While days in Ketchum can be filled with an assortment of recreational activities the nights belong to live music. Ketchum has a vibrant music scene that truly has something for everyone, from late night rock jams to summer evenings filled with orchestras and everything in between.
With the warm summer breezes come the sounds of live music throughout the valley. Time honored events such as Ketch’em Alive, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and Jazz in the Park are family and picnic friendly. Along with musicians popping up on the decks, porches and parking lots of local watering holes, summer music events are looked forward to by visitors and locals while venues up and down the valley keep us on our feet all year long.
The Favorites
Sponsored by the City of Ketchum, Ketch’em Alive, a local favorite, takes place every Tuesday at the Forest Service Park downtown from June to August, showcasing a variety of music by local and national musicians including rock, pop, Americana, bluegrass, neo-soul and reggae.
In July and August, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony presents internationally renowned artists and ensembles. Soak up some culture under the beautiful pavilion or out on the lawn where you can listen amongst the summer sunset.
Sun Valley Concert series a mix of pop and rock concerts. With shows by such venerated acts as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Diana Krall, to indie rock bands such as Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real, Gov’t Mule or pop icons, Huey Lewis and Eddie Money, the Sun Valley concerts whips up an eclectic array of music.
Sun Valley Center for the Arts music series hosts a summer long concert series set on the lawn and hillside at the beautiful River Run Lodge. Musicians who have graced the stage in the past include; Carol King, Pink Martini, Chris Isaak, Clint Black and Mavis Staples, to name a few. The Sun Valley Center for the arts provides and exciting line up of music every year.
Larger festivals take place in the summer cover multiple days amongst some of the most stunning scenery the valley has to offer. The Sawtooth Valley Gathering inhabits Pioneer Park in Stanley Idaho for a weekend mid summer where bands play underneath a panoramic view of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.
The Hot Water Inn, one of Ketchum’s newest venues, serves up ramen on the weekends and eclectic grooves. Reinvigorating Warm Springs with a mix of bands and events, their lineup will keep you on your toes.
A hot spot for music year-round, Whiskey Jacques whips up some rock and roll, local and national bands, funk and country music. A Ketchum Institution, Whiskey’s as it is fondly called, keeps Ketchum’s music scene alive all year round.
Additional Venues
Other venues that will get you on your feet throughout the Valley include; the Sun Valley Brewery in Hailey, featuring both local and national acts, the Limelight Hotel will provide the sounds to accompany a beverage and your posse in their modern minimalist lounge, the Iconic Duchin Lounge at the Sun Valley Lodge, named for the world renowned American musician Eddy Duchin, offers rotating appearances by Jazz legends. The Silver Dollar Saloon and Mahoney’s Bar and Grill at the southern most end of the Valley, in Bellevue, is always rocking with local acts.
Ketchum has many venues to see live music whatever your tastes tend and a strong showing by local musicians. Where Mickey & Motorcars, Andrew Sheppard, Old Death Whisper, Sheep Bridge Jumpers or Carol King, might unexpectedly pop up and play anytime.