Whiskey Jacques was more than a place to gather with friends. It was the place where live music and dancing reigned supreme nearly every night of the week for years upon years. A small stage, a modicum of a dance floor, tables and in some cases the bars themselves lent to a vibrant, party atmosphere that engaged visitors and made devotees of residents.
Among the bands that played at the legendary saloon in the early years were Kipp Attaway, Racin' Rhythm, The Range Hoods, Dynatones, Guess Who, Eke A Mouse, Louie Fontaine, the Shirelles, the Tubes, Barbecue Bob and the Bobos, the Vuarnettes and the Heaters.
There has even been theater of a sort on the stage at Whiskey's. Ketchum resident Chris Millspaugh presented "The Whoop Show" beginning in the late 1970s when the late Mike Martin owned the saloon. "It was a local comedy variety show depicting the events of the week," Millspaugh said. "Mike was the greatest guy to work for. We used to get great crowds there. The Vuarnettes started there, too."
As well, during 48Straight this past winter, Company of Fools presented "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea."
Whiskey's became a regular stop on the Northwest touring route.
Fondly remembered shows featured such musicians as the String Cheese Incident, Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motor Cars, Eric McFadden, Leftover Salmon, Jude Bowerman, Don Carlos, The English Beat, Burning Spear, Collective Soul, Slightly Stoopid, Vinyl, Lez Zeppelin, Trey Anastasio, Garaj Mahal, Liquid Soul, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, North Mississippi All Stars, Born Lyrics, Melvin Seals and JGB, and even 2 Live Crew.
Before he was a household name and while still a teenager, Derek Trucks played Whiskey's. Jerry Joseph, Steve Kimock and Norton Buffalo all appeared several times, as did Willie Waldman Project, Carlos Washington, Banyan, Left Hand Smoke and Tony Furtado.
Boise bands such as Crash Four, Colobo and the retro disco group Soul Purpose played frequently. Salt Lake City band Marmalade Hill took the stage for several New Year's Eve parties.
Paraphrasing Willie Nelson, the town is now taking up the refrain: "Whiskey Jacques', don't run dry. You're all I've got, take care of me."
Now it's our turn.
Whiskey Jacques was the longest running dance club in Ketchum
