Highlight of March: Rendezvous Music Fest

The only thing to be aware of during the Ides of March in Jackson Hole is how much fun you’ll have at the annual Rendezvous Music Festival!

 

March “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” but in between — at least here in Jackson Hole — the middle of March offers a memorable music-palooza courtesy of the Jackson Hole Rendezvous Fest.

 

The annual four-day event is a combination spring lifestyle and music festival held at both Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and on the historic Jackson Town Square. This year it runs from Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 18. And the best part (other than the amazing bands) is that all concerts are free — no ticket required.

 

The anticipation for this festival is high prior to the first lick from a guitar and the smile-inducing musical recollections reverberate throughout our valley long after the last note is played.

 

The tunes start at 3 p.m. March 15 under the Aerial Tram at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with the sound of authentic Southern Blues from the Devon Allman Project, with special guest Duane Betts. Devon is the son of the late, great Gregg Allman.

 

After enjoying this musically rowdy kick-off to the festival, mosey over a few steps from the tram to the cozy and historic Alpenhof for après ski and/or dinner. We recommend their signature Alpen fondue. The Alpenhof goes back to the very beginning of Teton Village, when the Swiss German owners purchased the prime location at the resort.

 

Speaking of historic, no trip to Jackson Hole is truly complete without checking out the Mangy Moose, celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Dine amongst and under a plethora of decidedly eclectic décor (think vintage road signs and posters, antique bicycles and tools, a small bi-plane) while enjoying this iconic Western steakhouse that’s ideal for families.

Friday is the second day of the music fest and it takes place on Town Square where you can start the weekend with music at 5 p.m. featuring two bands: the genre-defying Mavericks Mavericks and country-blues-rocker Frankie Ballard.

 

Saturday is without a doubt the major day of music. Falling on St. Patrick’s Day this year (always a super fun day on the slopes at the resort!) the concert venue opens at 3 p.m. and features a line-up of decidedly electrifying acts. The first band — Michael Franti and Spearhead — hits the stage at 6:30 p.m. Following Franti will be Portugal. The Man, fresh off their recent 2018 Grammy win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The memory you bring home of this special concert will possibly be the best Jackson Hole souvenir of 2018!

 

The Chanman Roots Band — a beloved Jackson Hole musical institution both on and off the mountain — will wrap up the 4-day feast of fabulous tunes Sunday at 3 p.m.’s “Music Under the Tram” at the base of the mountain. The 9-piece reggae band never fails to get the crowd moving!

 

 

After grooving to Chanman Roots Band, you may want to top off the festival by toasting its melodious goodness at the Handle Bar in the Four Seasons or the new Bar Enoteca, a European style wine bar in Hotel Terra.