Jesse Welles Announces Red Tour Stop at KettleHouse Amphitheater with Ratboys

Modern-day troubadour Jesse Welles brings his Red Tour to KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner, MT on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with support from Ratboys.

Hailing from Ozark, Arkansas, Welles is part of a new wave of modern troubadours, blending raw storytelling with stripped-down folk and Americana. His songs tackle personal struggles and social issues with equal parts honesty and wit, as heard on tracks like “Cancer,” “Fentanyl,” and “War Isn’t Murder.” He has earned four Grammy nominations along with a rapidly growing fanbase and acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Following the breakout success of his viral acoustic performances and a string of independently released albums, Welles continues to build momentum with his 2025 release Middle. His intimate, unfiltered approach—whether on stage or in front of a camera—has resonated with millions, turning grassroots momentum into sold-out shows across the country.

Joining the evening are indie rockers Ratboys, known for melodic, guitar-driven songs like “I Go Out at Night.” The band previously opened for The Decemberists at the Amp in 2024, proving they’re a perfect fit for the stage (photos).

Set against the scenic banks of the Blackfoot River, Welles’ powerful storytelling will make this a can’t-miss summer night.

Jesse Welles unassumingly upholds and continues the tradition of traveling troubadours, relaying the news, putting pain into words, and healing with a little humor. Fearless, he reports from the frontlines of a divided country on the brink, addressing inequalities and injustices, cutting through all bullshit and driving directly to the source of the matter. His songs leave the same mark in front of a sold-out club as they do under the unbiased eye of a smartphone camera as he strums his guitar alone in the wilderness of Arkansas. Following tens of millions of streams and a groundswell of acclaim from Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and more, the singer, songwriter, and guitar player cuts deep on his 2025 full-length album Middle. “Breathe to write, write to breathe,” he says. “Humans are meant to create, so I’m gonna create music and keep releasing it constantly.”

Jesse calls Ozark, AR home. Growing up, his father worked as a mechanic, and his mom a school teacher. Early on, his grandpa copied The Beatles’ White Album and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band for Jesse. Continue reading…