Bozeman’s Benn & Abel Confirmed as Support for James McMurtry at The ELM

We’re very excited to announce that Bozeman-based acoustic Americana duo, Benn & Abel, have been added as support for the James McMurtry show on Sunday, October 23, 2022!

Benn Busalacchi & Abel Barnhart have been playing around the west for about three years now. They deliver heartfelt songwriting with a guitar style that rides the line between blues and bluegrass. If you’ve been to a couple of concerts in Bozeman, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize Abel because when he’s not playing music, he’s helping run the shows! We recently had a quick chat with Abel to learn a little more about the duo.

What are you looking forward to most about your first show at the Elm?

We have been playing stages around Bozeman for the last few years, and here in Bozeman, Elm is the newest stage. It will be an amazing opportunity to play on such a well put together stage. 

Any plans to record an album?

We recorded a full length album this past spring. Currently it is being mixed and we plan on releasing it early winter. It was a blast writing songs for the album, but recording it with friends, and having so many talented people was amazing. We can’t wait to release it and give those people some credit.

What’s been your craziest experience as a band?

One day, on our way back from West Yellowstone, we were driving through the Madison Valley when Benn’s car decided to stop working. We were broke down on the side of the road waiting hours for a tow truck. Benn had two fly rods in his car along with all of our music gear. We spent two hours fishing and playing music. Not that it’s a crazy experience, but crazy lucky to be where we were, even though our cars didn’t work.

Have you ever been to a James McMurtry show?

I have. He played the Rialto in downtown Bozeman. This must’ve been in 2019 or so. Such an amazing show, and we can’t wait to see him on the stage at the Elm. And it will be even more of an honor to open up the show for him.

What’s the best part about being musicians in Bozeman? 

Well being anything in Bozeman isn’t too bad. We’re lucky to be here. But for a relatively smaller town, we have an incredible population of talent here. From musicians, artists, engineers, and promoters, people are here to help and be involved. People understand that it is a small town, and we all need to support one another to rise the whole tide.

How can patrons have the best time at the upcoming show?
COME EARLY AND COME SAY HI! Seriously, take your time to walk around the venue, find a good spot, talk to people — Us 🙂 — check out the merch, and watch the entire show. We’d love to say hi after the concert too. (Also, drink water and make sure the people around you are healthy and happy.)

Anything else you’d like to share?

We would just like to show our appreciation for Logjam. It’s pretty cool being a local Bozeman musician, getting an opportunity to play at such an amazing place, and having our name put out there on your platform. I know how many people are involved in shows and want to thank everyone!

Sunday, October 23, 2022 — award-winning alt-country artist James McMurtry makes his ELM debut with the help of local folk duo Benn & Abel. We hope to see you there!