JACKSON, Wyo. — Summer is water season in the Tetons and Snake River Fest (June 6-8) brings together the river running community each year around peak runoff for three days of competitions, live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The Festival Village Finale concert is Sunday featuring Wyoming’s own Jalan Crossland and Cali’s Boot Juice at Phil Baux Park near the base of Snow King Mountain.
A lot of things have been written about Jalan Crossland over the years, and it can be difficult to convey what boils down to being a charismatic, multi-threat character —virtuosic instrumentalist, singular singer-songwriter, engaging showman, flatpick champ and pure Wyoming roots musician. From his early days of playing in Jackson’s one-room Silver Dollar Bar in the late ’90s/early 2000s to becoming one of the region’s most sought-after acts, he’s a workhorse and an experimenter that can paint a charming impression of a Western derelict, a train-hopping hobo or forgotten one-horse town. The southpaw has been called a “Wyoming treasure” by the Wyoming Arts Council, and in 2013 was bestowed the Governor’s Arts Award for his contributions to the arts in the state — only the second musician to receive the award.
As for Boot Juice, it’s all in the name. From cosmic rock to vibrant Americana and acoustic bluegrass, the seven-piece with horns also brings three-part vocal harmonies and intoxicating doses of soul, blues and sultry appeal. The spirit lies within influences of Levon Helm, Railroad Earth, CCR and Fleetwood Mac. They, like Crossland, are fest favorites that are returning from crowd demand.
Festival Village at Phil Baux Park on Sunday will also have informative educational booths, locally crafted beer and food truck cuisine.
For more information about Friday and Saturday competitions, the Friday night Hoback Hoedown with local cover band Outta Shorts, or the Festival Village gathering, visit SnakeRiverFest.com. Jackson Hole Kayak Club and Snake River Fund co-present the fest.
Snake River Fest presents Boot Juice + Jalan Crossland, 4-8:45 p.m. Sunday June 8 at Phil Baux Park near the base of Snow King Mountain. Free, all-ages.
