STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - The 2006 Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series, now in its 14th year, will kick off the series with collaboration of Chicago music legends, Chicago Blues Reunion, Friday, June 30. July's concerts begin Friday, July 7, complementing an already popular Balloon Rodeo Weekend, when Michael Franti and Spearhead will take the stage. The remainder of the schedule includes the return of Los Lobos Thursday, July 27 and the local premiere of Matt Costa Friday, August 11 and Susan Tedeschi Tuesday, August 22.
"Once again our line up reflects a diverse selection of musical styles that this concert series has gained a reputation for," said John Waldman of Great Knight Productions, and producer of the series. "Steamboat Springs' Free Summer Concert Series continues to bring in top bands from across the country to play in this beautiful Colorado mountain town to satisfy visitors and residents with a variety of musical tastes."
The Free Summer Concert Series, which is open to all ages, and family-friendly, will be held at the Howelsen Hill Amphitheater in downtown Steamboat Springs or on Headwall at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area. Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. with a warm-up band.
Chicago Blues Reunion
June 30, 5:30 p.m. Howelsen Hill
In 2004 a collection of Blues legends returned to Chicago for a limited number of performances and produced "Buried Alive in the Blues" audio CD and 60 minute DVD, released July, 2005. The legends that will play in Steamboat Springs June 30, 2006 include Barry Goldberg, Nick "The Greek" Gravenites, Harvey "The Snake" Mandel, Tracy Nelson, Sam Lay, and Corky Siegel with backing by a band of top flight pros including Gary Mallaber, Rick Reed and Zach Wagner. Chicago Blues Reunion defined the sound of their generation in the 1960s. In that time, they helped create the historic transition in popular music from acoustic folk to electric blues-influenced rock. For four decades they have continued to be an inspiration to younger generations that followed their trail blazing path.
Michael Franti & Spearhead
July 7, 5:30 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area
Michael Franti and Spearhead will make its only Colorado appearance this summer in Steamboat Springs Friday, June 7. Franti and Spearhead's music has been described as a 21st century world-wise groove nodding towards reggae, dancehall, bossa nova, Afrobeat, and funk. With its unique sound and political conscience, Franti and Spearhead's performance is sure to gain a nod from music lovers of all types.
Los Lobos
July 27, 5:30 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area
Los Lobos had already been integrating the songs of Richie Valens into their sets for nearly ten years before film "La Bamba" propelled the band into the limelight in 1987. This band from East L.A. has evolved from early 80s punk rock into a group of master musicians with a unique, creative chemistry. Over the years the band's music has varied from traditional Mexican, Chicano R & B, Latin stomp and Memphis blues to Tex-Mex and rock.
Matt Costa
August 11, 5:30 p.m., Howelsen Hill
If it were not for a broken leg, Matt Costa might be touring the world as a professional skateboarder rather than a musician. It was during an 18-month rehabilitation period that allowed Costa the time for learning the guitar and writing songs. The 23 year old plays with Jack Johnson on Johnson's latest CD the soundtrack for Curious George while also launching his own CD, "Songs we Sing" which has hints of "Mid-'60s folk-pop" along with a more contemporary sound.
Susan Tedeschi
August 22, 5:30 p.m. Howelsen Hill
This year's finale on August 22, features guitarist, singer and songwriter Susan Tedschi, known for her ability to craft elements of classic blues, rock, R&B, folk and gospel into a distinctly individual style. Her influences are Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin for voice and Buddy Guy, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Freddie King for guitar combine for a new generation of blues sound.
Concerts alternate between Steamboat Springs' two ski areas Howelsen Hill and the Steamboat Ski Area. In downtown Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill, Colorado's oldest ski area in continuous use, serves as a perfect natural amphitheater. The stage is set at the base of the jumping hill with plenty of room in the jumper's "landing area" for concert viewers to sit or dance. Howelsen Hill is just a few minutes walk from the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs.
The Steamboat Ski Area, well-known for its World Class skiing and the infamous "Cowboy Downhill" becomes the venue mid-summer for concerts and other events. The stage is set up at the base looking uphill making for plenty of good seats on the "Headwall" run, the very same run used in the Cowboy Downhill. The Gondola Square Adventure Zone, located at the base area, featuring the East Face climbing wall, Slingshot Bungee Jump, Shoot'n Shower, Human Gyro, Mini-Bounce and Giggle Gulch mini-golf will also have extended hours during concerts.
Both venues also feature several food and drink vendors, cold beer and kids activities in a relaxing mountain setting for music lovers of all ages, and great fun for the whole family.
For thirteen years the City of Steamboat Springs has brought top national acts as part of its Free Summer Concert Series. There's no better price or place for a concert in the summertime. Recent artists include: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Little Feat, John Hiatt, North Mississippi Allstars, Steel Pulse, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Keb Mo and the String Cheese Incident among others.
Great Knight Productions, a staple in the Rocky Mountain Region, books and produces the Steamboat Springs Summer Concert Series.
For the most up-to-date information on events and activities, suggestions on hiking or biking trails, or other information to complete your vacation log onto www.steamboatsummer.com o the official website for Steamboat Springs summer reservations or call 877-754-2269. For information about Steamboat Springs' events and activities call 970-879-0882.
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