Summer is in full swing and The Shane Center is offering the perfect activity for all your guests with their popular SOCS series. Each Thursday in June and July features the best in local and regional performers at a free community concert in the Henry E. Blake Pavilion.
On Thursday, July 17th , Swamp Dawg will deliver an evening of New Orleans Swampy Funk and Rhythm and Blues. Swamp Dawg is the all-time favorite band at SOCS—this will be their fourth return to the stage. We can’t imagine doing a summer schedule without including their fun, NOLA style funk music for your enjoyment. Attendees can expect to dance to swampy Southern Soul music with some new band members to continue the multicultural rhythmic explosion of funk, rhythm and blues and second New Orleans classics. Get there early for this—it will be a full house.
Montana Bluegrass Quintet Release the Squirrels takes the stage on Thursday, July 24th. A shiny, new bluegrass quintet that pushes the boundaries of the traditional bluegrass cage. Release the Squirrels hails from the valleys of Western Montana and each of the five group members bring a unique perspective to the band, creating a cohesive and dynamic voice. From danceable old-time original compositions to artful covers of modern songs, the Squirrels have a broad repertoire that appeals to every audience. With a deep appreciation for bluegrass traditions, influences like Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Album band are present, however the group has a penchant for crafting bold arrangements to pay tribute to the past with a modern flavor. The depth of their musicianship is evidenced by masterful flatpicking, hard driving banjo and rock steady upright bass. Listeners also delight to hear hypnotizing fiddle melodies and inspired mandolin licks interspersed amongst a tapestry of three-part vocal harmonies. This is their first time at the Shane Center.
SOCS concerts take place, free of charge, from 5 – 8 pm. There are food trucks and libations for all ages. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. There are a few shared tables reserved for patrons of the food trucks while enjoying their dinner. Sponsors include: Livingston HealthCare, Marcia McCrum in Memory of Bliss McCrum, Erin Denton O’Brien and the Yellowstone Valley Lodge & Grill, and booking partners at Mighty Fine Time - John and Joanne Lowell.
Bike parking is available onsite, and additional car parking is available at the Lincoln School at 215 E. Lewis. The Shane Center is located at 415 E. Lewis. For more information on the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, please visit www.theshanecenter.org.