Top musicians in town this week

Some of the world’s best musicians will perform in Bigfork next week.

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival takes place Monday through Saturday at Flathead Lake Lodge. Following is a schedule of the week’s concerts:

Monday

The festival kicks off with classical guitar virtuoso Scott Tennant and the Grammy-winning L.A. Guitar Quartet. They perform everything from Bach to blues to bluegrass. A portion of proceeds from this concert support Glacier Symphony and Chorale.

Tuesday

Electric blues rocker Robben Ford and Lee Ritenour, accompanied by an all-star rhythm section — featuring drummer Sonny Emory (formerly of Earth, Wind and Fire), keyboardist John Beasley and world-renowned bassist Abraham Laboriel — play Tuesday. Both Ford and Ritenour have won multiple Grammys and recorded with a wide range of artists.

Wednesday

The Pat Metheny Trio will perform for the first time ever in Montana Wednesday. Acclaimed guitarist Metheny is a 20-time Grammy winner who has been performing since 1974; his award-winning trio includes Larry Grenadier on bass and Bill Stewart on percussion. This concert is sold out.

Thursday

Thursday is a night of rock, funk and fusion with Ritenour and rock guitar wizard Daryl Stuermer. Stuermer is best known for his many his years as a lead guitarist with super-group Genesis but also has released eight solo albums of his own original music and currently performs with his group The Daryl Stuermer Band. Beasley, Emory and Laboriel will perform this night as well.

Saturday

The Saturday finale concert features Livingston “Liv” Taylor, a performer and songwriter whose music has been recorded by his brother, James; and Mac McAnally, a songwriter for Jimmy Buffett and a lead member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band whose music songs have been recorded by everyone from Reba McEntire to Ricky Van Shelton to Hank Williams Jr. to Randy Travis, among many others.

All concerts except the Saturday show begin at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m. The finale concert starts at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m.

Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase. Parking is limited; carpooling is recommended.

Individual tickets are still available for some shows. Single tickets are $35 per concert; seating is general admission.

Purchase tickets at www.cocguitarfoundation.tix.com.

For more information about the festival and local ticket outlets, visit www.cocguitarfoundation.org or call (855) 855-5900.