Things to do: Outdoor music and two kinds of circuses (2024)

Here’s a quick guide to some upcoming arts and cultural events happening around Missoula in the week ahead.

Music in the Lincoln sculpture park

(Saturday, July 6)

First up is Aaron and the Doppelganger Twins playing original Americana tunes. The group includes Aaron Parrett, a musician and author of a book, “Montana Americana Music: Boot Stomping in Big Sky Country,” that explores the genre. The “twins,” meanwhile, are John Dendy and John Joyner.

Don’t forget to include an hour or so to walk through the park and see the growing collection of large-scale sculptures produced by artists from around the world.

The series continues every Saturday through Aug. 31. For the full schedule, head to sculptureinthewild.com.

Details: 4-6 p.m., free, head to the vintage burner-turned-gathering hall.

Missoula Funk Fest in the park

(Sunday, July 7)

DJs, live bands, food trucks and beverages will take over Silver Park for this annual celebration of both funk and the founding of the country.

The lineup includes DJ Auntie E, Off in the Woods (funk/soul/reggae), jazz/funk saxophonist Tanner Fruit and his band, the Juicers, and Tree Form (jazz/improv).

Details: 4-8 p.m., $10 suggested donation.

Big Sky concerts kick off

(Monday, July 8)

The Big Sky Brewing Company summer concert season begins with a double bill: Andrew Bird, a smart and methodical indie songwriter/violinist who recently released a set of jazz standards, has teamed up with Nickel Creek, the progressive bluegrass trio from whence mandolin phenom and Punch Brother Chris Thile got his start. He, fiddler Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins regrouped last year for a new record, “Celebrants,” that is “as inventive as anything in their catalog,” according to AllMusic.com.

The brewing company’s lineup will continue with the Avett Brothers (July 10), Dwight Yoakam (July 18) and Koe Wetzel (Aug. 7).

The series, a partnership with Knitting Factory Entertainment and CMC Concerts, helps raise money for local nonprofits for a total of nearly $1 million over the years.

This year, they’ve partnered with Five Valleys Land Trust, and will steer beer money and donations to open space projects like the Mount Dean Stone Community Forest, Rock Creek Confluence and Lincoln Community River Park, according to a news release.

This year’s concert season will support Five Valleys’ community open space projects, including the Mount Dean Stone Community Forest, the Rock Creek Confluence and the Lincoln Community River Park.

Details: Monday, July 8, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7. $49.50-$149.50, all ages.

Margo Cilker and Junior

(Thursday, July 11)

Songwriter Margo Cilker grew up in the once agriculture-heavy Santa Clara Valley, spent time farming in the Bitterroot and elsewhere, and now lives in the Columbia River community ofGoldendale, Washington. She brings those experiences to bear on “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” her second album on July 11 at the ZACC Showroom. The Willamette Week called her “one of the most promising old-soul songwriters today.”

She’s touring with Junior, a Montana trio comprising vocalists/songwriters Caroline Keys, Jenny Fawcett and Hermina Harold. You can check out their full-length “Warm Buildings” on streaming services.

Details: Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7. $18 in advance and $22 day of. All ages.

Quick hits

Old Post parking lot parties: Check out Flash Panda (jam) on July 4 starting at 7 p.m. or Josh Farmer (pop/R&B/funk) on July 5.

Lucinda Williams at the Wilma: The celebrated songwriter and lyricist is touring on a new album, “Stories From a Rock 'n' Roll Heart,” which, naturally, has a genre theme. Sunday, July 7, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $39-$49, all ages.

Otherworldly circus: Check out a contemporary circus show, “Paranormal Cirque," in the big tent at the Southgate Mall. Friday-Monday, July 5-8. Note that the show’s for mature audiences. No one under 13 allowed, anyone ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Go to paranormalcirque.com for tickets ($20-$65) and times.

Circus on horseback: Cirque Ma’Ceo, a show of equestrian acrobatics and Romani traditions that’s partnered with Cirque du Soleil, is stopping in Missoula this weekend. Expect a blend of “traditional dressage, aerial performance, Cossack riding and vaulting” with modern production, according to a news release. Friday, July 6, at 7 p.m.; Saturday July 6, at 4 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 7 at 1 and 4 p.m. Big Sky Horse Park, 3500 North Ave. W., tickets at cirquemaceo.com.