A new non-profit called Missoula Sound Machine will give Missoulians a deeper understanding of how the music industry really works. Paul Donaldson is a Missoulian and a rigger for many large venues, including Seattle’s Bumbershoot, who has been hard at work trying to bring more music insiders to Missoula.

"It's an organization that's designed to create opportunities for Missoulians to experience world class musicians on a more personal level and also to let touring musicians learn more about Missoula, with the idea that there is a lot to be learned about the industry that you can't learn on YouTube or in school."

The first Missoula Sound Machine guest will be drummer John Wicks from the band Fitz and the Tantrums. Wicks chose to move to Missoula from L.A. and says he believes more musicians will fall in love with the city once they overcome the hurdles of getting here.

"I can tell you from my own experience from touring with Fitz and the Tantrums that it was a tough fight to get routed through Missoula, because it is frankly geographically challenged. You know, it is tough to get a bus routed through here, even though we have world class venues like the Wilma, and the Top Hat and the Adams Center."

Wicks went on to say that Missoula is "upping its game" when it comes to being a great city for concerts.

Wicks will appear with Missoula Sound Machine at 6 P.M. at the Top Hat on March 1. The event is called "An Evening with John Wicks" and is free and open to the public, which is encouraged to ask questions about the craft of professional drumming.

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