A new concert near Whitefish is ready to showcase some of Montana’s local legends this month. 

Star Meadows Ranch will host Rhythm & Roots, an inaugural indoors music event, on Saturday, March 14.  

Located about 40 minutes west of Whitefish, the one-day gathering will feature live performances in a family-friendly environment. 

The 360-acre Star Meadows Ranch is a family-run business. Typically a destination for private events like weddings and retreats, Rhythm & Roots is the ranch’s first public music event.  

With room for up to 300 people, the indoor space is ideal for the concert’s late-winter date. 

"We’re here to bring the valley together, not just for entertainment, but for connection,” said ranch owner Sam Krueger.  

Joining the Kruegers in producing the event is Kate Preston.  

The event is the launch of Preston’s new promotion company, Mountain Mama Presents. The mother of three has worked in the technology department at Whitefish High School before, but the new promotion business more aligns with her personal passions.  

“My passion has always been being involved, getting into activities — and going to live shows,” Preston said. “Music is therapy to me, and I want to be able to share that.” 

Preston first met Krueger a few years ago through youth soccer, and the two began visualizing a partnership of some kind.  

“We connected over our love for live music and our appreciation for our community where we live, raising our kids,” Preston said.  

A shared priority for the organizers is making sure the event has a positive, family-friendly atmosphere. 

All live music will take place indoors. Outdoors, guests will find space to gather around fire pits and enjoy an open area where kids can play throughout the evening. Stumptown Art Studio will bring a craft and North Valley Music School will have an instrument petting zoo. 

All guests are encouraged to utilize a free shuttle, which will transport guests to and from the ranch, departing from Pin & Cue every two hours.  

There will be a full bar and food trucks including Fork & Fusion, Sheet Pan Pizza, and Roasted & Toasted.  

Setting up lighting for the show is local events producer, Cole Pierce with emberGlow Productions.  

As for the music, the standout lineup spans Americana, bluegrass, rock, funk, jazz and all-around Montana-roots-inspired sounds. 

On stage will be Jake Simpson and Andy Dunnigan of The Lil Smokies, Hotdayum, John Dunnigan, Brent Jameson Trio, Smokering Drifters, Christiane Hinterman, Kelly Diane, Rylee Mix, DJ Reidardie, and Mt. Everett. 

“The lineup is intentional,” Preston said. “They are legends, friends.”  

Another key mission of the event is to give back to local artists through the creation of a new nonprofit called Resilient Strings Foundation.  

Through the nonprofit, portions of sponsorships for Rhythm & Roots and other future events will go towards medical and mental health care funds for regional musicians and their families. 

According to Krueger, it’s part of being “rooted in one purpose, honoring the hardworking dreamers who make this valley extraordinary. 

“From our small family of dreamers to yours, thank you for joining us on this journey.” 

For more information about Rhythm & Roots and Resilient Strings Foundation, and to purchase tickets, see https://tinyurl.com/rhythmandroots2026.