Shannon McCormick is a familiar face to many Jackson Hole locals. Having lived in Jackson for over 30 years, it is likely you have seen him fly fishing the Snake River, enjoying the pathways or attending one of thousands of concerts he has produced since his arrival in 1985. For years, he has been an ardent contributor of his time and resources to a number of community nonprofit organizations, including a long stint on the Friends of Pathways Board of Trustees, a seat on the Programming Committee at the Center for the Arts and a long tenure as the The Center’s Programming Director.
The son of a music teacher, Shannon grew up learning and appreciating music, developing a strong admiration for well-accomplished musicians and a passion for their trade. As a trained jazz kit drummer himself, he got a taste of gigging and touring with bands while attending high school and university in Wisconsin. Upon graduating with honors, Shannon hit the road with a BBA in Economics and headed for the Rocky Mountains in search of big mountains, deep powder and a new career in the West.
Shannon landed his first job in Jackson Hole as a bartender at the Mangy Moose Saloon. He quickly transitioned to being their talent buyer, researching, booking and promoting shows when not slinging drinks behind the bar. His diverse music offerings kept the Mangy Moose hopping, arguably shaping its national image as a legendary après-ski and night spot, and putting Jackson Hole on the map in the national and international touring world.
While remaining dedicated to the local music scene, Shannon worked as a fly fishing guide for 10 years on the Henry’s Fork, Madison and Yellowstone Rivers as well as Russia’s Kola Peninsula and all the waters in Yellowstone National Park. He also served as an international fly fishing host in Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile and Russia.
Shannon served as the talent buyer and production coordinator for the formative years of Music on Main in Teton Valley, Idaho. In 2012, he co-founded JacksonHoleLive, and continues to organize and operate the summer concert series in downtown Jackson, WY.
While he recently relocated to the southern Oregon coast to fulfill his dream of living along the banks of a steelhead river, Shannon is still deeply connected to the music scene in Jackson Hole. He currently serves The Center as a programming consultant and is actively booking public and private venues around the region.