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Western Montana Fair announces music lineup

Posted at 11:49 AM, Jun 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-04 13:49:10-04

MISSOULA – The Western Montana Fair has announced the music groups that will be headlining this year’s event.

All musical performances will take place on the Stampede Stage and are free to attend.

The free music is being sponsored by all of the Free Admission Fair sponsors.

Click here to view the full lineup.

The Western Montana Fair takes place from August 8th to August 12th at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.


The following information has been provided by the Western Montana Fair:

Chance McKinney Wednesday, August 8th at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Montana-born and raised, Chance McKinney delves into our relationships to work and how we perceive the act of making a living with his forthcoming collection of music. An EP titled I is expected later this spring, and across its steely landscape, he constructs what he dubs “industrialized country."

The independent singer/songwriter who won CMT’s Music City Madness and has been on tour with Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many more had a fan base that launched #DownToGetUp into the Top 50 on iTunes Country Album Chart almost immediately.

Mudslide Charley / Thursday, August 9th at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Mudslide Charley is a Missoula Montana born band that delivers house rockin’ roots music. Marco Littig (Mudslide) has led the band through many evolutions. From Its first sparks in 2004, the band continued to ignite and morph over the years into the now five piece powerhouse of diverse musicians and songwriters. They draw inspiration from a more antiquated era when Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker first fused the rough and rural vibes of southern acoustic blues with modern electric instruments.

Shodown / Friday, August 10th at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

From humble beginnings, Shodown has matured into one of the best bands in Montana. With a diverse play list and fun style that blends bluegrass, western swing, traditional and modern country, and 70’s/80’s/90’s rock-n-roll, Shodown has been a widely popular Montana band for many years.

Most arrangements feature a rich 3-part harmony mixed with driving guitars and/or fiddle, a solid and grooving rhythm section, and more fun than you can shake a stick at. This is a band that makes you get up and dance! They are high energy, entertaining and fun to experience.

Melissa Forrette / Friday, August 10th  & Saturday, August 11th at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Melissa Forrette grew up in the mountains in California, before moving to Montana at 18 years old to work on ranches. While doing so, she found inspiration to start writing music. Her uncle gave her his old guitar in 2009 and she hasn’t put it down since. Melissa has traveled to Nashville several times and worked with some of the best of the best. Growing up on good country music and with idols like Merle Haggard, she tries to stay true to her roots and make songs that can’t be confused with anything else but country. In 2015 she won song of the year for her original called “I Made him your man” which has been pitched to Little Big Town as well.

Little Jane & the Pistol Whips / Saturday, August 11th at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Southwest Montana (Bozeman, Livingston area) is the place that Little Jane & the Pistol Whips hang their hats. Born and raised in Southwest Montana, Little Jane’s (aka. Ashly Jane Holland) original songs, dress, and demeanor carry what one would envision Montana to look and sound like. A little bit rough around the edges and a lotta bit warm and inviting. The band was formed in 2008 and is embarking on their 10 year anniversary THIS year!

The band is made up of the best musicians in Southwest Montana with Russ Smith on bass, Tom Murphy on mandolin and vocals, and Mike Singer on banjo.

The band has released two full-length albums and is working on a third!

Blistered Earth / Sunday, August 12th, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Formed in December of 2009, Blistered Earth is the best Metallica tribute band on the planet (we checked!). Playing classic songs ranging from 1983’s "Kill Em’ All", to 1991’s self-titled "Metallica" this tribute pays it’s respects to one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time with the raw energy, showmanship, look and song selections that die-hard Metallica fans want to see and hear, they are the ultimate tribute to Metallica.