The point of live music is to have a good time, and for the Travis Anderson Trio that is how it began, and one of the main focuses of their performances.

“The overriding aesthetic for the group is just to have fun and to kind of bring the audience into that fold,” Anderson said.

The show continues the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association series, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mountain View Church.

The band got together by accident about 15 years ago. 

“I was just playing solo piano at jazz club, like happy hours, and I had never played with anybody in my whole life,” he said. 

They accidentally double booked a bass player and a drummer on the gig, and they all decided to play together. 

“‘Well, we’re getting paid, do you want us to play with you?’ And I said, ‘OK,’” Anderson said. “That was 15 years ago, and I’m still playing with the same bass player.” 

Steve Pikal is the first-call bassist of the Twin Cities, and the drummer is Nathan Norman, who joined the group about nine years ago. Anderson himself was described as a fleet-fingered pianist according to a news release. 

Together, they play some traditional jazz, pulling influence from greats like Oscar Peterson, while also playing more modern and familiar songs. 

“It’s mainstream, kind of like what I would consider the height of jazz is like ’50s and ’60s kind of piano trios,” Anderson said.

A signature touch of their playing style that they love to do is play more modern stuff, with a little twist, Anderson said. They’ll play TV and movie themes, Disney stuff, video games, Charlie Brown theme songs, animated specials and others. 

“Things that people can attach to and then we can kind of go off the rails and do our own thing,” he said. “We’re not losing people in the weeds of getting in too deep in the jazz cannon.”

This is the trio’s first tour, but they have been hyping up Minneapolis for some time, receiving great feedback, and they hope to bring the same joy to others in the country. 

“It’s kind of the most consistent feedback we get is that the shows are fun,” he said “They can see that we’re having fun on stage. We’re engaging with each other, we’re engaging with the audience, and just a little more interactive that way.”

For season ticket information, contact the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association at  www.gsconcertassn.org or call Nancy at 303-517-9800 or Sue at 970-379-3488.

Tyler Rust Band plays the Ute

The Ute Theater in Rifle welcomes 2022 Post Independent Locals Choice “Best Band” the Tyler Rust Band on Friday. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music is set to begin at 8 p.m. Opening the show is Feeding Giants. Ticket info at utetheater.com.

Carbondale Mountain Fair

The 51st Carbondale Mountain takes place Friday through Sunday in and around Sopris Park, located between Seventh Street and Weant Boulevard south of Main Street. The festival includes free live music, contests such as men’s and women’s woodsplitting, limbo and (new this year) a potters relay, plus arts and crafts vendors opening at noon Friday, performance artists, food booths, children’s activities and more. More info at carbondalearts.com.

Music on the Mountain

The Music on the Mountain concert series continues from 6-9 p.m. Saturday for the price of admission at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road. This week’s musical guest is A Band Called Alexis.

Garfield County Fair & Rodeo

Garfield County Fair and Rodeo week begins Sunday and continues through Aug. 7 at the County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, featuring livestock and other open show events. Several free events are slated, including a Ranch Rodeo at 4 p.m. Sunday, Family Rodeo at 6 p.m. Tuesday; Strongest of the Strong strongman competition at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the outdoor arena; parade on Railroad Avenue at 10 a.m. Aug. 6; and a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m. Aug. 6. Ticketed events include bull riding at 7 p.m. Wednesday; Pro Rodeo at 7 p.m. Thursday; concert with Big & Rich and Jennifer Belle at 7 p.m. Aug. 5; Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. Aug. 6; and Monster Truck Rally at 1 p.m. Aug. 7. Tickets and other info at garfieldcountyfair.com. 

Glenwood Summer of Music

The Glenwood Springs Summer of Music concert series concludes with Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, starting with openers The Queen Bees at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted to support the summer concert series. Info at glenwoodspringsummerofmusic.org.

R2 Gallery exhibition opens Friday

Carbondale Arts presents a new solo exhibition by painter and sculptor Tania Dibbs, opening at 5:30 p.m. Friday with an artist talk at the R2 Gallery in the Launchpad on Fourth Street. A reception is slated for 6-8 p.m. 

“Tania Dibbs is an internationally collected artist who explores the jagged intersection between the natural world, humanity and culture through painting and sculpture,” a press release states. 

Her show is scheduled to be on display through Aug. 11 at Carbondale Arts’ Launchpad, open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday music in Sopris Park

Carbondale’s Second Sunday in Sopris Park music series features the Cruz Contreras Band on Sunday from 4-7 p.m.

The Americana band is described as “sweet southern music at its finest … telling whisky-soaked tales of love and heartbreak.”

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. No glass containers, alcohol or dogs in Sopris Park.

Summer of Music welcomes Peach Street Revival

Next up in the Glenwood Springs Summer of Music concert series is Peach Street Revival, with opener Wild Flight starting at 6:30 p.m. July 13 in Two Rivers Park. 

Peach Street Revival plays classic rock. Coming up July 20 is the Johnny O Band. 

New Castle Market opens July 14

The New Castle Community Market is set to open for the season on July 14 at Burning Mountain Park on Main Street in New Castle, featuring fresh produce, honey, baked goods, canned goods, arts, books and food trucks.

The market is scheduled fro 4:30-7 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 15, a news release states.

The July 14 market features live music by Valle Musico, hosted by New Castle Recreation, plus a dunk tank fundraiser for YouthZone.

Carbondale Garden Music Series resumes July 14

The next in the Garden Music Series at the Third Street Center in Carbondale features classical violinist MinTze Wu performing “Johannes & Clara,” from 6-8 p.m. July 14.

“In this program, we trace back to the letters exchanged between Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann, and listen to the hidden longings inside the musical notes of these two celebrated musicians who deeply admire and influence each other, yet were separated by fate,” a release states.

English in Action benefit invites guest speaker Roya Hakakian

English In Action’s summer benefit feature guest speaker Roya Hakakian, author of “A Beginner’s Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious,” and other works, from 5-7:30 p.m. July 14 at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. 

English in Action is a nonprofit organization serving the Roaring Fork Valley by helping immigrants who want to improve their English language skills through one-on-one mentoring and small group sessions.

The benefit event includes music by jazz vocalist Josefina Mendez during cocktails, followed by the program beginning at 6 p.m. 

“Hakakian deftly points out in ‘A Beginner’s Guide,’ there is no one American immigrant experience,” a release states. “This fundraiser will highlight the diverse contributions of immigrants here in our Roaring Fork Valley and the importance of building stronger communities through cross-cultural exchange and understanding.”

For ticket information, visit englishinaction.org.

La sensación de la música country Big & Rich encabezará la Feria y Rodeo del Condado de Garfield 2022, según un comunicado de prensa.

“Conocidos como los ‘Technicolor Cowboys’ de los Estados Unidos, Big Kenny Alphin y John Rich (Big & Rich) conquistaron por primera vez la escena de la música country en el 2004 con su disco de triple platino, ‘Horse of a Different Color,'” según el comunicado. “Ese álbum presentó al mundo su éxito seminal, ‘Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),’ que obtuvo una nominación al Grammy a la Mejor Interpretación Country de un Dúo o Grupo.”

Según la biografía del grupo, Alphin y Rich son músicos, compositores, productores y artistas de primer nivel. Juntos, son una de las fuerzas musicales más originales jamás desatadas en un mundo acogedor.

Big & Rich ha ganado numerosos elogios y premios Grammy, Academy of Country Music, Country Music Awards y Country Music Television, según el comunicado. Pero el dúo también es conocido por apoyar a una gran cantidad de esfuerzos humanitarios, hospitales infantiles, niños desfavorecidos en países extranjeros y nuestros veteranos militares.

“Quiero ser una voz y entidad positiva divertida y entretenida en mi comunidad, en el país y en el mundo,” dijo Alphin en el comunicado. “Espero que la gente sepa que esas son las cosas que son importantes para mí. Y cuando salen de un concierto de Big & Rich, deben sentir que acaban de presenciar el mayor espectáculo de la Tierra.”

El acto de apertura presentará a Jennifer Belle—nativa de California—quien ha cautivado a los fanáticos de la música country con su exitoso álbum “Heart First,” que le valió nominaciones a “Artista del año de New Country” y “Artista revelación del año de New Country,” de acuerdo con el comunicado.

Los boletos salieron a la venta en garfieldcountyfair.com a las 8 a.m. el 15 de abril.

La Feria y Rodeo del Condado de Garfield está programada del 1 al 7 de agosto en el recinto ferial, en 1001 Railroad Ave. en Rifle.

Easter egg hunts and activities

Rifle

The annual Rifle Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt returns this year to Deerfield Park, a news release states.

Beginning at 9 a.m. April 16 in Deerfield Park, 300 E. 30th St., children up to age 9 are eligible to come by for a chance to win Easter baskets and bikes as well as participate in the Easter egg hunt, the release states.

“If your child finds a piece of candy marked with a number, find that number at the participating business in town, and they will give your child another prize,” the release states. “If the business is closed on Saturday, go back during normal business hours.”

A longstanding tradition, the local Lions Club has held the Rifle Easter Egg Hunt for 86 years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Rifle Fire Department will be on site for kids to get an up close and personal experience, and it’s just a fun-filled morning for the whole family,” the release states. “It’s a Rifle tradition. … Come out and watch the kids have fun and celebrate spring.”

Glenwood Springs

The New Creation Church Easter Egg Hunt is on for this year at 10 a.m. Saturday at 44761 Higway 6 in Glenwood Springs. The event will be bigger than ever, and registration begins at 9 a.m. Register your children, toddler through fourth grade, by going to www.newcreationchurch.org.

The Salida Family Circus, Happy Day Express Train and Rugged Desperadoes 4-H Petting Farm animals will all be here. Plus, lots of food, prizes, candy and fun — and thousands of eggs. Call 970-945-5902 or email office@newcreationchurch.org for more information.

Carbondale

Carbondale Recreation sponsors its annual “Where My Peeps At?” team scavenger hunt for older children and adults and, for the first time, the “Little Peeps Scavenger Hunt” for children age 2-6, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Teams of two to six people ages 8 and up can sign up; same for the younger set. Info and registration at www.carbondalerec.com.

Art for autism awareness

The Launchpad in Carbondale is currently displaying a 4-foot-by-4 art piece that has been curated over the last eight months through the efforts of Ascendigo Autism Services’ Katie Alderson and seven children on the autism spectrum. April is Autism Awareness Month.

Second weekend of ‘Sound of Music’ production

The multi-school Basalt and Carbondale student production of The Sound of Music takes place at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Basalt Middle School auditorium, 51 School St., Basalt. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students and seniors (advance purchase available at eventbrite.com/e/the-sound-of-music-tickets-296917627617)

‘Picasso’ continues at CMC’s New Space Theatre

Continuing through April 24, Colorado Mountain College’s Sopris Theatre Company presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” an absurdist comedy created by screenwriter, actor and comedian Steve Martin.

Multiple showings of this off-Broadway play take place at the New Space Theatre at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus: 7 p.m. April 15, 22 and 23; and 2 p.m. April 17 and 24.

In addition to live performances, live streamed performances of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” are slated for April 16 and 22.

All tickets are available for purchase at coloradomtn.edu/campuses/spring-valley/cmc-theatre/ or 970-947-8177.

Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association hosts final two performances of the season

The 2021-22 Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association is coming to a close with two performances April 25 and May 4.

At 7 p.m. April 25, the male vocal quintet Veritas performs in the Glenwood Springs High School auditorium. Their program features music from Broadway to sacred, pop to classical, and opera to rock ’n’ roll. The April 25 concert will also kick of the Glenwood Springs Community Concert Association’s 75th anniversary celebration with cake in the lobby.

The final community concert of the season is slated for 7 p.m. May 4 in the Glenwood Springs High School Auditorium. The Sons of the Pioneers will sing cowboy classics made famous by their founders, Roy Rogers and friends.

Adults can join the concert series for $50 for the entire season. Memberships will be sold at the May 4 concert, and new members will be invited to stay for The Sons of The Pioneers concert as a bonus. Go to http://www.gsconcertassn.org for more information.

As the omicron COVID variant cancels events across Colorado, a telling showcase of the times will hit a milestone.

Carbondale music shop Steve’s Guitars will host its 100th consecutive Friday live stream on New Year’s Eve with Carbondale band Red Hill Rollers with an opening act from Curly Bill.

“We have decided to still have a live stream on Streamin’ Steve’s on Friday night,” Steve’s Guitars owner Steve Standiford said via email. “But, we will not have a live audience as we had hoped.”

The show begins at 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continues into 2022. It will be streamed on YouTube through GrassRoots TV.

The venue started online showings shortly after the pandemic began, though the venture was a longtime vision of Standiford, he previously told the Post Independent.

It may be the 100th live stream, but the store has held performances for “going on” 1,100 Fridays, according to a promotional email from Steve’s Guitars.

More information is available on GrassRootsTV.org/stevesguitars.

Carbondale Arts wraps its Garden Music Series this week with a cross-genre ensemble performance on Wednesday and Thursday at the Orchard.

Local musician MinTze Wu will play violin, accompanied by three other musicians plus a musician/narrator in a hybrid performance of Daniel Mason’s novella “Death of the Pugilist,” which follows a man from a rough dockside upbringing in England in the 1800s as he comes of age as a bare-knuckle fighter, eventually squaring up with a boxing legend.

The story is read in its “unedited entirety” and weaved together with modern, minimalistic music, some of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Irish folk.

“This show is so special in that it was my first cross-genre experimental ensemble from 12 years ago,” Wu said. “It is such a compelling story and experience that I’d love the chance to introduce it to the community.”

Wu is accompanied by Jem Moore, who narrates and plays music, and fellow musicians Eric Thorin, Joy Adams and Blayne Chastain. The original story was published by Mason in 2008.

The show is the fourth and final in Carbondale Arts’ Garden Music Series, which was “designed to celebrate the rich diversity of artistic styles and cultural backgrounds in our place and time,” according to Carbondale Arts’ website.

Wu played in all four events, starting on May 27 with “Bach, Ballads & Ballet.”

Both nights of “Death of the Pugilist” will feature the same show. Tickets are $30 and are available through the Carbondale Arts’ website. The concerts are “bring your own everything,” according to Carbondale Arts.

“Bring a chair or blanket, some yummy snacks and refreshments, and be ready to be serenaded.” its website says.

Another sign that things are returning to normal goes up on the grassy lawn at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs Wednesday evening — with an eye toward a full return next summer.

Though the Glenwood Summer of Music was suspended the past two summers due to restrictions on public gatherings caused by the pandemic, the summertime concert in the park returns for a one-off show from 6:30-9 p.m. Aug. 4.

The night will feature a pair of local music groups, the True Story Band and A Band Called Alexis. The concert is free and open to the public.

“We want this to be something for the community,” said Annie Olson, president of Glenwood Springs Summer of Music.

Unlike the usual concert series, there won’t be any food vendors or outside solicitors, she said. People may bring a picnic to enjoy while listening to the music, she said.

At the same time, the nonprofit organization that puts on the series is looking to the event to kick-start things for a six-concert series next summer.

Next week’s concert was made possible by donations from the city of Glenwood Springs and local businesses. Bringing back the summer-long series that typically begins on the last Wednesday of June for six straight Wednesdays will rely on community donations, Olson said.

“It takes several months of work to get all the concerts together for the season,” she said of a process that usually begins by November of the prior year to line up bands and vendors and get permitting in place.

“It really takes quite a bit of time to assemble, and we all wear a lot of hats to make it happen,” Olson said.

Volunteers will be working the crowd with lighted donations buckets on Aug. 4, and supporters are encouraged to send donations to: Glenwood Springs Summer of Music, P.O. Box 945, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602.

“We will continue to honor and strengthen this important community event by increasing community involvement, developing regional partnerships and maximizing our use of the precious resources provided by the community,” Olson said in an earlier press release announcing this year’s single event.

True Story Band is led by guitarist Damian Smith and features multi-instrumentalist Chris Bank and a host of other local musicians playing country and classic rock covers.

A Band Called Alexis is billed as the region’s premiere country-rock band, led by vocalist Alexis States with Julie Maniscalchi on backup vocals, David Harding on lead guitar, Billy Conn on bass, Corey Spagnolo on drums and David Reynolds on rhythm guitar.

Senior Reporter/Managing Editor John Stroud can be reached at 970-384-9160 or jstroud@postindependent.com.