The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council (BPAC) has announced its highly anticipated programming for the 2023-2024 season, marking 20 years of delivering exceptional performing arts experiences to the Bitterroot Valley. This season is set to be a celebration of artistic excellence, featuring an impressive lineup of renowned artists and performances across multiple genres and art forms.
Two decades ago, the BPAC’s first Executive Director, Monica Grable, recognized the need to cultivate a vibrant performing arts scene in Hamilton, Montana. With dedication and a deep passion for the arts, Grable laid the foundation for what has become a cornerstone of the community’s cultural landscape.
Since its establishment, the series has brought over 140 world-class performances to the Hamilton Performing Arts Center stage, earning a devoted following and a strong reputation for delivering exceptional performing arts experiences. The 2023-2024 season offers a diverse lineup that reflects the BPAC’s ongoing commitment to artistic quality and community enrichment.
The season kicks off on October 7, 2023, with a concert by Don McLean, the legendary singer-songwriter renowned for his iconic anthem “American Pie,” among dozens of other hit songs. McLean’s timeless music resonates across generations, and this promises to be an unforgettable concert experience.
On November 4, 2023, country music fans will be treated to the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of Suzy Bogguss. With her captivating voice and versatile repertoire, Bogguss has become a beloved figure in country music, making her concert a highlight of the season.
Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers will take the stage on January 13, 2024. The Wooten Brothers push the boundaries of jazz, funk, and improvisation. Led by virtuoso bassist Victor Wooten, formerly of Béla Fleck’s Flecktones, this extraordinary ensemble will deliver a performance that is both technically masterful and emotionally engaging.
On February 10, 2024, the Queen’s Cartoonists will transport their audience back to the golden age of animation, captivating all ages with their one-of-a-kind performance. With ingenious arrangements, playful improvisations, and sheer versatility, the Queen’s Cartoonists perform live accompaniment perfectly synchronized to classic cartoons and create a truly memorable experience for their audience.
The James Sewell Ballet showcases their mastery of ballet and contemporary dance on March 23, 2024. With precision, grace, and emotive storytelling, the dancers of James Sewell Ballet offer an unforgettable performance that touches the hearts of all who witness their artistry.
The grand finale of the season takes place on April 20, 2024, with the groundbreaking Gambian musician and vocalist, Sona Jobarteh, and her band. Jobarteh’s masterful playing of the West African traditional instrument, the kora, in addition to her mesmerizing voice create a magical fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. This concert promises to be a transcendent journey through melody and rhythm that can’t be missed.
Outside of the main series in Hamilton, the BPAC is pleased to announce two special performances at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center in Victor, Montana.
In a special partnership between the Missoula Symphony and the BPAC, on December 16, 2023, the symphony will deliver a concert that promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. This collaboration underscores the shared mission of both organizations to bring exceptional music to the Bitterroot Valley.
Continuing their tradition of presenting Celtic music in March, the BPAC will present the powerhouse Celtic music group Reverie Road in Victor on March 1, 2024. The band is made up of two founding members of Solas, Winnifred Horan and John Williams, former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan, and jazz, raga, and Irish music pianist Utsav Lal, and they promise an exciting evening of traditional and contemporary music grounded in the bandmembers’ collective Irish roots.
New season subscriptions go on sale on August 15, 2023, and single show tickets for all performances will go on sale starting September 4, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at the box office located at 127 W. Main St, Suite 108, in Hamilton, or online at bitterrootperformingarts.org. For more information or to secure seats for these extraordinary performances, call 406-363-7946.