Horseshoe Music Festival jams beyond the music

JACKSON, Wyo. — Folklore tells us that a horseshoe brings good luck, strength, protection from evil, even a means to trick the devil. An old wives’ tale, perhaps, but when speaking with Horseshoe Music Festival founders Lisa Hadley Betts and Duane Betts, the strength and vision to go the extra mile is playing out both on and off stage. Not all modern festivals are created equal, from bare bones to high-end amenities. At Horseshoe this Friday and Saturday, the amount of offerings beyond the music, both free and premium, are creating a unique experience for attendees.

Now in its third year and dawning a new era in the grassy space at the Teton County Fairgrounds, the two-day festival has a star-studded musician lineup, but will also feature a wellness retreat and free day events — a fashion show, a marketplace with local vendors, native land ceremony and performance, community yoga, Gibson guitar museum, and a songwriter showdown. Top-notch chefs will deliver farm-to-table offerings via a rustic kitchen and Slow Food in the Tetons, matched with curated cocktails in the VIP experience.

Let’s groove with the music offerings. Duane’s legacy, as son of one of the greatest guitarists of all time from one of the greatest blues-rock bands of all time, puts him in a unique position. As a monster guitarist himself, Duane basically grew up on the road — performing with his dad’s band, forming relationships, honing his craft as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, band leader and touring musician that is constantly jumping between projects and sitting in with other acts. Gathering his longtime friends and collaborators is a labor of love, but also an undertaking.

“This group of musicians has played together in various forms and combinations many times over the years, most of us anyway,” Duane explained after landing in Jackson Hole following an extensive tour, including a performance at the Kennedy Center. “We all really thrive in this environment of improvisation and unique, themed setlists. We all really trust each other and know that at the end of the day, it’s really about having fun! If it’s fun, it’s probably pretty damn good.”

“We look forward to having a fantastic couple nights of music,” he said. “We couldn’t be more excited to try some new songs out and really get into the grooves.”

Fans of jamband, funk, blues-rock, groove, Americana and improvisational Southern rock will especially be served, with a musical theme each night. Both Friday and Saturday will kick off with opening acts including Mattie Schell (Friday), Aaron Davis & the Mystery Machine (Friday), Frank Hannon (Saturday) and Erika & Alex Orbison (Saturday). Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel will then take stage, featuring his original music. Closing each night will be the 14-member rotating super group, including eclectic guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter Jackie Greene, legendary guitarist Steve Kimock, vocalist/songwriter Nicki Bluhm, Frank Hannon of Tesla, and North Mississippi Allstars’ drummer Cody Dickinson, among others. Friday’s super group theme is “Skulls & Peaches” with music inspired by Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers Band, while Saturday’s theme is and Sunday is “Soul of the South.”

Duane’s musical experience, combined with his wife Lisa’s 27-year stint as a Jackson Hole local and designer, is a solid toolbox for what makes Horseshoe special.

“Part of what we do and why it’s so special is the experience for the artists,” Lisa explained. “At a typical festival, artists get limited time to hang out. At Horseshoe, artists really get to spend quality time together, collaborating and just having a good time.”

Also singular to this festival is the installation of Gibson instruments directly tied to the The Allman Brothers. “Gibson Presents: The Allman Brothers Band Museum” offers a peak inside The Big House — the legendary band’s original home in Macon, Georgia, now a museum. The showcase will bring a rich collection of iconic instruments, personal artifacts, rare photos and memorabilia to Horseshoe, offering a window into the band’s daily lives and creative journey.

According to Gibson, participants can touch and hold “a variety of Gibson instruments including similar guitars to those the Allman Brothers played. Gibson Gives will also be auctioning guitars signed by the band, with proceeds donated to the Dickey Betts Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College of Music.”

“We are working so hard for it, trying to create a more intimate festival experience,” Lisa said. “This new venue is a great thing for us and the national reach is really special with Gibson guitars involved and the livestream with Nugs.net.”

Both nights will be live-streamed on the Nugs.net platform.

The Betts Present Horseshoe Music Festival, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13. Tickets: $85/daily or $138/two-day pass; free for kids under 6; $38/night for ages 7-17. VIP packages start at $351/day. Visit HorseshoeMusicFestival.com for more information about after-parties and VIP details.

Additional events

A Rhythm Retreat & Mainstage Songwriter Showdown will be hosted by Medicine Wheel Wellness founder Francine Bartlett. The retreat combines the perfect harmony between self care, healing and breathwork. Expect a curated series of classes and treatments during the day, a la carte sessions and special experience for the evening’s music. These are separate tickets from the festival. Retreat tickets are $420. Songwriter Showdown is $40 and requires video for registration. More information here.