Music on the Mountain kicks off this weekend
jcabe@postindependent.com
Courtesy Photo |
Music on the Mountain Lineup
Unless otherwise noted, free tram rides begin at 4 p.m., and bands play from 6 to 10 p.m.
Friday, May 22: Doctor Robert (Beatles tribute band)
Back for the third year in a row, this Crested Butte-based band featuring Ben Wright, Karen Janssen, Casey Falter and Kevin Reinert brings a modern sound to the Fab Four’s classics.
Saturday, May 30: Night Plane (acoustic rock)
Longtime valley locals, singers and songwriters Haden Gregg, Jimmy Dykann and John Zajicek perform original selections and tasteful cover tunes.
Saturday, June 6: Poser (Colorado rock and roll)
Poser is a six-piece cover band that faithfully performs the hits of the Beatles, Joe Cocker, Santana and many more rock-and-roll legends.
Saturday, June 13: Already Gone (American resort rock)
Over the last several years, Already Gone has become one of the most in-demand party bands in the region with selections that weave through originals, classic rock, R&B, funk, blues, country crossover and rock and roll.
Saturday, August 15: Fifty50 (classic, modern and original rock)
Fifty50 is a Roaring Fork Valley-based band comprised of Dave Stoltzfus, Beth Getzen Stoltzfus, Dale Loper, Jerry Larsen and Tom Mercer. Their choice of music — from classic, modern and original rock — and their blend of vocal harmonies and instrumental energy make this band unique.
Saturday, August 22: The Goodman Band (Stevie Ray Vaughan cover tunes, classic rock)
Specializing in classic rock and Stevie Ray Vaughan cover tunes, the three-piece Goodman Band plays music that ranges from early country, rock and blues to today’s music.
Saturday, August 29: Vidicus Maximus (provocative grooves, soul, rock and blues)
Originally from the Detroit area, Vid Weatherwax has vast experience in the club, studio and concert scene. With Vid on keyboard and vocals, he has partnered with two of the most respected musicians in the valley, Hap Harriman on guitar and Chris Bank on percussion and sax.
Saturday, September 12: Derringer (unique country-rock sound)
Derringer, a Colorado favorite for 20 years, continues to bring an energetic show to the stage, performing today’s country radio hits as well as original songs.
Sunday, September 13: Christian Music on the Mountain (featuring two bands)
The Kings Loyal loves to connect with people through their music. They play a mix of covers by artist such as NEEDTOBREATHE, Coldplay and David Crowder. Following the Kings Loyal, the Orchard’s band, led by Kara Montie, is a collective of local musicians who worship together through a variety of musical styles, from keyboard-driven rock to finger-picking folk. Free tram rides begin at 2 p.m. for this special Sunday event. The bands play from 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: Mile Markers (Americana rock)
Founded by front men Hap Harriman and Nelson Oldham in 2011, the Milemarkers have developed a passion for organized, thoughtful Americana music. The set is a very diverse mix of originals and covers from Dire Straits, The Band, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson and others.
Saturday, September 26: The Missing Link Band (blend of classic rock, dance, funk & groove tunes)
The Missing Link Band — the only band to perform during all seven seasons of Music on the Mountain — has added some new members along with many new classics to their set list, reflecting the band’s additional capabilities. They still feature the “AM Gold” sounds of the ’60s plus hits from all ages and genres.
For the seventh year in a row, the thin air at the top of Iron Mountain will be filled with live music as Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s free Music on the Mountain summer concert series returns this weekend.
A kick-off party will ring in the first concert of the year, featuring local Beatles cover band Doctor Robert. The series continues with 10 more concerts throughout June, August and September. Guests can ride the tram for free beginning at 4 p.m. with the donation of a nonperishable food item benefiting LIFT-UP food pantry.
This is the third year in a row that Doctor Robert will open Music on the Mountain.
“To kick off the series certainly means a lot to us,” said Ben Wright, who plays drums in the band. “The crowds are increasing each year.”
According to Nancy Heard, general manager of the park, that’s part of why she keeps asking them back.
“They bring such a good, local crowd for us,” she said. “The bands are chosen by popular demand. We basically base it on attendance over prior years and who’s bringing the best crowds.”
Doctor Robert can be heard playing a variety of the 110 Beatles hits and deep cuts that they know all throughout the valley; another upcoming gig is Aspen’s Fourth of July celebration downtown, which they played last year.
But Wright said there’s something special about playing at the top of Iron Mountain.
“I have a personal connection to the valley; I grew up in Carbondale,” he said. “So to be able to look out and see Sopris while you’re playing is pretty unique.”
In addition to being able to hear free live music, guests are also able to purchase dinner, snacks and drinks from the Lookout Grille and Snack Shack. With the purchase of a $35 Funday Pass, patrons can enjoy both walking cave tours and unlimited access to the Glenwood Canyon Flyer, the Alpine Coaster, the Giant Canyon Swing, the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, the Mine Wheel, the Wild West Express Coaster, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, the Fort WhereAmI Maze, the 4-D Motion Theater, the Laser Tag arena, the climbing wall and the Giddy Up! Western ride. The outdoor rides are open until dusk; the Laser Tag arena and 4-D Motion Theater are open until the park closes.
Music on the Mountain was started in 2009 as a way to attract locals to all of those then-newly-added amusement park rides and attractions, Heard said.
“We figured out that a lot of people in the valley weren’t keeping up with what was happening up here because we were developing so quickly,” she said. “We needed to do a guerilla marketing effort to get our locals up here to see what we’ve got. And the event got legs and became very popular. Last year we were voted by the locals as the best place to view the sunset and the best place to listen to music.”
Attendees are able to do both at once while supporting LIFT-UP. It doesn’t get much better than that.
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