Aaron's Guide to Targhee Fest

By Aaron DavisIt’s often the most anticipated music weekend of the year for its eclectic lineup and ideal concert environment. Targhee Fest has grown each year to bring up-and-coming and headlining acts to an intimate concert field, showcasing rock, soul, Americana, and New Orleans funk on one stage.Only the most fortunate—those with a three-day ticket and on-site camping—will have the opportunity to experience this festival to its fullest potential, now in its seventh year. For the majority of us, though, a single day ticket makes the most sense, depending on funds, time off and daily lineups.Besides the usual festival paraphernalia, keep in the mind the possibility of muddy conditions from runoff as well as mosquito repellent. Here’s a daily breakdown of the festival.FridayDiva night. For me, the spotlight is on Sharon Jones and The Dapkings. Headliner Grace Potter and The Nocturnals freakin’ rock too, but the band has played in Teton County five or six times in the last four years. (This brings up a side note. I’ve heard minor grumbling from local, diehard concertgoers that have also seen Saturday headliner Michael Franti play a similar set during his frequent stops over the last few years).Jones is reviving an era of funk and soul from the early 70s, pioneered by James Brown and Otis Redding. Backed by a heavily orchestrated, dynamite 10-piece band, 55-year-old Jones is known for her over-the-top energy and commanding stage presence. Jones and Potter back-to-back will be a real treat.A quiet, late add to the bill was Vermont rock band, Chamberlin. The band formed less than a year ago, and Nocturnal guitarist Scott Tournet produced its debut album. Opening the festival is Grateful Dead cover band, The Deadlocks, who earned the slot by placing third at the Battle of the Bands showdown.SaturdayFamiliar faces day. Michael Franti and Spearhead, Jackie Greene and James McMurtry are no strangers to Teton Valley, and their return is a testament to their local fan bases. Greene, in particular, has put on some memorable local sets, packed with surprises and a stark willingness to be spontaneous.Newcomers Jason Spooner and Sarah Bareilles will cover the singer-songwriter/ pop end of the spectrum, while second place band from the Battle, Jet Black Ninja Funkgrass Unit, will open the afternoon.SundayThis is my favorite lineup because of two legends: Funky Meters and Little Feat. Forty years of experience is no joke.Funky Meters feature Art Neville (keys), George Porter Jr. (bass), Russell Batiste Jr. (drums), and Brian Stoltz (guitar), which are half of the original band, The Meters, which formed in 1967.Name a genre and most likely Little Feat has played it. The seven-piece band is still utilizing pointers from one of its original mentors, Frank Zappa, by playing a different set each night.Funky New Orleans brass band, Bonerama, will bring the energy of Jazz Fest right to our backyard, while Battle winners The Millers Sisters will open the day.Targhee Fest: 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday; noon to 11 p.m., Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. $139 (three-day, non-camping), $159 (three-day with camping), or $40 (Friday), $65 (Saturday), $50 (Sunday). GrandTarghee.com.