Entertainment in Grand County

Entertainment in Grand County

Festivals, outdoor concerts, summer stock plays, and regular rockin' at your favorite night spots make up an unforgettable summer line-up of valley entertainment.

The Grand Lake Lodge not only offers the best views of Grand Lake, but great entertainment, too. After dinner, enjoy live music starting at 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, including rock, blues and folk from such popular musicians as Gary Key on Sundays and Arnie J. Green, Mango Chutney, The Walter Holland Quartet, The Tom May Big Band, Blue Rhythm Boys and Exit 232. Call 970-627-3967 for schedule.

The Lariat Saloon on Grand Lake's boardwalk (970-627-9965) offers the talents of such bands as Nine-Toed Bob and the Stragglers on Tuesdays, Steve Cormey on Fridays and Saturdays and Back Porch Light on Sundays, among others.

E.G.'s Garden Grill (970-627-8404) in Grand Lake serves up live music in the beer garden on Sunday afternoons with Steve Cormey from 12 noon to 4 p.m.. weather permitting.

Popular for their Mexican entrées and margaritas, Pancho and Lefty's turns up the heat this summer with such artists as Peggy Mann on Sunday afternoons on the patio and special bookings for holiday weekends. Call 970-627-8773 for schedule.

The Gateway Inn (970-627-2400) features the original compositions of Peggy Mann on guitar and keyboard on the first and third Fridays of the month. Throughout the summer enjoy the rollicking fun of Washboard Annie, Hal Mortenson's renditions of Beatles tunes and other popular music on guitar. Bart Combs and his cowboy guitar and original songs of popular Denver musician Mike Tucker are also on tap. Call for schedule.

A French menu and classical piano music on Friday and Saturday nights make for a romantic date at Caroline's Cuisine at Soda Springs Ranch. Call 970-627-9404.

Special concerts at Grand Lake's Town Park Gazebo are set for around noon or 1 p.m. to around 3 p.m. June 3, July 16 and Aug. 5. Later in the summer, catch the Grand Heritage Ball on Sept. 2, and a “Night in Morocco” at Daven Haven Lodge at 6 p.m., Sept. 23, sponsored by the Grand County Arts Council. Call 970-627-3097 for information.

After dinner in town, enjoy a choice of four outstanding plays scheduled throughout the summer at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in the center of town, including “You're a Good Man Charlie Brown,” “Almost Heaven,” “Singin' in the Rain,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Call 970-627-5087 for schedule and reservations.

In Winter Park, catch The Grand Theatre Company featuring a rotating schedule of productions including “All in the Timing,” “Golf - The Musical,” “Clue - The Musical,” and a kids' show, “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Call 970-726-5048 for schedule and reservations.

The Downtown Winter Park Free Concert Series features weekly outdoor concerts from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. from July 27 through August 31. Featured artists include a variety of bluegrass, folk and acoustic sounds from such bands as Town Mountain, Strings of Tao, McCumberland Gap, Slipstream, The Stanleytones and The Sling Malt Band.

Down the road in Fraser enjoy the 7th Annual free Picnic in the Park Concert Series at Old Schoolhouse Park every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. starting July 11 with the amazing jigs, trills and fun entertainment of the local Claddagh Irish Band. Other bands throughout the summer include the country rock of 3rd Time Lucky, the Boulder Acoustic Society, and the classic rock, blues and soul of Deja Blu. Dance, eat your picnic. Enjoy! Bring a lawn chair but not the dog.

Winter Park Resort kicks off classic rock summer concerts with Dread Clampitt June 10 - 11 at Winter Park Resort; Rock 'n Ride July 15 - 16 at Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park, and Widespread Panic July 23 at the resort.

The 4th Annual Grand County Blues Festival is at SolVista Basin and Granby Ranch on July 1 hosting the blues sounds of Al Chessis and The Delta Sonics, John Alex Mason, Blues from The Top Gospel Choir featuring Pamela Martinez, Rex Peoples, Jackie Holzhauer, Julie Hardy, Ali Rheinschmidt and Mike Haas, Diunna Greenleaf, Ronnie Fruge, Reba Russell Band, Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers, Tab Benoit and lots of special guests. Check out the pre-fest party at the Inn at SilverCreek the night before. Great music. Great fun. Call 800-979-0332 for tickets and information.

The Grand County Blues Society features an array of national talent throughout the summer, including Anthony Gomes on July 8, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Aug. 18, and Walter Trout on Sept 8, all at Smokin' Moe's Ribhouse and Saloon in Winter Park. Call 970-726-7266.

Don't miss this summer's Third Annual Winter Park Folk Festival featuring independent musicians from around the country on July 8 - 9, including The Mammals, Chatham County Line, Tres Chicas, Tacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Jami Lunde Band, Julie Hoest, Shawn Colvin, John Gorka, Tom Freund, Kathrin Shorr, Kim Michalowski and Hunkerdown Bluegrass. Folksy! Fun! Free! Artisans and food, too.

The Winter Park Jazz Festival swings July 29 - 30, offering great music, food and vendors at Winter Park Resort. For the line-up, check the local papers or chamber websites.

At the Winter Park Pub, enjoy local and regional bluegrass, rock, blues, ska and reggae acts in a hot and happenin' little joint where the pizza rocks too. Don't miss the free music in the beer garden on Sunday afternoons. Call 970-726-4929.

Lots is always happening at the Downunder Bar & Grill in Winter Park which books live national acts like Collect All Five as well as locals like Huge in Germany, Arnie J. Green, Eric Olson, Gary Key and Joint Ventures. Dart tournaments too! Call 970-726-0094 for schedule.

Nearby Buckets Saloon features open mic nights and musicians jam nights (970-726-3026).

VooDoo Lounge this year features an “after folk festival” show on July 8 with live musicians from the day's events. Call 970-726-4021.

Rock n' roll to the sounds of local and regional bands like Brethren Fast, Bongo Love and Huge in Germany at the Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser. Call 970-726-9250 for the latest schedule.

A romantic dinner is more complete at The Ranch House Restaurant at Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort, when rounded out by a night of awesome acoustic music. Call 970-726-5632 for schedule.

At the Willow Creek Bar and Grill in Granby (970-887-0885) enjoy open mic Sundays, pool tournament Wednesdays, karaoke every other Thursday, and live entertainment every other weekend by bands like 3rd Time Lucky, Inflight and Washboard Annie. Want even more fun? Bring your instrument and join in for the plug 'n play night the last Sunday of the month when all the open mic musicians jam as one big band.