Chamberlin Rail Jam Pumps up Big Sky And Missoula in March

The Chamberlin Rail Jam has expanded beyond its Bozeman stomping grounds this year. The annual Montana rail jam and music event at Big Sky Resort will serve as a prelude to a second weekend of rail jams and concerts in Missoula.

The two-day Chamberlin Rail Jams on two weekends in March deliver a combination of events. Fridays feature preliminary qualifiers for skiers and snowboarders competing in the rail jam. Saturdays pit the finalists against each other. Both nights headline big name bands.

“The rail jam is almost secondary to the national headlining entertainment. With the jam and the music, it just explodes,” Producer Tate Chamberlin says.

Chamberlin started a production company in 2007 as his senior thesis. He’s involved with several festivals, but the Chamberlin Rail Jam, which he describes as a music festival with entertainment, bears his name.

“It’s just spiraled ever since,” added Chamberlin.

Here’s a sampling of the Chamberlin Rail Jam from ProGreen Productions:

The Bozeman event takes place March 2-3, 2012 at Big Sky Resort. Entry for the rail jam at Big Sky is sold out, but spectating the rail jam qualifying rounds and finals is free. Tickets for the concerts, however, cost $20 or $30. Chamberlin recommends buying tickets soon.

“I think Bozeman is going to sell out,” he said. “The tickets are flying out the door.”

Shuttles will be running from Bozeman to Big Sky for the rail jam and concerts. Bus rides cost $5 and are available first come, first serve.

The newest Chamberlin Rail Jam is scheduled for March 9-10, 2012 in downtown Missoula at Big Sky Brewing. The Friday rail jam qualifiers and concert are free while the Saturday finals and concerts require tickets that cost $15-40, depending on type.

The Lost Trail Powder Mountain park crew will be maintaining the ramp and the rail features for the event. Entry spaces are still available for snowboarders and skiers. The event is sponsored by Lost Trail and Big Sky Brewing.

Tickets and more information on schedules, concerts, and athletes are available here.