Stanton Moore brings the improvisational Garage A Trois, featuring Marco Benevento on keys and Skerik on sax, to the Knotty on Sept. 7.

The Knotty Pine comes through yet again. Just as other music venues are preparing to shutter for off-season, Ye Olde Victor Supper Club has posted a slew of dates to see us through the fall.

The highlight is the powerhouse quartet Garage A Trois on Sept. 7, with Galactic drummer Stanton Moore, keyboardist Marco Benevento, demon saxophonist Skerik and percussionist Mike Dillon. Tickets are just $15, likely to sell out.

Also on the slate are several reggae shows: Richie Spice on Sept. 26 ($17) and Passafire with Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds ($10) on Oct. 6.

Skerik and Dillon return to close out the run Oct. 19 with The Dead Kenny G’s, who are billed thusly: “The jazz performed by The Dead Kenny G’s is just as irreverent as its name suggests.”

For the full lineup, check out the Knotty’s new web site.

If only we hadn't waged two wars in the Middle East, perhaps we could have helped these people more.

Tickets are available for the Sept. 16 talk by Valentino Achak Deng at Jackson Hole High School. Pick them up for free at Valley Bookstore, Jackson Hole Book Traders and Main Event. Limit two per person.

Deng, one of the so-called “Lost Boys of Sudan,” tells an extraordinary tale of human suffering and survival in the biographical work of fiction What is the What. Brilliantly written by Dave Eggers, the book chronicles Deng’s exodus from his native Marial Bai in western Sudan to refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. The story is told through the prism of Deng’s experiences as a refugee resettled in America, raising additional questions about our own culture.

Coincidentally, I read the book earlier this summer when it was featured in a Teton County Library book group. The library has a dozen or more copies if anyone would like to organize their own group reading in advance of Deng’s talk; contact Marisa for details. (The book is classified as fiction because parts of it were compiled from Deng’s earliest recollections.)

The story is at once horrifying, profound, inspiring, and will leave you wanting to make an immediate donation to the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation for education in southern Sudan. I cannot wait to see this man in person.

Jon Stewart and The Daily Show continue to roast the “Ground Zero mosque” furor in hilarious fashion.

At the center of Rupert Murdoch’s insidious web of terror funding is his media partner, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

Prince Alwaleed, you’ll recall, was the Saudi royal who had Jackson Hole abuzz with his eccentric and extravagant stay at Four Seasons in 2004, replete with snowboarding dwarves (later tossed around for the entourage’s amusement).

The prince has been an investor in Four Seasons, as well as Citigroup, Murdoch’s NewsCorp. and Apple. His Kingdom Foundation sponsors no doubt hundreds of humanitarian and educational initiatives, in addition to the proposed Park51 project — which makes the Fox fearmongering so ridiculous.

I’m with Wyatt: Evil.

(Video from The Daily Show, via TPM)

Trumpeter Willie Waldman, at right, exults while playing with Jackson bassist Andy Calder, DJ Logic and a host of musicians at 43 North in 2007.

Tonight What’s Good Here? Productions presents the last of its summer concerts with DJ Logic and Willie Waldman with The Dovekins at Town Square Tavern.

Waldman, the avant-garde trumpeter, and turntable master Logic played together at 43 North in 2007 with the Jackson band Fat Albert. The jam turned into a funk and artistic throwdown, with painter Norton Wisdom rendering outrageous scenes on stage.

The Dovekins, a hipster gypsy band from Denver self-styled as “drop-out barbershop” and “psychedelic cowboy,” were the inspiration for the first concerts at the Bait Shop, the promoters’ house and fishing landmark on Millward Street.

Showtime is 10 p.m. $5 cover at the door.

Leslie Petersen is a former rodeo rider from Dubois turned realtor, while Matt Mead, an attorney and rancher, is the grandson of the late Wyoming Gov. and U.S. Sen. Cliff Hansen. Both have strong Jackson Hole ties.

There likely will be a recount, and who knows, perhaps there are some hanging chads in Meeteetse, but it appears attorney Matt Mead has won the Republican primary for Wyoming governor.

If the results hold, Mead will face Democratic stalwart Leslie Petersen, meaning two candidates with Teton County roots will square off for the state’s highest executive office.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports Mead ahead of State Auditor Rita Meyer by 714 votes with 100 percent of precincts reporting.

Ten of the 11 specific-purpose tax proposals on the ballot in Teton County passed, with voters rejecting only the Jackson Hole Museum by a slim margin.

Thank you to everyone who voted in favor of improving the Snake River access at Wilson. Someday we will have a great park there that does justice to the majesty of the river. The Snake won’t wait.

Today's vote offers a chance to lay the groundwork for quality river facilities at Wilson and South Park.

Whether voting in the Republican or Democratic primaries, everyone will have a say on 11 specific-purpose excise tax, or SPET, projects in today’s election.

SPET is not a new tax. It is one cent of sales tax that has been collected for 25 years and used to fund projects such as construction of the rec center and bike and pedestrian pathways throughout the county. The 11 projects on the ballot are not competing against each other; the more that pass, the longer the tax will be collected for. If all 11 were to pass, it is estimated the tax would be assessed for about four years, after which new projects could be proposed.

The only way the tax would not be levied is if all 11 projects fail. That is not going to happen, so suck it up. The one cent amounts to about $50 per resident per year. Tourists pay roughly half the tax or more, and the influx of these dollars into the local economy — especially for construction work — is significant. Teton County could use a few more jobs on projects with actual community benefits.

Following is the list of propositions as they appear on the ballot, with my analysis below each.

Proposition #1

Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center Roof, Pool, and General Capital Repair and Planning Funds for Expansion

$1,465,420 for the funding of the design, planning, engineering, and construction of necessary roof, pool, and general capital repair and replacement of existing infrastructure in the Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Center. Also, for the funding of the design, planning, and engineering of a facility expansion to include wellness and fitness opportunities; community gathering space; youth, family and senior recreational areas; and associated infrastructure. This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: Everyone is in favor of “less government,” until they show up with their kid and find the rec center closed. This facility is one of the most heavily used in the community, by all segments. Upgrading the infrastructure is a smart investment.

Proposition #2

START Transit Facility and Public Works Maintenance Facility Planning, Design, and Basic Infrastructure Needs

$3,250,000 for the acquisition of land and/or easements, site planning, engineering and construction costs of a co-located START Transit Facility and Public Works Maintenance Facility. Construction costs shall specifically be for infrastructure (streets, water, sewer, storm water, etc.) necessary to begin construction of this facility at a later date with other funds. This project is sponsored by the Town of Jackson.

Verdict: What a shame that START is always panhandling for funds, hat in hand. This valley cannot sustain more people until we have a free, comprehensive bus system. Too bad the proposal isn’t for more money, and the bus barn isn’t slated for a better location than Karns Meadow.

Proposition #3

Teton County Library Addition and Improvements

$8,450,000 for the funding of the design, planning, engineering, constructing, equipping, collections, and furnishing of an 11,000 square foot addition to and improvements to the current main county library located at 125 Virginian Lane. The improvements to the current library structure shall include upgraded and energy efficient building systems and improved parking/entryway and landscaping. Any excess funds, including any unused contingency funds, shall be placed into a designated account, the principal and interest of which shall be used for operations and maintenance of the library located at 125 Virginian Lane. To the extent necessary and allowed by law, the pledge to or payment of debt service and/or lease payments thereon the project. This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: Ouch, a lot of money. But the library serves 1,100 visitors a day, and some of the tax funding will pay for more computers and better technology. Library visits have increased fourfold since the existing facility was planned in 1994. Institutions like the library are critical in these economic times, and anything the community can do to fight ignorance is a wise investment. Let’s hope there’s a lot of money left over for operations and maintenance, as unfortunately the library has had to trim staff this year.

Proposition #4

St. John’s Hospital Cancer/Surgery/Obstetrics Project

$11,750,000 for the funding of design, planning, engineering, constructing, equipping and furnishing the upgrade and expansion of existing hospital facilities in the areas of Cancer/Oncology, Surgery, and Obstetrics. To the extent necessary and allowed by law, the pledge to or payment of debt service and/or lease payments thereon the project. This project is sponsored by the Teton County Hospital District, d/b/a St. John’s Medical Center.

Verdict: Ho, ho, ho, it wasn’t long ago that the St. John’s board was trying to take the hospital private — shutting the public out of the decision-making process. But here’s the hospital again looking to feed at the public trough. In fairness, there’s a new board that finally seems to have straightened out the kids-fighting-in-a-sandbox mess of hospital management, and this proposal lays the privatization debate to rest. The money would go to obstetrics and the cancer unit, the latter of which has drawn universal praise of the highest order from those who have been treated there. Hard to argue against babies and cancer patients. Alas, none of the money will go toward making medical care any more affordable for the community.

Proposition #5

Museum of Jackson Hole

$4,000,000 for the continued design, planning, engineering, construction, equipping, and furnishing of the building located at 225 North Cache Street to be utilized as a history museum. The funds shall also be used for museum exhibit design and fabrication. This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: This is the most convoluted of the proposals, given that the county already has appropriated millions for what historically has been a seldom-visited attraction. But apparently the blame lies in faulty construction, which wasn’t discovered until after the building was purchased. No matter; we’re already deep into this project and might as well finish. How else is the Historical Society to raise the money? These folks are, like, old. We need to remember the history of Jackson Hole. Here’s hoping free admission for locals!

Proposition #6

Energy Conservation Measures for Public Buildings

$3,790,000 for the funding of energy audits, planning, design, construction and installation of energy efficiency measures and local distributed renewable energy generation in Town of Jackson, Teton County or component units of Teton County, and/or Special District’s buildings, structures, and/or facilities. To the extent necessary and allowed by law, the pledge to or payment of debt service and/or lease payments thereon the project. This project is sponsored by the Town of Jackson.

Verdict: No-brainer. Like the marketing slogan says, it will pay us back over the long haul. I just wish transportation had been included in the scope of this group’s work; transport accounts for a hefty, if not the largest, portion of our energy consumption.

Proposition #7

Construction of North Highway 89 Pathway

$850,000 for the acquisition of land and/or easements, and for the cost of planning, engineering, and construction of a pathway from the Town of Jackson to the north side of the Gros Ventre River along Highway 89. Any excess funds shall be placed into a designated account, of which the principal and interest shall be used for operations and maintenance of the North Highway 89 Pathway from the northern Jackson town limits to the north side of the Gros Ventre River. This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: The pathway to the park is progressing nicely and will be a critical link in our transportation system. Pathways in general have been one of the county’s most noteworthy successes over the last 20 years. No-brainer!

Proposition #8

Wilson Bridge Recreation Area and South Park/Wilson Bridge River Access

$1,000,000 for the acquisition of land and/or easements, site planning, engineering, environmental review, permitting, and if funds are available after land acquisition and permitting, begin construction for: improved river access, parking, traffic flow on the west side of the Snake River at the Wyoming State Hwy. 22 bridge near Wilson; improved river access, parking, and traffic flow on the south side of the Snake River at the Wyoming State Hwy. 89 bridge in South Park; and recreational enhancements/safety improvements on the west side of the Snake River at the Wyoming State Hwy. 22 bridge near Wilson. This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: Obviously, dear to my heart. A public park at Wilson with some well thought-out improvements will be a community treasure and a way for everyone to enjoy the wonder of the Snake River. Absolutely!

Proposition #9

Teton County Fairgrounds Improvements

$1,450,000 for the funding of the design, planning, engineering, constructing, equipping of the following: replace public restrooms on the north side of the rodeo arena; install a roof over the southeast and southwest arena grandstands; install drainage improvements for the Heritage Arena Roof and install storm water drainage improvements for the Fairgrounds; install energy upgrades to the arena lighting; and install safety and structural improvements to the “Crow’s Nest,” rodeo arena fencing, and bucking chutes. The project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: Although the fair seems to receive a disproportionate share of tax and government support, these sound like quality upgrades. Let ‘er buck!

Proposition #10

Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Apparatus Replacement

$1,027,000 for the purchase of three (3) water tenders and one (1) wild land engine. The project is sponsored by Teton County.

Verdict: Duh.

Proposition #11

Town of Jackson Pedestrian Improvements

$1,000,000 for funding of the acquisition of land and/or easements, and for the cost of planning, engineering, and construction of pedestrian improvements, including sidewalks, bulb-outs, streetscape enhancements, pedestrian crossing improvements, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and safety upgrades. The pedestrian improvement projects are throughout the Town of Jackson. This project is sponsored by the Town of Jackson.

Verdict: Another duh. Our town council has achieved steady progress in making the downtown core more pedestrian friendly. Let’s keep the momentum rolling.

So yes, I recommend voting for all 11 proposals. Don’t whine about 50 bucks when we can put people to work enhancing our community and making it more efficient.

(Snake River photo by Morris Weintraub/The Image Well)

Liberals voting in the GOP primary is "precisely what the right wing fears the most," says Capt. Bob.

Today is primary election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may register at the polls; you need to have lived here only a minute to vote. Click here to find your polling place.

What’s at stake? The governor’s race, for starters. There’s an important contest for Wyoming Legislature. And the fate of 11 specific purpose tax projects hangs in the balance, including $1 million for improvement of the Wilson and South Park access points on the Snake River.

Adding intrigue is the possibility that many Democratic-leaning voters may switch party registration (temporarily, likely) to participate in the Republican primary, where more races are contested. This used to happen in Teton County all the time, before Dick Cheney made the GOP so toxic and sent voters to the Democratic rolls in droves.

The biggest champion of this strategy, of course, is Capt. Bob Morris, who again is seeking the Republican nomination for Teton County commissioner. “Joining a party does not strengthen it; neither does it signify your allegiance for it,” he says on his Facebook page. “One joins whichever party has the more significant primary — even if that is the party which is the more contemptible.”

Voting districts and poll locations in town. Click to enlarge.

Capt. Bob used to go as far as advising young voters to “hold their noses” while voting in the Republican primary. The ploy worked in 2000, when he stunned everyone by winning the GOP primary.

Other candidates besides Capt. Bob could benefit today from crossover votes, including Ruth-Ann Petroff, former owner of the Domino’s Pizza franchise and Hard Drive Cafe. Petroff has been dissed twice in the News&Guide — first by the paper itself, which in the article announcing her candidacy repeatedly referred to her as the wife of Mayor Mark Barron, as if she had no accomplishments of her own (including multiple Small Business Owner of the Year awards). In another front-page article, she drew criticism from her GOP opponent, Joe Schloss, and his supporters for not being Republican enough. (Brilliant strategy, guys!)

Schloss is a former Homeland Security and FBI agent twice thumped in the race for House District 16 by outgoing Rep. Pete Jorgensen, D-Jackson. Third time is not likely to be the charm. The winner will face the estimable Len Carlman.

Finally, the governor’s race. No candidate stands to gain as much from Teton County Democrats switching parties today as Matt Mead, the former U.S. attorney raised in Spring Gulch. Mead will need a big push from his native county (he lives in Cheyenne and has ranches in Albany and Goshen counties) if he is to separate from the crowded GOP field.

Democrat Pete Gosar bow hunting in the winds.

Almost bewilderingly, Speaker of the House Colin Simpson of Cody trails far behind in the Star-Tribune poll, while State Auditor Rita Meyer is said to have the lead. Ron Micheli, a rancher from Fort Bridger, is the biggest wingnut of the bunch. Meyer, who served 23 years in the Wyoming Air National Guard, received an endorsement from Sarah Palin. Kiss. Of. Death.

In the Democratic primary, the governorship is the lone contested race. Leslie Petersen, a realtor from Teton County and chairwoman of the state party, is almost certain to win, having the support of the establishment. But her challenger, Pete Gosar of Pinedale, has put forth what I consider the best idea to come out of either primary: raising the severance tax on minerals as prices rise. That way as companies reap more profits, the state benefits as well. Gosar has advocated this idea fearlessly, as one might expect of a walk-on linebacker at the University of Wyoming who went on to make All-WAC.

Although he has pandered to the right throughout the primary, Mead is probably best of the GOP lot. A cynic might advise that Democrats register Republican to back Micheli or Schloss, who would be easier for Democratic candidates to beat. But that’s too Machiavellian for me. At the end of the day, let’s have two good candidates for governor and House District 16.

Dewdrops in the morning light. Click to enlarge.

Dew forms on the outside of a tent in Teton Canyon following a day at the Targhee Bluegrass Fest.

Cold air that blew in from the north Friday brought snow to Table Mountain and the highest elevations of the Tetons. Campers awoke at Targhee on Saturday to find ice on their tents and chairs.

Music fans once again shimmied in wool hats and puffy down jackets Saturday evening to the rhythms of the Sam Bush Band. In keeping with Targhee tradition, fiddle and mandolin master Bush invited a host of musicians onstage — 11 in all — for a jam, including 19-year-old Sarah Jarosz and her band from Austin, who earlier in the day turned in one of the festival’s most pleasant surprises.

After a sliver of moon set behind the stage, the flurry of notes gave way to a peaceful sleep by Teton Creek beneath a canopy of stars.

Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer will perform Friday at Grand Targhee.

Giving up trying to embed this.

NPR has great video of a recent visit to its offices by Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain, who will be playing Friday at the Targhee Bluegrass Festival. There’s also an audio podcast available for free download.

The three are maestros of their respective instruments: Fleck on banjo, Meyer on bass and Hussain on tabla, hand drums from his native India. Last year the genre-bending trio recorded an album, The Melody of Rhythm, with the Nashville Symphony.

Hussain was a child prodigy whose father, Alla Rakha, played tabla with Ravi Shankar. Hussain was touring by age 12 and has collaborated with George Harrison, John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart. He also played on the soundtrack of Apocalypse Now.

Béla put on a mesmerizing show with the Flecktones at CFA last winter. As always, his set will be one not to miss at Targhee. Click here for the full lineup.

I'll Fly Away: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band jams at the Knotty in August 2006.

In the last few weeks a new crop of musical events has sprouted up, making it hard to keep track of all the bon temps around Jackson Hole. There’s the Sunday afternoon Concerts on the Commons at Teton Village (culminating with a performance by J.J. Grey and Mofro on Sept. 5), the Lukas Nelson and Meat Puppets concert Sept. 3 at Grand Targhee, and a series of shows put on in Teton Valley by Behind the Barn Productions.

Even the Mangy Moose has roused from its slumber, hosting the Dirty Dozen Brass Band tonight, among a handful of other gigs.

By this point in the summer, we couldn’t be any busier with work and friends and family visiting in town. To help keep track of everything that’s going on, again I’m going to steer readers to The-J-List, the handy Web site with free entertainment listings. There you’ll find information for Grand Teton Music Festival performances, Poppa Presents concerts, Chamber of Commerce events and much more.

I get a lot of e-mails from people asking for help with promotion. The best part about the J-List is anyone can list their events, for free; might as well cut me out of it. What shows up on the RSS feeder on the top left of this site is only a fraction of the events listed each week.

The Dirty Dozen ought to be a rager tonight. Expect a few Who Dats to accompany the blasts of brass.