After 14 years in Bozeman, the “listening room”-style music production group continues legacy in new space
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
The Empire Twin Theatre along Livingston’s quiet downtown strip plays two movies a day, Tuesday through Sunday. While sparse sometimes, drawing from a surrounding population of about 8,000, it’s a staple venue for movie-lovers and event-goers in Livingston. The former Opera-style theater was split in two screens in the ‘80s to allow for more diversity of programming and its current owners, Tyler Erickson and Andrew Feltenstein, said they’re committed to honoring the venue’s lasting legacy.
A partnership with Live from the Divide—a Bozeman-founded live music production company—seemed like the perfect fit.
Live from the Divide has been curating intimate and unique musical performances in the Northeast Neighborhood of Bozeman since its start in 2012. Founder Jason Wickens decided on a change of scenery at Empire Twin Theatre, whose two theaters—a 263-seater, currently completing construction for live music, and a second 105-seater—are eager for the new audience Live from the Divide performances will bring.
Wickens stood on the stage of the smaller theater at a private opening event on Jan. 29, and reflected on his journey bringing live music to southwest Montana.
”Almost every artist who we asked to play … they’ve been waiting for somebody to ask them to come [to Montana],” Wickens said.
Live from the Divide has hosted more than 700 artists in Bozeman since opening in 2012. Their first Empire Twin Theatre concert was on Sunday, Feb. 1 featuring the two-man folk-rock band, Briscoe. Wickens reflected on how the decision to move from the Bozeman location came at the right time.
“Over the last year, our side of town, it’s just turning into exactly what it needs to turn into,” Wickens said of the Northeast Neighborhood. “You know, you can’t stop the growth … it was more just the right time to come to Livingston and I really feel that way. We’re so grateful to be here.”
In an interview with EBS, Feltenstein and Wickens described what makes the partnership special, and what’s in store for the future.
”You’re really there and it’s intimate, unlike other venues where you’re always separate from them,” Feltenstein said. “That always spoke to me personally.”
In addition to expanding programming at the Empire Twin Theatre, Feltenstein is also renovating the KPRK radio station building just five minutes away. While the radio studio relocated to Bozeman more than 10 years ago, Feltenstein plans to bring broadcasting back to Park County. He also plans to showcase Live from the Divide performers by recording their live sets and playing them on air.
Wickens thanked Montana hospitality and Bozeman’s audiences for creating enriching experiences for fans as well as performers.
“It wasn’t just our doing, it was the interaction they had with the crowds where they’re like, ‘Holy cow, this is really special,’” Wickens said. “ We’re so grateful for the Bozeman community ’cause man, we are a community-sponsored venue.”
Feltenstein invited folks to come over the hill from Bozeman, see a show, visit historic bars and sites, and grab a bite to eat in one of Livingston’s restaurants.
“It’s another fun, amazing, unique experience that only this part of Montana offers,” Feltenstein said.
