Calvin & The Coal Cars

Telecasters, pedal steel, acoustic guitars, and a straight forward pocket rhythm section are the first things that come to mind when someone mentions “real Country Music”. And these are the sounds that Calvin and the Coal Cars of Red Lodge have in spades. Add to that Lee Calvin’s lyrics of small town living, lost love, heartbreak, and nightlife, and you’ve got one of the best original alternative country bands in the region.

Calvin and the Coal Cars were first assembled to showcase the songwriting of Lee Calvin in the fall of 2016. Since then, Lee spent a year writing (and rewriting) his country tunes until the band was reformed with new members in the spring of 2018. The current lineup consists of Alex Chandli and Geoff George on drums and bass, Kohl Jonathan on lead guitar, Brian Wetzstein on pedal steel guitar, Jordan Martz on keyboards and organ, and Lee Calvin on vocals and acoustic guitar.

In their short time together, the guys have had the honor of sharing the stage with national touring acts such as Asleep at the Wheel, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd, Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, Aaron Watson, Kip Moore, and Sawyer Brown, as well as headlining their own shows at some of the regions most sought out venues and events.

Calvin and the Coal Cars released their first studio album – Calvin and the Coal Cars, The Greatest Hits, Vol I, in March of 2020 (thanks a lot, Covid), and released their follow up album – The Greatest Hits, Vol II in November of 2021.