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X-WR-CALNAME:The Missoula Underground
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://missoulaunderground.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Missoula Underground
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T213000
DTSTAMP:20250814T045653Z
CREATED:20250814T045652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T045653Z
UID:10119561-1755284400-1755293400@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at MCT
DESCRIPTION:Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night Trunk Show Production at MCT in Missoula\, Montana with performances at 7:00 pm Friday\, August 15 and Saturday\, August 16\, 2025\n\n\n\n\n\nDoors @ 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nWith MCT’s first Shakespeare Trunk Show production class for adults\, we race through a wacky world of servants and masters\, twins and disguises\, clowns and fools\, heartache and hijinks in Shakespeare’s most musical comedy. Laughs\, catches\, stratagems\, and songs keep the plot rolling (and the audience rolling in the aisles) all the way to its surprising conclusion. Using simple storytelling\, a few props and costumes\, a handy-dandy box\, and lots of imagination\, this “trunk show” telling will bring this tale to life right before your eyes. Some of Shakespeare’s most ridiculous characters alongside some of his most beautiful poetry – this adventure of a sea-voyage turned upside-down and love triangles turned inside out will make you shout\, “Play on!”Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested \n\n\n\nPerformance Run Time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including Intermission.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/shakespeares-twelfth-night-at-mct/2025-08-15/
LOCATION:Missoula Children’s Theater\, 200 N. Adams Street\, Missoula\, Montana\, 59802\, United States
CATEGORIES:Play,Theatrical Plays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Missoula-Center-for-the-Performing-Arts.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Missoula Children's Theatre":MAILTO:mct@mctinc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T220000
DTSTAMP:20250814T151751Z
CREATED:20250814T151750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T151751Z
UID:10119577-1755284400-1755295200@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Songwriters in the Round with Band of Drifters at Winninghoff Park in Philipsburg
DESCRIPTION:Songwriters in the Round returns with Band of Drifters at 7:00 pm to 10:00 on Friday night before the Philipsburg Concert & Auction at Winninghoff Park\n\n\n\n\n\nDoors @ 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nSongwriters in the Round is back for another summer! \n\n\n\nSponsored by the Philipsburg Arts Fund and our friends at The Philipsburg Rotary Club\, we will be at Winninghoff Park the Friday night before the Philipsburg Summer Concert! \n\n\n\n​Friday\, August 15Doors open at 6:00 pm; Show from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/songwriters-in-the-round-with-band-of-drifters-at-winninghoff-park-in-philipsburg/
LOCATION:Winninghoff Park\, 106 E Stockton St\, Philipsburg\, Montana\, 59858\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music,Singer Songwriters
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Winninghoff-Park-in-Philipsburg-Montana.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T220000
DTSTAMP:20250807T145650Z
CREATED:20250508T061334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T145650Z
UID:10115078-1755288000-1755295200@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Whitefish Summer Concert Series: The Music of Motown - a Tribute Concert
DESCRIPTION:The Whitefish Summer Concert Series delivers The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert at Whitefish Theatre Co. at 8:00 pm Friday\, August 15; Saturday\, August 16 and Sunday\, August 17\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Whitefish Summer Concert Series promises an evening that will make you want to sing along and leave you dancing in the street to The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert! \n\n\n\nTapping into the soulful sounds of the genre that defined a generation. Dance along to top tunes from Motown artists including The Supremes\, Stevie Wonder\, The Jackson 5\, Marvin Gaye and more! Get ready to hear all your favorites like\, “Where Did Our Love Go?” “I Want You Back\,” “Stop In The Name of Love\,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine\,” and many more!This all-star lineup is ready to light up the stage and bring you the soul\, the groove\, and the iconic hits of Motown like never before:– Alfred Jackson – powerhouse vocals that will shake you to your core– Sha’Leah Nikole – radiant vocals full of soul and strength– Ta-Tynisa Wilson – stunning vocals with superstar charisma– Dustin Brayley – on keys & vocals\, fresh off his role as Jagger in The Music of The Rolling Stones – Sonya Jason – soaring saxophone & reeds\, back by popular demand after last summer’s Elton John & Billy Joel & Huey Lewis!– Mark McCrady – bringing the funk and feel on guitar– Matt Seymour – laying it down smooth and solid on bass– Toby Ferguson – keeping the heartbeat alive on drums 🔥This band is stacked with talent from LA\, NYC\, San Francisco and beyond — all coming together in Whitefish\, Montana for one unforgettable show!A partnership between the Whitefish Theatre Company and Merie Productions is proud to produce the 3rd Annual Whitefish Summer Concert Series. Featuring both professional visiting and local musicians\, these tribute concerts offer fabulous nights of music from some of our favorite bands.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/whitefish-summer-concert-series-the-music-of-motown-a-tribute-concert/2025-08-15/
LOCATION:Whitefish Theatre Co.\, 1 Central Avenue\, Whitefish\, Montana\, 59937\, United States
CATEGORIES:50s,70s,80s,Americana,Classic Rock,Cover Bands,Covers,Music,Pop,R&B,Tribute Bands
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Whitefish-Theatre-Company.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Merie Productions":MAILTO:productionsmerie@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250815T220000
DTSTAMP:20250731T041440Z
CREATED:20250731T041439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T041440Z
UID:10118349-1755291600-1755295200@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Bat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center
DESCRIPTION:Bat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center Friday from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (MDT)\n\n\n\n\n\nBat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center Friday from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (MDT) \n\n\n\nBat Nights are returning to Lolo Pass\, but this year\, we are dedicating the month of August to our favorite flying mammal! Lolo Pass staff members will lead guided tours around the visitor center\, and using bat detectors we will hear and identify local bat species. Join us on the first four Fridays in August to learn about these illusive critters! \n\n\n\nPlease double check your time zone before attending. \n\n\n\nPlease bring bug spray or wear long sleeves\, hiking shoes\, and a flashlight. Nights can be cold at Lolo Pass\, even in summer. \n\n\n\nPlease remember that wild animals may not participate as much as we’d like during our event. \n\n\n\nTimes and dates subject to change or cancellation.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/bat-night-at-lolo-pass-visitor-center/2025-08-15/
LOCATION:Lolo Pass Visitor Center\, 44000 US Hwy 12\, Lolo\, Montana\, 59847\, United States
CATEGORIES:Family Events,Free Family Events,Nature Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lolo-Pass-Visitor-Center-summer-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250816T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250816T213000
DTSTAMP:20250814T045653Z
CREATED:20250814T045652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T045653Z
UID:10119562-1755370800-1755379800@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at MCT
DESCRIPTION:Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night Trunk Show Production at MCT in Missoula\, Montana with performances at 7:00 pm Friday\, August 15 and Saturday\, August 16\, 2025\n\n\n\n\n\nDoors @ 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nWith MCT’s first Shakespeare Trunk Show production class for adults\, we race through a wacky world of servants and masters\, twins and disguises\, clowns and fools\, heartache and hijinks in Shakespeare’s most musical comedy. Laughs\, catches\, stratagems\, and songs keep the plot rolling (and the audience rolling in the aisles) all the way to its surprising conclusion. Using simple storytelling\, a few props and costumes\, a handy-dandy box\, and lots of imagination\, this “trunk show” telling will bring this tale to life right before your eyes. Some of Shakespeare’s most ridiculous characters alongside some of his most beautiful poetry – this adventure of a sea-voyage turned upside-down and love triangles turned inside out will make you shout\, “Play on!”Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested \n\n\n\nPerformance Run Time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including Intermission.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/shakespeares-twelfth-night-at-mct/2025-08-16/
LOCATION:Missoula Children’s Theater\, 200 N. Adams Street\, Missoula\, Montana\, 59802\, United States
CATEGORIES:Play,Theatrical Plays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Missoula-Center-for-the-Performing-Arts.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Missoula Children's Theatre":MAILTO:mct@mctinc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250816T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250816T220000
DTSTAMP:20250807T145650Z
CREATED:20250508T061334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T145650Z
UID:10115079-1755374400-1755381600@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Whitefish Summer Concert Series: The Music of Motown - a Tribute Concert
DESCRIPTION:The Whitefish Summer Concert Series delivers The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert at Whitefish Theatre Co. at 8:00 pm Friday\, August 15; Saturday\, August 16 and Sunday\, August 17\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Whitefish Summer Concert Series promises an evening that will make you want to sing along and leave you dancing in the street to The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert! \n\n\n\nTapping into the soulful sounds of the genre that defined a generation. Dance along to top tunes from Motown artists including The Supremes\, Stevie Wonder\, The Jackson 5\, Marvin Gaye and more! Get ready to hear all your favorites like\, “Where Did Our Love Go?” “I Want You Back\,” “Stop In The Name of Love\,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine\,” and many more!This all-star lineup is ready to light up the stage and bring you the soul\, the groove\, and the iconic hits of Motown like never before:– Alfred Jackson – powerhouse vocals that will shake you to your core– Sha’Leah Nikole – radiant vocals full of soul and strength– Ta-Tynisa Wilson – stunning vocals with superstar charisma– Dustin Brayley – on keys & vocals\, fresh off his role as Jagger in The Music of The Rolling Stones – Sonya Jason – soaring saxophone & reeds\, back by popular demand after last summer’s Elton John & Billy Joel & Huey Lewis!– Mark McCrady – bringing the funk and feel on guitar– Matt Seymour – laying it down smooth and solid on bass– Toby Ferguson – keeping the heartbeat alive on drums 🔥This band is stacked with talent from LA\, NYC\, San Francisco and beyond — all coming together in Whitefish\, Montana for one unforgettable show!A partnership between the Whitefish Theatre Company and Merie Productions is proud to produce the 3rd Annual Whitefish Summer Concert Series. Featuring both professional visiting and local musicians\, these tribute concerts offer fabulous nights of music from some of our favorite bands.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/whitefish-summer-concert-series-the-music-of-motown-a-tribute-concert/2025-08-16/
LOCATION:Whitefish Theatre Co.\, 1 Central Avenue\, Whitefish\, Montana\, 59937\, United States
CATEGORIES:50s,70s,80s,Americana,Classic Rock,Cover Bands,Covers,Music,Pop,R&B,Tribute Bands
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Whitefish-Theatre-Company.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Merie Productions":MAILTO:productionsmerie@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250816T220000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250817T013000
DTSTAMP:20250801T021042Z
CREATED:20250801T021041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T021042Z
UID:10118648-1755381600-1755394200@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Loin Hammer - Before the Beginning Album Release Party with Anoxic at Kalispell VFW Post 2252
DESCRIPTION:Loin Hammer – Before the Beginning Album Release Party with Anoxic at Kalispell VFW Post 2252 from 10:00 pm to closing time Saturday\, August 16\n\n\n\n\n\nWell hey there Hammerers! The official album release party has been scheduled! We will be performing BEFORE THE BEGINNING in its entirety\, and our good friends Anoxic will be wrapping up the night. \n\n\n\nC’mon down to the VFW in Kalispell on August 16 and have your face melted on the atomic scale.21+ Show.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/loin-hammer-before-the-beginning-album-release-party-with-anoxic-at-kalispell-vfw-post-2252/
LOCATION:Glacier Park VFW Bar & Casino\, 330 1st Avenue West\, Kalispell\, MT\, 59901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Heavy Metal,Metal,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Flathead-Valley-VFW-Post-2252-exterior-pic-JPG.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Loin Hammer":MAILTO:loinhammer@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250817T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250817T220000
DTSTAMP:20250807T145650Z
CREATED:20250508T061334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T145650Z
UID:10115080-1755460800-1755468000@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Whitefish Summer Concert Series: The Music of Motown - a Tribute Concert
DESCRIPTION:The Whitefish Summer Concert Series delivers The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert at Whitefish Theatre Co. at 8:00 pm Friday\, August 15; Saturday\, August 16 and Sunday\, August 17\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Whitefish Summer Concert Series promises an evening that will make you want to sing along and leave you dancing in the street to The Music of Motown – a Tribute Concert! \n\n\n\nTapping into the soulful sounds of the genre that defined a generation. Dance along to top tunes from Motown artists including The Supremes\, Stevie Wonder\, The Jackson 5\, Marvin Gaye and more! Get ready to hear all your favorites like\, “Where Did Our Love Go?” “I Want You Back\,” “Stop In The Name of Love\,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine\,” and many more!This all-star lineup is ready to light up the stage and bring you the soul\, the groove\, and the iconic hits of Motown like never before:– Alfred Jackson – powerhouse vocals that will shake you to your core– Sha’Leah Nikole – radiant vocals full of soul and strength– Ta-Tynisa Wilson – stunning vocals with superstar charisma– Dustin Brayley – on keys & vocals\, fresh off his role as Jagger in The Music of The Rolling Stones – Sonya Jason – soaring saxophone & reeds\, back by popular demand after last summer’s Elton John & Billy Joel & Huey Lewis!– Mark McCrady – bringing the funk and feel on guitar– Matt Seymour – laying it down smooth and solid on bass– Toby Ferguson – keeping the heartbeat alive on drums 🔥This band is stacked with talent from LA\, NYC\, San Francisco and beyond — all coming together in Whitefish\, Montana for one unforgettable show!A partnership between the Whitefish Theatre Company and Merie Productions is proud to produce the 3rd Annual Whitefish Summer Concert Series. Featuring both professional visiting and local musicians\, these tribute concerts offer fabulous nights of music from some of our favorite bands.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/whitefish-summer-concert-series-the-music-of-motown-a-tribute-concert/2025-08-17/
LOCATION:Whitefish Theatre Co.\, 1 Central Avenue\, Whitefish\, Montana\, 59937\, United States
CATEGORIES:50s,70s,80s,Americana,Classic Rock,Cover Bands,Covers,Music,Pop,R&B,Tribute Bands
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Whitefish-Theatre-Company.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Merie Productions":MAILTO:productionsmerie@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250822T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250822T220000
DTSTAMP:20250731T041440Z
CREATED:20250731T041439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T041440Z
UID:10118350-1755896400-1755900000@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Bat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center
DESCRIPTION:Bat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center Friday from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (MDT)\n\n\n\n\n\nBat Night at Lolo Pass Visitor Center Friday from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (MDT) \n\n\n\nBat Nights are returning to Lolo Pass\, but this year\, we are dedicating the month of August to our favorite flying mammal! Lolo Pass staff members will lead guided tours around the visitor center\, and using bat detectors we will hear and identify local bat species. Join us on the first four Fridays in August to learn about these illusive critters! \n\n\n\nPlease double check your time zone before attending. \n\n\n\nPlease bring bug spray or wear long sleeves\, hiking shoes\, and a flashlight. Nights can be cold at Lolo Pass\, even in summer. \n\n\n\nPlease remember that wild animals may not participate as much as we’d like during our event. \n\n\n\nTimes and dates subject to change or cancellation.
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/bat-night-at-lolo-pass-visitor-center/2025-08-22/
LOCATION:Lolo Pass Visitor Center\, 44000 US Hwy 12\, Lolo\, Montana\, 59847\, United States
CATEGORIES:Family Events,Free Family Events,Nature Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://missoulaunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lolo-Pass-Visitor-Center-summer-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250831T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250831T223000
DTSTAMP:20250818T173553Z
CREATED:20250818T173552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T173553Z
UID:10119616-1756665000-1756679400@missoulaunderground.com
SUMMARY:Pixies with Spoon & Fazerdaze at KettleHouse Amphitheater
DESCRIPTION:Logjam Presents welcomes Pixies for a live concert performance with Spoon & Fazerdaze at the KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner at 6:30 pm Sunday\, August 31\n\n\n\n\n\nDoors @ 5:00 pm \n\n\n\nLogjam Presents welcomes Pixies for a live concert performance with Spoon & Fazerdaze at the KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner at 6:30 pm Sunday\, August 31. \n\n\n\nTickets on sale at Logjam Presents Box Offices and online while supplies last.  General Admission lawn\, reserved stadium seating\, reserved premium stadium seating\, general admission standing pit and premium box seating tickets are available. Shuttle Tickets and Parking Passes can be purchased here. Crazy Creek Chair Rentals for this event are available for advance purchase here. All ages are welcome. \n\n\n\nTake a look at these tips to best prepare yourself for a smooth ticket buying experience. \n\n\n\nAdditional ticketing and venue information can be found here. \n\n\n\nAll concerts are held rain or shine. Be prepared for extremes such as sunshine\, heat\, wind or rain. All tickets are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation due to extreme weather\, tickets will not be refunded. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Pixies \n\n\n\n2024 is a momentous year for Pixies. 35 years since groundbreaking Platinum-certified album Doolittle catapulted the band into the UK Top Ten\, and 20 years since their celebrated reformation at Coachella\, Pixies are deep into their second act. Bigger than ever\, playing to fans spanning multiple generations\, and in the midst of their most creative purple patch. A brand new album – titled The Night the Zombies Came – marks the group’s tenth studio record (if you count 1987’s Come On Pilgrim). 13 new songs that will arrive aptly in time for Halloween amongst a 2024 touring schedule taking in circa 70 shows across the globe – and even more to be announced in 2025. \n\n\n\nSpend an hour or two in the company of Charles Thompson IV\, and the conversation will soon fall to zombies\, bog people\, Druidism\, medieval theme restaurants\, shopping malls\, the Masons\, surf rock and the practice of slaughtering lambs in Monmouthshire. Along the way\, he might take in Shirley Collins\, the distinctive dry drum sound of 1970s’ Fleetwood Mac\, and the sestina\, a poetic form attributed to the 12th century Provencal troubadour Arnaut Daniel.  \n\n\n\nOut of such disparate wonders are Pixies’ albums made. “Fragments that are related\,” as Thompson (better known as Black Francis) puts it. “And juxtaposed with other fragments in other songs. And in a collection of songs in a so-called LP\, you end up making a kind of movie.” \n\n\n\nSince their earliest days in late 80s’ Massachusetts\, and on past their 2004 reformation\, Pixies have worked this way — proclaiming their love for both Hüsker Dü and Peter\, Paul and Mary\, relishing both loud and quiet\, singing somewhat kaleidoscopically of reincarnation\, scuba diving\, Luis Buñuel\, necromancy\, Samson and Delilah and the 1986 comedy drama Crimes of the Heart. From the start their music has been imagistic\, contradictory\, electrifying. They stand as one of the most influential\, revered and deeply adored bands of all time. \n\n\n\nThe juxtaposed fragments that make up this year’s The Night the Zombies Came are perhaps the most cinematic of their career — gothic meets sci-fi shlock\, horror flicks\, dark folk tales and Ennio Morricone westerns. \n\n\n\nEarly on\, the band noticed the songs were dividing into two camps: what they came to call the ‘Dust Bowl Songs’ — country-tinged\, ballad-esque numbers such as Primrose and Mercy Me\, and on the other side\, the album’s furious punk numbers such as You’re So Impatient and Chicken. Only Jane (the Night the Zombies Came) keeps its feet in both camps — reminiscent of early 60s Phil Spector\, the band hitting the sweet spot between mushy and abrasive\, it’s a track that Thompson allegedly likened to being chased by a swarm of bees. \n\n\n\nFor this outing\, the band returned to work with producer Tom Dalgety\, who has steered Pixies since 2016’s Head Carrier and on through 2019’s Beneath the Eyrie and 2022’s Doggerel\, and whom Thompson refers to as “a good master of a lot of information” and drummer David Lovering calls “a fifth Pixie now.” \n\n\n\nOver the course of the last three records\, they have established a rhythm with Dalgety: the producer heading to Thompson’s house in Massachusetts a week before recording to familiarise himself with the new songs\, sitting in his front room with a laptop\, while the singer strums out a few ideas. “I really love that process\,” Dalgety says. “From a professional\, productive side of things it’s really nice to get to know the songs and experiment. But also from a geeky fan point of view it’s quite cool being sat on the sofa and seeing ten Pixies songs just suddenly unfold in front of you.” \n\n\n\nFrom there\, the band reconvened once again at Guilford Sound studio in Vermont\, sharing a house together\, rehearsing in the living room\, walking through the autumn woods each day to the studio to record. The hours were not relentless. When the sun went down\, Thompson notes\, they could still go howl at the moon. \n\n\n\nBut they used their time wisely and often experimentally. For several records now\, Thompson has been chasing a different sound for the drums — not the expansive boom of the expensive studio live room with its perfect acoustics and high-end microphones\, but something deader and drier and more akin to the records he loved from the early 1970s.  \n\n\n\nFor a couple of Zombies’ tracks — Chicken and Mercy Me\, Lovering and Dalgety relented. The producer set up a small drum kit in a small room\, deadened the drum skins with cloth and gaffer tape. “And they stuff David in there\,” recalls Thompson. “And you know\, climbing in and out of it is sort of like climbing in and out of a fish aquarium. And it probably gets warm in there. So I’m sure that he suffered for my dry drum sound. I don’t know if there was blood\, but there was definitely a lot of sweat. And maybe some tears.” \n\n\n\nLovering is diplomatic. “Compact would be the word for it\,” he says. “Everything was just nice and muffled the way I like to hear it. And if you listen now\, it is concise\, you hear the drums much more\, they’re not as open and brash or arena style. They’re just right there\, and it makes for a different kind of sound.” \n\n\n\nThere were other changes\, too. A line-up shift has brought in bassist Emma Richardson (Band of Skulls)\, and with it\, a different quality to the band’s sound. Thompson praises the restrained elegance of her voice. Dalgety speaks of her “fantastic creative vibe”. Lovering describes her as “a consummate bass player.”  \n\n\n\nThe recent tour\, of which Richardson was a part\, was particularly joyful for the drummer. “I think the response to these shows and the way that we’ve been playing is because of the rhythm section\,” he says. “Of course I’m up there\, but Emma is up there with me. And when the rhythm section is locked on\, and laying it down with power\, Joe and Charles can screw off as much as they want. She’s just killing it.” \n\n\n\nFor Richardson\, the invitation to join Pixies was a huge and unexpected compliment. She spent weeks exploring the band’s back catalogue ahead of the live shows\, trying to understand their magic.“They have this amazing way of making something that is quite a complicated arrangement sound really effortless and very succinct\,” she says. “But actually when you’re picking it apart as a musician you realise all the tricks that they use. How cleverly they form songs and structures and lyrics.” \n\n\n\nThe new record is particularly special to her. “It’s incredible. It feels slightly different from anything they’ve done before. It’s got this brilliant mixture of a knowing nostalgia and a punk\, energetic\, fun element. But it’s got this dark underbelly\, and an almost romantic longing feel to it. They’ve created these little worlds which are quite cerebral and dreamlike\, but it’s also got these big vistas. It’s quite cinematic.” \n\n\n\nZombies also marks an expanded role for guitarist Joey Santiago. The track I Hear You Mary began as an instrumental he wrote for the previous album\, and having also contributed his first lyrics on Doggerel\, on this record\, Thompson set Santiago the task of writing the words to Hypnotised by completing a sestina — a lyrical riddle of sorts\, formed of six stanzas of six lines\, in which words are rotated in a set pattern. Santiago\, startled by the responsibility\, set about labouring over a complex set of lyrics before coming to a realisation: “The truth of the matter is you’re just putting fucking words together. The lesson is just not to be precious. Just fucking do it.” \n\n\n\nIn recent years\, Santiago has also sought to learn more about guitar playing — aware\, he says\, that it might help conquer his long-running imposter syndrome. “I was afraid\, kinda\, that I was going to lose my identity if I started studying it\, but it made my studio experience a lot easier\,” he says. For months\, he found himself following the Youtube algorithm as it guided him through intensive tutorials. “Every musician will tell you that it’s a never ending thing\,” he says. “It’s pretty remarkable that there are 12 notes and there are still possibilities out there.” \n\n\n\nLovering\, too\, has been deep in pursuit of self-improvement. “I find that the only time I get better or change or learn new things is just by playing and playing and playing\,” he says. “It’s taken me 50 years to learn how to play the drums\, and I mean that honestly. In the last year I’ve learned the way to play off my right hand — I never did that in the past\, I was lazy as hell! And everything is like a clock now. So I’m excited not only with what we did with the record\, but for upcoming stuff. We’re going to sound good!” \n\n\n\nBack in the company of Thompson\, the conversation has moved on to headless chickens\, gargoyles\, the lingering presence of the undead. “When we’re putting together a record\,” he says\, “we’re not trying to make it fit around a particular theme\, but there may be a couple of catchphrases or words or concepts that are kicked around. On this particular record\, I would say it would be ‘zombies’. Though it’s not in every song\, and it’s not necessarily presented in a literal way.” \n\n\n\nOn every album they’ve ever made\, Pixies have taken the record’s title from the lyrics — a song title\, or a line. For a time\, Thompson says\, he struggled to find a title for this new collection of songs. “The only phrase that seemed to sound good to me is this one. Everything else seemed too goofy. You would think The Night the Zombies Came would be the most goofy-sounding\, but to my ear\, and to Tom’s also and to the rest of the band\, it felt like ‘Oh\, yeah\, The Night the Zombies Came. That’s it. Of course.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout SpoonSpoon\, Austin’s most esteemed rock ambassadors\, have released ten albums to date including a string of five straight top 10 records: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007)\, Transference (2010)\, They Want My Soul (2014)\, Hot Thoughts (2017)\, and Lucifer on the Sofa (2022). \n\n\n\nLucifer on the Sofa earned the band its first-ever GRAMMY nomination (Best Rock Album) and was praised by Rolling Stone as “The best thing they’ve ever done.” \n\n\n\nHailed by TIME as “one of the greatest American rock bands”\, Spoon topped Metacritic’s chart as the single most critically acclaimed band of the aughts. \n\n\n\nIn 2019\, Spoon released Everything Hits At Once: The Best of Spoon\, which was praised by NPR as a “convincing argument for Spoon being one of their era’s most distinctive and excellent rock bands.” That same year\, Fender released the Britt Daniel Signature Telecaster Thinline as part of their artist signature electric guitar series – highlighting the enduring influence of Daniel’s precision-punk style that has helped fuel Spoon to become what the Guardian calls ‘one of the finest bands of their generation.’ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout FazerdazeIn a society where being strong and resilient is often held up like a badge of honour\, it’s much\, much harder to acknowledge when enough is enough – to accept when it’s time to let go. It’s a truth that New Zealand singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Amelia Murray has spent years wrangling with\, but one whose story thankfully comes with an empowering punchline of personal reclamation in the form of ‘Break!’: her returning EP as Fazerdaze. \n\n\n\n“You can get so caught up in these false constructs of niceness and loyalty – these rigid societal constructs of what being a ‘good’ person’ is – but the best thing I did for myself was break free of that paradigm and ruthlessly start putting myself first\,” she begins. “This EP is a punctuation mark of that\, of being disruptive and severing from the false parts of myself.”
URL:https://missoulaunderground.com/mugevent/pixies-with-spoon-fazerdaze-at-kettlehouse-amphitheater/
LOCATION:KettleHouse Amphitheater\, 605 Cold Smoke Lane\, Bonner\, MT\, 59823\, United States
CATEGORIES:Alt Rock,Indie,Music
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