BY LISA ENOURATO
The City of Ketchum is bringing one of the hottest young bands in the country music scene to town for this year’s annual Wagon Days parade and celebration.
This year’s live music event will be headlined by the Texas-based band The Last Bandoleros, described by Rolling Stone magazine as the “most thrilling new country act currently on a major Nashville label.”
Wagon Days 2018 kicks off Thursday, Aug. 30, with a celebration of this year’s Grand Marshal, followed by Friday’s cowboy poetry recital and barn dance later in the evening. Saturday features the Big Hitch Parade through downtown, followed by the live performance by The Last Bandoleros
“We’re thrilled this band will bring its energy and creativity to the 61st annual Wagon Days,” said Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “This band is winning high praise in all corners of the music industry and I’m confident they’ll add another dimension to our city’s signature event of the year.”
The band’s music represents a fusion of Tex-Mex and the roots of rock ‘n’ roll, resulting in harmonies, rhythms and sounds that evoke early classics by The Beatles as much as the country, honky-tonk and Latin influences of their South Texas home. The band is comprised of San Antonio, Texas-natives Jerry Fuentes and brothers Emilio and Diego Navaira, along with Derek James, who grew up in New York City.
The group signed with Warner Music Nashville in 2016 and spent much of last year on tour with Sting, the former front man of the legendary British band The Police. The Last Bandoleros released its debut EP in 2016 and is currently touring nationwide.
The live music and street party event will also include local food vendors, beverages and events suitable for families.
The lineup of events for the entire Wagon Days weekend includes the Papoose Club pancake breakfast fundraiser, antique and art fairs and a variety of children’s events.
For additional information about this year’s Wagon Days, visit: www.wagondays.net