Music in the Mountains

What’s cookin’ in Devil’s Kitchen?  Judging by the Centennial Band’s plans, there’ll be a smorgasbord of musical treats served up at 5:30 p.m. on May 17 in this natural red rock ampitheater just inside the east gate of the Colorado Monument.

The band plans a concert of patriotic pieces and lighter fare that’s sure to complement anyone’s picnic supper. Director Gary Ambrosier said the concert’s pieces will include “Midway March” by John Williams and “Liberty Bell” by John Phillip Sousa. The band will pay tribute to American greats such as Duke Ellington and Aaron Copland, and singer Becky McGary will be featured in a salute to America’s armed forces. 

Ambrosier added that parking at this locale will be limited to disabled access. A shuttle service for the free concert will be provided, starting at Wingate Elementary, 351 South Camp Road. The service starts at 4:30 p.m. and runs every 15 minutes until 7:30 p.m. Riding the bus armed with lawn chairs and picnic baskets is fine, he said. For more information, call 858-3617 ext. 364.

The band quickly follows this performance with a fund-raiser together with King ‘n Trio at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Avalon Theatre. The evening is dedicated to raising funds for Honor Flight, which helps vets visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. While admission is free, a donation is requested.

The aforementioned concerts are not set until the third full week of the month, but there are plenty of enchanted musical evenings – and days – earlier in the month. 

On Saturday, May 9, take in “Chasing Light,” a classical concert featuring works by Wagner, Schwantner and Brahms. The Albers sisters – Julie on cello and Laura on violin – return to Grand Junction to perform in the Grand Junction Symphony’s final concert of the season. It begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Junction High School auditorium.

Wrapped around the Albers’ performance is the 21st annual Wells Fargo Arts and Jazz festival running May 8-10 downtown. The Central High School Jazz Band kicks things off at 4 p.m. Friday, followed by Michelle Wilkenson at 6 p.m. Dotsero, billed as the “ultimate in contemporary jazz,” caps off the evening at 8 p.m.

Saturday goes into high gear when the Grand Junction High School Jazz Band struts its stuff at noon. At 2 p.m the streets heat up with the high energy of ZARO, featuring saxophonist/composer Andrew Vogt. ZARO is followed at 4 p.m. by the Jason Runnels Trio, specializing in fusion jazz. A scant two hours later, roll back the clock with the Big Band sounds of the forties, compliments of the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra. 

Saturday’s headliner is once again the renowned Hazel Miller, who captivated her audience at last year’s event. Miller, who makes her home in Colorado, will roll into town early enough to conduct a voice class at Roper Music from 9 to 3 p.m. on Friday. She’ll then take the stage at 8 p.m.

Sunday starts with classical gospel music by Bobby Walker Gospel at 10 a.m. and continues midday with the Aakash Mittal Quartet, known for its India-inspired jazz. In a time-honored tradition, the day then mellows with Walt Smith and Friends at 2 p.m. Smith promises a little music for lovers. 

Fruita has its own musical shout-out the following weekend as part of the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, which runs May 15-17. On Friday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. check out the R&B and funk dance band Ofay Soul. On its heels at 7:30 comes Disco Mountain, based out of Denver, with crowd-pleasing favorites such as “Celebration” and “Shining Star.”

Along with a full array of festival events on Saturday, count on everything from polka to rock to keep the day jumpin.’  The Polka Band with Joe Gable keeps toes tapping from 1:30 to 3 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. the Blue Canyon Boys take the stage. Winners of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass festival band contest, these four musicians blend their voices with a mandolin, guitar, bass and banjo. The quartet is especially known for its brother-duet harmonies.

The Goodman Band keeps the action going from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Ralph Dinosaur and the Fabulous Thunderbirds rock the western slope one more time in their 26 years of being crowd favorites. 

With all these performances at hand, it’s impossible not to get out and enjoy some great entertainment. Whether you appease your musical appetite among the red rocks, in an auditorium or on the streets of Fruita and Grand Junction, there will definitely be something to appeal to your tastes in May.