There are many beautiful music venues in Colorado, but it’s hard to beat the banks of the Crystal River in Redstone.

It’s been 17 years since Lisa Wagner first arranged for Howard Berkman to play in the park there, and the Magical Moments summer concert series has become a summer staple.

“It was always a natural to have music up here, but we’re unincorporated, so we don’t have tax revenue coming in for things like that,” Wagner observed. “It kind of evolved from passing the hat to over the years getting sponsors.”

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Far from being limited to Crystal Valley businesses, some of the event’s top sponsors are Glenwood and regional institutions like Bighorn Toyota, Alpine Bank and KMTS. The crowds, too, come from neighboring towns.

“In the last couple years, it’s caught on finally,” Wagner said. “We can get around 250 people. It fills up the park.”

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On occasion, the Crystal Club Cafe has lent its outdoor space when more room is required. The musicians themselves are mostly local, though Wagner has brought in acts from as far as Florida and Chicago.

“It’s truly incredible all the musicians we have here right in our neck of the woods,” she said. “The backdrop is amazing. It’s a connection between the beauty of nature, music and art. They always want to come back.”

“It’s very casual. It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting,” she added. “You can bring your dogs, your kids can play in the park. There’s no cell service, so when you come you really enjoy where you are.”

The free concerts take place Saturday nights throughout the summer and into fall. Next up is Paonia’s ’60s infused Americana group “The Scones” from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 20.

“They are super, super talented, and their music is incredible,” Wagner said.

North Carolina blues and folk band “Hot Eagle” plays 6-9 p.m. Aug. 27, and the internationally known Celtic bluegrass duo Moors and McCumber wrap things up during the Redstone Art Show, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 3.

“We try to keep Redstone as active as we can,” Wagner said. “The more music we have in this valley, I think the better.”