Get ready to party in March with a weekend of concerts in downtown Ketchum. The WinterSol Festival will debut on Friday, March 5, with concerts through Saturday, March 6. East Avenue in Ketchum will turn into a main stage concert venue to feature The Wailers on Friday and Soul Asylum with Cracker on Saturday.
"I want to see Sun Valley be a fun and hip place," said Paul Thornton, concert promoter and owner of Thornton and Group. "Since there was no 48 Straight, I thought we could do something and I want to do something."
Thornton was an integral part of the music promotion and shows that took place for The Honda Ski Tour and 48 Straight in Ketchum. The main stage will be similar to The Wailers' appearance at The Honda Ski Tour in January 2007 with bonfires, heaters and concessions and, everyone hopes, warmer weather.
"We have really tried to be conscious with ticket prices due to the economy," Thorton said. "The response from the city and chamber has been open arms."
The weekend will also feature Swollen Members on Friday and Saturday nights at the nexStage Theatre. In addition, the Roosevelt Grille and Tavern will have DJ music by Passafire on Friday and Beats Antique on Saturday. The shows at the nexStage Theatre and Roosevelt will take place at 10 p.m.
The WinterSol Festival will support the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and the 13th annual Janss Pro Am Classic on March 4-6.
Tickets for The Wailers are $27 and for Soul Asylum and Cracker $35. A weekend pass for the main stage shows is $55. Tickets for Swollen Members are $25 and entry for the Roosevelt will be $10. Tickets are on sale at Atkinsons' Markets, Select-a-Seat and by calling (208) 426-1494. For details, visit WinterSolfestival.com.
The Wailers played for the Honda Ski Tour in 2007 and return for much warmer environs for WinterSol Fest. Photo by Willy Cook
