Happy Friday, Beacon readers! Lauren Frick here, and, in my humble opinion, there are few experiences better than going to a concert. At least that was the thesis of a conversation I had with a friend last weekend while driving up to Big Mountain.
I mean seriously, assembling in a group to hear your favorite collection of chords and melodies is almost as important to human survival as converting oxygen to carbon dioxide. What else would’ve possessed a 20-year-old Lauren to sit on a concrete sidewalk for nearly seven hours in muggy Ohio summer heat with nothing (and I mean nothing) but a bottle of water and gas station sandwich to sustain me — all so I could be three rows back in the pit for my favorite artist at the time.
Lucky for me, concerts in the Flathead Valley might be that much easier to come by after an announcement earlier this week from Outriders Present, which has put on the Under the Big Sky Festival near Whitefish since 2019.
Outriders Present, founded by Johnny Shockey, confirmed an ownership change at Kalispell’s Majestic Valley Arena on Monday in a promotional announcement for a show headlined by country music artist Paul Cauthen in April.
Cauthen’s concert will be the first show in a “new chapter” for the Majestic Valley Arena, organizers said in the press release, adding that the arena “will be hosting more public concerts and events while continuing to uphold its commitment to community and equine programming.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Bob and Jan Parker, for building such a beautiful arena that has hosted so many amazing equine events, that we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy first hand, over the years,” said Joshua Shockey, Majestic Valley Arena president. “We look forward to continuing Jan and Bob’s legacy of building an invaluable community resource, while opening up the venue to more musical events that folks across the entire Flathead Valley and beyond can enjoy.”
This is the first ownership change since the arena was constructed in 2002.
“From the outset 25 years ago, our dream was always to provide something for the valley that people across the entire Northwest could enjoy,” Jan Parker said in the press release. “We turned down multiple offers, before finding the right partners who shared that vision. We’re thrilled to pass the Majestic on to a new generation who can build on its history and legacy for the good of the community.”
Located between Whitefish and Kalispell, Majestic Valley Arena is an all ages venue, which contains indoor and outdoor arenas, and a stall barn that can accommodate more than 300 horses. Since its opening, the arena has hosted many top-tier events, including the Northern Rodeo Association Finals, Montana High School Rodeo Association State Final, the annual Brash Rodeo Winter Series and community events including holiday markets and high school graduations. Well-known entertainers including Martina McBride, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton have performed there as well.
Starting today, community members can purchase tickets for the arena’s first concert under its new ownership.
The April 18th headlining concert with East Texas baritone Paul Cauthen will serve as a celebration of his new album, The Book Of Paul, which will be released April 3. Cauthen will be supported by New Orleans folk duo Crowe Boys, and Western rock favorites Radio Ranch. The show is open to attendees of all ages and tickets can be purchased here.
Now that you’ve got some concerts to look forward to, here’s the rest of today’s Daily Roundup. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see you on Tuesday with another newsletter.
As Maintenance Backlog Burdens Northwest Montana’s Public Land Managers, USFS Lays Plans to Hire Seasonal Workers
Historic workforce vacancies, hiring freezes and budget cuts continue to have a negative impact on trails and public access. On Friday, months after seasonal hiring typically begins, national forest officials opened applications for the upcoming recreation season.
The Panto Company USA is thrilled to bring the cherished, family-favorite story, “The Jungle Book”, to life on stage. In this fully produced musical production, they present Kipling’s tales with great scenery, cool costumes and original songs the whole family will enjoy… and don’t forget the happy ending. Join Mowgli and all his pals for an adventure of learning, growth and fun in this all-new production!
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