Huge music festival coming to Whitefish

An expansive two-day music festival led by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Band of Horses and Dwight Yoakam, along with nearly two-dozen other bands and musicians, is planned July 13-14 at Big Mountain Ranch just east of Whitefish.

Under The Big Sky Festival will present stars from across the spectrum of Americana, folk and alt-country. The festival will explore the breadth and legacy of Americana, both traditional and contemporary, across two stages in naturally formed amphitheaters on the 350-acre ranch at 1875 Voerman Road.

Festival hours will be from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14.

Nathaniel Rateliff’s rugged modern soul and the powerful, melancholic rock of Band of Horses will lead the festival. American icon Dwight Yoakam will deliver his singular interpretation of honky-tonk, alongside indie-star Jenny Lewis, who will feature her new album “On The Line.”

Other featured performers include the live country stylings of Cody Jinks, Canadian Western folk star Corb Lund, alternative roots guitarist Bones Owens, acoustic duo Danny + Joy, bluesman Justin Townes Earle, The Silent Comedy from San Diego, Hogslop String Band quartet, alt-country musician Charlie Overbey, Lucius, Whitey Morgan, Shooter Jennings, Nikki Lane, Amanda Shires, Jamestown Revival, The Delines and Swager and Company. Montana favorites include The Lil’ Smokies, Mike Murray, and Jameson and the Sordid Seeds.

Under The Big Sky is an all-ages event, with children under 6 admitted free. Fine food from local and nationally known caterers and beverages will be available on site. A bike valet will also be available on site.

Discounted local hotel and camping accommodations will be announced soon.

General admission tickets are $99 plus fees, (while supplies last).

VIP tickets start at $250 plus fees. Tickets will be available starting Feb. 19 through the website www.underthebigskyfest.com.