Downtown Sounds

Friday, June 5th, 6-8pm

The idea for Teton Valley supergroup, Easy Chair, was originally conceived by frontman, Michael Batdorf, during his days in West Virginia and Tennessee. He found love in many genres in those days of intense study. A blend of blues and bluegrass with a lean toward Michael’s ever-eclectic original writing, the concept has come to life in the West. Michael is celebrating 20 years of leading Jackson, Wyoming’s infamous One Ton Pig this December.

Aside from songwriting and performing, Michael prides himself in building bands of quality. Ted Wells joins Michael on Banjo/ Pedal Steel. Ted was part of the band, Loose Ties who helped forge the bluegrass revival. Also joining the band is another legend Tom Murphy, on mandolin. Together this trio combines for a unique experience of blended styling and one that is sure to leave an impression!

"To be enjoyed with a cold beverage, a summer breeze and good company." - Michael Batdorf

Friday, June 12, 6-8pm

Will Baxter is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His original music has been described as soul, folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm and blues. Best known for fronting the Will Baxter Band. Will has an unforgettable voice, and sizzling electric guitar.

Throughout his career, Baxter has been a prolific live performer, playing a wide range of music, and sharing the stage with Z.Z. Top, Twiddle, The Wailers, and many more.

Friday, June 26, 6-8pm

The Death and Taxes Swing Band is unavoidably swingin'. You've heard all the usual swing bands, time to check out something a little different. Featuring extra danceable arrangements, sultry vocals, and a whole lot of rhythm. 

“The Death and Taxes Band generates pure excitement and a swingin’ good time.” Bay County Coastal Newspaper

Thursday, July 2, 6-8pm

Outdoors at the Teton County Idaho Fairgrounds, 372 Fairgrounds Drive, Driggs

Downtown Driggs Association is teaming up with the Teton County Idaho Fairgrounds and the Teton Valley Balloon Rally's 3rd Annual Rally Up & Get Down to kick off Independence Day with an unforgettable free concert featuring Paige & The People’s Band.

Paige & The People's Band have made a name for themselves as one of Montana's premiere musical acts. The band has shared the stage with musical legends like The Doobie Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Brandie Carlile, and Mike McCready. Bringing a mix of rock, soul, funk, and fusion, they keep the crowd bumping and the energy climbing. This horn-powered, fully charged band is a local favorite in their hometown of Bozeman, MT, and premiered season thirteen of 11th and Grant with Eric Funk on PBS. The episode later went on to win an Emmy Award. Paige & The People's Band are sure to deliver a performance not to be missed.

Arrive early at 5pm to show some school spirit and catch a special opener, the Teton High School Student Band!

The evening event will feature local food trucks, a beer garden, face painting and other kids’ activities, the famous TVBR walk-in balloon “Skittles”, as well as 10-15 hot air balloon pilots on-site with their balloons, inflating some time within the 8:00pm hour, weather permitting.

Join us in celebrating the America's 250th Birthday, the 103rd Teton County Idaho Fair (July 25 - August 1), the 45th Annual Teton Valley Balloon Rally, and our vibrant downtown Driggs community. Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights await at the Teton County Idaho Fairgrounds.

Monday, July 20, 6-8pm

This lovely evening of classical music celebrates a dynamic partnership between Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF), Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival (TVCMF), and Downtown Driggs Association (DDA). 

Hosted by GTMF Education Curator Meaghan Heinrich and TVCMF Director Lauren Feldman, the program brings together musicians from both festivals for a memorable collaboration. TVCMF’s full professional opera company will be featured, including mezzo-soprano Renee Tatum, tenor Thomas Glenn, baritone Paul Busselberg, soprano Jennifer Youngs, and mezzo-soprano Lauren Feldman. They will perform beloved opera arias and ensembles, showcasing the power and beauty of the operatic tradition.

The evening continues with a delightful collaboration between the opera singers and a GTMF chamber quartet, joined by vocalists from TVCMF's exceptional Young Artists Program, blending emerging talent with seasoned performers in a unique musical experience.

Sunday July 26, 6-8pm

Join us for a special Downtown Sounds celebrating the opening of the 15th Annual Driggs Plein Air Festival! Enjoy an evening of art and music featuring hundreds of plein air paintings to view and purchase, all created outdoors across the forests, mountains, farmlands, sagelands and waterways of Teton Valley by 75 renowned artists from across the country. 

The nationally acclaimed Aaron Ashton Gypsy Jazz Band will be providing the perfect sound for the evening. They are comprised of some of the most incredible, multiple state champion, award-winning musicians on the planet. When it comes to proficiency in musicianship, this Gypsy jazz, folk, Celtic, Americana, Romanian, Eastern European, swing, and bluegrass band has it in spades.

Aaron Ashton’s Utah Gypsy jazz band is one of those extremely rare ensembles that simply put, has what it takes. Whether they’re exciting audiences with their take on Americana, Gypsy jazz, Romanian traditional folk dance music, or one of many other musical genres, the music they perform is always happy, positive, upbeat, and delivered with great showmanship that gets audiences excited.

Friday, August 28, 6-8pm

The High Plains Drifters are a celebrated Teton Valley guitar trio who faithfully reproduce classic rock covers with extended improv sections, guitar and vocal harmonies, and backed by djembe percussion. Tom Toxby and Steve Wolff handle electric and acoustic guitars and vocals, Andy Burns is the primary lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player, and Gary Erikson holds down the groove on djembe and positive vibes. 

Friday, September 18, 6-8pm

Join the Downtown Driggs Association and Seniors West of the Tetons for a FREE Downtown Sounds Concert & Contra Dance, the last Downtown Sounds event of the summer!

Get ready to swing your partner and do-si-do with live music and dancing that welcomes all ages and skill levels, no experience needed. Don't want to dance? No problem! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show. New to contra dance? Check out this online tutorial.

The Yellow Dog String Band is composed of some of Teton Valley's most talented instrumentalists Thomas Sneed, Rick McCracken, and Salley Sublet who will join forces with a stellar mystery fiddler (stay tuned). Rab Cummings, a renowned dance caller from Bozeman, will take the mic to transform traditional contra and square dances into pure joy.