Magic City Blues – Montana’s signature urban music festival – again brings a stellar line-up to Billings July 31-Aug. 2. Lucinda Williams, Buddy Guy, John Fogerty, and Los Lobos headline the 12th annual event, which attracts thousands of fans from across the country to Billings. The caliber of this year’s performers ensures many more fans will head to the Magic City.
The festival starts with a free show at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, featuring Guthrie Brown and the Family Bandat St. Johns (3940 Rim Rock Road). This concert is part of the St. Johns Summer Concert Series.
Friday evening brings music to two stages on Montana Avenue. The Main Stage starts with The Congress at 6:30 p.m, followed by Kelley Hunt and blues icon Buddy Guy. Music on the Stillwater Stage kicks off with the Austin Young Band at 5:30 p.m., followed by The Steepwater Band and Jarekus Singleton. These shows are for 18 and over, with full concessions available.
The Saturday and Sunday shows move to South Park; all ages are welcome. Guthrie Brown and the Family Band kick off Saturday’s show at 5:30 p.m. O.A.R. follows, and headliner John Fogerty, best known as lead singer and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. The Sunday show starts at 4 p.m. with Edward David Anderson and wraps up with Tex-Mex flavors of Los Lobos and the potent blues-rock of singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams.
Tickets are $139 for a three-day pass (500 available); and $49-$55 for Friday or Sunday and $69-$75 for Saturday. VIP seating is available. Call 406-534-0400 or head to magiccityblues.com.