Country star Murphey takes the stage in Kalispell

Michael Martin Murphey returns to the KM Theatre in Kalispell for two performances on July 20 as part of the Montana Radio Cafe Music Series.

Local favorite Rob Quist will be performing with Murphey. There will be two shows, at 7 and 9 p.m.

Murphey first gained national attention on the country music scene. He remained true to his Western roots with hits like "Wildfire" and compositions like "Land of Enchantment (New Mexico)." His hits also include "What's Forever For?", Jesse Winchester's "I'm Gonna Miss You, Girl" and "A Long Line Of Love."

Born in Dallas, he began his musical career in folk, pop and "outlaw" country music. After moving to Colorado, he scored his biggest hit, "Wildfire," in 1975, on the album "Blue Sky/Night Thunder."

There were a number of other hit records along the way, but in 1986, he branched out. He launched WestFest, an event that would help spark a revival of interest in all things Western. This outdoor festival, repeated in many Western locations and almost annually since then, brought together Western artisans, American Indians and musicians representing several genres but with a focus on Western, and made all of this accessible to the public.

In 1990, he convinced his record label, Warner Brothers, to let him record an album of Western songs, "Cowboy Songs, Vol 1." The album sold enough to earn gold status. Three more "Cowboy Songs" CDs followed.

Tickets for Michael Martin Murphey and Rob Quist are $22. They are now on sale at Red's Wines & Blues and Montana Coffee Traders in Kalispell; and at the Montana Coffee Traders in downtown Whitefish.