Where the Beats Meet the Peaks
Around here, live music isn’t just a vibe – it’s practically a mountain sport. From twangy bluegrass pickin’ to Grateful Dead covers that make you question what year it is; Steamboat’s music scene brings the soul, the stomp and the summer groove. And the best part? You can keep your wallet in your fanny pack – it’s all free. Yup, your ears won’t be charged a dime.
Keepin’ It Free Summer Concert Series (Howelsen Hill)
Like to get down? There’s no better place than Howelsen Hill’s Free Summer Concert Series (keepinitfree.com), where the hills are alive with the sound of…well, some seriously good jams. Bring a blanket, grab your dancing shoes (or don’t, we’re not your mom), and claim your spot on the lawn or up by the stage. Hit the food trucks for your pre-show fuel, then sip something cold from the beverage tent while the music does its thing. “There’s a lot of energy in town around these shows, and we’re proud of the lineup we’ve put together,” says organizer John Waldman. And the envelope, please:
June
21 Andy Frasco & The U.N. | Opener: Graham Good & The Painters
Kicking off the season is Andy Frasco & The U.N., a high-energy performance combining a creative combo of rock, blues and funk.
July
19 Julian Marley & The Uprising | Opener: Mighty Mystic
You’ll be jammin’ aplenty at this one as Julian Marley, son of Bob, brings his island vibes to the ‘Boat with his house band The Uprising.
31 Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country | Opener: Bonfire Dub
Brace yourself. After two years rocking the stage at WinterWonderGrass, Daniel Donato has built a reputation in the jam band scene through a unique and energetic mix of country, psychedelic rock and improv into his “Cosmic Country” sound.
August
31 Brothers Comatose | Opener: Little Moon Travelers
Hailing from the West Coast, Brothers Comatose brings a modern twist to traditional bluegrass with fast picking and soaring vocal harmonies. And opening is Steamboat’s own Little Moon Travelers.
Stranahan’s Free Summer Concert Series at Steamboat Square
Because one free concert series just isn’t enough, this concert series takes place at the base of the mountain in the heart of Steamboat Square with that après-everything energy. Grab a drink, listen to the opener at 6 p.m., and then settle in for the main event at 7:30. Artist announcements are still on their way, but here are the dates you’ll want to mentally block off immediately:
July 4, 11, and 25; Aug. 1 and 30.
Snowbowl Free Summer Concerts
Wednesdays unless noted.
June
4 Bonfire Dub
11 Aaron Golay & the Original Sin
18 The Hip Snacks
25 Constant Change
29 Sunday SuperMagick
July
2 Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers
9 Chuck Briseno Band
16 Heads All Empty
23 Cousin Curtiss
27 Sunday Headliner: Bella Band, Nathan Graham
30 Arts Fishing Club
August
6 Colony Funk
13 Lowdown Brass Band
20 The Burroughs
24 Sunday Wish You Were Pink
27 Selasee & the Fafa Family
September
3 The Fretliners
10 The Runaway Grooms
17 Magic Beans
24 Jimkata
28 Sunday Putting the Giant to Sleep End of Season Bash, 2-8pm
Headliner: Taylor Scott Band Plus: Wordan Jilson & The Wild Bunch, Eric Delaney’s Taste Test, Speak of the Devil
Strings Summer Lineup
Celebrating its 38th season, Strings Music Festival has a great list of shows this summer, from classical musicians to Grammy-nominated contemporary favorites. “We are thrilled to present an exceptional lineup this season, from Grammy-winning artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark to legendary performers such as Lucinda Williams and John Oates,” says Strings’ Elissa Greene. “It promises to be a vibrant celebration of music that truly makes summer in Steamboat special.” And the drumroll please:
June
27 Mary Chapin Carpenter / Brandy Clark, 7pm
28 Opening Night: Contrasts in Classical 7pm
29 BoDeans, 7pm
July
2 An American Story Featuring Chee-Yu 7pm
5 An American Tapestry in Bras, 7pm
6 Brent Rowan and Friends, 7pm
10 Bruce Cockburn, 7pm
11 Houndmouth, 7pm
12 The Guild of Strings Music Festival’s Kitchen and Garden Tour 9am-3pm
12 Palaver Strings with Nicholas Phan, 7pm
13 Tab Benoit, 7pm
16 Anderson & Roe, 7pm
17 John Oates, 7pm
19 Manhattan Chamber Players, 7pm
20 Lucinda Williams, 7pm
22 Chris Isaak, 7pm
23 Weiss Kaplan Carr Trio 7pm
24 Firefall, 7pm
26 Harmonic Dialogues 7pm
27 Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue 7pm
30 Trios of Passion, 7pm
31 Pure Prairie League 7pm
August
1 Jarabe Mexicano, 7pm
2 Czech, 7pm
3 Mountain Grass Unit 7pm
6 Strings Unbound, 7pm
7 Top House, 7pm
9 Orchestra Finale: Rhapsody in Blue, 7pm
10 Morgan James Symphonic Soul, 7pm
13 Cliburn Gold Medalist 7pm
14 Atlanta Rhythm Section, 7pm
16 Jon Muq, 7pm
19 Crystal Gayle, 7pm
24 Allen Stone, 7pm
September
19 Hot Tuna, 7pm
October
4 Dawes (duo), 7pm
November
7 BUGS, 5:30pm
Free Programming: Strings is also pleased to announce free programming with Music on the Green at Yampa Valley Botanic Park, Twilight Yoga in Strings Festival Park, and an Open Rehearsal for families and friends. Info: stringsmusicfestival.com.
