Jack Frost Fest returns to town

SANDPOINT — Jack Frost Fest is back for a fourth year bringing local American music to the community on Saturday.

In the past this was a ticketed event organized by Maddox Farm Productions, but thanks to local sponsors the event is free to the public. Robb Talbott of Maddox Farm Productions said that he has intentionally had the lineup set to make the music cohesive. In addition the two-stage setup at the venue allows for the music to be played consistently throughout the day and evening.

“I don’t want to have any gaps in the music playing,” said Talbott.

He said that he doesn’t want the atmosphere to change and have the audience waiting for the next song to play. Talbott is excited that the Sandpoint community has been pushing for music events like Jack Frost Fest. He hopes to continue to have family friendly events in the community and to have willing sponsors to keep events free.

Seating area outdoors, two stages, one by the loading dock the other by the grange.

Two stages in order to keep the mood and atmosphere going. Talbot strives himself on maintaining the music playing.

The line up is as follows:

12-1:30 p.m. — Systir, Loading Dock

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Samantha Carston, Matchwood stage

2:30-4 p.m. — Last Chance Band, Loading Dock

4-5 p.m. — Crooked Tooth, Matchwood Stage

5-6:30 p.m. — Shakewell, Loading Dock

Matchwood will be serving food and Evan’s Brother’s will be open to serve caffeine and warm drink needs. There will be a portable bar serving beer as well.

Attendants are encouraged to bring their own seating. There will be fire pits, tents available, and a covered dance area.

Sandpoint’s own Systir is a four-piece all-female folk group. Their music dances in and out of folk touching on indigenous cultures of the world. Some songs are more Appalachian in nature while others mimic more Irish or Norwegian folk to indeginous folk. All feature top notch instrumentation and jaw dropping harmonies, said Talbott.

Samantha Carston has been described as one of the most captivating voices in Sandpoint. Talbott described her as more of a bluesy vocalist. Many know her as the lead vocalist for Brown Salmon Truck, she has more recently ventured out on solo and duo projects that are gaining recognition quickly.

This is Last Chance Band’s first appearance in Sandpoint as a full band. Based in Coeur d’Alene, the band delivers high energy country mixed with a little rock. They have played all over the Northwest and with major acts such as Chase Rice, Randy Houser, Lonestar, and more. They have won multiple IN-CMA awards and had many other nominations in the past few years.

“If you like country on the radio, you’ll love these guys,” said Talbott.

Crooked Tooth, of Sandpoint, is an original rock band . They will have a more acoustic set under the awning at Matchwood, said Talbott.

Crooked Tooth describes themselves as being forged by the same glacial forces that carved the valleys and lakes that they call home and a powerful testament to the eternal strength of rock ‘n’ roll.

Missoula-based Shakewell has a high energy funk to their music and should close out the night packing the dance floor.

The fourth annual Jack Frost Fest is hosted by Evan’s Brothers and Matchwood. Those attending should dress warm and park in the public parking lot between the Army Surplus and Matchwood.

Talbott wanted to thank all the sponsors that make this event free to the public: Shotzki, The Reader, Matchwood Brewing Company, Evan’s Brothers, Washington Trust Bank, KNPD Radio, K102, The Mycelium Collective and Selle Design Group.