The 2008 free summer concert series for Ketch'em Alive and Jazz in the Park are a sure sign that summer has arrived. This year's lineup for the highly anticipated Tuesday evenings of summer fun include a mix of reggae, world and rock 'n' roll music. Each headliner will have an opening local band. This year, two of the valley's favorite bands, The Heaters and The Bobos, will be headline acts. Ketch'em Alive will take place at Ketchum's Forest Service Park on First and Washington streets. Opening acts will perform at 7 p.m. and headliners will follow at 7:30 p.m.
"We all have to relax and enjoy ourselves," said organizer Will Caldwell, owner of Will Caldwell Gallery. "It's free, fun and everyone is welcome. The children are always the first ones dancing, which is precious and uninhibited. There is something special for parents to dance with their kids in that setting."
Kicking off this summer's Ketch'em Alive will be Too Slim and the Taildraggers, a country rock band from Seattle, Wash. The band is making a return to Ketchum with its danceable and eclectic blend of country-inspired rock 'n' roll.
Opening for Too Slim and the Taildraggers will be the Wood River Valley's very own and talented singer, songwriter and guitarist Sheryl Mae Grace. Grace has a stunning voice, which echoes her amusing and powerful lyrics.
"Ketch'em Alive is sponsored by the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau and the city of Ketchum, but accommodations for the bands are donated by lodges and hotels in the area," Caldwell said. "It's a joy to watch things come together to make summer happen."
Picnics are welcomed and drinks will be available for purchase at Forest Service Park.
Beginning on Sunday, June 22, Jazz in the Park will begin its performances with John Northrup's Jazz Rangers with John Northrup on guitar, Phil Guronsik on saxophone, Jeff Rew on bass, Josh Kelly on drums and Russ Caldwell on conga drums. The concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. every Sunday, ending on July 27.
This summer Jazz in the Park will take place in Ketchum's Rotary Park on Warm Springs Road at the Wood River Bridge across from the YMCA. Picnics are welcomed.
"This is a happening place to connect with locals and find out the pulse and spirit of Ketchum," Caldwell said. "Take advantage of these nights while everyone else around the country is sweltering. We have the perfect temperatures and place in the mountains."
Ketch'em Alive lineup
June 24 ..... Too Slim and the Taildraggers
July 1 .......... Woodbox Gang
July 8.......... Prezident Brown
July 15 ....... Taj Weekes
July 22........ The Bobos
July 29 ....... The Heaters
Aug. 5........... Fareed Haque
Aug. 12.......... Afrodesia
Aug. 19.......... 812 Band
Jazz in the Park
June 22 ..... John Northrup's Jazz Rangers
June 29...... Jeff Rew & Friends
July 6.......... Russ Caldwell
July 13 ....... Onomatopoeia
July 20........ Paul Tillotson
July 27 ....... Allan Pennay Trio with Cheryl Morrell
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