The Mountain Music Guide

Words by John Caldwell 

 

’Tis the season of long days, warm nights, bright lights, and exceptional live music. Below is what we’re recommending for live shows this summer in the Mountain West.

ALTA, WYOMING

JULY 13-15

Targhee Fest

Established in 2005, Targhee Fest quickly rose to prominence as one of the best music festivals in the West. This year’s lineup includes Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, funky METERS, The Wood Brothers, Hard Working Americans, JJ Grey and Mofro, and many more.

grandtarghee.com

AUGUST 10-12

31st Annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival

This is the grandaddy of all bluegrass fests in the Northern Rockies. When you’re not grooving to the twanginess, check out the Targhee Music Camp and learn a thing or two. This year’s lineup features Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, I’m With Her, Fruition, Billy Strings, and much more.

grandtarghee.com

PARK CITY, UTAH

ALL SUMMER

The Big Stars, Bright Nights Summer 2018 concert series is back at it again with an exceptional list of talent including:

Grace Potter – Jul. 13

Chris Blue – Jul. 23

Corinne Bailey Rae – Aug. 10

Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers – Aug. 16

The Wallflowers – Aug. 24

parkcity.institute

JACKSON, WYOMING

EVERY SUNDAY

JULY 15 – AUGUST 26

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Concerts on the Commons

Every summer some excellent and free live music is on offer in the scenic locale of Teton Village. Highlights for this year are as follows:

HoneyHoney – Jul. 15

Dragondeer – Jul. 29

Shook Twins – Aug. 5

jacksonhole.com

AUGUST 1

The Center for the Arts

The Center Presents Rickie Lee Jones

Ever since 1978 this two-time Grammy winner has been making pop music that is fearlessly experimental. And like a fine wine, she just keeps getting better with age.

jhcenterforthearts.org

VAIL, COLORADO

JULY 20-27

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

New York Philharmonic

America’s very first symphony orchestra, the New York Philharmonic continues to play a leading role in the international cultural landscape. Part of the Bravo!Vail summer concert series, this is an experience not to be missed.

bravovail.org

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

JULY 29 – AUGUST 3

Sun Valley Summer Symphony IN FOCUS Series 2018

This season’s series will take an in-depth look at the repertoire of Mozart and his influences on contemporary music in the downright gorgeous setting of the Sun Valley Pavilion. General admission is free.

AUGUST 6

Gala 2018 Featuring Chris Botti

Since 2004, Chris Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumental jazz artist in the entire world. Witness the sounds from his horn expand beyond the limits of a single genre as he’s backed by the exceptional Sun Valley Symphony.

svsummersymphony.org

ASPEN, COLORADO

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 2

Snowmass Town Park

The JAS Experience invites you to rock out all Labor Day Weekend at Snowmass Town Park. This year’s lineup is truly impressive:

Lionel Richie – Aug. 31

Michael Franti & Spearhead – Aug. 31

Jack Johnson – Sept. 1

Fitz and the Tantrums – Sept. 1

Bahamas – Sept. 1

Zac Brown Band – Sept. 2

Gary Clark Jr. – Sept. 2

The Record Company – Sept. 2

jazzaspensnowmass.org

SNOWBASIN, UTAH

AUGUST 3-4

Snowbasin Resort

TrouBeliever Fest. Check out our Q and A with festival co-founder Anna Wilson here.