Hot Air Balloons Land at Strings

Every morning in Steamboat Springs you can see a hot air balloon rising into the crisp blue sky above Emerald Mountain. The funny thing about hot air balloons is you never know where they’re going to land. And sometimes they like to stop at Strings for a concert….

Hot Air Balloon at Strings Music Pavilion

I remember…

“Hot air balloons landing on the lawn at Torian Plum during classical concerts.”

“Hot air balloons landing outside the tent during an adagio movment – you couldn’t hear a thing!”

Rainbows End at Strings

"My favorite memory of Strings is the rainbow before Kathy Mattea’s performance.”

Strings Music Festival Tent - 1996

Last week, we were graced with another beautiful rainbow as we celebrated 25 years of Strings. It seemed especially fitting that it ended at the Pavilion.

Strings Music Pavilion - 2012

Favorite Strings Musicians

David Deveau - 22 Seasons with Strings Music Festival

Many of our audience members have seen all 25 years of Strings’ concerts, but what you may not know, is that some of our artists have been here just as long! Thirteen musicians have returned to Strings for more than half of the years the festival has been in existence. Below you can find out who they are, how long they’ve been here, when they first performed, and when they’re performing this year.  

Ken Greene, 24 seasons, 1988 (June 23 – July 28)

David Deveau, 22 seasons, 1990 (July 28)

Andrés Cárdenes, 21 seasons, 1992 (June 23 – August 4)

Anne Martindale Williams, 18 seasons, 1992 (August 1, August4)

David Hardy, 17 seasons, 1994 (July 28 – August 4)

William VerMeulen, 17 seasons, 1994 (June 23, June 27)

Mark Nuccio, 16 seasons, 1995 (July 7, August 1)

Katherine Collier, 15 seasons, 1994

Yizhak Schotten, 15 seasons, 1994

Cary Lewis, 14 seasons, 1994

Sylvia VerMeulen, 13 seasons, 1996 (June 23)

Debra Ellet-Holland, 13 seasons, 1997

Brent Rowan, 13 seasons, 2000 (July 6)

For more live music in Steamboat Springs, visit the Strings Music Festival website.

The Founders of Strings

Betse Grassby, Annie DeGroff, Kay Clagett - 1992

"Kay and Betse- you rock! Remember when you were so nervous about how Strings would manifest? Well, wow!"
"Betse, Kay, Anne working out of one small office at Storm Meadows."

These three have been with Strings since the beginning. Join us tomorrow night for the Opening Night Orchestra concert, when they relive some of the highlights from the past 25 years. Strings is so successful because of you!

Friends and Family at Strings

Strings Music Festival

Some return to Strings every summer to reunite with friends and family. Some only attend one concert, but share a moment with a special person. Here are a few poignant memories of lifelong connections made at Strings.

"Meeting friends, spontaneously before a Different Tempo concert and the chatter at intermission."
"Sharing a couple of concerts with family members visiting from Australia."
"My mom, sister and brother-in-law rocking out to Celtic music. We came in with no idea who they were and loved them." -Jan Levy

Thank you to everyone who has made Strings a part of your life. Your love of music keeps the festival alive.

Strings Music Pavilion

"My favorite memory of Strings is the Pavilion."

Strings Music Pavilion

"The day our Board voted to build the Pavilion." -Henry Savage
"Seeing the Pavilion built in 9 months - a miracle!"
"This beautiful Pavilion replacing the old flapping tent."
"Opening night of the Pavilion."
"I love the new venue, particularly the acoustics; quite a departure from the tent on the hill." -Corey Langer

The Strings Music Pavilion, in Steamboat Springs Colorado, was completed in 2008, replacing the performing arts tent. The 560-seat venue makes for an intimate concert setting and outstanding live music. In 2012, the Pavilion won Best of the Boat’s “Best Live Entertainment Venue.”

Favorite Different Tempo Artists, Willie and Lobo

Willie and Lobo

"One Willie and Lobo concert in the old tent with a wild rainstorm coming down. The sound of the rain hitting the canvas became part of the concert sound and the whole musical experience was magical."

Willie and Lobo performed at Strings Music Festival in 2007, 2000, and 1998, among others. Check out this year's 2012 Different Tempo Series. Tickets on sale now!

Simon Boyar at Strings School Days

My favorite memory of Strings is...

Simon Boyar - 2011

"Watching all of the elementary kids bursting with energy, hands flying in the air hoping they will be one of the lucky ones to get picked by Simon Boyer to ask him a question, usually what his favorite band is or if he can play the Super Mario Brothers Theme!" -Summer Johnston

Simon Boyar was the Strings School Days featured musician in 2010 and 2011. The 2012 Strings School Days program concludes tonight with a free concert by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) at the Strings Music Pavilion. Tickets will be available starting at 6:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm and the concert starts at 7:00pm. No advanced ticket reservations.

Alpin Hong at Strings School Days

My favorite memory of Strings is...

Alpin Hong - 2009

"Alpin Hong’s infectious love of music and Steamboat and Strings and his gracious manners as he visited with us."
"Alpin Hong is a bright ray of sunshine wherever he appears!"
"Coming here when I was very young and being chosen to play on the stage with Alpin Hong. I love Steamboat."

Alpin Hong was the Strings School Days featured musician in 2008 and 2009. Strings School Days returns next week May 7-11, 2012. Please join us for a free concert with Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) on May 11th at the Strings Music Pavilion. Tickets will be available starting at 6:00pm on May 11. Doors open at 6:30pm and the concert starts at 7:00pm. No advanced ticket reservations.

Favorite Classical Musicians, Joshua Bell

"My favorite memory of Strings is Joshua Bell."

Joshua Bell at Strings Music Festival

"The Joshua Bell concert was magical."
"Joshua Bell performing in the intimate space of the Strings tent."
"Joshua Bell, wow!"

Famous for his Washington DC metro experiment, violinist Joshua Bell was featured at a Strings Music Festival classical concert in 2005. For a trip down memory lane, check out the Steamboat Today article from July 14, 2005.

I Remember Youth and Family Concerts at Strings

"Kid shows, especially the one I got to be in!" -Margaux, 6

"I love to watch the children at the children's concerts. They are so engaged and their joy is pure."

Banana Slug String Band - Youth Concert - 2011

The Strings Music Festival Youth and Family Series is popular with our youngest audience. The series began in 1995 with six concerts, and the $1 ticket price for kids is still the same today! If your kids are looking for things to do in Steamboat this summer, bring them to a performance with dancing, juggling, drumming, and learning how to make their own music. Visit our website for brief descriptions about the concerts.

2012 Youth and Family Concert Schedule:

June 26 - The Gizmo Guys - 11:00am and 5:30pm

July 3 - Alison Brown Quartet - 11:00am

July 10 - Beethoven’s Wig - 11:00am

July 17 - Fara Tolno and Kissidugu - 11:00am and 5:30pm

July 24 - Billy Jonas Band - 11:00am and 5:30pm

July 31 - Farmer Jason - 11:00am

August 7 - The Not-Its! - 11:00am

Remembering Steamboat Weather

We’ve sure had some wild weather in Steamboat Springs this week. Everything from a record breaking 71 degrees on Wednesday, the first thunderstorm of the season, and finishing out the week with a fresh blanket of snow over the valley. Weather also makes a lasting impression on our patrons who have attended concerts in pouring rain and thunderstorms.

Strings Music Festival Tent - 2004

"Attending a concert in “the tent” during a thunder and lightning storm. The roof leaked and my favorite musical selection of the evening was “raindrops keep falling on my head. It was quite a night!" -Julia Ann and Doug Jones

"The day at the Gillerg and it rained hard! No one minded and the show went on!" -Mix and Karen

"Having concerts interrupted by the thunder and noise of hail hitting the roof of the tent!"

"Rain leaking in the tent."

"We and our guests from California will always remember the chamber concert when it started to hail and the Steamboat elements delayed the start of an otherwise wonderful night of music."

"Concerts in the tent stopping for thunder."

If you’re looking for things to do in Steamboat and Colorado summer concerts, be sure to check out the Strings Music Festival Concert Calendar. Tickets for the summer are on sale now!

Strings at the Steamboat Athletic Club

Chamber Music at the Steamboat Athletic Club - 1991

Did you know that Strings Music Festival first began at the Steamboat Athletic Club on the deck of Storm Meadows? Here are some of the favorite memories from that time:

"Playing on the Athletic Club deck and admiring the flattops years ago."
"Sitting at Slopeside eating dinner and listening to the Strings concert at the same time." -Karen Linsky
"Walking through the woods to and from the Storm Meadows Athletic Club for concerts."

"Recruiting audience members to move the piano in the Steamboat Athletic Club."

The Strings staff was nervous for their first ever concert and hoped at least one person would show up. Imagine their surprise when they peered out the windows to see an audience of 250 people! They even had to find more chairs to accommodate everyone. This was the first time that live classical music was available in Steamboat Springs. Concerts were held at the Steamboat Athletic Club for four years, until the fire martial said that patrons could no longer sit on the roof for concerts.

Favorite Different Tempo Artists, Part 2

Asleep at the Wheel

"Chris Botti -Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Chris Botti rocked my world but so many performances have here. Thank you!"
"Two step, three steps all night long to Asleep at the Wheel every time they played. And I loved that steel guitar." -Chris and Gary
"You’ve come a long way since Asleep at the Wheel."
"Seeing Brent Rowan in his first concert, his hand shaking until he started playing."
"My heart melts each year when Brent Rowan sings “80477” - it’s my piece of heaven as well."

These Strings Music Festival favorites return for another great season of music in Steamboat Springs. Don’t miss their concerts!

Brent Rowan - July 6
Chris Botti - July 27
Asleep at the Wheel - August 17

For the full schedule of Steamboat concerts, please visit stringsmusicfestival.com. Tickets on sale now, online, by phone, or in person.

MASS Ensemble with Earth Harp at Strings

Mass Ensemble - Strings Music Tent - 2004

"The string harp strung up in the tent on opening night."

"Mass Ensemble opening celebration when the tent moved here."

"When Strings was 'strung'. The grand opening with the room sized harp."

If MASS Ensemble is your favorite memory, you’re in luck because they’re returning to Strings Music Festival to open the Different Tempo Series. To learn more about the instrument that spans the length of the Pavilion, visit stringsmusicfestival.com. They will perform in Steamboat Springs on Saturday June 30th at 8:00pm. Tickets on sale now, online, by phone, or in person.

Favorite Classical Artists, Part 2

Wendy Chen - Strings Music Pavilion - 2010

"David Hardy’s brilliant cello, warm most secure smile and a strong but not bone crushing handshake."

"Anne Williams"

"When David Deveau played Liszt’s consolation No. 3 in 2005. I fell in love with the piece and asked my piano teacher to help me learn it. It took me months, but I finally could play it quite well. David’s job is secure, I could never equal him."

"We always look forward to hearing Wendy Chen play the piano and also to seeing what she is wearing - stunning music and outfits."

"Wendy Chen, playing powerfully and peacefully: Grace, beauty and a smile to melt every heart!"

If these are your Strings Music Festival favorites, then you’re in luck because they’re coming back! Here’s when you can see them perform:

David Hardy

July 28 - Appalachian Spring ~ Heritage Concert

August 1 - Orchestral Music from the Movies ~ Heritage Concert

August 4 - Finale Orchestra

Anne Martindale Williams

August 1 - Orchestral Music from the Movies ~ Heritage Concert

August 4 - Finale Orchestra

David Deveau

July 28 - Appalachian Spring ~ Heritage Concert

Wendy Chen

August 4 - Finale Orchestra

For our full classical schedule, please visit stringsmusicfestival.com. Tickets on sale now, online, by phone, or in person.

Favorite Different Tempo Artists, Jesse Cook

Jesse Cook - Strings Music Pavilion - 2010

"Loved Jesse Cook's high energy and talent."
"Who could forget the gypsy rhythms of Jesse Cook? Hot Spanish memories are made of him."
"Our first Jesse Cook concert when the audience danced in the aisles."
"Jesse Cook by the lake!" -Karen Vincent Lindeman

Jesse Cook performed at a Different Tempo Concert at the Strings Music Pavilion and an Encore Concert in 2010. Check out the 2012 Different Tempo Series on Strings Music Festival's website. Tickets on sale now!

Strings' Sharp Volunteers

Strings Music Festival Park

My favorite memory of Strings is…

“Making the silent auction quilt for the 2000 season.” -Madeleine Vail
“Painting clothespins black.” -Ted G

Along with ushering at concerts, checking tickets, and helping in the box office, some volunteers go above and beyond - like making sure that musicians have clothespins so their music won’t blow away. Thank you to all our volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!

Interested in volunteering for Strings Music Festival this summer? For more information, visit our website.

Favorite Classical Artists, Part 1

Chamber Music at Strings Music Festival

Along with classical pieces, favorite memories of Strings Music Festival include classical musicians. Here’s who you remember most: 

Eroica Trio playing at Storm Meadows
Marie Rossano
Adela Pena practicing violin just outside my office at Storm Meadows.
Adela looking for her shoes.
Benny Kim and his fun socks.
Lambert Orkis - his music making with Russian artists during and after the Soviet era.
The Carnegie Mellon Trio
The Meridian Quartet

What classical musicians would you like to see return to Strings?

Strings Music Festival History - A Chapter on Fundraising

Strings Music Pavilion

Strings Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has a long history of successful fundraising. Our 2012 Annual Fund Campaign is underway and we invite you to look at the levels of support and donate today! Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach 25 years.

Here’s how we made it happen: