Get ready to experience a unique blend of music, poetry, and environmental activism at the Black Ram Guitar Festival, happening on September 28, 2024, at The Wilma in Missoula, Montana. This extraordinary event, presented by The Montana Project in partnership with the Maclean Literary Festival and Whitefish Review, is more than just a concert—it’s a beacon of hope and a call to action in the fight to protect the ancient Black Ram forest in the Yaak Valley.
At the heart of this event is a remarkable guitar crafted by Breedlove, a part of their “All in This Together” campaign. This special instrument, created in collaboration with actor and Montana resident Jeff Bridges, symbolizes the deep connection between art, nature, and activism. The story behind this guitar is as compelling as the music it will help create, embodying a 315-year-old tree’s journey from the forest to a powerful symbol of environmental advocacy.
Rick Bass, writer, activist, and the driving force behind The Montana Project, emphasizes the significance of this event: “Montana has always been a seat of creativity, offering a bold vision for environmental issues both locally and globally.” The Black Ram Guitar Fest is set to showcase this spirit of creative activism, using the power of art and community to support the designation of the Black Ram forest as the nation’s first Climate Refuge.
The evening promises a diverse and captivating lineup. Indigenous voices will set the tone, followed by performances from acclaimed musicians James McMurtry, Jeffrey Foucault, Pico Alt, Caroline Keys, Nate Biehl, Gibson Hartwell, and Siri Saeteren. The event will be emceed by environmental luminary Bill McKibben, with poetry from Beth Ann Fennelly and words from Rick Bass himself. Local talents Lander and Badge Busse will join the festivities, alongside the innovative light artists Animal Land, creating an immersive and memorable experience.
But the Black Ram Guitar Fest is more than just an artistic celebration. It’s a call to action in the fight against climate change. Old-growth forests like Black Ram are crucial in absorbing carbon dioxide, making their preservation a vital part of addressing global climate issues. Proceeds from the event will support efforts to designate Black Ram as a Climate Refuge, underscoring the event’s commitment to both local and global environmental causes.
Event Details:
- Date: September 28, 2024
- Venue: The Wilma, Missoula, Montana
- Doors Open: 6:30 PM
- Show Starts: 7:30 PM
- Tickets: $20 plus donation, available at www.blackramguitarfest.org
Join us (buy tickets here) for an unforgettable night of music, poetry, and activism as we come together to celebrate Montana’s creative spirit and take a stand for our planet. For more information, contact The Montana Project at info@montanaproject.org.
Let’s make history together at the Black Ram Guitar Fest—where music meets environmental action and one guitar could help save a forest.
