Rodney Carrington - August 2015

Rodney Carrington is a multitalented comedian, actor, and writer who has recorded eight major record label comedy albums selling over two million copies. Two of these albums have been certified gold by the RIAA. Rodney starred in his own TV sitcom Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC. He also co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film Beer for My Horses. According to Pollstar, Rodney was the 4th highest grossing touring comedian in 2009. He regularly performs to sold out crowds across the US and Canada.

Jason Isbell - August 2015

There are a few things worth knowing about singer-songwriter Jason Isbell: The round softness of his speech comes from his roots in rural Alabama. He has lyrics from a Bob Dylan song inked on his forearm. He got his musical start with the hard-charging alt-country and Southern-rock band Drive-By Truckers, and during those years, Isbell was drunk on stage - pretty much every time. He says his drinking brought him "close to the point of no return." But now, at 34, Isbell says he's sober and newly, giddily married to singer-songwriter and fiddler Amanda Shires. On his new solo album, Southeastern, Isbell digs deep, drawing on his personal relationships and experiences with sobriety.

Isbell was joined by Damien Jurado at this concert.

Dave Chappelle - June 2015

Dave Chappelle began making appearances in films such as Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Half Baked in the mid-1990s. In 2003, Chappelle landed his own show on Comedy Central, Chappelle's Show. He received two Emmy Award nominations for the wildly popular and controversial show, which frequently addressed race relations. In 2006, he abruptly quit the show and moved to a farm in Ohio. In 2006, he released the documentary Dave Chappelle's Block Party-one of his last moments in the spotlight for several years. In February 2013, to the surprise of many, Dave Chappelle made a surprise appearance at the famed New York City comedy club The Comedy Cellar. Following the unexpected appearance, Chappelle made a more formal approach to his return to stand-up, performing several scheduled stand-up gigs throughout the South, including Atlanta, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as headlining the Funny or Die Tour.

Phil Vassar - May 2015

Phil Vassar is as driven today as he was when he first left his Lynchburg, Virginia home to pursue-- and realize--his dream of making his mark in entertainment. A career that has seen the release of eight albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, countless hits as a singer and songwriter and a mantle full of awards and the launch of his own Rodeowave Entertainment label continues to expand and evolve.

As a singer/songwriter, Phil has hit the Top 5 seven times with songs like "Carlene," "Last Day of My Life" and "American Child" and topped the charts with "In A Real Love" and the perennial favorite "Just Another Day in Paradise." Known as one of Nashville's top tunesmiths, his songs other artists have taken to #1 include "My Next Thirty Years" by Tim McGraw, "She's Right On The Money" by Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina's "Bye, Bye" and "I'm Alright."

"Serenity in the Storm" with Jason DeShaw - May 2015

Jason DeShaw will speak and sing in the conclusion of his statewide tour, "Serenity in the Storm."  This tour is organized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana along with the Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery at Montana State University.

Missoula Symphony Orchestra: Earth, Wind & Fire - April 2015

From the intensely spiritual and moving sounds of the Native American Flute to Smetana’s beautiful From Bohemia’s Forests and Meadows and finally closing with Respighi’s brilliant and powerful Pines of Rome, this is our celebration of Earth Day. From touching and delicate to power and glory, this program has it all!

NPC Big Sky Championship - April 2015

NPC Big Sky Championship’s main event features hundreds of the top physiques from around the Northwest. The Big Sky Championships is a NPC National Qualifier. The event features Bodybuilding, Figure, Physique and Bikini.

Neal McCoy and Brad Upton - April 2015

McCoy is known best for his hit songs “No Doubt About It,” “You Gotta Love That,” “They’re Playing Our Song,” “For a Change” and “Wink.” Upton has been a comedian for over 25 years and has performed at more than 5,000 shows. He is a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and resides in the Seattle area. 

Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival - March 2015

The 35th Annual UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival presents some of the finest jazz performers in the country.  Featuring young musicians performing each day, as well as professionals giving sessions on jazz improvisation and master classes on every instrument.

Odyssey of the Stars - March 2015

Odyssey of the Stars honors outstanding University of Montana performing and visual arts alumni and tells the story of their artistic journeys, showcasing the many different roads to success that an artist can travel.  Odyssey features some of UM's finest student performers and artists.  The production supports the College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Fund.  Since its inception, Odyssey of the Stars has funded scholarships for 525 visual and performing arts students at The University of Montana.

Clint Black - March 2015

Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well-known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that he is also proficient on drums and harmonica. http://clintblack.com/

Missoula Symphony Orchestra - Keys to the Heart - February 2015

World-renowned pianist Spencer Myer lends his remarkable technique to Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and other highlights include Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet.

TEDX UMontana - February 2015

In 2015, we focus on the theme of language, exploring the diverse fields of human endeavor. Language shapes our conscious thought and creative expression; it is a declaration of identity and is unique to professional discourse. It can be lost, invented or revitalized. It is a flexible medium that adapts and changes through use. This TEDxUMontana will examine our interactions with language from various aspects including programming language, preservation of native language and language as the stimulus for scientific and artistic advancement. http://www.umt.edu/tedx/

Brian Regan - January 2015

Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. Brian's non-stop theater tour has visited more than 80 cities each year since 2005 and continues through 2015. It is the quality of his material, relatable to a wide audience and revered by his peers, which continues to grow Brian's fan base. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian Regan consistently fills theaters nationwidewith fervent fans that span generations. http://brianregan.com/

Moscow Ballet - December 2014

Moscow Ballet's spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is a must-see event of the holiday season! Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as forty world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. The New York Times raves "Knock Out!" Experience Tchaikovsky's master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, growing Christmas tree and life-sized Matrushka Dolls! More at www.nutcracker.com

David Sedaris - November 2014

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, DAVID SEDARIS has become one of America's preeminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms & political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Sedaris is the author of the collections of personal essays Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary, all of which have become bestsellers. Sedaris's pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker & have twice been included in "The Best American Essays." His latest book entitled Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls was just released April 2013.  http://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/

Joan Baez - July 2014

Joan Baez has been as busy as ever in the five years since she celebrated the landmark years of 2008-2009, the 50th anniversaries of her legendary residency in 1958 at the famed Club 47. She remains a musical force of nature whose influence is incalculable. www.joanbaez.com