Cookbook Club: Something From Nothing
2026-05-20 18:00 (America/Denver) | Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 Sixth Street, Crested Butte, CO, 81224, United States
This month’s Cookbook Club will be held at RMBL 365!
Discover the magic of making more with less at our community potluck inspired by Something from Nothing: A Cookbook by Alison Roman! This collection celebrates the art of cooking with what you have—turning pantry staples and everyday ingredients into dishes that feel abundant, satisfying, and full of flavor. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish, and bring your creation to share. Together, we’ll discover how a little creativity in the kitchen can turn the simplest ingredients into a feast worth remembering.

Mountain Words Literary Festival
2026-05-21 00:00 - 2026-05-24 00:00
The annual Mountain Words Literary Festival is Crested Butte’s multi-day literary celebration at nine-thousand feet, featuring workshops, panel discussions, readings, live theatre, film, children’s events, and more.
Workshops and events in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, nature writing, playwriting, publishing, journalism, long-form, research, and more.
For tickets and information, visit mtnwords.org.

Johnny and Patrick Art Exhibition: “Duke and DeFeo: The long road of two painters”
2026-05-22 - 2026-07-16
May 22 – July 16 | Closing Reception July 16
Patrick Duke and Johnny DeFeo met while studying Art at Western State in 2005 and became fast friends. From there they studied together in Florence, Italy, and in the 20 years since they have both grown their individual art careers, maintaining a focus on the landscapes that inspire them. Duke lives in Crested Butte and maintains a studio gallery called Studio One Eleven, at 111 Elk Ave. DeFeo now lives and works in Taos, New Mexico. The two get together every year to paint en plein air, out in the inspiring lands around Crested Butte. This exhibition is a survey of recent plein air landscape paintings as well as the studio paintings which the region inspires.

Myth Understandings: An Evening of Comedy with Shane Mauss
2026-05-22 19:00
Why do so many persistent myths, superstitions, and folk beliefs arise? Why does our social brain love stories that feel true over facts that are true? Shane’s newest show explores how the weirdest, funniest misunderstandings in human history come from our very human minds.
Expect to laugh and learn in equal measure as we explore:

Cartoonishly bad ideas that stuck around for centuries
How cognitive biases and social instincts drive our love of myth and lore
Why modern misinformation feels so compelling

It’s part aha, part haha, and all about celebrating curiosity and the pursuit of understanding.

Speed Puzzling Happy Hour
2026-05-29 17:00 - 19:30
Join us for a playful, fast-paced evening of puzzles, friendly competition, and community connection. Whether you’re a seasoned speed puzzler or just in it for the fun, this interactive event invites you to jump in, team up, and test your skills across a variety of puzzle challenges. We’ll have a range of puzzle difficulties available (100, 200, and 300 pieces), making this event accessible for all experience levels.

Puzzle Chess – A one-on-one challenge using 100-piece puzzles and a chess clock. Race against another puzzler, compare times, and see how you stack up. Jump in anytime—no formal start required.
Pairs Relay – A crowd favorite! Teams of two compete on two puzzles, switching every five minutes. Strategy, communication, and quick thinking are key as you tag in and out to complete your puzzles.
Team & Pairs Competitions – Depending on the crowd, we’ll also run traditional head-to-head formats with pairs (two people) or teams (four people) working together to complete puzzles as quickly as possible.

There will be two Speed Puzzle Happy Hours: April 22 and May 29. May 29 will be family-friendly, with a special welcome to youth (15 and under), though both events are open to all ages. Come solo or bring a team—either way, you’ll leave with new connections and maybe a new favorite pastime.

The String Cheese Incident
2026-06-03 19:15
Night one of String Cheese in Crested Butte | SOLD OUT
The past three decades have written a story packed with surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement, and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, their strong community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first began gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the internet was taking hold and the major-label business model was beginning to fail, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has carved out a completely unique approach to the business of music and have become pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” Using the internet as a tool, SCI was among the first artists to share tour dates, release information, and news directly with their growing fan base. Rather than focusing on the bottom line, the band put their music and fans first, launching their own ticketing company, merchandise company, and fan travel agency to better serve their community.
Their record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing through the band’s On The Road series, making every live show available for download online. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development, an approach now used by hundreds of bands to build their brands.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment extends far beyond their immediate fan base and the music community itself. Early in their career, the band became deeply invested in giving back to the communities they visited and were among the first performers to promote green shows and tours. Their support has helped launch nonprofit organizations such as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount.
Throughout it all, The String Cheese Incident has remained dedicated to music as a creative endeavor, both in the studio and on stage. Their long and diverse list of collaborators, along with signature events like Electric Forest and Hulaween and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, has helped redefine the concert experience and earned the band a reputation as innovators of live music culture.

The String Cheese Incident
2026-06-04 19:15
Night two of String Cheese in Crested Butte | SOLD OUT
The past three decades have written a story packed with surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement, and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, their strong community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first began gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the internet was taking hold and the major-label business model was beginning to fail, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has carved out a completely unique approach to the business of music and have become pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” Using the internet as a tool, SCI was among the first artists to share tour dates, release information, and news directly with their growing fan base. Rather than focusing on the bottom line, the band put their music and fans first, launching their own ticketing company, merchandise company, and fan travel agency to better serve their community.
Their record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing through the band’s On The Road series, making every live show available for download online. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development, an approach now used by hundreds of bands to build their brands.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment extends far beyond their immediate fan base and the music community itself. Early in their career, the band became deeply invested in giving back to the communities they visited and were among the first performers to promote green shows and tours. Their support has helped launch nonprofit organizations such as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount.
Throughout it all, The String Cheese Incident has remained dedicated to music as a creative endeavor, both in the studio and on stage. Their long and diverse list of collaborators, along with signature events like Electric Forest and Hulaween and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, has helped redefine the concert experience and earned the band a reputation as innovators of live music culture.

Alpenglow: Floodgate Operators
2026-06-15 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
Crested Butte, CO based Floodgate Operators know a thing or two about getting the party started. Founded in 2018, Floodgate Operators have grown from a dive bar bluegrass act to a force of original music and showmanship which has earned them praise throughout the Rocky Mountain West.
The band has released three records, Drought Driven Days (2020), Flood the World (2022), and After the Flood (2025) with each effort building on the collaborative nature of the band. The latest effort, After the Flood, highlights the growth in storytelling and songwriting prowess. From ‘Montana Drive-by’ – a fast paced number draped traditional bluegrass about an unfortunate bear-mace incident on the road, to ‘I Saw the Bird First (Not You), an 8-minute jam-epic that rounds off the record, one thing is certain – Floodgate Operators can take you on a cross country, genre blending journey.
Listen to Floodgate Operators’ newest record, ‘After the Flood’ on all streaming platforms!

Cookbook Club: The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country
2026-06-18 18:00
Take a culinary trip to northern Spain with a community potluck inspired by The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country by Marti Buckley! This cookbook celebrates the vibrant tradition of pintxos—those irresistible little bites that bring people together in the bars and kitchens of the Basque region—and offers plenty of inspiration for creating the perfect summer snacks. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish, and bring your own pintxo-inspired creation to share. Together, we’ll savor bold flavors, swap stories, and enjoy the spirit of Basque hospitality, one small plate at a time.

Speed Puzzle Competition
2026-06-19 17:15 - 20:45, 2026-06-20 08:30 - 20:00
Presented by ICE Lab
Speed puzzling is a competitive sport where individuals, pairs, or teams race to assemble jigsaw puzzles. Each competitor receives the same jigsaw puzzle in an opaque package. At “go!”, the competitors start the puzzle and the first one done wins! Unlike the leisurely, meditative approach many puzzlers take, speed puzzling is all about completing puzzles as quickly and efficiently as possible—whether solo or in teams. It combines time pressure, strategy, spatial awareness, and a bit of adrenaline to transform puzzling into a competitive, goal-oriented pursuit.
Schedule of Events
Friday (6/19) 5:15-6:15pm: Self-massage for Puzzlers with Mel Peddle, LMT and speed puzzler
Friday (6/19) 6:15-8:45pm: Puzzle Chess competition, double elimination rounds to crown the champion. Win prizes!
Saturday (6/20) 8:30-9:30am: Yoga for Puzzlers taught by Katy Mooney, RYT200 and puzzle enthusiast
Saturday (6/20) 10:45am: Check-in for 11:00am start of Solo (Race, Casual, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 12:15pm: Check-in for 12:30pm start of Pairs Relay
Saturday (6/20) 1:45pm: Check-in for 2:00pm start of Pairs (Race, Casual, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 3:15pm: Check-in for 3:30pm start of Teams (Race, Casual, Sponsors, and Youth)
Saturday (6/20) 6-8pm: Puzzle Trivia Night at A Bar Above, Mt. Crested Butte
Buy Tickets Now

Alpenglow: Bella Rayne
2026-06-22 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
At just 18, Bella Rayne is a self-taught guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound is quickly turning heads across the country. Born in the mountains of North Carolina and raised along the rugged coast of Mendocino, California, she blends rock and Americana with the improvisational spirit of the jam-band tradition, creating a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly new, bridging generations of listeners. Her journey began during the pandemic, when she pulled an old Stratocaster from her garage, fixed it up, and taught herself to play by ear, unlocking a voice and style entirely her own.
She has since formed Bella Rayne Band, a high-energy, guitar-driven ensemble that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising acts on the live circuit. Led by a young lineup of seasoned musicians, the band has surged from small rooms to coast-to-coast stages and festival lineups in a remarkably short time, with crowds growing at every stop. Their sets are explosive and ever-evolving, blending soulful Southern rock, modern Americana, and improvisational jam with bold reinterpretations of Grateful Dead classics alongside Bella’s own originals. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, often described as the next generation of Tedeschi Trucks Band with an alternative edge and a 70s vibe. With demand building nationwide, the band recently completed recording singles for an upcoming EP slated for release in 2026, marking the next step in a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite her young age, Bella has already shared the stage with seasoned artists and respected bands. Appearances alongside Allman Betts Family Revival, Melvin Seals & JGB, ALO, Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge, and members of Terrapin Family have all added to her early résumé, and she was touted as “one to watch” by her idol, Susan Tedeschi, in a 2025 Guitar World Magazine interview. In addition, she has been invited to iconic stages nationwide, including The Fillmore SF, The Orpheum LA, Sweetwater Music Hall, and The Hamilton, and even celebrated her 18th birthday with a set on the Prudential Stage at Bottlerock Napa Festival.
One of the most iconic moments of her rising career came when she was entrusted to play the legendary guitar known as “Alligator,” once wielded by Jerry Garcia. That honor, courtesy of the Grateful Guitars Foundation, has become a defining chapter in Bella’s journey. Guitar Player magazine recently recognized her as one of the players “keeping the Dead alive,” alongside Jeff Mason (Dark Star Orchestra) and Tom Hamilton (JRAD), in an article from May 2025.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: The Devil’s Horn
2026-06-23 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Join Madeline and Matt Shugert for an evening exploring the many voices of the saxophone, one of music’s most versatile and historically polarizing instruments. Though often associated with jazz, the saxophone has a rich place in classical music and traditions around the world. Through a program spanning Baroque transcriptions, French Impressionist works, and classic and modern jazz, Madeline and Matt highlight the instrument’s remarkable range and dual identity.
Based in Crested Butte, Colorado, Madeline Shugert is a saxophonist, educator, and adjunct lecturer of woodwinds at Western Colorado University, with degrees from Indiana University and the University of Colorado and extensive teaching experience in Shanghai. Matt Shugert is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer whose work spans jazz performance, composition, and saxophone ensemble writing, with music premiered internationally and recognized by the Jazz Education Network. Together, they bring deep artistry, scholarship, and a shared passion for the saxophone’s expressive possibilities.

Seratones
2026-06-27 20:30
doors 7:30pm | show 8:30pm
Those words of Black feminist icon and poet warrior Audre Lorde’s resonate strongly with A.J. Haynes. Whether in her capacity as the frontwoman of the Shreveport, Louisiana-based funk-soul-rock group Seratones or as a reproductive rights advocate, Haynes knows well that no singular revolution or simple linear narrative can contain the true strength of revolution—the kind of complex, disruptive, personal revolutions that can open transformative portals to a better future. And on Seratones’ forthcoming third album, Love & Algorhythms (due April 22nd via New West Records), Haynes foregrounds the joyful struggle to find pleasure in a world designed to destroy you. “This is a protest album built on the form of protest I’m most interested in at this moment: getting present and sitting through difficult things with abundant joy,” Haynes says.
Love & Algorhythms emerges from a duality of desire: urging the listener to start repairing their world and being a part of that artful change itself. The celestial burst of lead single “Good Day” signals that arrival, Haynes’ thrilling falsetto lifting to the skies on a neon flutter. “Do you really want to get better?/ Do you really want to get well?” she sings, Travis Stewart’s super ball bass line bouncing through the mix. Written in part as homage to novelist Toni Cade Bambara, the track blends Black gospel vocals and polyrhythms with roots spread throughout the African diaspora to produce an effervescent immediacy.
Working with producer Paul Butler not only helped the band unlock a richer sound, he proved the perfect complement for Haynes’ interest in astrology, divination, and manifestation practices. As the band wrote, Haynes assigned each song on the album a different cosmic element and, along with Butler, the quartet explored what that astral connection could mean. “‘Good Day’ is Mars, the planet of urgent sex, hence the demanding tone: turn off your phone and get present, turn me on, get out of the cerebral and into your body,” Haynes says. “These drums can also be a warning—that we are willing to fight to protect what is worth saving, to love our community fiercely. When I was tracking vocals for the bridge, I sang so hard that I got a headache!”
That concept of relentless self-nurturing and engagement proved especially crucial. With COVID lockdowns approaching just as Seratones returned home at the end of the tour for their last studio album (2019’s rapturous Power), the group were forced at first to plan and write over Zoom. Combining those sessions with her work as a counselor at one of the last abortion clinics in Louisiana proved especially taxing for Haynes. And while music offered her a joyful escape, she trusts that Love & Algorhythms can do the same for listeners. “I would be close to burnout, but it would help to get home, take a shower, and put on Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ or Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane,” she says. “Alice Coltrane and Donna Summer are both divine in their own different ways.”
In the vein of that all-encompassing spirituality, Haynes invites the listener to crack the world in two on album opener and second single “Two of A Kind”, drummer Jesse Gabriel’s scorched disco beat riding through clouds of red dust. “Wish I could see the world through both of your eyes,” she cries out, before the song reaches its ecstatic groove that ripples out through the entirety of the album. Following that track with the appropriately sensual “Pleasure” continues Seratones’ unexpected fusion of disco-indebted vocals and buoyant synth rhythms. Inspired by the writings of Afrofuturist author Octavia Butler, the track’s immaculately layered vocals soar and slide along the slopes of sawlike synths. “In ‘Pleasure’, I wanted to emulate one of Butler’s aliens playing in a Giorgio Moroder Venutian soundscape, a gleaming creature designed for pleasure and multiplicity,” Haynes reveals.
Love & Algorhythms is a powerful step forward in its ability to blend undeniably personal lyrics and an entire universe of conceptual influences into a statement of insistent joy. “I’ve learned from watching my grandmother, my great-grandmother, from reading bell hooks and being immersed in Audre Lorde’s writings,” Haynes says. “There’s a whole lineage within Black feminism of centering pleasure and centering joy as a means to liberation, and I feel very privileged to have my art richly rooted in Black feminism.”
Honoring that strength of tradition gave Seratones a freeing opportunity to let their imaginations unfold, to let the universe expand and explode with each track. After growing from the punk and rock world, folding soul and R&B into their sound, and now exploring the synthesis of electronic music, Love & Algorhythms unfurls in unexpected twists and turns. From the rippling, trippy “Dark Matter” to the fragrant and breezy “High”, the record seeps into the heart, mind, and limbs in equal measure.
Seratones urge you to move joyfully in the moment, and parsing that movement through astrology, Black feminism, and Afrofuturism proved redemptive for Haynes. “The really valuable part of the creative process is being present in challenging times, being able to tap into something that people need to hear versus something that is just for the sake of it,” she says. “There’s this American ideal of the pursuit of happiness, but I don’t want to chase happiness. I want bliss and wholeness. This world we’ve created, that we were able to discover through working through ourselves—I want to sit in this world longer.”

Alpenglow: The Motet
2026-06-29 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
Formed over two decades ago, the funk six-piece The Motet have learned to work as an interlocking unit, with each member bolstering one another towards the best creative output. This symbiosis has led to a unique style and cohesive musical chemistry, as seen in the band’s immaculate live performances and seamless blend of funk, soul, jazz, and rock. With a fervent fanbase in tow, The Motet have sold out shows across the nation, performed six headlining slots at Red Rocks, and sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, Bumbershoot, Summer Camp, and High Sierra. But even after their 20+ years of accolades and recognition, the legendary outfit—composed of Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Drew Sayers (keys and saxophone), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), and new singer Sarah Clarke—are still exploring new sonic ideas and finding new ways to showcase each other’s skill sets. The band released All Day in 2023—an eclectic instrumental voyage threaded by the infectious grooves and immaculate, layered arrangements that The Motet have become known for. Now, with vocal powerhouse Sarah Clarke in tow, the band continues their journey with their highly anticipated 10th studio album Love Time, out November 15, 2024.
Website: http://www.themotet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEMOTET/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/themotet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotet/

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Quartz Alley Combo
2026-06-30 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Quartz Alley Combo is a Crested Butte-based quartet known for mixing modern and vintage jazz with a playful, adventurous spirit and a strong sense of place. Drawing inspiration from the classic small-group tradition while bringing their own fresh energy, the band moves comfortably between straight-ahead swing, soulful grooves, and inventive reinterpretations that keep their performances engaging and unpredictable. With roots in the local music community and a sound that feels both polished and approachable, Quartz Alley Combo deliver a live experience that is stylish, dynamic, and deeply connected to the creative pulse of the Gunnison Valley.

Alpenglow: JD Clayton
2026-07-06 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
The Fort Smith Arkansas native, JD Clayton, released his debut album Long Way From Home, early last year which has received overwhelming critical acclaim. There’s no artifice surrounding the Arkansas-born singer and songwriter. No glitz. No pretension or mythology. JD Clayton’s sound, and where he chooses to make it—Arkansas, the most western of the southern states— is a bridge between the southern rock on which he was raised, and the truth telling tradition from the 70s era of country music that he most favors.
As a result, the songs on his thrilling new album Blue Sky Sundays, feel both lived in and completely free. Like any great songwriter, Clayton is both leader and follower, telling his own story but reveling in how it unfolds in live time and relates to listeners individually. “The album is about clarity. It’s about leaving the things that let us down behind,” Clayton says. “It’s about love and family and joy. It took me about four months of being sober to have a clear enough head to process this. I think I finally understand that piece of the puzzle at least.”

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Acoustic Eidolon
2026-07-07 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Acoustic Eidolon is the Colorado-based duo of Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire, known for creating a distinctive “new acoustic” sound that blends Celtic, Americana, world, and flamenco influences with striking originality. Featuring Scott on his one-of-a-kind double-neck guitjo and Alkire on cello, the group has built an international reputation for virtuosic musicianship, inventive arrangements, and performances that feel both intimate and expansive. With more than a dozen recordings and appearances across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada, Acoustic Eidolon continue to captivate audiences with a sound that is elegant, adventurous, and truly their own.

2026 Arts Ball
2026-07-09 17:00 - 21:00
Honoring Carol Ann May
Join us for our annual fundraiser, the Arts Ball! Immerse yourself in an evening bursting with artistic energy—captivating live performances, art and color everywhere you turn, an exquisite dinner paired with fine wines, and a thrilling live auction packed with rare and one-of-a-kind experiences.
By joining us at the Arts Ball, you enable the Center to achieve its mission of being Crested Butte’s gathering place, bringing people together through arts and cultural experiences.
The Center enriches our mountain town with an extraordinary lineup of live music, dance, theatre, lectures, unforgettable celebrations, and more all year long. Your support fuels free and low-cost arts enrichment opportunities for every local student, provides affordable venue space for 40 local nonprofits annually, and ensures accessible ticket prices and over 70 free events each year.
Learn More

Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-18
The Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival is an annual culinary event brought to you by the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, the premier visual and performing arts venue in the region.
For over 30 years, the Center has been dedicated to providing arts and cultural experiences that inspire and entertain all audiences, whether they call Crested Butte home every day or just for the weekend.

Alpenglow: John King
2026-07-13 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
“Everyone has fallen in love,” says King. “Everyone’s had a broken heart. Everyone knows what it feels like to start growing up. I want to create music that speaks to people, so I write songs about the experiences we all share.”
Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, John King listened to a wide range of musicians —southern rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Crowes, classic craftsmen like James Taylor and Johnny Cash, and ’90s country stars like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson — and worked construction jobs as a teenager. When he wasn’t pouring rocks at the worksite or studying in the classroom, he was usually at home, writing lyrics into his spiral-bound notebook and strumming his newly-written songs on an acoustic guitar. By 16 years old, he was writing multiple songs every week, often auditioning them for his friends around the campfire.
“A lot of those early songs were horrible,” he remembers with a laugh, “but if I’ve learned anything about writing songs, it’s the fact that the more songs you write, the better you get. I kept at it. I wrote a lot. By the time I came to Nashville, I already had a strong grasp on the structure of a good song, and that served me well once I got in the writing room with other songwriters.”
Served him well, indeed. Since relocating to Tennessee, King’s steady climb toward the top of the country music mainstream has been full of milestones. He’s become a Number 1 songwriter, penning Randy Houser’s chart-topping “We Went” (which earned him a 2016 ASCAP Songwriter Award) and writing Hootie and The Blowfish’s “Rollin” (the band’s first song to be released since 2005). He’s become a road warrior, too, playing an average of 150 shows annually while building his audience one gig at a time. Most importantly, King has begun telling his own story through music, launching his solo career with “Tonight Tonight” — a Top 40 hit whose anthemic chorus was heard everywhere from country radio to the weekly NFL recaps on CBS — and releasing his first full-length album with 2021’s Always Gonna Be You.
Always Gonna Be You takes its listeners into the writing room, where the album’s 11 songs — from “Try Saying Goodbye” (already a crowd favorite and viral hit, with more than 18 million streams) to the acoustic “Prettiest Girl in the Room” — were first recorded as demos. King wanted to preserve the raw charm of those homemade recordings, many of which had been tracked mere minutes after the songs were written. Rather than re-record each song in a traditional studio, he co-produced Always Gonna Be You with his large group of co-writers and collaborators, using his demos as the foundation for the finished tracks. The result is a country album filled with modern-day twang, heartland hooks, and the same diversity that imbued the music King grew up loving.
“Country music is really exciting right now, because artists are blurring the lines,” he says. “You don’t have to fit into one category. When I step back and listen to these songs, I hear southern rock, country, and pop. I hear me. I don’t know what else to call it. It’s just me.”
Driving home that personal touch is the album’s storyline, which follows King from his teenage years — back when he installed fireplaces and walkaways, sang songs by the campfire, and began dating the girl who would later become his wife — to his modern-day existence. It’s a story of romance and real life. A story that’s both fresh and familiar, filled with details we’ve all experienced: the rush of a new relationship, the brink of a breakup, and the thrill of falling in love. With his relatable lyrics and cinematic songwriting, John King has tapped into something that’s intimately personal yet also bigger than himself.
“There’s a flow to the album,” says King, an old-school music fan who still remembers the childhood joy of playing a record from top to bottom, experiencing the album the way its artist intended. “There’s an autobiographical narrative about me and my wife, and it unfolds chronologically. At the beginning, we’re a pair of high-school sweethearts who fall in love. In the middle of the record, we go through some tough moments. Toward the end, the record settles into things I feel now, and the lessons I’ve learned. We have a beautiful family together. We have a daughter. I’ve found myself — not only as an artist, but as a person.”
Call it a soundtrack to self-discovery. Call it a coming-of-age story, performed by a southern son whose country twang is matched by his pop hooks. Whatever the description, Always Gonna Be You is proof there’s a new King in town.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: National Repertory Orchestra
2026-07-14 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
The 2026 NRO Alumni String Quartet brings together four accomplished young musicians from across the country for a dynamic chamber performance shaped by impressive training and rising professional careers. Featuring violinists Amelia Bailey and Anna Kelleher, violist Sarah Nichols, and cellist Andrew Shinn, the quartet reflects the National Repertory Orchestra’s commitment to showcasing exceptional emerging artists with strong orchestral, academic, and festival experience. Together, they offer a polished and engaging program led by a shared passion for collaboration and artistry.

Johnny and Patrick Closing Reception: “Duke and DeFeo: The long road of two painters”
2026-07-16 17:00 - 19:00
Exhibition | May 22- July 16
Join us for the Closing Reception of Duke and DeFeo: The long road of two painters!
Patrick Duke and Johnny DeFeo met while studying Art at Western State in 2005 and became fast friends. From there they studied together in Florence, Italy, and in the 20 years since they have both grown their individual art careers, maintaining a focus on the landscapes that inspire them. Duke lives in Crested Butte and maintains a studio gallery called Studio One Eleven, at 111 Elk Ave. DeFeo now lives and works in Taos, New Mexico. The two get together every year to paint en plein air, out in the inspiring lands around Crested Butte. This exhibition is a survey of recent plein air landscape paintings as well as the studio paintings which the region inspires.

Grand Tasting
2026-07-18 15:00 - 18:00
21+ Event
Join us for the Wine + Food Festival’s centerpiece event, the Grand Tasting! Sip your way through over 200+ wines, delectable chef-prepared bites, and top-notch spirits while you enjoy music, outdoor festivities, and art, all under one roof.

Alpenglow: Madeline Hawthorne
2026-07-20 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
The miles we travel make up the stories we tell.
The soles of your favorite boots or the tread on your prized car’s tires soak up the experiences and wisdom of the road under your feet. Born in New England, based in Bozeman Montana, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Madeline Hawthorne pens the kind of tunes you listen to on a cross-country trek to start anew or in the dead of night when you just need a reminder that somebody’s listening.
In this respect, her 2024 independent album, Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives, serves as a fitting soundtrack to life’s trip.
“It’s the perfect road trip record,” she affirms. “It was mostly written while I was on tour. If the songs were written at home in Montana, I took inspiration from journal entries and memories of my travels. This is me stepping onto the stage with more miles under my boots. I’m giving into the moment and the melody to tell a story. It’s like eleven different versions of me—a woman I could have been, a woman I perhaps thought I was, and a woman I hope to be someday.”
Obsessed with music since her childhood on the East Coast, Madeline planted roots in Bozeman, MT during college and never turned back. She honed her talents through countless backup and band gigs before going solo amid the Global Pandemic. Balancing Americana, roots, folk, and rock, she introduced herself on the 2021 LP, Boots, co-produced by Brad Parsons and Tyler Thompson in Pittsburgh. In between, she shared the stage with everyone from Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson, Josh Turner, and Kip Moore to Sierra Hull, John Craigie, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Plus, she wowed audiences at festivals such as Treefort Music Festival (ID), Americanafest (TN), WinterWonderGrass (CO), Pak City Song Summit (UT), Roseberry Music Festival, (ID), and more. Earning acclaim for tracks like 2023’s “Neon Wasteland,” Relix applauded her “vibrant and buzzing.” Hawthorne has also caught the eye of CMT, who featured her “Neon Wasteland” video at CMT.com and she has received praise from tastemakers such as No Depression who says, “She’s been crushing rootsy tunes.”
Eventually, she decamped to Bear Creek Studios for ten days to record Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives alongside producer Ryan Hadlock [Zach Bryan, The Lumineers].
“I was fully immersed in the experience,” she recalls. “I went for a walk every day, wrote in my journal, and spent a nice amount of time with the spirits of artists who have worked there before me. I appreciate that Ryan put my acoustic guitar first in the arrangement. He felt it was important for listeners to hear the songs with the instruments of origin driving the vibe and feel of the music.”
You can hear this energy loud and clear on the first single “Chasing The Moon.” Bright acoustic guitar underlines pensive lyrics uplifted by piano and a steady beat. Her words resound with excitement as she observes, “That lonesome highway is my Hollywood Boulevard.” On the hook, she exhales, “You can’t change the way things are, but I’ll try again. I’ve got nothing left to lose chasing the moon.”
“I wrote “Chasing the Moon” about my many late nights driving through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado,” she notes. “It was born driving down Highway 191, going from Big Sky to West Yellowstone. Sometimes, I’ll pull over, get out of my car, and look up at the night sky. It’s powerful to stand in the quiet of the night and listen with your heart.”
Loose slide guitar mirrors the sway of her vocals on “Where Did I Go Wrong.” Her reflections ripple with raw emotion, “Pushed you away for the sake of a song, I need a drink, a moment to think, where did I go wrong?”
“The words you hear are the first words that came out of my mouth,” she goes on. “There are no edits. Although I’m happily married, I’d be lying if I told you this career path doesn’t challenge even the strongest of relationships. I never want to be that woman sitting alone at a bar wondering where she went wrong. It’s a good reminder to nurture a loving relationship.”
On the other end of the spectrum, “Night Ride” instantly intoxicates as she urges, “Roll me up like a joint and smoke me.” She remembers, “It’s about the time I had with my husband during the pandemic. It’s rare we get that much time together without a million things to do. It was a silver lining to an incredibly challenging period.”
The opener “Cold Shoulder” culminates on a wild guitar solo laced with organ. “The record starts off hot and heavy,” she goes on. “It’s a sequel to Boots, which ends with my songwriter character leaving her old self behind to step into a new form. It’s a sassy statement about where I am and how I feel as an artist and a woman.”
The LP concludes with the pensive and poetic “Long Drive To Bozeman,” which traces a map of her life so far. “It’s about my journey to Montana from New Hampshire when I was 18-years-old,” she notes. “I met a boy. We both had aspirations to move to Montana for school, so I drove him to college. Driving into Bozeman still stops my breath to this day. I wound up marrying that man and now we have a house in Bozeman with two cats, two dogs, and a garden. I followed my heart and it brought me home.”
In the end, Madeline is here for you on your journey.
“I’d suggest playing this in your car this summer on a long drive,” she smiles. “Sip your favorite beverage and spin the vinyl in your listening room—or turn it up to 11 and dance wildly around your kitchen. Wherever you are, I hope it gives you what you need. This is an album for the lovers, the wild children, and the ones who refuse to grow up too much. Adventure is always out there. Go on and take the leap.”

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Hiroya Tsukamoto
2026-07-21 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, Hiroya Tsukamoto returns to Crested Butte with his unique guitar style, haunting melodies, and transcendent compositions to blend classical, world, and jazz music into a profoundly reflective experience.

Alpenglow: Clay Street Unit
2026-07-27 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Clay Street Unit mixes the acoustic instrumentation of bluegrass and folk with the amplified energy of Americana and country. The result is a singular interpretation of American roots music that blurs the borders between genre and geography, fusing the influence of the Rocky Mountains with the traditions of the Appalachians. Driven forward by drums, sharp songwriting, and the chemistry of good friends and musical brothers who’ve shared countless hours on stage, Clay Street Unit’s music doesn’t just nod to the band’s influences; it reshapes them into something new. With their debut album on the horizon, Clay Street Unit are staking their claim as torchbearers of something both fresh and familiar, nodding to the foundations of American music while sharpening their own progressive edge.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: The CopyCats Concert
2026-07-28 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Back by popular demand, “The CopyCats Concert” returns for another appearance as part of our Courtyard Classics. Join Elizabeth Bond, Emily Bond, and talented guest artists for a lively program that pairs beloved classical masterworks with the popular songs they inspired. Discover how timeless melodies continue to echo across generations in this entertaining and unexpected musical journey.

Alpenglow: Hand Turkey
2026-08-03 17:30 - 19:30
Free Concert Series | Outdoors | Rain or Shine
Denver-based band Hand Turkey delivers high-energy, groove-driven tunes designed to keep audiences on their feet. Originally formed in 2020 as a quartet of high school and college friends, the group has since grown into a dynamic seven-piece ensemble featuring powerful lead vocals, punchy horns, and a dexterous rhythm section. Drawing from diverse musical backgrounds—from jazz composition to musical theater—Hand Turkey brings a fresh, genre-blending spin to classic funk, fusion, and pop.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Cowboy Songs
2026-08-04 17:30 - 19:00
Outdoors | Seating Provided | Rain or shine
Join us every Tuesday for a live music happy hour in the Feldberg East Courtyard! From classical, to jazz and world music, we hope you enjoy these intimate live performances over cocktails from the Black Dragon Bar, with stunning summer views.
Art Song Colorado presents Cowboy Songs, a new musical experience, taking classic Western songs to tell an original story inspired by Western films. With new song arrangements by Denver composer, Cherise Leiter, and classic arrangements by Oscar Fox, experience a classical music cowboy show unlike any other!
