JACKSON, Wyo. — Build it and they will come. The 4th Annual King Concerts kick-off show with Thievery Corporation and Ozomatli is this Saturday and it’s arguably the most anticipated local concert series lineup of all-time. Thirteen of fifteen shows are sold out. Here’s what to expect for Saturday and a glimpse into the rest of the fantastically diverse lineup.
Appearing to be the lone co-bill across the nation featuring the lineup of Thievery Corporation with Ozomatli, the longevity of these two acts and their influence on modern music cannot be overstated. Both acts have been continuously successful for 30 years, both have won Grammys (three for Ozomatli), and both acts are known for their legendary stage performances.
Initially known for making chilled-out, abstract, mid-tempo, instrumental dance music that bordered groovy acid jazz and trip-hop, Thievery Corporation’s masterminds Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have incredible ears and masterful production skills that have evolved the group’s sound all over the map. Hilton rarely tours, though it doesn’t seem to affect the live experience, as experienced in 2008 at their Snow King Ballfield performance. The duo’s vast knowledge of world music from Brazilian to French and Indian to soulful funk grooves now translates into a full live band show that features three vocalists.
Celebrating three decades of music, madness, and familia, Ozomatli’s 30Revolutions Nationwide Tour is their biggest in years. (The band’s last local appearance was March of 2009 for the end-of-ski-season blowout at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort). They bring a global block party that mashes cumbia with funk, hip-hop with salsa, and activism with joy. Think high-energy musical diplomacy brings bonus good karma—$1 from every ticket supports mental health services for music industry professionals via Sweet Relief and Backline. Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Raul Pacheco took a few minutes out of the tour grind to reminisce.
Buckrail: Three decades is truly amazing, and having six original members as the core touring unit is Rolling Stones-level longevity. Could you speak to the reasons behind the success and longevity of the band with these six members, and also the decision to tour as a smaller ensemble versus the bigger, up to 10-piece ensembles, of previous tours?
Raul Pacheco: Thirty years, man, that’s no small thing. I think what’s kept us going is that at our core, we actually like each other. Doesn’t mean we don’t fight or get on each other’s nerves—we do, like family—but the love and respect runs deep. We’ve been through so much together, personally and professionally, and we’ve always found a way to show up. That’s really it. You keep showing up. For the music, for each other, for the people who still come to hear us play.
As for touring as six, part of it is practical—these days, touring is a beast. Costs are up, everything’s tighter. But the truth is, the six of us bring a full show. We’ve learned how to adapt and keep that energy high. Doesn’t mean we don’t love when we can bring the full crew out but we also take pride in being able to rock a stage lean and loud.
Buckrail: In an ever-increasingly challenging touring environment was the decision to include “$1 from every ticket supports mental health services for music industry professionals” a tough decision? With a grinding tour schedule, how do you guys stay mentally healthy on the road?
Raul Pacheco: Honestly, it wasn’t a hard decision. It was a necessary one. We’ve all had our own struggles with burnout, grief, depression—this industry will chew you up if you don’t take care of your mind and spirit. Partnering with Sweet Relief and Backline felt like the right thing to do—not just for us, but for everyone out there grinding, playing, hauling gear, living out of vans and hotel rooms.
And yeah, the tour schedule can be brutal. You miss your family. You’re sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated, and someone’s always sick. But we’ve learned some tricks: stretching, eating better (most days), talking it out, giving each other space when we need it. And when that’s not enough—we lean on each other. We’ve been through therapy, loss, new kids, old parents—all of it. Mental health isn’t something we whisper about anymore. It’s part of the gig now.
Here’s a peak at the full lineup for the 4th Annual King Concerts. Gates open at 5 p.m. for most shows. Confirm show times and ticket information at SnowKingMountain.com.
June 7 — Thievery Corporation + Ozomatli (DJ Oh!Nassi kicks off the KHOL King Concerts After-Party series at 10 p.m. at the Aurora Restaurant following the show.)
June 13 — Big Head Todd & The Monsters
July 5 — Luke Grimes + Carter Faith
July 6 — Modest Mouse
July 8 — Primus + Ty Segall
July 12 — De La Soul + Digable Planets + Soul Rebels
July 15 — Shane Smith & The Saints + Houndmouth
July 18 — Slightly Stoopid + DENM
July 27 — Flatland Cavalry + Colby Acuff
July 31 — Muscadine Bloodline
August 17 — Marcus King Band + Cecilia Castleman
August 19 — Wilco
August 24 — Damian “Jr. Gong” & Stephen Marley + J Boog
August 31 — KALEO + Early James
September 3 — Rainbow Kitten Surprise
