BY Isaiah Frizzell
Sun Valley Shuffle
The beauty of the Wood River Valley is an integral part of our life’s play here. The luscious landscape coos at us such that we have the most astonishing stage on which to engage and absorb culture at its finest. The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival (SVJ&MF) is one of the most beloved and enriching events we’ve been gifted, for 36 years mind you, and it’s here in an intimate venue at the Sun Valley Resort, the Lobby Lounge.
Jazz Hands
Jazz itself is somewhat of an American staple. We can trace roots and, like root notes, the genre has birthed such amazing artists as Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, Count Basie and so many more. It eventually fused with rock and pop to reveal the genius of Steely Dan, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Yes, Toto, the Doobie Brothers and countless other musical minds.
One of the big secrets of successful music is the use of jazz chords, arpeggios and arrangements of progressions with improvisation. Jazz is a sonic workout with moments of meditative bliss. This year’s event has a new twist as the organizers have included something resembling a palate cleanser during a 10-course meal.
Enter Linda and Steve Goff
Linda and Steve Goff are Idaho natives, born and raised here, and have been part of the SVJ&MF for over 20 years. Now co-directors along with Jeff and Carol Loehr, they are an integral and passionate element bringing it and breathing it. Steve plays saxophone with The High Street Party Band. There’s too many to list but all are excited about the international lineup.
Known bands are coming from all over the world. They’ve also brought in some fresh up-and-coming bands, with huge followings on social media, like San Leon from L.A. who have members flying in from France. “We’ve got some fresh faces, some old, and then the other. It’s a wide variety.”
All jazz fans know that a brief interlude can reset the aural palate. “This year, for the very first time at any of the jazz festivals, we are going to have a new group perform called Motel Kalifornia. They’re an Eagles, Tom Petty, Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band,” Linda Goff explains excitedly.
Jazz chord progressions and notes using 13th’s, 11th’s, 9th’s, flat sus chords, etc., along with brilliant melodic arrangements, are pure stimulation and joy. There are some new fans or simply music lovers who might want to step between sonic landscapes.
As Linda Goff explains, “We’ve been listening. We do the evaluations. And, of course, most people love jazz music. I mean, that’s what they come for! But there’s always some that come that would like to have something a little bit different. So they enjoy a break to go listen to that and then they come back to the jazz music. So that’s why it’s a jazz and music festival.”
The SVJ&MF is a full-course, fine-dining, musical dinner. You get beloved bands, new faces and some rock to keep it moving, all set in the most intimate venue at the gorgeous Sun Valley Resort.
What makes this venue so special is the size and glowing opportunity for the musicians to engage with the audience. Linda Goff shares, “Last year, Tom Rigney was here. And what was really special was that everyone sees him on stage and he’s fast and energetic and it’s just the best show. But what the Lobby Lounge allowed him to do was be in there and play quieter music and talk and tell his story and even answer questions. So then throughout the rest of the fest, people felt like they knew the artist and were able to say, ‘Hey, Tom, that was great!’ They made connections. We now have the most beautiful, intimate setting in the Lobby Lounge.
“But, I mean, it’s such a great opportunity, these festivals, you know, there’s a circuit of these festivals and we get to see some of the same people, some of the same musicians each year and make great friendships and just… it becomes a family and it’s really cool that way.” Linda Goff is in her element.
“The festival is pure happiness—world-class musicians, the mountains, the people—it’s heaven on earth.” –Dave, festival attendee
How to Attend
For music lovers of every stripe, now is the time to enjoy the rich culture of musical mastery and listening excitement. The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival offers sonic ecstasy for four days:
Thursday, October 16 – 2pm to 9:30pm
Friday, October 17 – 9:30am to 6:30pm
Saturday, October 18 – 9:30am to 9:30pm
Sunday, October 19 – 9:30am to 2pm
For tickets: https://sunvalleyjazz.com/tickets
Volunteers are welcome, crucial, and get a backstage pass to the festival.
Volunteer here: https://form.jotform.com/91497242420152
General inquiry visit: https://sunvalleyjazz.com/
