Get Out: Ride till Twilight

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

By Matthew Irwin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-To catch an act at the Salt Lake City Art Council’s free summer concert series, leave early.

Last Thursday, I left Jackson at 2:45 p.m., hoping Interstate 15 would get me there by 6:45, and I maintain that it would be the faster route if it weren't for construction traffic.

By 7 p.m., aware that I'd miss most of opener Jamie Lidell, I thought I’d at least catch a tune or two and have plenty of time to check into my hotel and eat before Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings hit the stage. At 10 till 8, however, the line of cones on the final stretch seemed to multiply.
I considered going straight to the venue, but experience has taught me not to leave concerts with a headlight out.

The hotel held me up another 20 minutes after front-desk staff put me in an already occupied room – thankfully the guest was out. And by then, I felt so rushed that I refused a ride from the free shuttle, because I didn't want to go to Temple Square on my way to Pioneer Park. I also needed cash, and knew of at least one ATM on the six-block walk to the park.

The city felt hot, and I was agitated, but after a cool glass of box wine from the booze tent, located conveniently between the entrance and the stage, I breathed deeply and decided to make the best of my few minutes at the Twilight Concert Series. That was at about 8:45.

As I neared the stage, however, I heard only a man’s voice. Maybe Lidell had gone long. But no sooner did I realize that the Dap Kings were warming up the crowd for her then did Jones leap up on stage to wild applause. She strutted, directed the band, wasted no time getting audience members to dance with her on stage. And my body forgot about the torture of arriving.

My only regret is that I didn't bring a few friends. I texted a few sentiments, and danced with some strangers, but being the experience my summer had been missing, the night would have gone well with other folks who've been taking the warm season too seriously (i.e. working). 

Conversely, and with all respect and gratitude to the local free concert programs, the Twilight Concert Series also provided a summer vacation essential not often found in Jackson Hole – anonymity. Hey, I enjoy socializing and all, but sometimes I go for the show, you know?

I only have one other regret: I hadn't scheduled Friday off, so I didn't have time for hiking and climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Best scenario would have been to camp in the canyon after the show, but then I'd miss Salsa Night at the rooftop bar of the Red Lion Inn.

So, I drank a couple nightcap tequilas and woke up leisurely at 6:30 a.m. for the ride home, this  time on Wyoming Highway 89.

The drive doesn't go any quicker than I-15, thanks to the stops and starts through all those other Western Wyoming small towns like Etna and Smoot, and that route offers the additional displeasure of witnessing all the small furry animal carcases, beaten into the pavement. JHW

Only three concerts left in the free concert series, shows begin at 7 p.m.: this Thursday is Matisyahu, the rappin' rabbi; August 19 is Big Boi, the lesser praised half of Outcast whose new solo album defies classification; and August 26 is She&Him, also known as M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. www.slcgov.com/arts.

RUVI LEIDER/WWW.MATISYAHUWORLD.COM
The rappin’ rabbi, Matisyahu, plays SLC concert series.


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Get Out: Ride till Twilight | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

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