By MATT FURBER
For the Idaho Mountain Express
It's cool to be bad, but the founders of the beneficent Back Alley Parties, which have brought a new sense of vitality to Main Street in Hailey and the Wicked Spud restaurant, have brewed up a party that is hot because it does good. Don't take my word for it. Stop by tonight, Wednesday, May 31, and groove to some of the popular music the Wood River Valley has to offer.
In its third season, the Back Alley Parties host 14 Wednesday evening, live music performances this summer, raising money for a different valley non-profit each week. Although the alley behind the burger joint is still a key place for the mid-week mingle, the action has shifted to the new "Spark" at the Spud complete with a stage.
Dana DuGan dreamed up the idea of mixing music with community fundraising three years ago in her kitchen with co-conspirator Heidi Albrecht.
Albrecht explained that the serious purpose behind all the fun and funkiness is to raise money for organizations that give back to the community. "Local bands and local benefits—it's a huge family event," DuGan said, emphasizing the word family. "It's an easy way for individuals to actually give a little when it might not be possible to write a check. We'd love even more people to come down to help the weekly beneficiaries, including the people who can hear the music from their porches."
The first beneficiary of the summer is for the Blaine County Museum, which is in the process of raising money to expand and improve its facility, across Main Street from the Spud. As part of the ritual for the Back Alley Parties, Budweiser donates a keg of beer and raffle tickets for items donated by businesses are sold. These activities raise money for the selected non-profit; the business done during the event by the Wicked Spud is separate.
Of course, free live music and a few surprises are always on hand. First up is the Sonics, who will be accompanied by historian Ivan Swaner sharing his wisdom and Main Street heritage. Perhaps he'll even rattle off a list of the numerous taverns that lined Hailey city streets long before the Spud opened its doors.
This summer, with 14 weeks of music, DuGan and Albrecht hope their concept for promoting grassroots support for community organizations will raise even more green for the beneficiaries of the week. "The more raffle tickets we sell the more we can give," Albrecht said.
DuGan and Albrecht also see the parties as an opportunity for citizens to get informed about what the beneficiaries have to offer the community.
This year the duo is particularly excited to have legendary Idaho musician Muzzie Braun as one of the featured acts when the Advocates for Domestic Violence get a turn at the Spud on July 26.
In terms of family fun, everything goes in the alley. However, the family pet needs to stay at home when its people cut loose, DuGan and Albrecht emphasized. The parties have become so popular that the producers now include security to help everyone have a good time, including the neighbors and the health department.
"There's been a few speed bumps in the alley," Albrecht said candidly. "But, they've been ironed out," DuGan rebutted emphatically. The parties succeed because the community gets behind them and many individuals pitch in time and energy for the cause, Albrecht said.
"The Spud owners Mike Broman and Steve Hogan are our guardian angels," DuGan said. The dusty alley certainly has been upgraded with the addition of the grassy "Spark" complete with a palapa, giant chess board and a stage.
"We must have fun at all costs or you grow old and never dance," Albrecht said earnestly with a slightly wicked smile.
See you tonight, and if you come for dinner don't forget your spork.
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Back Alley Parties
Shows are free and start at 5:30/6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Proceeds from raffle tickets and Budweiser sales go to a designated charity each week. Visit figgleafproductions.com for more details.
May 31: Sonics/Blaine County Museum
June 7: Deaf Dog/Environmental Resource Center
June 14: 812 Band/Wood River Land Trust
June 21: School of Rock & Hoodwink/Hailey Fire and Ice!
June 28: Straight Up/Camp Rainbow Gold
July 5: Acoustic Night—Henry Allen, Will Bell, Spud Boys & Fabulous Spas/Papoose Club
July 12: Fred Crabtree & Kim Stocking Band/Smart Growth
July 19: Maladies & Public Radio/Expedition Inspiration
July 26: Muzzie Braun & Red Headed Fiddler/Advocates for Survivors
Aug. 2: 812 Band/Animal Shelter of WRV
Aug. 9: Slow Children Playing/Snake River Alliance
Aug. 16: Hat Trick & Sonics/Wood River Hospice
Aug. 23: Paul Kaiser & Wickahoney Crossing/ Crisis Hotline
Aug. 30: Cosmic Beans/Wood River Fire and Rescue
Ümlaüt rocks the Back Alley Party last summer. The weekly fundraisers kick off tonight and last throughout the summer. Photo by David N. Seelig
