Targhee Fest delivers variety again
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
By Aaron Davis
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-When the labor is done and you can cut your ties from the workbench era of summertime, taking in a festival at Grand Targhee is bliss. Even the artists absorb as much of the community vibe as possible, and its high times for all.
“I go to festivals first as a fan, second as a musician,” began Michael Franti of Spearhead. “I like to stumble across bands that I’ve never seen, and there’s something really special about an audience that reacts in unison to songs they love.”
The three-day, Sixth Annual Targhee Fest preserves a much different tradition than the Bluegrass Festival—that is, non-tradition. It’s a little different each year. From psychedelic and Chicano rock, to Americana, reggae and hip-hop, connoisseurs of great music regardless of genre are guaranteed exposure to something new.
Friday’s jammy lineup opens with local Battle of the Band winners, Mandatory Air, followed by Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Melvin Seals & Jerry Garcia Band and moe. The latter three are veteran improvisers and there’s likely to be some crossover sessions as the night progresses. Jam-rockers Equal Eyes will play après-fest in the Trap Bar ($10).
Saturday kicks-off with Jackson native and soulful folk-blues singer-songwriter Margo Valiante, who has made considerable waves in the Austin music scene since moving there nearly two years ago.
Noted for his work with Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon, David Lindley is a master of countless stringed instruments and will contribute Delta-blues and word grooves prior to songstress Shaun Colvin.
Roots and alt-country rocker Alejandro Escovedo is another Austinite who boasts an underground following. Then, see why Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are notched up a time slot every year. Close the evening with Tex-Mex Grammy winners Los Lobos. Jet Black Ninja Funkgrass Unit is the featured après-fest band in the Trap Bar ($5).
If you must choose one day, Sunday would be my pick. Two of my favorite Rocky Mountain bands, Paper Bird and Great American Taxi, will be followed by consummate performer and vibe technician Michael Franti and Spearhead.
This festival was picked by the New York Post as one of the Top Ten Summer Concert Events of 2010 because it’s laidback, intimate and the epic scenery offers nearby mountain biking and hiking. Guess it’s not a secret anymore.
Targhee Fest runs 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Non-camping weekend passes are $139 (includes parking), or $59 for Friday only, $69 for Saturday and $59 for Sunday. Parking is $10 per day and camping is $30 for the weekend. Tickets are available at Tobacco Row in Jackson, and Big Hole Music and Habitat in Driggs. There will also be a free shuttle from Driggs. For more information, visit
GrandTarghee.com.
courtesy mike schreiberMichael Franti & Spearhead headline Sunday at Targhee Fest.PERMALINK:
Targhee Fest delivers variety again | Planet JH News Article: Music Box
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