Teton Valley Foundation Press Release - Music on Main

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2009

Teton Valley Foundation Planning an abridged, five-week music on Main series

Board considers series timing and long term location


The Teton Valley Foundation (TVF) announced today its plans for a shortened Music on Main concert series. The board decision is based on the tough economic climate which has caused two major sponsors representing almost 30% of the TVF's 2008 program income, to opt out of 2009 participation.

"This event has quickly become a rite of summer for Teton Valley residents, whether full or part-time," said board member, Rick Baldwin. "We recognize that in difficult times it is more important than ever to bring our community together for this great cultural tradition." TVF determined a shorter season would allow them to continue to provide quality programming, assuming they can reach their reduced sponsorship goal of $30,000. The group has current commitments of $10,000.

While the concert series has historically taken place on all the Thursdays in July and August, this year's five week series is scheduled to begin on July 30th and end on August 27th. "This schedule was originally set to avoid interference with a busy early summer schedule," said board member Jeffrey Potter who is working on the lineup.

TVF has hosted the series for the past three summers in downtown Driggs, initially in the location where the Colter building now resides. The group hopes to hold Music on Main in last summer's Driggs City Building plaza location. There are, however, some complicating factors that could force TVF to move again. To reduce costs, the group plans to use a modular stage which would have to remain in place for the full five weeks of the series. In addition, pending construction on the City building could interfere with the already cramped space. TVF is working with the City to resolve these potential impediments. "The City of Driggs has always been a big proponent of Music on Main. Driggs is central to the valley and the downtown location is pedestrian friendly," said board secretary Jennifer Rein. "We like this location and believe the City will find a way to allow us to stay this summer."

Rein went on, "If we have to find a new location yet again, we would like it to have the potential to be a permanent location. We believe our best alternatives may reside in Victor." The group is revisiting the Victor City Park location and has been in discussions with Teton Basin Ice & Recreation about an alliance to use their facility. "We have spent considerable time and money re-creating a park in each of the last three summers. The Victor City and Pioneer park locations provide beautiful park atmosphere, significant space to allow for growing crowds and pedestrian friendly access to Victor residents. Victor City Park has the downtown, Main Street advantage and TBIR's location will have a shelter to provide rain back up."

Music on Main is a weekly concert series that is free to the public. The program is funded by business sponsorship, concession sales and importantly, individual donations. "It is important for individuals to donate now if they value this series and donate at each of the shows," stated Jon Pinardi, also a TVF board member. Individuals can send donations to the Teton Valley Foundation at PO Box 50, Victor, ID 83455 or go to www.tetonvalleyfoundation.org. Pinardi added, "The series would not be possible without the hard work of our volunteers."

The Teton Valley Foundation's mission is to plan, organize and implement cultural, educational and recreational events for the benefit of the community. We strive to host several world-class, multi-day events each year to promote, market and enhance the unique nature of the Valley and increase economic activity in the community placing specific emphasis on our downtowns.

For more information on the series, the Foundation and how to get involved, check out the Foundation's website at www.tetonvalleyfoundation.org.

Teton Valley Foundation
PO Box 50
Victor, ID 83455
(208) 201-5356