Missoula moves to its own rhythm, inspired by the hum of the wilderness or the flow of the river that runs through the city itself. And from that rhythm stems a music culture that is as central to this place as the mountains that surround the city. So, when planning a summer music lineup in a unique place like Missoula, where does one even begin? Perhaps it means looking for artists who haven’t yet played in Missoula, or bringing back past performers who deserve to be seen again. Then, tough decisions must be made, balancing how many artists can be featured while also keeping an eye on next year’s lineup.
To gain insight into the careful planning and thought behind crafting the perfect summer concert schedule in Missoula, we posed these questions to Sven Arneson, a staff member at Logjam Presents, who then shared his perspective on the process and what makes his work so fulfilling.
How do you select artists, and what qualities do you look for when working with artists to curate a summer lineup?
We love getting suggestions from the community and consider every one. When selecting artists, we evaluate several key factors, including touring data, Spotify streams, media coverage, social engagement and regional performances in similar markets. We also look at new releases and overall career trajectory. It’s exciting to dive into each artist’s journey and determine how they might resonate with Missoula audiences.
How many artists are you able to feature each year?
At the KettleHouse Amphitheater, we typically host 30-35 concerts per summer. With multiple artists often sharing the stage on a given night, the season can feature over 100 performers. Across all our venues—including the ELM, the Wilma, the Top Hat and KettleHouse Amphitheater—we present over 300 artists annually.
Could you share the timeline for artist selection and when you have to start planning for the following year's lineup?
The timeline varies significantly. We already have holds on the calendar for 2026, and there are still a few summer 2025 offers in play. Booking can happen anywhere from eight weeks to over 18 months in advance.
What are you most excited about for this year's summer of music?
We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Alabama Shakes for two shows, Aug. 19-20, especially given their return from hiatus. We also have some stellar co-bills coming up, like The Wood Brothers and St. Paul & The Broken Bones (June 14), Dispatch and John Butler (Aug. 3), and Montana’s own Kitchen Dwellers with Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon (Aug. 9). Plus, we can’t wait to host My Morning Jacket on Aug. 8—their first time back since playing the grand reopening of the Wilma in 2015. It'll be cool having Pixies back with Spoon and Fazerdaze on Aug. 31.
What is your favorite concert moment with Logjam so far and why?
There have been so many unforgettable moments—it’s hard to choose just one! Whether it’s two nights of Lumineers, Billy Strings, Khruangbin or Ween at the Amp, a massive Mumford & Sons concert, a young Tyler Childers at the Wilma or a local show at the Top Hat, each has its own special magic. It's always special to see classic legends grace the stage like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Alice Cooper, Slash, Blondie, Sheryl Crow, Pat Benatar, Lyle Lovett, etc.
What is your dream concert to bring to Missoula?
A big production like Dead & Company, Phish or Metallica at Griz Stadium would be incredible. Having Jack White, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, or Pretty Lights at the Amp would also be a dream come true.
What makes you most proud about hosting concerts in Missoula?
Whenever we host a show, we remind ourselves that for someone in the crowd, this could be the highlight of their day, week, year—or even their life. The feeling of seeing your favorite band live or discovering a new artist you love is indescribable. It also means a lot to see Missoula buzzing with excitement—restaurants and bars filling up before and after a show, and knowing how much these events contribute to local businesses and the community.
Missoula is the ultimate summer destination, packed with live music and endless fun! It all kicks off on May 22 when Brad Paisley hits the stage at the KettleHouse Amphitheater. And that’s just the beginning—concerts and events will be happening all season long at venues around town. With stunning mountain views and a vibrant local scene, there’s no better place to soak up the summer than Missoula.
