their roots-infused bluegrass, blending Americana, folk and traditional bluegrass. Opening for them is emerging artist Cruz Contreras and the Black Lillies.
On July 24, The Love Darts will be opening for Cracker. Hurlbut noted that as one of the biggest alternative bands in the 90s, the Arts Council is very excited to have Cracker here in Big Sky. Cracker is ever-evolving, tapping into a variety of genres yet consistently producing a good sound, according to the release.
The Jamie McLean Band will perform on July 31 with emerging artist Emma and the Ledge. A combination of New Orleans soul, Delta blues and New York City swagger, the Jamie McLean Band provides an energetic and captivating show and is no stranger to Big Sky.
Formed in a North Carolina dormitory in 2012, The Nude Party brings their band to Montana for the first time at Music in the Mountains on Aug. 7. According to a press release, their sound blends the clanging rock of the ‘60s with modern elements.
Performing in Montana for the first time as well, Zach Person debuts in Big Sky on Aug. 14. Emerging from Austin, Texas, Person puts on a loud, raw performance that connects with his fans on a “primal sonic level,” according to the release.
On Aug. 21, Big Richard takes the stage in Big Sky after exploding onto the Colorado scene in 2021. The four-woman supergroup is currently touring their debut full-length studio album, “Girl Dinner.”
Left-coast string brand Hot Buttered Rum performs Aug. 28, weaving their love of bluegrass, folk, jazz and soul into a compelling strain of Americana.
To close the series, Hell’s Belles will perform on Sept. 4 as the third annual Metal in the Mountains with opening local band Scavenger. The all-female headline band have rock-n-rolled their way across the world as the AC/DC fanatics that they are.
Hurlbut noted that people can expect new food vendors and a Music in the Mountains pilsner that will be available on draft and in a can. The pilsner is made in partnership with By All Means Brewing, a Billings based brewery.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s about two months away,” Hurlbut said in excitement.
