BLUES AT THE DEPOT RETURNS!
Saturday July 26, 2008

It has been a long time since a stage and speakers were set up at the end of the Livingston Depot Center’s courtyard. A long time since live blues were enjoyed alongside the railroad tracks that run by the Depot. The Big Railroad Blues Festival had a great run from 1999 to 2003 and was enjoyed by hundreds of locals and out of town visitors. We are happy to announce that on Saturday July 26th the Big Railroad Blues Festival will return. The Festival featured many fine blues artists in its five year run. Audiences reveled in the music, atmosphere, and ambience of this unique event and venue.

In 2001,Muddy Waters son, Big Bill Morganfield headlined, putting on a performance that would have made his father proud. Deborah Coleman, the feature act in 2000 and unknown to most all in attendance, made sure that everyone would remember her after a rousing display of telecaster guitar genius. Magic Slim and the Teardrops ripped out some blistering Chicago blues in 2002. Other performers included Spencer Bohren, the late Jimmy Lee Robinson, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Paul Reddick and the Sidemen, and Big Jack Johnson. Musicians and audience alike had great times at the Big Railroad Blues Festivals. It was an event for people who liked an intimate outdoor setting, with trains rumbling by, kids running around dancing, parents in fold out chairs digging the music, enjoying the food and beverages.

It was and will be a wonderful musical experience for one and all. This year the focus is on alternative blues with a bit of old school and indie-rock thrown in. The lineup is fantastic and will feature four acts that promise to bring youthful enthusiasm and talent with an alternative flavor. In other words, it won’t be your standard predictable outdoor blues show.

This years performers include Jawbone Railroad from Bozeman; This band combines an old time traditional mix of blues, folk, gospel and bluegrass. Much of their repertoire is drawn from 1920’s and 30’s- from the Carter family to Gus Canon’s Jug- Stompers.

After that Portland’s own Hillstomp present their raucous old time raw blues. This duo plays everything from Mississippi Fred McDowell to R. L. Burnside in their own youthful exuberant style. This band is turning on young listeners all over the world to the joys of old school blues.

After that the Tarbox Ramblers will rock you with their own original blues, gospel, and traditional tunes complete with killer electric boogie slide guitar from front-man Michael Tarbox.

Closing the show will be the Buffalo Killers from Cinncinati, Ohio. This young trio of alternative indie- rockers mix up rock, blues, and psychedelia, into a potent combination that will make for an incredible rocking finale to the 2008 Big Railroad Blues Festival.

The music begins at 4:30 PM. Doors open at 4PM. There will be a full bar service and great food available.

Advance tickets can be purchased at The Depot, Conley’s Books and Music, Cactus, and Vargos’ in Bozeman.

For more info or to charge by phone call 406-222-2300.

Advance ticket price is an incredible bargain at $18.00.

Admission at the door will be $22.00. Children under 12 get in free.

The Big Railroad Blues Festival, Saturday, July 26 th at 4:30 PM is brought to you by The Depot Center, Boss Blues Promotions, KGLT, KPRK, and KMMS.