One great way to ease the winter doldrums in Montana is finding out the lineup to this summer's 4th annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs.

Sarah Calhoun, owner of the Red Ants Pants company in the small town, announced the lineup for this year's festival on Saturday, April 5, with a party for the occasion at her store in White Sulphur. The event was also streamed live via the Internet. A lively crowd packed the place, reliving past RAP festivals while waiting to find out who would grace the pasture north of town with their musical presence this year.

After whetting the crowd's appetite with a short video from last year's event, Calhoun, "without further adieu," let everyone in on the lineup. Headliners include country music great Charlie Pride, alternative country artist Brandi Carlile from Seattle, Americana singer-songwriter Josh Ritter from Idaho, and former Drive By Trucker band member Jason Isbell, who has been making waves on the Americana music scene since going solo in 2007.

Ian Tyson and James McMurtry will also be appearing at this year's event, and crowd-pleaser Corb Lund will be making a return appearance as well. Other artists on the main stage this year include Hank Williams' granddaughter Holly Williams, the Black Lillies, Tom Catmull's Radio Static, Red Molly, Baskery, JD McPherson, Matt Andersen, and Jessie Veeder.

"It will be a hell of a show," said Calhoun as the April 5 party grew to a close. "I'll promise you that."

This year's street dance, in White Sulphur Springs proper, on Thursday evening, July 24, will feature the music of the Bus Driver Tour. A screening of the movie "Dryland" is planned in the theatre near the Red Ants Pants store just prior to the music. On Friday, the action shifts to the festival grounds, on the nearby Jackson Ranch, for main stage musical acts, side stage music focusing on local musicians, and farming/ranching-related activities, such as the cross-cut saw competition. The Montana Beard and Moustache State Finals will also be held on the grounds during the festival. Camping is available for Red Ants Pants festival-goers, and food, drink, and other items are available for purchase from vendors circling the festival venue.

The Red Ants Pants Music Festival has already become a staple on the list of things to do under the Big Sky. Early bird three-day passes are on sale for $99 through the month of April; these are $125 for advance sales beginning May 1, and $140 at the gate. Day passes are $50 in advance, and $55 at the gate. For more information on this great Montana music event, or for advance ticket purchases, call 406-209-8135, or go to redantspantsmusicfestival.com.