When it comes to family friendly events, there may be no better place to spread one's wings than the Northern Rockies Folk Festival, in Hailey.
Begun by Sun Valley Center for the Arts in 1977, the Northern Rockies Folk Festival long ago became independently run by a loyal board of directors whose president is Pete Kramer and producer is Kit Neraas. Since then, every year another show seems to top the last. Among the amazing performers the stalwart folk festival has presented include Robert Earle Keene, Reckless Kelly, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, The Greencards, Mumbo Gumbo, the subdudes and a host of others.
Like all dysfunctional families there will be differences this year, but it will be the same. Young bands ground both Friday and Saturday, with Marley's Ghost the old guard kicking off for both headliners. The Gourds, headlining on Friday, represent a young brash take on Americana music. As Austin is to Americana, Nashville is to country. On Saturday, the two-day event will climax in a performance by the oft-covered singer/songwriter Radney Foster from Nashville.
There will be food vendors by area non-profits, but attendees are encouraged to bring low-backed chairs, blankets and picnics. Hop Porter Park abuts the Big Wood River and there is an enormous play area for kids.
Marley's Ghost
Formed in 1986, Western swing revivalists Marley's Ghost is known for its pure roots-music, instrumental virtuosity, four-part harmonies and animated performances. It consists of singer/multi-instrumentalists Dan Wheetman, Jon Wilcox, Mike Phelan and Ed Littlefield, Jr.
Interesting fact: The cartoonist R. Crumb illustrated one of their CD packages. Crumb and Wheetman played together in Crumb's string band, the Cheap Suit Serenaders, years ago.
The Gourds
This nationally known band from Austin, Texas consists of Kevin Russell on guitar, mandolin; Jimmy Smith on guitars, bass; Claude Bernard plays accordion, keyboard, guitar; Keith Langford takes on drums; and Max Johnston (formerly of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco) plays fiddles, mandolin, guitar, banjo and lap steel. They are more than a great, roots Americana band. With quirky lyrics and stage presence, they bring an innate sense of humor to their playing. As well, their ability to blend techniques and tones of rock, bluegrass, folk, country and blues, the band's versatility has brought them respect and a boat load of loyal fans.
Steelhead Redd
Founded in 2000 in Montana, Steelhead Redd consists of singer/songwriters Bob Picard, Steve Byers, guitarist Sherrod Parkhouse on lead guitar and singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist Jessica McAleese. A diverse repertoire of original folk/rock and roots music has earned the band a dedicated and ever-growing following throughout the U.S. Intermountain West.
Their musical influences include Greg Brown, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Lucinda Williams and Shawn Mullins. The Idaho State Journal wrote that Steelhead Redd's music is "gutsy, melodic folk-rock featuring two excellent lead singers and plentiful tight harmonies."
Kim Stocking Band
This beloved Wood River Valley band is made up of Kim Stocking on vocals; Mike Saul on acoustic and electric guitar; Chip Booth on mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar; Jeremy Hadden on bass and Troy Tadlock on drums. The Kim Stocking band uses both acoustic and electric instruments for a sound that ranges from country to rock to folk. This tight band has played the festival so many times they are a kind of house band.
Jeremiah James Gang
This Idaho band rocks the house on every outing. A little bit outlaw country with a dash of folk storytelling, the Jeremiah James Gang plays original material as well as covers of everything from Hank Williams to Hank III. Some of their influences are Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gram Parsons, Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Brothers, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead and Uncle Tupelo.
The Damphools
In only a year, this Hailey based band has gained an incredible following. They are playing everywhere from Stanley on south, constantly. The band consists of Troy "Chue" Hartman, Tony "Berger" Pfau, Richard "Rico" Hood and Kent Mueller, who is also a member of the Ketchum based band the Cosmic Beans.
Among the band's influences are an eclectic range of bands like Sonic Youth and AC/DC, Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and B.B. King. Its original songs include titles such as "Memories in My Drink," "Get Gone," "Hurdy-Gurdy Girls" and "The Devil Lives in New York and She's Got a Condo in L.A."
Finn Riggins
Original and hard working, Finn Riggins of Hailey is hard to pin down. The trio rocks and rolls, while embracing a kind of "psych-country." Vocals come via the steady voice of Lisa Simpson, who also plays keyboard and guitar. Her band mates/best friends/house mates (they met in college and have been together ever since) are Eric Gilbert on guitar and keyboards, and Cameron Bouiss on drums, percussion and steel drums. The band has a playful and experimental style, a combination of post-rock, folk and what the band calls "psych-country."
Sheryll Mae Grace
A prodigy of sorts, 22-year-old Sheryll Mae Grace of Hailey has a gorgeous jazzy voice that is reminiscent of Ani Difranco, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keyes. She plays lovely gypsy folk guitar based music. Her new album "Mariposa" was written while on a six-month whirlwind road trip. She calls her sound down home jazz. Expect the unexpected.
NRFF Schedule
Where: Hailey City Park a.k.a. Hop Porter Park.
When: Friday, Aug. 1.
5 p.m. - Steelhead Redd
6:45 p.m. - Marley's Ghost
8:30 p.m. - The Gourds
Saturday, Aug. 2
12:30 p.m. - Sheryll Mae Grace
1:30 p.m. - Finn Riggins
2:45 p.m. - The Damphools
4 p.m. - Jeremiah James Band
5:15 p.m. - Kim Stocking Band
7 p.m. - Marley's Ghost
8:30 p.m. - Radney Foster
Tickets: Notes Music in Hailey, Chapter One Bookstore and Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber Info booth, Town Square, Ketchum.
For details visit, nrff.net.
