JH Underground – news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson is getting its own version of Music on Main this summer.

After years of talk by various promoters, the new operators of the Snow King Center rink have organized a free concert series similar to the outdoor shows that have been a hit in Teton Valley, Idaho.

Here’s the schedule, with a sixth event yet to come:

Saturday, June 23 — The Dunwells
Saturday, July 7 — Boom Chick
Wednesday, July 25 — Justin Townes Earle
Wednesday, Aug. 5 — The Features
Sunday, Aug. 26 — Robert Randolph and the Family Band

Local bands will open. Beer and food concessions and sponsorships will pay for the music, and any remaining proceeds will go to youth hockey and skating programs at the rink. The shows are open to all ages.

The biggest name on the slate is Randolph, who first played the Teton area at the Knotty Pine in 2002. Since then the pedal steel player has returned to open for the Black Crowes in 2006 and play the Jackson Hole Music Festival in 2008.

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Posted under Economy, Music, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: festivals, music on main, pink garter, snow king, teton valley

What if you traveled 1,000 miles to stage a gruesome abortion protest and no one could see it?

Props to the ranchers and moving truck owners for heading downtown on business this morning.

(Via Jackson Hole United)

Posted under Politics, Religion, Wyoming

Tags: cowboys, sex

For weeks I’ve been hearing — via tips from readers — that Snow King Resort has been or is nearing a deal to be sold. Managing partner Manuel Lopez has been typically coy, either denying rumors or not responding to calls.

This week Lopez did reveal plans for more recreational amenities on the mountain, including two zip lines, yurts, some sort of roller coaster, a ropes course and bike park.

The News&Guide reports: “The plan to keep the ski hill financially viable focuses on five areas: an activity center near the hotel, a camp near the top of the Rafferty lift, a gateway into the property at the corner of Cache Street and Snow King Avenue, a yurt area on the south side of the mountain and another activity area at the summit.”

While it is heartening to hear the resort aims to honor its commitment to providing recreational facilities — after initially seeking to divest itself of the ski area while selling the hotel and development rights — this latest plan is a bit of a head scratcher.

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Posted under Economy, Environment, Politics, Ski Resorts, Sports, Town Government

Tags: development, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snow king, snowboarding, tourists

From Fish Creek to the Hudson, folks know a good breakfast.

Nora’s, the rustic eatery in Wilson, received a James Beard Foundation award Monday night at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York. The restaurant was one of five chosen as “America’s Classics” for “timeless appeal, beloved in its region for quality food that reflects the character of its community.”

The Empire State Building was lit in orange for the occasion. Restaurant founder Nora Tygum did not attend, but her daughter, co-owner Kathryn Tygum Taylor, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

A crew filmed this video for the Beard Foundation in March. A starring role goes to Nora’s huevos rancheros, after a hot plate of which I always go home, as Kathryn says, fulfilled.

Posted under Food

Tags: restaurants

Now that Jackson has become a destination resort for anti-abortion protesters, residents are responding in creative ways.

First Brad Watsabaugh started a Facebook campaign called Protecting ElkFest with Love. Then an even bigger group formed, Jackson Hole United, that sought to deflect and defuse the first round of protests earlier this week.

The town’s decision to restrict free speech last summer backfired horribly, giving the zealots what they seek most: conflict. Having raised considerable publicity and cash following their organizers’ arrest, the crazies announced their intention to return to the Boy Scout antler auction and ElkFest on May 19. And even crazier crazies joined the fray this week.

Before Brad and Jackson Hole United took action, several of us had discussed exercising our right to free speech in concert with the protests. Send a message using the contact tab above if you want in. It ought to be amusing.

“Rather than feeding the hatred and ugliness that the abortion protestors thrive on, we will surround and drown them in love and compassion!” reads the purpose of Protecting Elkfest with Love. Add humor to the mix.

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Posted under Politics, Religion, Republican Party, Town Government

Tags: cops, sex

Because everyone needs to unleash their inner Frank the Tank from time to time.

Held during one of the biggest blizzards of the winter, the Gelande Quaffing World Championships hit new heights this year, as depicted in some of the acrobatic moves from the freestyle final round. David Stubbs takes us behind the scenes and into the thick of the foam-flying beer chugging competition.

I’m sending this out in tribute to MCA, Adam Yauch, of the Beastie Boys.
“Your mom busted in and said, ‘What’s that noise?’ …”

(Via A Vivid Eye)

Posted under Entertainment, Humor, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: beer, david stubbs, jackson hole mountain resort, skids, skiing, snowboarding