Steve Earle and The Dukes headline Zoofari
ZooFari returns to the grounds of ZooMontana in Billings Friday, Aug. 18, melding brews, wine and culinary creations with music by Steve Earle and the Dukes and The Mastersons.
Three-time Grammy winner Earle has turned many musical corners in his long, illustrious career, including folk troubadour, a rockabilly raver, a contemplative bluesman, a honky-tonk rounder, a snarling rocker and even a bluegrass practitioner. He pays homage to some of his musical roots in a new collection, So You Wannabe an Outlaw.
Artists such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck, Billy Joe Shaver and Tompall Glaser gave country music a rock edge in the ’70s, some raw grit and a rebel attitude.
“There’s nothing ‘retro’ about this record,” says Earle, “I’m just acknowledging where I’m coming from.”
It’s the first recording the native Texan has made in Austin, even though he’s lived in New York City for the past decade. “Look, I’m always gonna be a Texan, no matter what I do,” he says. “And I’m always going to be somebody who learned their craft in Nashville. It’s who I am.”
The Mastersons – the husband and wife duo Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore – open the show with their mix of alt country. Their latest release on Red House Records, Transient Lullaby, reflects the stories gleaned from a life as traveling troubadours.
Area restaurants compete for the title of Best Burger during this official qualifying event for the World Food Championships. The winner will receive a waived entry (worth $300) and a $1,000 travel stipend to attend the championships, Nov. 7-14 in Orange Beach, AL.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and music begins an hour later. Tickets are $60 (21 and over only); the price includes three beverages, six sliders and entertainment. For tickets, call 877-987-6487; for more information, call 406-652-8100 or visit www.zoomontana.org.