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Long-running concert jazzes up Hotel Colorado

Donna GrayPost Independent Staff

The Roaring Fork Jazz Party has come a long way since starting out as a backyard camp-out at Walt Smith’s home on Missouri Heights in 1974.In the past 31 years, the event has traveled to a variety of venues in the valley, from the Redstone Castle to the Silvertree Hotel in Snowmass last year. This weekend, the jazzy two-day party takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs.Smith’s first party in his backyard hosted about 40 people. Since then, the event has evolved into an annual affair that has nearly doubled in attendance.The 32nd annual Roaring Fork Jazz Party features music by Smith and friends, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Colorado Room. The party continues at 6 p.m. with cocktails, dinner at 7 p.m. and music from 8 p.m. into the wee hours. The party revs up again on Sunday with a jam session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event’s all-star lineup of musicians includes Smith on piano, Chris Goplerud on drums, Mark Gray (husband of Post Independent reporter Donna Gray) on bass, Steve Cole on tenor sax, Al Herman on trombone, Tim Fox on trumpet, Rick Chinisci on guitar and vocalist Kathy Morrow.Tickets are $100 for the entire weekend of music and dinner. Dinner and music Saturday night is $80. The cost to attend a music session only is $30.The Hotel Colorado is offering a special overnight rate of $89 per room (mention the Jazz Party for the discount). For accommodations, call 945-6522 or (800) 544-3998. To make a reservation for the Jazz Party, call Connie McCrudden at 963-3136.Contact Donna Gray: 945-8515, ext. 16605dgray@postindependent.com

• Who: Walt Smith and friends• What: 32nd annual Roaring Fork Jazz Party• When: starting at 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday• Where: Colorado Room, Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs• How much: $100 for the entire weekend of music, including dinner Saturday night; $80 for dinner and music Saturday evening; $30 for individual music sessions on Saturday and Sunday• Information: Connie McCrudden, 963-3136


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