Steamboat Springs Free Concert Series Announces Top National Acts for 2005

Colorado’s Own Big Head Todd & the Monsters in the lineup for this summer’s series

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - No where in the Rocky Mountains will a concert sound as good as the sound of free music in Colorado's Yampa Valley, and this year's lineup promises to attract music lovers of all types.

The 2005 Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series, now in its 13th year, will kick off the series with the internationally known reggae band, Steel Pulse, Friday, June 24.  Next Steamboat Springs welcomes a Colorado favorite, Big Head Todd & the Monsters on Thursday, July 14.  The remainder of the schedule includes: Sonny Landreth Friday, July 29 and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Saturday, August 13.  The finale, Saturday, September 3, will feature Cracker from 2-6 p.m. as a part of the Wild West Air Fest, Labor Day festivities.

"We are thrilled at this year's line up, once again a diverse selection of musical styles means there's something for everyone," said John Waldman of Great Knight Productions, and producer of the series. "Steamboat Springs' Free Summer Concert Series continues to attract top bands and fans from across the country to play in this beautiful Colorado Mountain Town."  Great Knight Productions, a staple in the Rocky Mountain Region, books and produces the Steamboat Springs Summer Concert Series.

The Free Summer Concert Series, which is open to all-ages, will be held at the Howelsen Hill Amphitheater in downtown Steamboat Springs or on Headwall at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.  Most concerts start at 5:30.  Stay tuned to www.steamboatsummer.com for concert times, location, and information to complete a vacation to Steamboat Springs in the summertime.

Steel Pulse
June 24, Howelsen Hill
The United Kingdom's Grammy Winning band is considered the most highly-regarded roots reggae band to come out of the British Isles.  Among their most popular tracks are, "Steppin' Out," "Reggae Fever" and "Handsworth Revolution," which was regarded by many critics as a landmark in British Reggae.  Steel Pulse was the first reggae band ever to appear on NBC's The Tonight Show and they also performed at  Bill Clinton's inaugural celebration.

Big Head Todd & the Monsters
July 14, 5:30 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area
This Colorado based trio is sure to receive a warm welcome by fans.  From their early days playing together in high school to their start as a band in the late-80s at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Todd has built a loyal fan base across the country from playing at smaller venues.  No longer just a local band, this trio achieved national acclaim with songs such as "Bittersweet" and "Broken Hearted Savior." The band continues to evolve combining folk, funk, blues and rock into one distinct sound.

Sonny Landreth
July 29, 5:30 p.m., Howelsen Hill
Southwest Louisiana-based guitar player Sonny Landreth will treat Steamboat Springs to his unorthodox slide guitar-playing style.  His soulful sound and jaw-dropping skill have impressed guitar aficionados around the world, while his lyrics expose his deeply rooted southern influence. 

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
August 13, 4:00 p.m.*, Howelsen Hill
Since 1965 the Nitty Gritty Dirt band, one of the leading bands influencing the transformation of folk-rock into country-rock.  They have inspired the likes of Alabama and the Eagles and they are still playing together!  In 2004 they released the album, "Welcome to Woody Creek" and won the 2005 for a Grammy in the Best Country Instrumental Performance Category for their song, "Earl's Breakdown." 

Cracker
September 3, 2-6 p.m., Steamboat Ski Area
This innovative alternative band emerged from the ashes of the band, Camper Van Beethoven, to create a unique sound described as, "more garage country than alt-country. More Southwestern than Southern." They cross many genres from blues to country.  Best known for songs such as "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)," "Euro Trash Girl," and "Low."

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 or call 970-879-0880.

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