OLD 97'S - Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM

This show will take place in the O'Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater located behind the Wachholz College Center. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for outdoor seating.

WCC is pleased to welcome Old 97's to the Flathead Valley. Old 97's is an American alt-country band from Dallas, formed in 1993.

The thirteenth studio album from Old 97’s, American Primitive arose from what vocalist/guitarist Rhett Miller refers to as a “de-evolution” of the legendary Dallas-bred band. “As much as I want us to calm down and grow up, the songs that felt right for this record were mostly big and loud and brutal and dirty,” says Miller, whose bandmates include bassist Murry Hammond, guitarist Ken Bethea, and drummer Philip Peeples. Arriving just months before the 30th anniversary of Hitchhike to Rhome—a powerhouse debut that played a vital part in pioneering the alt-country genre—the result is a gloriously rowdy body of work, revealing a veteran band more attuned than ever to the raw and reckless energy of truly timeless rock-and-roll.

With its title lifted from a bit of fictional art criticism in Stephen King’s psych-horror novel Duma Key, American Primitive merges its unvarnished sound with the punchy yet poignant storytelling signature to Old 97’s, radiating a rambunctious joy even as Miller’s lyrics contend with complex questions of love and mental illness and the routinely daunting state of the world. Produced by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists, Neko Case) and featuring iconic guest musicians like Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Scott McCaughey of The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5, the album took shape in a series of deliberately whirlwind sessions at Flora Studio in Portland, Oregon. “This was the first record we’ve ever done with zero pre-production,” Miller points out. “It’s us working completely on instinct, leaning on 30 years of playing together to come up with something on the fly rather than overthinking any of our choices.” 

Artist Website - Old 97's

OPENING THE SHOW FOR OLD 97's IS:  RIVER SHOOK

River Shook is an artist in constant evolution, and their new eponymous debut album deserves the listener’s full attention. The songs explode with everything fans came to expect over the last decade of Shook’s career: galvanizing, strikingly honest lyrics, unmatched musical prowess, addictive melodies, and an effortless blending of elements from outlaw country, indie rock, and rock ‘n’ roll. Between four studio albums with beloved country rock band Sarah Shook & the Disarmers and their new debut solo record, Shook is forever cemented as a force of nature in the realms of both country and rock - an artist who energetically pushes the boundaries of the genres into new frontiers.

River Shook’s unmistakable voice, world-rocking songwriting, and musical prowess are not to be missed - they deliver real, raw, unforgettable live shows to fans old and new.

Artist Website - River Shook

General admission ticket prices are $20.00, inclusive of all fees.
This show is presented by WCC.  No outside food or beverages allowed in Wachholz College Center.
Recommended age limit 6+
Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to start of show.