About Us

The Northern Rockies Music Festival began in 1977 as a Sun Valley Center for the Arts & Humanities event. In 1995, it became its own entity and is now run by a nine-member volunteer board of directors. The festival has grown into a two-day show jam-packed with talent culled from the Wood River Valley, as well as regional and national music scenes. The Northern Rockies Music Festival also supports young musicians by always making room on the stage for up-and-coming bands with local ties, student musicians, and “tweeners” who are local musicians given 15-minutes during stage set changes.

The concert site is tucked against the Big Wood River, at the base of Carbonate Ridge. People walk, ride their bikes, bring a picnic, soak up some sun, dance, listen to music, and maybe even take a dip in the Big Wood River during band breaks. The Northern Rockies Music Festival is exactly what you want a summer concert to be: a place where a healthy, fun loving community of folks can have a great time.

Headliners over the years have included the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Sam Bush, Richie Havens, Rosalie Sorrels and Utah Phillips, Elvin Bishop, Rodney Crowell, Robert Earl Keen, the Blasters, Mumbo Gumbo, Reckless Kelly, Muzzie Braun, Asleep at the Wheel, Laurie Lewis, Eileen Ivers, the Derailers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rob Quist and the Great Northern, Kelly Willis, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, the Bruce Willis Band, and Mickey and the Motorcars.