Beats Antique was the first show I have been to since the Wilma  was renovated by it's new owners this fall. They are a band, and a little bit more. A community really. Their shows are more like going to the theater more than a concert per say. They are preforming live music but the things happening visually are far moor interesting that a normal concert. Think perhaps a circus (without live animals, and their smells), or a marching band on their own trip.

I have to admit that for personal reasons I was somewhat skeptical of the project. Over the past fifteen years or so I have made the quick Montana drive to Missoula over a hundred times to see shows there and the sentimental aspect of changing a place that so many people already love seems like a chance to screw things up… I know I am not alone in the belief that the 'old Wilma' was already one of the finest places to see a show for a very, very long way.

After settling in for a short time I began to realize that all the changes the new owners made to the venue made sense. From the major backstage updates to the greenroom and the stage lighting for the artists, to opening up the lobby area and adding three new bars, removing the seats in the theater area and putting in 4 levels of tiers each about 5 steps lower than the last, to the walls being completely sound treated and recovered to accompany the new sound system… It all works together to make what already was a super venue into a state of the art, world class venue.

As for the bands Moon Hooch was a great start to the show  with their two saxophones and heavy drums. The crowd was ready to go and responded great to their funky jams. They were very engaging and I look forward to checking them out the next time they come to Montana. You can check them out now here: http://www.moonhooch.com/

Consisting of members David Satori - Electric Saz, Banjo, Guitar, Viiola, Drums, Trumpet and Electronics, Sidecar Tommy - Drums, Electronic Drums, Toy Piano, Zoe Jakes - Drums, Sylvain Carton - Bariton Sax and Clarinet Beats Antique took the newly renovated Wilma to the edges of reality with their imaginative song and dance, remarkable stage lighting and overall presentation of an incredible theatrical performance. The mix of EDM with Rock, Jazz, and all kinds of Foreign sounding melodies and world sounds take their viewers and listeners across the planet and beyond our current time we live in. I highly recommend checking this band out any chance you get. Your eyes and ears will not be disappointed.

For a closer look at Beats Antique, or to find their tour dates, and purchase albums visit: http://beatsantique.com/