Big Sky Brewing Company and the Knitting Factory again team up for a summer concert series, outdoors on the brewery’s lawn in Missoula.
It kicks off June 21 with Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson. Platinum-selling recording artist Phillips broke into the scene in 2012 upon winning the 11th season of “American Idol”; his first album, The World from the Side of the Moon, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200. Matt Nathanson’s latest, Show Me Your Fangs, is hailed as his most adventurous and prolific album to date. Singer/songwriter Eric Hutchinson opens. Tickets are $35-$45.
Slightly Stoopid plays songs from its newest release, Meanwhile … Back at the Lab, plus cuts from albums released over the group’s two-decade career span, at 6:30 p.m. June 22; Soja, Zion I, The Grouch and Eligh also perform ($36).
Since Slightly Stoopid’s inception more than two decades ago, the band has become one of the most successful reggae bands to have ever surfaced from California. The new recording is lauded for its multi-instrumental cross-genre blend of rock, reggae, folk and blues with hip-hop, punk, and funk elements.
Boston celebrates its 40th anniversary tour with a visit to Missoula at 7:30 p.m. June 30. With over 31 million albums sold to date, Boston generated hits such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Smokin’,” and “Amanda,” rock radio staples that are still in heavy rotation today. Tickets are $49.50-$50.
The Barenaked Ladies perform at 7 p.m. July 15. “The Canadian quartet’s mix of clever pop tunes, lighthearted humor and outrageous, off-the-cuff between-song banter is entirely winning,” writes the Boston Herald. Tickets are $40.
The String Cheese Incident returns to Missoula for two shows, 7 p.m. July 20-21. SCI, which is recording a new studio album, has played over 1,500 incidents and been hailed for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, community spirit and philanthropic endeavors. Tickets are $50-$60 or $87 for a two-day pass.
Sublime with Rome (Eric Wilson, Josh Freese and Rome Ramirez) entertains at 6:30 p.m. July 23. Expect a set list packed with the group’s iconic hits including tracks from their most recent release, Sirens. The Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds and other guests join the summer tour. Tickets are $36.50-$38.
August brings handsome country star Chris Young, 8 p.m. Aug. 5; with five albums to his credit, he promises a powerhouse show packed with hits, including “Think of You,” the fastest rising single of his career, and chart-toppers “Gettin’ You Home,” “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” and “I’m Comin’ Over.” Special guest is Tara Thompson. Tickets are $38-$40.
Literate singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile, whose music splits the difference between pop/rock and folksy Americana, returns to the brewery stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 ($36). Next up is Lord Huron and Trampled By Turtles, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Ben Schneider conjured Lord Huron in 2010 from a brew of ancient memories, smoke over the moon, and nights full of perilous laughter. Trampled by Turtles’ hybrid folk sound again brought the band to the stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre this year ($35).
Michael Franti and Spearhead, known for globally conscious lyrics, powerful performances and dynamic live shows, remains at the forefront of lyrical activism, using his music as a positive force for change. He performs at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16; Zella Day is supporting act ($36-$39 with album download).
Rebelution’s Falling Into Place summer tour features The Green + J Boog, Stick Figure, Through The Roots, and DJ Mackle, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 ($30).
Breaking Benjamin, who has amassed a sizeable and diehard fan base, both through chart-topping music, as well as electrifying live performances, headlines the Backyard BBQ, 4 p.m. Aug. 25. The all-star line-up also includes Saint Asonia, Avatar, Shaman’s Harvest and Stitched Up Heart ($40).
Fitz and The Tantrums, lauded The Washington Post as “captivatingly crazy,” performs at 8 p.m. Aug. 28 ($30-$35); and the series wraps up Sept. 3 with rock torchbearers Gov’t Mule and Blackberry Smoke ($33). For tickets, call 866-468-7624 or visit knittingfactory.com.
Guests may bring blankets and single-seat folding chairs. If rain is in the forecast, please bring rain gear as umbrellas are not allowed in the venue. Learn more at bigskybrew.com.