This summer, Wild Montana launched a brand-new event in Helena: Bands for Lands. Designed
to bring people together around music, community, and conservation, the concert series quickly
became a highlight of the season.
Over the course of June and July, local bands from Helena performed on five Monday evenings
at the historic Bluestone Building. Each week, a new lineup showcased the incredible depth of
musical talent our community has to offer. From rock to country to pop, every performance
brought people together and created a space where music and conversation could meet in
harmony.
But Bands for Lands was about more than just music. Each event also welcomed two
community partners to participate and share their work. These partners represented a variety of
conservation-focused local nonprofits, giving concertgoers the opportunity to connect with
groups making a difference across Helena and Montana. People not only enjoyed live
performances but also left with a deeper understanding of the many ways our community is
working together to protect public lands, waters, and quality of life.
The combination of live music, local craft beer, and the chance to connect with neighbors
around a shared cause made each night a celebration. Attendees commented on the welcoming
atmosphere, the spirit of collaboration, and the joy of discovering new music while supporting
local organizations. The turnout exceeded our expectations, with strong community enthusiasm
from the very first show.
In fact, the success of the original five concerts inspired us to add a sixth encore event in
August to close out the series. The momentum and positive feedback confirmed what we
hoped: Helena is ready to rally around conservation in creative and joyful ways.
As we look ahead, we are excited to announce that plans are already in motion for the 2026
Bands for Lands Summer Concert Series. Building on this year’s success, we aim to bring back
the magic of music, partnerships, and community to celebrate together as we unite for public
lands.
Bands for Lands proved that when you combine local talent, meaningful partnerships, and a
shared love for Montana’s wild places, you can create something special. We’re grateful to the
musicians, nonprofits, and community members who made this first year a resounding
success—and we can’t wait to see you again in 2026.