This season’s Steamboat’s Rock The Boat Free Concert Series is underway with The Main Squeeze set to play this Saturday. All concerts are free to the public and take place on the Steamboat Stage in Gondola Square beginning around 3:30pm (with some exceptions).

“This year’s lineup provides a little of something for everyone, with a wide span of musical options,” said Katie Brown, vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “To be able to bring together our guests and staff in the base area with a musical celebration each weekend is one of the highlights of a visit to Steamboat.”  We have some old favorites returning and fresh new additions to keep everyone on their feet dancing.

The following outlines the full schedule of concerts as part of the Rock the Boat free concert series:

SCHEDULE & BAND LISTING

The Main Squeeze                                             Saturday, March 16                                

A powerful combination of hip-hop, funk, and rock, the Main Squeeze has vastly evolved from their humble beginning as a party band at Indiana University. Their unique sound and soulful energy have propelled them to the stage at Red Rocks as well as performances alongside The Roots and Aloe Blacc. The soulful sound of front man Corey Frye’s vocals mixed with creative instrumentals bring an emotional and funky stage presence that invites the audience to experience and enjoy life. The Main Squeeze debuts their new album, “Without a Sound”, this April which continues to build on their classic yet innovative music with the goal of appealing to the senses of their listeners.

Freddy Jones Band                                            Saturday, March 23                                

Building on their previous roots-rock hits, Freddy Jones Band most recently released “Never Change”, an album described as “euphoric” by the band’s lead singer/songwriter Marty Lloyd. Lloyd is a founding member of the band that was formed in the early ‘90s and is accompanied by Rich Ross on bass, Stu Miller on guitar, and drummer Goose LaPoint. This long-running act brings a mix of Southern rock and blues producing number-one singles such as “In a Daydream”, “Take the Time”, and “Those Diamonds” from their newly debuted album.

Southern Avenue                                               Saturday, March 30                               

Named for a street in their home town of Memphis, Southern Avenue puts a twist on gospel with a unique blend of R&B and soul. Founded by guitarist Ori Naftaly, who grew up in Israel with a passion for blues and funk, the band was formed when Naftaly met Memphis natives Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra who provide soulful vocals and powerful drumming along with bassist Daniel McKee, and Jeremy Powell on the keyboard.

The Commonheart                                              Saturday, April 6         

Debuting their new album, “Grown”, The Commonheart brings an energetic tone and energy infusing crisp sound with powerful instrumentals. The nine-piece band, formed in Pittsburgh, is made up of vocals from front man Clinton Clegg along with trumpet, saxophone, keys, and guitar bring a powerhouse performance with blues, soul, and gospel influence. The Commonheart’s sound is a true testament to the past while completely holding its own as one of today’s most promising acts.

To Be Announced                                               Saturday, April 13       

The Wailers                                                         Sunday, April 14           

Throughout the ‘70s, Bob Marley & The Wailers helped bring the genre of reggae music to the world. Today they continue this quest in memory of their original front man after his untimely passing in 1981. Several original members, including Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett on bass guitar and lead guitarist Donald Kinsey are among the eight-piece band delivering a bright and innovative sound. The group continues its mission of sharing Bob Marley’s message of unity and the spirit of their leader alive through music.

The air is cooler, the crowds are gone and the sun continues to shine. It’s early fall and one of our favorite times of the year here in Steamboat Springs. We thought we’d share five great reasons to head for the mountains and share our Indian summer.

1. Hiking through Aspen groves as their quaking leaves turn from green to gold.  Three Island Lake in the Zirkel Wilderness is number one on our locals list for combining scenery, mixed terrain and the sound of water from the streams that meander by. After Clark turn right onto Seedhouse Road, past Seedhouse Campground on NFSR 443 and continue approximately 3 miles to trailhead on left side of road. Turn right at intersection of trail #1163 and follow to lake in Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
2. Biking trails starting only one block from town will keep even the seasoned adrenaline seeker fueled for a day. Emerald Mountain offers 24 miles of designated recreational space will trails clearly marked for all biking abilities. Downtown a trail map on www.steamboatsprings.net. If riding your wheels over dirt isn’t your thing, then make sure you swing through town for the 9^th Annual Mustache Ride in aid of the Humane Society. Hop on and off your cruiser bike through downtown Steamboat from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Mustaches are not optional). http://www.ssmustacheride.com
3. Fishing close to town at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area at any time of day in fall will not disappoint. Only a couple miles south of town off CR14, two miles of public access waters with large cut banks and deep holes is home to some big trout.
4. Explore the Yampa Valley behind the wheel with a scenic drive or two. Pass fields of gold travelling past Routt County ranchlands out towards Clark and Columbine, making sure to stop in at the Clark store for a morning coffee or afternoon tea. Take a picnic and head up Rabbit Ears pass where the valley below will unfold like an autumnal tapestry on your descent back to town.
5. Fall shopping and dinning deals abound during fall in the valley. Grab a bargain on last year’s ski and board gear; pick up shoes at a steal or home décor for a snip. Kick back with half price cocktails and plates all over town. By favorite our own favorite is Café Diva on the mountain, where Sunday night is date night for $30 a person. The food is sublime and you’ll eat like a king for a third of the price.