Bozeman Magazine

ChickenJam West Productions and Mellow Mood Pipe and Tobacco Present:

The Lil' Smokies:
Hailing from the utopian garden city of Missoula, MT, The Lil’ Smokies exploded onto the progressive bluegrass scene in the winter of 2009 and haven’t shown any signs of fatigue since. Sharing the stage with heavyweights like Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Keller Williams, Greensky Bluegrass, The Emmit-Nershi Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Travellin’ McCourys, Sam Bush Band, Fruition, Infamous Stringdusters, Bradford Lee Folk and The Bluegrass Playboys, and dozens of others, The Lil’ Smokies have no problem captivating large audiences. With a unique blend of traditional bluegrass, newgrass, unique original compositions, and sheer raw energy, The Lil’ Smokies weave seamlessly through genres, leaving something for everyone. The Smokies have played the Trap Bar at Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival (2011), the Bozeman Bluegrass Fest (2011), Sandpoint Summer Fest (2013), Wintergrass (2014), River City Roots Festival (2011, 2013, 2014), Northwest Folklife Festival (2014), the Northwest String Summit’s Further Stage and Main Stage (2013, 2014). This six-piece bluegrass ensemble features, Pete Barrett (guitar), Andy Dunnigan (dobro), Scott Parker (upright bass), Matt Cornette (banjo), Cameron Wilson (mandolin), and Jesse Brown (Fiddle).

Laney Lou and The Bird Dogs:
Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs have been together since November of 2013. Although we are relatively new as a group, we have been surprised and excited at how welcoming the musical community is here in Bozeman. From doing open mics at the Hauffice to learning names and faces of the sound guys at new venues and playing with new bands, we are enjoying the ongoing networking of this town.

So far we have played numerous shows at places such as the Legion, the Eagles, and the Filling Station, and at various private events. Weddings have been a common theme of the summer, and what a fun way to get family and friends up on the dance floor together! Keep checking our facebook to see upcoming events. We have a brand new website to check out too! www.thebird-dogs.com