After more than 15 years of intimate concerts and artist-driven programming in southwest Montana, Live From The Divide has relocated its live music operations to the historic Empire Theatre, at 106 N 2nd St, Livingston, MT.

The move marks a new chapter for the Montana-born concert series, consolidating production, programming and performances into the smaller of two of Empires theatre spaces, with 105 seat capacity continuing to preserve the intimacy that has defined the brand since its inception.

“Live From The Divide has always been about creating meaningful, high-quality live music experiences rooted in place,” founder Jason Wickens said in a statement. “The Empire Theatre gives us the infrastructure and atmosphere to grow intentionally — without losing the intimacy and authenticity that defines what we do.”

Founded in 2009, Live From The Divide began as a modest experiment. Wickens started reaching out directly to musicians, inviting them to play in Bozeman at a time when the town’s live music ecosystem looked very different than it does today. The very first performer to say yes was legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, who accepted an offer to play for $20 tickets in a 50-seat room. Emmanuel had told his team that whomever was first to extend an invitation to visit Montana he would say yes to, and Wickens was the first.

From those humble beginnings, Live From The Divide has grown to produce more than 1,000 shows, building a reputation for thoughtful curation and a listening-room atmosphere where audiences are encouraged to sit quietly and truly experience the performance.

Now, that listening-room ethos is moving 25 miles east to Livingston.

Built in 1919, the Empire Theatre stands as a cornerstone of downtown Livingston. The venue has undergone careful restoration over the years, blending historic character with modern production capabilities. Its updated acoustics, expanded technical infrastructure and larger capacity offer Live From The Divide room to evolve while remaining artist-focused.

Andrew Feltenstein, co-owner of the Empire Theatre, called the partnership a natural fit.

“Live From The Divide is coming to the Empire Theatre in Livingston, Montana, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this incredible music series to our stage,” Feltenstein said. “The Empire Theatre team, along with all of Park County, can’t imagine a better partner to help usher in a new era of live music at Livingston’s oldest and most cherished entertainment venue.”

Feltenstein and co-owner Tyler Erickson — who acquired the theater from former owner Tim Warner in 2023 — say the collaboration is designed to expand creative use of the space without replacing its legacy offerings. The Empire will continue its longstanding film programming, typically screening movies Tuesday through Sunday with two showings per day, alongside community events and special screenings.

The addition of Live From The Divide is intended to complement, not disrupt, that schedule.

“This is about continuing community and activating community,” Feltenstein said. “It’s about creating a space where people can sit with strangers and feel things together.”

That sentiment aligns closely with Wickens’ original vision. From the outset, Live From The Divide was never meant to be background music. The series cultivated an environment centered on presence — no talking during songs, no televisions glowing in the corner, just artists and audiences sharing a moment.

Over the years, nationally recognized songwriters and emerging artists alike have stepped onto its stage, drawn by the reputation for attentive crowds and unique environment. The move to the Empire Theatre allows for expanded production value and increased audience capacity while preserving that intentional listening culture.

Wickens emphasized that the relocation is not a reaction to development pressures in Bozeman but rather a strategic decision rooted in timing and opportunity.

“It’s the right time to come to Livingston,” he said.

Behind the scenes, a broader community network supports the effort. Local businesses, including restaurants like Coffee Crossing and Engine Room Pizza, are expected to benefit from increased foot traffic tied to concerts and special events. Regional arts professionals are also part of the conversation. Emily Johnson, former operations manager of the Roxy Theater in Missoula, has been among those offering operational insight as the Empire refines its programming balance between film and live performance.

The goal, stakeholders say, is sustainability — not just for one organization, but for a broader creative ecosystem spanning Park and Gallatin counties.

All previously announced Live From The Divide shows will continue as scheduled unless ticket holders are notified otherwise. The relocation also opens doors for expanded partnerships, multi-night residencies and collaborative events that were previously limited by space constraints. With an updated capacity configuration and enhanced technical setup, the Empire allows Live From The Divide to scale certain productions while maintaining its signature intimacy.

For longtime supporters, the shift represents both continuity and change. The brand that started with cold emails and a 50-seat room now enters a historic 1919 theater with the experience of more than a thousand shows behind it. For Livingston, it signals renewed momentum in its downtown arts corridor. And for southwest Montana’s music community, it underscores a shared belief in the power of gathering.

“Live music is about connection,” Wickens said. “It’s about bringing people into a room together and creating something you can’t replicate anywhere else.”

That room will now be one of the Twins of the Empire Theatre — where century-old walls will once again carry the sound of songwriters, storytellers and audiences sitting quietly, together.