Billings’ beloved Montana Avenue, long associated with the Magic City Blues Festival, now hosts a new musical celebration, Yee-Haw Hee-Haw. Taking place this Friday and Saturday, the event marks a fresh chapter for the area with a focus on country music and comedy.
Organized by the same promoters behind the Magic City Blues Festival, Yee-Haw Hee-Haw features a more intimate setting on North 25th Street, between Montana Avenue and 1st Avenue North. The festival is made possible by an anonymous music enthusiast who funded the event, ensuring free admission for all attendees.
This year’s festival, a departure from its blues and rock roots, brings country and comedy to the forefront. Tim Goodridge, who previously helmed the Magic City Blues Festival, described the new event as an “outdoor nightclub,” reflecting a shift towards a more eclectic entertainment experience.
The lineup includes three bands performing on the main stage, along with three additional acts and a comedian inside Craft Local. The Randall King Hard Livin’ Band, among the headliners, has already arrived for sound checks and is set to perform before embarking on a European tour later this month.
Goodridge, who with his wife Pam has orchestrated events like the Last Best Country Fest, is excited to blend country music with the festival’s traditional show business flair. “We’re a family operation,” Goodridge said, highlighting the personal touch behind the event. “It’s about bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy the energy of live music.”
The festival represents a return to live performances and aims to offer Billings a vibrant, multifaceted cultural experience.
