MISSOULA — To fill the void of summertime music in Missoula, Mountain Line is transforming one of their electric buses into a concert venue for local musicians to perform via livestream.
This means you can watch from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you choose.
“Tune in for new music and new discoveries since these artists are not gonna have a platform to be discovered for a long time,” said Shanti Johnson, marketing and communication specialist for Mountain Line.
Kicking off the Electric Stream Sessions were two local artists: longtime Missoula performer Tom Catmull and the up-and-coming Elijah Jalil. Neither had performed in months, but both agreed to the gig.
“I was excited, and then they said it was on the bus, and I thought about it for a moment. ... And then I was like yeah let's do this!” said Jalil.
The venue is unique, to say the least, but it does the job.
“It was just easy to say yes for me,” said Catmull, “I've played some strange places and a city bus is right up there with ‘em. It's perfect.”
For artists around the world, whether it’s their career or simply their passion, COVID-19 has been a nightmare.
To perform at all, even if it’s on a bus, may just be their refuge.
“This is the surge of live art coming back, and it’s one of the most creative solutions that I have seen out in the world," said Jalil.
You can watch the Electric Stream Sessions on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on the Mountain Line Facebook page.
There, you can also find details on how to tip the artists through Venmo.
