JACKSON, Wyo. — The Virginian has established a new mentality with music and events that leans toward arts-forward, community building. Far from what it once was but not quite what it’s going to be, The Virg’s transition-before-food-service (eventually to revive Billy’s Burgers) is finding its identity with a range of offerings in the Saloon and the larger Wister Hall event space.
Acoustic, roots country and songwriter Americana has been the leading light thus far for live music in the Saloon—a departure from the rowdy classic rock bands of yore. A recent solo acoustic performance brought to mind the “listening room” style vibe that once frequented the space at Dornan’s Spur Bar. But that’s just a piece of pie at The Virg, which also features a rowdier Wednesday karaoke, a weekly Trivia with Crazy Tom on Tuesdays (except March 21), a Teton Co. Library story slam, and deejay nights. Here’s a snapshot of special events in March.
Tonight, March 5 (8-10 p.m. in the Saloon, free) — Classic country and story-driven western themes come together in an acoustic song swap with Danno Simpson and Shawn Hess.
March 10 (8 p.m. to midnight in the Saloon, $20/door, $15/KHOL members) — KHOL’s 15th anniversary week will bring together its talented roster of deejays, including music director KnewJack, spinning tunes ranging from house to soul to hip-hop and beyond.
March 11 (9 p.m. to midnight in the Saloon, free) — Disco Night with multitask master Joe Rudd dropping funk, soul and R&B beats while digging into live saxophone.
March 16 (8-10 p.m. in the Saloon, free) — Powerhouse singer and songwriter Marcedes Carroll will strum originals alongside Americana tributes to Emmylou, Prine and Lucinda.
St. Patty’s Day March 17 (8-11 p.m. in the Saloon, free) — Violinist Matt Herron (One Ton Pig) and multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Aaron Davis (Screen Door Porch) dig into alt-country, folk-blues, gypsy grass, and original WYO-Americana.
March 18 (9 p.m. to midnight in Wister Hall, $60-$71/advance, $82/day-of-show) — Gin & Juice VI brings together lovers of 90’s hip-hop, performed by a local seven-piece band with L.A.-based emcee J. Writing and powerhouse vocalist Missy Jo.
March 21 (7-9 p.m. in Wister Hall, free) — Cabin Fever Story Slam: Getting Away with It. Interested storytellers can throw their name in a hat for a chance to tell a true story without notes, in less than five minutes. Plus free pizza and chance to win prizes. Hosted by Jackson’s MC extraordinaire Jeff Moran and Teton County Library.
March 23-24 (8-10 p.m. Thursday in the Saloon, solo, free; 9 p.m. to midnight Friday in the Saloon, full band, $10) — Bozeman-based, Mississippi-native Cole Decker has a unique style of writing and singing that has led to some comparisons to artists such as Corey Smith and Eric Church, delivering traditional country and southern rock.
March 25 (8-10 p.m. Thursday in the Saloon, $10) — Texas-to-Star Valley rising star Abbey Duncan kicks-off the night (8-10 p.m.) with originals and a love of classic country, Americana and rock ranging from Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton to Ryan Adams and Kacey Musgraves. Cody, Wyoming-based country-folk artist Kalyn Beasley (10 p.m. to midnight) will stage his full band, offering songs and stories are about a western way of life that is rapidly evolving. Beasley will also perform solo 8-10 p.m. on March 30.
