Zootown Music Festival Drenched Missoula in Noise, Grace, and a Whole Lot of Rain

Written by Ali DeLambo

Photo courtesy of Zootown Festival

When I stepped onto the grounds of Missoula’s inaugural Zootown Festival, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the lineup or the amps—it was the air itself, heavy and electrified. Friday at Zootown Music Festival opened with The Dead & Down on the Trailhead Stage, a local Missoula band who immediately set a mood of earnest Americana that felt both rugged and heartfelt. Their blend of bluesy guitar riffs and soulful vocals created a grounded atmosphere, perfect for a crowd slowly gathering under gray skies. The band’s storytelling was vivid and sincere, drawing listeners in with tales steeped in lived experience. Even as the rain began to fall, their raw, rootsy sound held steady, anchoring the early festival energy with warmth and grit. They were, shockingly, my second favorite performance of the weekend—an unexpectedly powerful start that set a high bar for what was to come.

Next up, Griffin William Sherry offered a more introspective vibe with his delicate indie-folk stylings. His voice, tender and thoughtful, floated through the rain-dampened air, wrapping the crowd in a quiet intimacy despite the open outdoor setting. Sherry’s songs often felt like whispered confessions, the kind you hold close long after they’re done. The rain added an unexpected layer of melancholy that suited his set perfectly, making the moment feel personal and immediate.

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners brought a sharp contrast to the day, injecting the festival with gritty, blues-infused country rock. As someone also from Colorado, it was clear they felt right at home in Missoula, especially since they mentioned having lived here for a while. Their familiarity with the city shone through when they sang “Lake Missoula,” a moment that ignited the crowd; the audience screamed every word back with infectious energy. Their raw, unfiltered performance matched the steadily increasing rain and mud beneath the stage, riffs snarling and vocals howling with fierce honesty. The set was a rugged celebration of grit and soul, an invitation to embrace the chaos rather than resist it.

By the time Lake Street Dive hit the stage, the rain was relentless, but their bright, soulful sound cut through the storm like a ray of light. Rachael Price’s voice was both powerful and playful, effortlessly gliding between jazz, pop, and rock influences. Their tight musicianship and infectious grooves invited the soaked crowd to dance despite the weather’s best efforts. The set was a reminder that joy can thrive even in the muddiest of conditions.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s performance was a highlight, drenched in emotional intensity and Americana storytelling. Isbell’s raw, heartfelt lyrics paired perfectly with his band’s tight arrangements to create a poignant narrative arc across the set. His voice, both tender and weathered, carried the crowd through songs about love, loss, and hope, resonating deeply with an audience standing firm in the rain. Even as the elements pressed in, the connection between artist and fans felt undeniable and profound.

Closing Friday night, Hozier commanded the stage at 9 p.m. with soulful power that seemed to rise above the relentless rain and chill. The cold, rainy weather felt suspiciously like his home in Ireland—a familiar, almost comforting backdrop that wrapped the amphitheater in an intimate atmosphere. At one unforgettable moment, he made a surprise visit to the middle of the audience, coming only feet in front of me, turning the crowd into a close-knit congregation. His voice soared through the damp air, transforming the storm into a shared ritual of cleansing and release. Songs like “Take Me to Church” took on new weight in the downpour, becoming hymns of resilience and grace. Hozier’s magnetic presence and poetic lyricism made the rain feel less like a barrier and more like a baptism into something holy and raw.

Saturday brought clearer skies and a renewed sense of possibility. Why We Went West kicked off the afternoon with bright, earnest folk-rock that felt full of open roads and hopeful horizons. Their melodies were catchy yet nuanced, inviting the crowd to sway and sing along with ease. The band’s youthful energy was infectious, offering a breezy contrast to Friday’s storm-soaked grit.

Madi Diaz’s set was delayed due to lightning, but her little jokes and quips while waiting were hilarious and quickly earned her a lot of new fans. When she finally took the stage, her shimmering indie-pop charm and emotional warmth filled the air. Her clear, radiant voice wove stories of vulnerability and strength with engaging honesty, turning the moment into something bright and uplifting. At one sweet moment, she thanked her partner for being there—only for him to sheepishly hide himself in the pit under a poncho, much to the crowd’s delight. Her set struck the perfect balance between intimate ballads and upbeat tunes that had everyone moving and smiling.

Evan Honer followed with a warm, evocative indie-folk set that completely captivated me—I’m officially obsessed. He was excellent, electric even, channeling a Montana-esque vibe that reminded me of a bluejean-clad Benson Boone, grounded yet brimming with raw emotion. His gentle voice and delicate guitar work created a soothing, immersive atmosphere that invited quiet reflection amidst the festival buzz. Every song carried subtle emotional weight, layered with poetic lyrics that demanded—and rewarded—attentive listening. Though his presence was calm and unassuming, it held an undeniable magnetic pull that drew the entire audience in and wouldn’t let go. Without a doubt, he was my favorite performance of the whole weekend.

Modest Mouse brought a dynamic shift in tone, igniting the crowd with their distinctive brand of indie rock. Isaac Brock’s gravelly vocals and charismatic stage presence anchored a set filled with both beloved classics and surprises. When they launched into “Float On,” the pit erupted into a massive near-rave, with waves of euphoric movement rippling through the crowd in sync with the song’s infectious rhythm. The band’s tight performance ranged from jagged riffs to melodic grooves, carrying the energy to a new high after two days of varied tempos. Their rawness and unpredictability reminded everyone why they remain a festival favorite.

Mt. Joy’s set followed with heartfelt indie-folk rock that felt both grounded and expansive. Much of their set featured fresh material from their new album, giving fans a first taste of their evolving sound. The band’s rich harmonies and thoughtful songwriting created a warm, inviting space as the day waned. A highlight came when they brought out Evan Honer to join them for a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag,” and I found myself enthusiastically screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs all the way from the beverage vendor at the back of the park. Mt. Joy’s earnest delivery and melodic storytelling resonated deeply, inviting the crowd into a shared experience of longing and connection—a gentle crescendo blending introspection with uplifting spirit.

Meanwhile, The Moss held court on the Lookout Stage Saturday, offering a rootsy, organic counterpoint to the main stage’s indie-rock intensity. Their blend of folk and rock created a serene yet stirring atmosphere, perfectly matched to the surrounding Montana landscape. The Moss’s tight musicianship and heartfelt delivery invited listeners to slow down and soak in the moment. Their presence added an essential layer of local authenticity and earthy warmth to the festival experience.

Closing Saturday night, Kacey Musgraves brought a shimmering blend of country-pop and intimate storytelling. Despite the long festival weekend, her crystalline vocals and warm charisma shone through every song. Musgraves moved effortlessly through hits and newer material, her stage presence equal parts playful and sincere. She left the crowd glowing, her set the perfect capstone to a weekend of highs, lows, mud, and music.

Zootown Music Festival’s inaugural weekend was an ambitious and largely successful effort that managed to capture the heart and spirit of Missoula while laying a strong foundation for future editions. The production team navigated challenging weather conditions—especially Friday’s persistent rain and lightning delays—with professionalism and care, ensuring the show went on without compromising artist safety or audience experience. The two-stage setup allowed for a smooth flow of performances without overwhelming overlaps, helping maintain an intimate yet vibrant festival atmosphere. Food and beverage options impressed with their variety and quality, though some attendees hoped for greater representation of Missoula’s local culinary scene in future years. Accessibility and parking were manageable but highlighted areas for logistical improvement, especially regarding clearer signage and more convenient chair rentals. Despite these minor hiccups, the festival’s vibe remained warm, welcoming, and community-oriented—far from the overcrowded chaos of larger festivals. The sound quality across both stages was consistently strong, with production crews quickly adjusting to weather-related challenges and artist needs. Overall, Zootown felt like a genuine celebration of music and place, combining national headliners with local talent in a way that felt organic and heartfelt. With thoughtful tweaks to logistics and an ongoing commitment to local flavor, Zootown is well poised to become a cherished annual tradition in Montana’s music landscape, one that brings together diverse audiences to share in moments of connection, joy, and resilience under the big sky.