Backbeat 11/18/09

Thursday, November 19, 2009

By PJH Staff

Powder slayers unite
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-The backcountry lacks all the distractions of a ski resort – crowds, lifts, rules; elements that can stifle our relationship with the mountains. And its vastness, both humbling and consequential, can teach us much about ourselves.

Six short films inspired by and about the backcountry will screen this week as a part of the Backcountry Film Festival.

“The festival is unique in the sense that it focuses on the human power to access and the human power to experience,” said Tim Young, executive director of Friends of Pathways, a sponsor of the festival. “That’s something we celebrate here in Jackson Hole where we are surrounded by some of the finest backcountry skiing in North America.”

In addition to the film screenings, the festival will spark informal dialogue between backcountry enthusiasts and backcountry land managers and organizations, Young noted. Officials from Bridger Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, Exum and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and the American Avalanche Institute will all be on hand. 

Prior to the screenings, celebrated local author and skier Tom Turiano will present a slideshow of locally snapped photos.
Backcountry Film Fest, 6 p.m., Thursday, in Snow King’s Grand Room. $5. Backcountryfilmfestival.com

Support your local stick and puck
They endure chipped teeth and fractured skulls just to entertain you. But this year, Moose Hockey saw a decline in sponsorship so they’re asking fans to pony up… and watch a movie.

Moose Hockey will screen the preeminent puck-hucking flick Slapshot, and host a raffle and silent auction on Saturday at the Pink Garter Theatre to raise funds for the team.  Since no hockey-related event would be proper without beer, foamy brews will be available.

Slapshot, raffle and silent auction for Moose Hockey, 8 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m., Saturday at the Pink Garter Theatre. Buy your $10 ticket at Snow King’s ice rink or the door. 734.5300.

Salute to the smoke stoppers
The Fireman’s Ball is the largest fundraiser for Jackson Hole’s veritable good Samaritans – volunteer firefighters and EMTs. 

In its 69th year, the ball, which moved to the Heritage Arena of the Rodeo Grounds, hosts local band Common Ground slated to rock until 2 a.m., and a silent and live auction. It’s also an excuse to blow the dust off some slick threads, though the JH uniform (denim) is also welcomed.

“We get everybody there from jeans and sneakers to prom dresses,” laughed Frank Lane, president of the Volunteer Fire Rescue Association.
The door prize is a 16-foot Clack-a-craft drift boat armed with a trailer, oars and anchor, poised to “go on the water that night if you want.” 

Proceeds from the event are allocated for firefighter’s safety equipment, the Fallen Firefighter Fund and college scholarships for area high school students.

Annual Fireman’s Ball, doors at 7 p.m., Saturday, at the Rodeo Ground’s Heritage Arena.  $20; $30 a couple. Jhfireassociation.com.

Mangelsen returns
Nature photographer Tom D. Mangelsen’s October opening reception at the National Museum of Wildlife Art drew such an overwhelming crowd that not everyone could squeeze into the Cook Auditorium to hear him speak.

The museum is hosting an encore presentation in which Mangelsen will recount shutter fly tales and talk about his new award-winning coffee table book The Natural World.

Encore presentation with Tom D. Mangelsen, 7 p.m.; Thursday, at NMWA’s Cook Auditorium. $10; free for museum members or if you received a blue ticket during Mangelsen’s opening reception. 733-5771.

Art throughout the community
Montana artist Hayley Nolte is on the hunt for cookie tins. But Nolte is not intent on making chocolate chip confections. She recycles the metal to fashion a collection of wall hooks, metal frames and collages.

Nolte, who won Best in Show at the Art Fair this summer, along with a bevy of local and national artisans have bequeathed their work for the Art Association’s Out of the Woods art auction; a time for everyone from artists to off-season recluses to “come out of the woods and celebrate art,” said Amy Fradley of the Art Association.
Two hundred and fifty pieces from handmade clothing and jewelry to unique kitchenware and oil paintings will be on hand and the bidding begins at 50 to 60 percent of the retail value.

Fradley said that artists donate work to support the Association’s mission to spread art throughout the community ala art classes and events that happen year-round. 
Out of the Woods silent art auction, 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Center for the Arts. Donated wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Free. 733-6379.

Photo TIM YOUNG
Fresh powder turns on Teton Pass.


PERMALINK:
Backbeat 11/18/09 | Planet JH News Article: General News

Leave a Comment