Discover Kalispell Chamber MONTHLY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Big Sky Troubadours: Music in Montana "Country Music has found me even in the most dangerous parts of the world," Jo Smith said, recalling how she sang Kenny Rogers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Surrounded by people who didn't speak her language or look like her, she found LONG LIVE THE SONGWRITER country music connecting them all through "The Gambler." Jo Smith, Owner and Founder of Big Sky Troubadours, has loved country music since she could talk. Raised on her fam- ily farm in Georgia, Smith grew up listening to the classics with her dad in the tractor; she and her dad clearly "lived country music," as Smith says. Smith moved to Nashville at nineteen to further pursue her passion and has been performing country music across the country since then. While in Nashville, she attended Vander- bilt and studied International Affairs, where she later took a job working for the State Department. Smith then met her husband while spending time overseas in Mogadishu, and they decided it was time for a life change. After moving to Montana with her family in 2020, Smith realized the growing live music scene in the Flathead Valley. As she began performing at different venues, both large & small, she developed a passion for bringing more communi- ty to the music industry in the Flathead. And thus, Big Sky Troubadours was born in 2024. Smith operates as a "one-woman shop" currently, but is hoping to expand in the future. Big Sky Troubadours helps with the logistics, planning, management, and scheduling of artists and live music venues/events across the state. "It's something I wanted to do for the community with the community," Smith says. From an artist's perspective, Smith hopes to see the relationship between venues and performers continue to strengthen. From initial communication to support on the day of the event, the venue is what sets the tone for the performer's experience. "The venue sets the tone for the clientele that comes in. In a subconscious way, the venue has an educational purpose for the audience. When the venue is an active partner in its entertainment, that's when that relationship grows," Smith said. Whether it be in the middle of Mogadishu or at a bar in Ka- lispell, Montana, country music and community are needed everywhere. Big Sky Troubadours is excited to continue working to spread just that. You can catch the Big Sky Troubadours at their upcoming performance at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center on September 17th. They are performing alongside the Glacier Symphony for an unforgettable evening of songs, stories, and symphonic arrangements. Visit bigskytroubadours.com for more details. The Discover Kalispell Chamber is proud to support businesses like Big Sky Troubadours as they continue to help bring connection, fun, and great country music to Kalispell. For more details on the Kalispell Chamber, visit kalispellchamber.com Written By: Kelsie Ring Photo Credit: Kelsie Ring DISCOVER Kalispell 268837 Discover Kalispell Chamber MONTHLY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Big Sky Troubadours : Music in Montana " Country Music has found me even in the most dangerous parts of the world , " Jo Smith said , recalling how she sang Kenny Rogers in Mogadishu , Somalia . Surrounded by people who didn't speak her language or look like her , she found LONG LIVE THE SONGWRITER country music connecting them all through " The Gambler . " Jo Smith , Owner and Founder of Big Sky Troubadours , has loved country music since she could talk . Raised on her fam- ily farm in Georgia , Smith grew up listening to the classics with her dad in the tractor ; she and her dad clearly " lived country music , " as Smith says . Smith moved to Nashville at nineteen to further pursue her passion and has been performing country music across the country since then . While in Nashville , she attended Vander- bilt and studied International Affairs , where she later took a job working for the State Department . Smith then met her husband while spending time overseas in Mogadishu , and they decided it was time for a life change . After moving to Montana with her family in 2020 , Smith realized the growing live music scene in the Flathead Valley . As she began performing at different venues , both large & small , she developed a passion for bringing more communi- ty to the music industry in the Flathead . And thus , Big Sky Troubadours was born in 2024. Smith operates as a " one - woman shop " currently , but is hoping to expand in the future . Big Sky Troubadours helps with the logistics , planning , management , and scheduling of artists and live music venues / events across the state . " It's something I wanted to do for the community with the community , " Smith says . From an artist's perspective , Smith hopes to see the relationship between venues and performers continue to strengthen . From initial communication to support on the day of the event , the venue is what sets the tone for the performer's experience . " The venue sets the tone for the clientele that comes in . In a subconscious way , the venue has an educational purpose for the audience . When the venue is an active partner in its entertainment , that's when that relationship grows , " Smith said . Whether it be in the middle of Mogadishu or at a bar in Ka- lispell , Montana , country music and community are needed everywhere . Big Sky Troubadours is excited to continue working to spread just that . You can catch the Big Sky Troubadours at their upcoming performance at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center on September 17th . They are performing alongside the Glacier Symphony for an unforgettable evening of songs , stories , and symphonic arrangements . Visit bigskytroubadours.com for more details . The Discover Kalispell Chamber is proud to support businesses like Big Sky Troubadours as they continue to help bring connection , fun , and great country music to Kalispell . For more details on the Kalispell Chamber , visit kalispellchamber.com Written By : Kelsie Ring Photo Credit : Kelsie Ring DISCOVER Kalispell 268837