SRO (Standing Room Only) Live Montana, LLC is a Montana music publishing and recording company. The company recently purchased the Rialto Theater in Bozeman, intending to develop and promote a variety of regional artists and musicians in association with locally produced live shows and exhibits within its family of theaters. The company officially launched its Raise the Rialto campaign this week, to bring community awareness about renovations needed to restore the theater to its original Art Deco grandeur.
After a small test run last summer, the company officially launched its Raise the Rialto awareness campaign this week. SRO Montana is offering business and individual sponsorships along with donations to refurbish and open the Rialto Theater in two phases. The first stage will encompass minor repairs, including a new coat of paint, laying new carpet and ordering new seats. The company will then introduce a wide variety of musical acts, while bringing independent film back to downtown Bozeman. SRO is community-minded and plans to offer the space to regional businesses, associations, organizations and non-profits who are often in need of a venue of the Rialto’s size for lectures, meetings and other events. The company anticipates the first renovation phase to be completed by December 2012.
In the second phase, the Rialto will be historically restored from top to bottom, one area at a time, according to its original Art Deco design theme. A new marquee is in the planning stages, intended to serve as a near replica of the original one, visible in 1940 photographs recently discovered at the Pioneer Museum. SRO intends to use local artists in all stages of construction accordingly, and estimates total costs to approach $1,000,000. March 2014 is the target date for phase two completion.

SRO Montana’s business model offers cross-media promotional sponsorships for local businesses who want to gain exposure using arts and entertainment to promote their companies. In Bozeman, early sponsors include Signs Now, Smiling Moose Deli, Owenhouse Ace Hardware, IHOs Korean Grill, Fiesta Mexicana, Windemere Real-estate, Poor Richard’s Tobacco, Leaf and Bean Coffee House, The Grateful Shed, and Tim’s Auto Repair. Until phase one renovations are complete, their business names will hang on a banner over the Rialto Theater and will be prominently displayed on the Theater’s promotional material.

Raise the Rialto offers other sponsorship programs for individuals and families who want to support the arts in Gallatin County. For more information, call 406-579-3000.

In 2011, SRO Montana also purchased The Covellite Theater in Butte, and is in a purchase agreement with the Rocky Mountain Development Group (RMDG) to acquire the Wilma Theater in Missoula (specific contract provisions will be completed by July 2, 2012.)

The SRO family of theaters, including the Rialto, will be networked to develop and promote new and established artists throughout the region, who want to build or enhance their following near family and friends. Their shows, presentations and exhibits will be recorded in front of enthusiastic live audiences, and digitally distributed to new fans nationally and internationally. SRO Montana intends to co-publish with some of these artists, especially those who want to expand their touring base within a planned network of historic theaters nationwide. The company also plans to purchase more landmark theaters both nationally and internationally.

About SRO MONTANA:

SRO MONTANA, LLC is an artist-friendly company specializing in the recording, publishing and digital distribution of live events. We develop, record and promote local artists who want to build a regional following, while making an affordable living doing live shows, presentations and exhibits within our network of historic venues.