Live Music In the Winter and Where to Find It

   As winter begins its approach, so much of what we have access to here in Bozeman changes. Lucky for us, we never lose access to great live music, even once the snow starts hitting the ground. From restaurants and bars to hot springs and street corners, live music is everywhere, and the benefits of our support cannot be understated. We should be doing all we can to get out and be a part of the music scene here in Bozeman because live music needs us to survive.

   The Rialto and The Elm are great music venues, but when tickets sell out or prices spike, you may be surprised by the variety of other venues that are out there at no cost. Red Tractor Pizza, for instance, hosts live music four nights a week. From bluegrass to jazz, rock to funk and even a singer/songwriter night they ensure they’ll always have a little something for everyone. 

   If you’re not interested in eating while you listen, then check out Bozeman Hot Springs. They have live music every Thursday and Sunday night. It doesn’t get much better than sitting in a hot spring with a live concert going on right in front of you. 

   The list goes on and on with places like MAP Brewing, Haufbrau House, The Jump, the Filling Station and many more all providing a wide variety of live music across many different genres every single week. Even the weekly indoor farmers market located at the Gallatin Valley fairgrounds has a guitarist in the corner boosting the atmosphere.    

   By getting out and supporting live music, you are doing the individuals a service because you allow them to continue living off what they love most. Playing music for a living is a tradition that goes back a long time and without the community's support artists couldn’t do it. 

    Open mic nights and local bars are where so many of our favorite artists and bands got their start. Musicians like Ed Sheeran, Tyler Childers and so many more all started out playing at small local places before their fame. Every week we have the chance to help unknown musicians achieve their dream by showing up and appreciating what they do. 

   Our support also helps the venues and local businesses survive. Haley Batron, a server at MAP Brewing, was clear on just how important live music is to the restaurants and to those who work there. 

   “It definitely brings in a different crowd, and a lot more people which can really help us financially knowing they're coming in,” she said when asked about their live music nights.

   A bigger crowd helps create a great atmosphere and the increased patronage benefits the servers and restaurants as well as the musicians. 

   Just because the venues around town may be small, it doesn’t mean the quality of the music is any less. Batron told me that Tucker Gill, an employee and regular musician who plays at MAP Brewing, was at Red Rocks this summer to open for Caamp. 

“I’ve been shocked by some of the bands that come in here and are amazing,” she said. “It can really help underground artists to find a niche audience at a brewery.”

   It’s important to remember that not knowing the artist's name doesn’t mean they won’t blow you away. You never know what artist you see at your local bar will go on to become the next big name in music.

   In my experience of venturing around Bozeman and checking out artists, I am constantly surprised by how good the music is. 

   However, what is just as satisfying to see is how you can tell how much the musicians love what they do. They may only be performing to a handful  of people on some nights, but they are still getting to do what they love — and that’s an incredible thing to witness. With our support, people can do what they love to do. 

So go out and make someone's dreams a possibility. Live music is everywhere in Bozeman — go be a part of it.