Red Ants Pants Music Festival Bands Entertain Thousands
Author: Beth Ihle
Red Ants Pants Music Festival Bands Entertain Thousands
Beth Ihle
Red Ants Pants owner and philanthropist Sarah Calhoun put on a great show last weekend with the Festival near White Sulphur Springs. The festival, which draws hundreds of music fans from all over Montana and the country, took place at the Jackson Ranch, 5 miles west of town. Thirty bands performed and if last year is any indication, around 16,000 folks usually attend, according to Kathy Weber, communications director. This is the 14th year for the festival.
The headliner act this year was Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly. Steve is well known for his gravelly voice and piercing lyrics centered on American stories from the heartland and backcountry living people. Well-known songs he does are “Guitar Town” and “Copperhead Road,” as well as “Galway Girl,” an Irish classic. Numerous other musicians and bands played during the three-day Festival.
The festival features quality vendors from all over, including jewelry, clothing and food. Featured prominently is quality workwear for women sold by Red Ants Pants, whose flagship store is in White Sulphur Springs. Also featured is Two Basset Brewery with its locally made beer. A highlight on Sunday afternoon was the finals for crosscut sawing, a historic technique for sawing out fallen logs in wilderness areas.
All proceeds go to Red Ants Pants Foundation, which underwrites grants for rural communities, timber skills workshops and girls’ leadership programs in Meagher County and surrounding areas. In 2025, so far, the foundation has granted over $200,000 to 130 entities across nearly every corner of Montana.
Editor's Note: Ihle is a well-known former resident of Townsend who worked for the Forest Service and was active in many community activities.
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PhotoCredit: Beth Ihle
Image 1 Caption: Festival participants enjoy Red Ants Pants bands on Sunday morning.
Photo Credit: Beth Ihle
Image 2 Caption: Singer Steve Earle at Red Ants Pants Festival July 27 at White Sulphur Springs.
Photo Credit: Beth Ihle
