Bozeman music venue makes move to iconic Livingston theater

After over a decade in Bozeman, music venue Live from the Divide (LFTD) is settling into its new home in Livingston’s Empire Twin Theater. LFTD founder Jason Wickens cited Bozeman’s rising prices as one of the reasons for the move.

“It's difficult to leave a community that supported our venue,” he said. “At the same time, we either had to lock in our long-term sustainability in a location that works or we risk shutting down.”

Kennan Krause, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for local band Lost Canyons, said his band is sad to see the venue leave Bozeman.

“[LFTD] felt like such a Bozeman staple, and a really unique time and space to connect with the fans — but we love Livingston as well,” he said. “They really get behind their art there, so I’m sure they’re in good hands.”

On Sunday, Feb. 1, LFTD had its first show at the Empire, hosting Briscoe, a Texas roots duo featuring Philip Lupton and Truett Hientzelman.

According to Wickens, the plan is for LFTD’s shows to play when the theater is not running movies. Additionally, he said the theater seats more than twice as many people as the previous location in Bozeman.

“It was less about being pushed out and more about, what's the structural truth of our reality? And what's happening here and is it sustainable for us, with our already busted business model,” he said. “It’s been embarrassing for me to tell people I haven't made any money.”

Despite the business struggles, he said LFTD came from a childhood passion for music and songwriting.

“I had a very vague idea, and [what LFTD became] was a direct reflection of that,” Wickens said.

For the first couple of years, LFTD was a recording studio and concert venue. It hosted shows and recorded shows — free of charge. Wickens then turned the recordings into hour-long, fully produced public radio broadcasts. Every show was also livestreamed on Facebook.

Over time, Wickens stripped back the business model. “[I] brought it back to the core essence, which was bringing artists to Montana to have an experience,” he said.

He said his relationships with the artists and the Facebook livestreams helped establish the venue’s brand. According to him, word of mouth fuelled its growth.

“In other places in the country, [LFTD] is much more known than in Bozeman, which is pretty interesting,” he said.

Country singer Peytan Porter, who has performed at LFTD multiple times, said that the venue attracts cool, free-spirited music lovers.

“The intimate setting allows artists like me to really connect with the folks in the crowd, whether it’s through songs or stories or both,” she said.

Over the years, over 700 rising artists like Porter have played on the LFTD stage. The venue has hosted Billy Strings, Wild Rivers, Wheatusand Tyler Childers.

“Dude, I had [Chris] Stapleton booked. I hate this story,” Wickens said.

According to Wickens, he built rapport with Stapleton’s agent through their shared Montana roots. Wickens almost secured the booking, but he did not have money for the retainer.

“She was like, ‘Everything sounds good, just wire $500, and we'll get the show going’ — well, I didn't have $500,” Wickens said. “She literally goes, ‘Are you f-cking kidding me?’ Which I was like, ‘Yeah, I get that.’”

Despite all the shows that could've been and all the hardships LFTD has endured, Wickens is committed to continuing to help artists share stories through song. “It’s interesting to see [artists] who have mastered that craft come in,” he said. “They’re prepared for it and they relish it.”

Wickens said he is excited for LFTD’s residency at the Empire and looks forward to future shows. “[The venue has] got the bones, got the seating,” he said. “The new chapter has officially started.”

For more information on LFTD and its upcoming shows, visit https://www.livefromthedivide.com/.