Magic City Blues is an annual music festival that takes place in Billings, Montana. It is considered one of the premier blues festivals in the region, attracting both local and national talent. The festival, which started in 2002, is held over the course of two days and features multiple stages and a wide variety of blues music. The festival takes place in downtown Billings, with the stages set up along the city streets. Attendees can wander from stage to stage, enjoying different artists and genres of blues music. Along with the live music, there are also food and craft vendors, making it a lively and enjoyable event for all.
“Just give me one thing that I can hold on to.”
— John Prine
Along with the live music, there are also food and craft vendors, making it a lively and enjoyable event for all. Some of the biggest names in blues music have performed at Magic City Blues over the years. Artists like Buddy Guy, Keb' Mo', and Robert Cray have graced the stages, delighting audiences with their soulful performances.
The String Cheese Incident top Magic City Blues 2023 lineup
The String Cheese Incident perform at the 2014 Lock'n Festival in Arrington, Virginia.
John Davisson, Invision via AP
Magic City Blues will indulge its jammy side at the 2023 festival.
The long-running Colorado based jam band, the String Cheese Incident, headline night one of Billings' annual music festivals on Friday, August 4. Southern rock band JJ Grey and Mofro, fresh off a slot at last year's Red Ants Pants festival, top the bill on Saturday, August 5.
JJ Grey and Mofro perform during 2022 Red Ants Pants music festival in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Friday's schedule starts with Billings band Counting Coup at 5 p.m., and continues with Brandon Sprague Band, Maggie Rose, Tee Dee Young and GA-20.
Troy Falcon performs with Counting Coup on the main stage during the 2022 Red Ants Pants music festival in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Chris Jorgensen, Billings Gazette
Saturday begins at the same time with Dammit Lauren!, another Montana band. They're followed by Reggie King Sears, Gable Price and Friends, True Loves and Anika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers Band.
The festival is outside at MetraPark again after moving last year from its longtime home of Montana Avenue in downtown Billings. Magic City Blues spent 20 years downtown, but the move increased parking space and concert capacity.
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About 5,000 people gather at MetraPark for Magic City Blues on Friday, Aug. 8.
AMY LYNN NELSON Billings Gazette
Magic City Blues' two stages — the larger Budweiser Stage and a smaller Second Stage — are set up around the outdoor pond and Chiesa Plaza at MetraPark. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. The festival is open to all ages, and guests are free to bring their own chairs and blankets. The event also features a litany of local food vendors.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Two day general admission passes are $123 (advanced price) or $145 (once advanced is sold out) at magiccityblues.com/buy-tickets. But the best deal is to get the same pass at one of Billings' 11 Holiday Stations for $97. VIP passes, which include exclusive bars and restrooms, start at $227 advanced and go up to $255. And reserved table seats, which include VIP section access and premium seating, are $270 advanced and $299 regular.
The String Cheese Incident perform at the 2014 Lock'n Festival in Arrington, Virginia.
In addition to the headliners, there are also many local and regional acts that perform, showcasing the talent that Montana has to offer. The festival has had a significant impact on the local community and economy. It attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the region, bringing in tourism dollars and supporting local businesses. It also provides a platform for local musicians to gain exposure and connect with a wider audience. Magic City Blues has become a beloved tradition in the Billings community. It is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their love of music in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. The festival continues to grow and evolve, bringing new artists and experiences to the stage each year. Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or simply looking for a good time, Magic City Blues is an event not to be missed..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Power of Dirty Blues Music in Billings, MT"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic City Blues in Billings, MT. The lineup was lackluster and the sound quality was subpar. The venue itself was poorly managed, with long lines and overcrowding. I expected to have a great time at a blues festival, but it fell short of my expectations. I won't be attending again in the future.
2. Mary - 1 out of 5 stars - Magic City Blues in Billings, MT was a complete letdown. The ticket prices were astronomical considering the quality of the performers. It seemed like the organizers just threw together a random assortment of musicians without any thought to the lineup. The atmosphere was boring and lackluster, and the overall experience was not worth the money I paid. I would not recommend this festival to anyone looking for a memorable blues experience.
3. Tom - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for Magic City Blues in Billings, MT, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The sound system was terrible - it was difficult to hear the performers clearly and the acoustics were off. The food and drink options were limited and overpriced. On top of that, the organization of the event was chaotic, with long wait times for everything from entry to restrooms. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I wouldn't attend again.
4. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars - I attended Magic City Blues in Billings, MT and was underwhelmed. The location of the festival was inconvenient, and parking was a nightmare. Once inside, the layout was confusing and poorly designed. The performances themselves were lackluster, and I ended up leaving early out of boredom. I was expecting a vibrant and energetic blues festival, but this was anything but. I wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a memorable music experience.