JACKSON HOLE, WYO –The Teton County Board of Commissioners and the Teton County Fair Board announced today that acclaimed music icon Robert Earl Keen will headline the 2018 Teton County Fair Concert on July 25. Local band WYO, which traces its roots to Jackson Hole, will open the free show.
Keen, 62, will play for the 62nd running of the Teton County Fair so that must mean something.
Robert Earl Keen is an Americana singer-songwriter whose career spans more than three decades and eighteen records. He is a legend of his own making. A pioneer of Texas red dirt country—although his music transcends labels—Keen’s fan-driven success draws from a mix of convention-flouting instrumentals, soulful songwriting and tireless energy he brings to the stage. An inductee of the Texas Songwriters’ Hall of Fame and the first recipient of BMI’s Troubadour Award, Keen has collaborated with many of music’s most recognized names, including Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crowe and Eric Church, among others.
Keen’s long list of accomplishments have only served to invigorate his music further, and his grassroots appeal continues to sell out arenas across the country.
“I never thought of my music in terms of getting to be a star,” Keen says. “I thought about it in terms of having a really good career and writing some good songs, and getting onstage and having a good time.”
Blazing its own path of success with unique soundscapes inspired by Jackson Hole’s rugged beauty, WYO’s unapologetic exploration of acoustic depths—which still keeps a foot in traditional rock heritage—will complement Keen’s set. Led by front man Andy Sorge, who grew up in Jackson, WYO’s cross-genre fusion has been garnering attention across the West Coast. The band teamed up with Los Angeles-based producer Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Pete Yorn and others) on their second album, released this spring. Their music, Sorge explains, seeks to embody the spirit of Wyoming—wild, alive and dynamic.
For several years the Wednesday night, free-to-the-public concert has kicked off the Teton County Fair—which, now in its 62nd year, remains a staple of the Jackson Hole community. Building on the event’s growing popularity, this year’s concert will feature even greater community participation, including activities and presentations from local nonprofits, businesses and food and beverage providers.
“Our goal is to give everyone in the community a reason to come out, enjoy a great show and to experience some of the amazing work individuals and organizations are doing in the valley,” said Emily Feuz-Beardsley, chairman of the Fair Board. “The concert is a great way to bring together the area’s diverse demographics in one place, not only to celebrate Jackson Hole’s heritage, but also the directions we are headed.”
The Teton County Fair Concert will be held on the Grassy Arena of the Fairgrounds (350 W. Snow King Ave.). The event is free to the public and general admission. Tickets are not required. Gates open at 5:00pm and music begins at 6:30pm. Chairs and blankets are welcome. Bags are subject to search. Food and beverage will be available through vendor booths. All individuals must present ID to purchase or consume alcohol.
