04/11/2026
I don’t think many people fully understand what’s happening in this room yet—and that’s okay.
When I first connected with Jordan Lane, I thought I was doing him a favor—offering a beautiful space to play in Dawson County as part of his 56-county tour. When he suggested doing it “listening room style,” something in me immediately clicked.
I’d experienced a few of those spaces in Nashville. I knew what they felt like. And I could see it here instantly.
What I didn’t expect…was the magic of that first night.
There is something powerful that happens in this room when an artist is sharing stories and music—and the audience just listens. No distractions. No noise. Just presence.
Connection happens.
People feel things.
They leave full—joyful, inspired, grateful.
It’s hard to explain, but it’s real.
And I wanted more of it.
So I put something out on TikTok…just to see. And the response was overwhelming. Suddenly I had singer-songwriters from all over reaching out, curious about coming to Glendive (which, let’s be honest…isn’t exactly a destination…yet!).
I started learning the music world quickly. Booked another show.
Then came J.D. Graham.
He found me through that same network and called me. Spent an hour explaining what I had created—something I didn’t fully have words for yet.
A room artists are looking for.
A place where people listen.
Where they’re not competing with bar noise or conversations.
Where the music actually lands.
He told me rooms like this are becoming rare.
That conversation shifted everything.
In the middle of all of this, Tanner Laws came through and completely won over the room. Twice. The response was incredible. (We’re lucky—we’ll have him and his full band back for the Dawson County Fair this summer.)
Then something I now call “The Tanner Effect” happened…his community saw what was happening here, and my inbox filled with artists from everywhere.
At the same time, JD was in a life-threatening accident. Life-flighted. His tour cancelled. Days later, I saw his story on Fox News and in People Magazine.
And it hit me…this artist who had mentored me, who was booked to come here, who saw something in this room…was now fighting for his life.
Watching how the independent artist community rallied around him—supported him, lifted him—was one of the most humbling things I’ve witnessed.
It made me realize I had stepped into something much bigger than I understood.
And I’m so grateful for that front-row seat.
I can’t help but wonder what would have happened next, had JD played here. I’m hopeful that someday, when he’s fully recovered, we’ll find out.
Since then, we’ve continued to carefully bring these nights to life.
Each one takes more out of me than I ever expect. I pour myself empty trying to get it right…to sell it out…to make it meaningful.
But then the music starts.
And for those couple of hours…there’s nothing else like it.
It’s like salve for the soul.
And it’s worth it.
All of that to say…
I’m running on empty.
And we still have a few seats to fill for Lane Norberg next Saturday, April 18.
Lane hails from Portland, OR, but is originally from MT, he is fresh off performing at the Tucson Folk Festival (last night!). He’ll be the first artist to bring piano into this space—and I have no doubt it’s going to be something really special.
If you’ve been thinking about coming to one of these shows…this is the one.
I’m taking a bit of a Listening Room intermission after this. I need to recharge, reflect, and figure out what this becomes next. It hasn’t been perfect—but it’s been meaningful.
And I hope it’s something I can continue to grow and bring back this fall.
Because there are so many incredible artists who would love to come here—to this old, beautiful church…where people just listen.
If you feel called to be in the room for this one, I’d love to have you.
The Listening Room at 1893 Matthew’s House welcomes Montana-born singer/songwriter Lane Norberg for an intimate evening of music and storytelling.
