Academy award winning actor along with Grammy award winning engineer bring “Modbilly” sound to Orangevale stage June 20
ORANGEVALE — One of the biggest shows in recent history at The Boardwalk is officially set as Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters bring their 2026 Morro Rock Tour to Orangevale, with tickets now available for what is expected to be one of the most talked-about and unique live music experiences of the summer.
Set for Saturday, June 20 at 8 p.m., the all-ages performance offers a rare and increasingly uncommon opportunity to experience Thornton and his band in a true club setting—placing a nationally recognized artist and long-established touring act inside one of the region’s most intimate and immersive venues.
For fans, that means more than just a concert. It means being within arm’s reach of the stage, experiencing every note, lyric and moment in real time without the distance and scale of larger theaters or amphitheaters. It’s a setting that transforms the performance into something far more personal, where the energy of the room becomes part of the show itself.
Thornton, an Academy Award-winning actor, writer and director, has spent decades cultivating a dual career that balances Hollywood success with a deep-rooted passion for music. Long before his rise to global recognition through film, Thornton was immersed in songwriting and drumming, working within the music world and developing the artistic voice that would later define The Boxmasters.
Even as his acting career reached its peak — including an Oscar-winning performance inSling Bladeand acclaimed roles in television series such asGoliathandLandman— music has remained a constant and essential creative outlet. For Thornton, The Boxmasters is not a side project, but a fully realized artistic endeavor that has evolved steadily over time.
Formed in 2007 alongside Grammy Award-winning engineer and musician J.D. Andrew, The Boxmasters emerged with a sound that intentionally defied easy categorization. Drawing inspiration from the melodic and production-driven elements of 1960s British Invasion bands, while blending in rockabilly rhythms and deeply narrative Southern influences, the band developed what they describe as a “Modbilly” sound.
That sound is both nostalgic and forward-thinking — pairing vintage tones and songwriting structures with darker, character-driven storytelling that reflects the band’s Americana roots. Over time, it has become a defining signature that sets The Boxmasters apart from traditional country, rock or roots acts.
Over nearly two decades, The Boxmasters have built an extensive and remarkably prolific catalog, releasing more than 20 studio albums along with additional recordings and projects that continue to expand their musical footprint. Albums such asLove & Hate in Desperate PlacesandMissing a Heartshowcase the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their core identity, while the upcoming releasePepper Tree Hillis expected to play a key role in the current tour’s setlist.
The band’s lineup for the 2026 Morro Rock Tour includes J.D. Andrew, Bud Thornton, Kirk McKim, Raymond Hardy and Nick Davidson, each contributing to a layered, collaborative sound that draws from a wide spectrum of influences. Elements of The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys can be heard in the band’s melodic sensibilities, while the lyrical themes often lean into darker, more introspective territory rooted in storytelling and character.
Live, The Boxmasters are known for delivering performances that are both tightly constructed and unpredictably energetic. Their shows move fluidly between stripped-down moments and full, driving arrangements, allowing space for both musical precision and spontaneous energy. Tour materials have described the experience as “a tinderbox in a lightning storm,” a fitting metaphor for a band that thrives on dynamic contrast and live intensity.
That energy is expected to take on an entirely new dimension inside The Boardwalk, where the venue’s compact layout and acoustics amplify every element of the performance. With its standing-room floor and close proximity to the stage, the venue creates an environment where audiences are not just watching the show—they are part of it.
Located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, The Boardwalk has long been a cornerstone of the regional music scene, known for hosting a diverse range of artists from national touring acts to tribute bands and emerging performers. Its reputation is built on delivering high-impact live music experiences in a setting that prioritizes connection, energy and authenticity.
For a show of this scale and profile, the pairing of The Boxmasters with The Boardwalk creates a rare convergence of artist and venue—one that offers something distinctly different from traditional concert settings and underscores why this performance is being viewed as one of the standout events of the season.
Beyond the music, the June 20 concert also carries a meaningful charitable component, with proceeds benefiting the Firefighters Burn Institute and The Aloha Initiative. The inclusion of these organizations adds a layer of purpose to the event, connecting the performance to causes that support both community and recovery efforts.
Fans planning to attend should be aware of strict ticket policies that will be enforced for the event. All ticket sales are final, resale tickets will not be honored, and the ticket holder must be present with valid identification for entry. The show is open to all ages, though minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
With Thornton’s cross-generational appeal, The Boxmasters’ deeply rooted fan base, and the limited capacity of The Boardwalk, the June 20 performance stands as one of the most anticipated and distinctive live music events in the Sacramento region this year.
The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20 and is open to all ages, with a parent or guardian required for those under 21.
Tickets are available now atwww.rocktheboardwalk.com. Due to the intimate setting and limited capacity of the venue, fans are encouraged to secure tickets early. All ticket sales are final, resale tickets will not be honored, and the ticket holder must be present with valid identification for entry.
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