Teton Serenade features women musicians
(this piece was published by Planet Jackson Hole)
For eight years beginning in 2002, there was the annual Women of Jackson concert produced by the now inactive non-profit, Jackson Hole Music Experience. It brought into focus the female talent pool that continues to progress in Teton County, though much of it bubbles underneath the surface. Picking up where the pioneer event left off, local ladies and Jackson Hole Hootenanny regulars Jenny Landgraf and Sally McCullough have teamed up to organize the 2nd Annual Teton Serenade—an event that features a range of women musicians, most of whom don’t have a regular stage on which to perform.
The scope of performers will predominantly feature fellow regulars at the Hootenanny open stage, though Landgraf pointed out that while it is an invitation-based event, it’s not necessarily Hoot-based. Whereas Women of Jackson focused more towards original music and established acts, Teton Serenade acts to empower women that aren’t performing regularly, or simply don’t have the time.
“We have attended most of the open mics in the area and love live, local performers,” Landgraf said, who has been performing with McCullough for about nine years. “We are always looking for new women to add to the list, so anyone who is interested should let us know! Last year we had a couple of women who sing with the Cathedral Voices choir. Some of the women we've had over for an all-women jam night a few times. We just like to try to find women musicians who might not have opportunity or even time to get out and play on stage.”
From folk to bluegrass, pop, classical and soft rock, there will be solo, duo and trio acts that also embrace the collaborative essence that music so often lends itself to. The list of performers includes the soulful voice of Tasha Ghozali with bassist Christine Langdon, Deb Kuzloski, Lauren Conrad of Shark Week, bassist Mollie Houkom with vocalist Meg Reeves, longtime Hoot performer Adrienne Ward, Teton Valley resident Jordan Robinson with Tootsie Jablonski, Hannah Leigh, Kate Dreher, and banjoist Jessie Lestitian will join hosts Landgraf and McCullough.
“There are a lot of groups in our local music scene that are either all men or predominantly men, but not a lot of women of heading up an act or all-women groups,” Landgraf pointed out. “And we keep finding more and more women musicians who are just wonderful discoveries! Also, having this concert of women-only might get some on stage who might not otherwise do it.”
Last year’s event was sold out, so be sure to grab your tickets soon. Teton Serenade, 8 p.m. Saturday at Dornan’s in Moose. $12 at Dornan’s, Valley Bookstore, and The Liquor Store (TLS). Dinner served until 7 p.m. 733-2415.