In many ways, Montana is best known for its wide open spaces, incomparable natural beauty, and being an outdoor paradise. With this noted, there is a great deal more to Big Sky Country than its majestic outdoor splendor. For example, the music scene in the state is vibrant.

In addition to being alive, the music scene in Montana is also very diverse. This is the case from north to south, from east to west in the state. There are five highly popular concert venues in Montana that present a broad spectrum of musical performances.

Alberta Bair Theater

Alberta Bair Theater presents itself as a performance venue that brings the excitement of the performing arts to the Big Sky Country. The venue provides a variety of different entertainment productions throughout the course of the year. These includes musical performances of different types, including well-known performers on national or regional tours.

The venue is not limited to bringing concerts of different types of the stage. Alberta Bair Theater also is home to some amazing theatrical productions. A mainstay at Alberta Bair Theater is musicals, including some of the most beloved productions in the American theatre.

The Alberta Blair Theatre is located at 2801 3rd Avenue North in Billings.

Music Ranch Montana

Located in Paradise Valley at Livingston, Music Ranch Montana is a country western music wonder. Calling Music Ranch Montana one of the most vibrant country western music scenes in the American West is not an understatement.

Music Ranch Montana hosts a wide range of country western music performers, including well known acts that grace venues like the Grand Old Opry. In addition, the Music Ranch Montana is home to a great number of local and regional performers as well.

Beyond presenting the best in country western performers, patrons of Music Ranch Montana can really cut loose. Dancing, food, and fun are the orders of the day -- night -- at Music Ranch Montana.

Music Ranch Montana is located at 4664 Old Yellowstone Trail North

The Ellen Theatre

The Ellen Theatre is located in historic downtown Bozeman. The facility itself has a storied history and continues to present memorable events from its well-used stage.

During the year, The Ellen Theatre brings to Bozeman a wide selection of different types of concerts. These include contemporary performers, classical concerts, blues, and jazz. Indeed, it is impossible to find a musical genre that has not been presented at The Ellen Theatre.

Each year, The Ellen Theatre hosts "Music Month." People who love a wide range of different types of musical styles can purchase one affordable pass and take in about seven or eight different concerts.

The Ellen Theatre is available for rent as well. This availability brings local and regional acts to the venue with regularity as well.

The Ellen Theatre is located at 17 West Main Street.

Babcock Theatre

Nestled in the heart of Billings, Babcock Theatre is located in a building that is a historic gem. The Babcock Building itself was built in 1907. It is an eclectic structure that includes a 720 seat theatre, 14 apartments topping the complex, and a main floor retail concourse.

The iconic structure was purchased in 2008 by a new group of owners who breathed new life into the facility. The Babcock has become one of the most exciting spaces in Montana. Part of the excitement is the amazing Babcock Theatre.

During the course of any given year, a wide range of different performances are staged at the Babcock Theatre. These including local and regional musical performers of different types. In addition, musicians on national tours have been known to include the Babcock on their itineraries.

The Babcock Theatre is located at Second Avenue and Broadway.

Playmill Theatre

Located in West Yellowstone, the Playmill Theatre is dedicated first and foremost to family entertainment. This includes a nice selection of musical performers presented at the Playmill Theatre on a recurring basis.

Playmill Theatre is home to family-oriented concerts as well as beloved musicals that are suitable for people of all ages. For example, during the season ahead, Playmill Theatre will present The Little Mermaid, Annie Get Your Gun, and Newsies.

The Playmill Theatre also makes its stage available to local and regional performers as well. This includes musical groups that do have an affinity for presenting family-friendly concerts. In addition, during the summer months, Playmill Theatre offers a highly regarded summer camp in the performing arts geared towards children.

The Playmill Theatre is located at 29 Madison Avenue.

Jessica Kane is a writer for SoundStage Direct, the number one online source for the best vinyl records and turntables.