Steamboat Locals

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - Kyle Hollingsworth | WinterWonderGrass Series

In this episode of the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, we sit down with Kyle Hollingsworth, the dynamic keyboardist renowned for his work with The String Cheese Incident and his own Kyle Hollingsworth Band. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Kyle has been instrumental in blending genres from rock to classical, creating a unique sound that's captivated audiences worldwide.
Kyle shares insights from his early days, discussing how his initial passion for acting transitioned into a profound love for music, leading him to study jazz piano in college. He reflects on the serendipitous journey that brought him to Colorado, where an invitation to join The String Cheese Incident set the stage for a flourishing career.
As the conversation unfolds, Kyle reminisces about memorable performances in Steamboat Springs, including the legendary Independence Incidents in the early 2000s. He offers a glimpse into his upcoming shows: an intimate performance at Schmiggity's on February 22, 2025, and a special appearance with Pickin' On The Dead at WinterWonderGrass from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Kyle delves into the nuances of performing in cozy venues versus large festivals and shares his approach to interpreting Grateful Dead classics through a bluegrass lens.
Beyond the stage, Kyle's enthusiasm for craft beer shines through. He discusses his collaboration with Ska Brewing on the Grapefruit Modus IPA, highlighting his appreciation for the vibrant craft beer scenes he encounters on tour.
Join us for an engaging conversation that traverses Kyle Hollingsworth's artistic evolution, his deep-rooted connection to Colorado's music scene, and his multifaceted passions that continue to inspire fans both on and off the stage.

Common Folk in the Boat (Ep. 21 Ray Heid)

In this episode of the Common Folk in the Boat podcast, presented by Billo Premium Cannabis, we had the distinct honor of sitting down with Ray Heid, a fourth-generation native of Steamboat Springs and a true local legend. Born in 1937, Ray's life is a tapestry woven with rich experiences in skiing, ranching, and community involvement.
About Ray Heid:
Ray's early years were spent in Steamboat Springs, where his father owned the Boys' Market grocery store near Oak and 9th. Despite growing up in town, Ray was deeply drawn to the ranching lifestyle from a young age. He began skiing at the age of three and competed in junior nationals from 1951 to 1955. In 1960, he served as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Ski Jumping Team at Squaw Valley. His passion for skiing led him to become the head ski coach at the University of Wyoming from 1962 to 1965. Later, he assisted the Mescalero Apache Tribe in developing the Sierra Blanca ski area near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Eventually, Ray returned to Steamboat Springs to manage Del's Triangle 3 Ranch, a family-owned operation offering horseback rides and pack trips in the Routt National Forest.
Join us as Ray shares captivating stories from his life, a life that embodies the spirit and history of Steamboat Springs.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - Trampled by Turtles | WinterWonderGrass Series

In this special WinterWonderGrass Series episode of the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, we sit down with Dave Carroll—better known as Banjo Dave—from the legendary bluegrass-meets-folk-rock outfit, Trampled By Turtles.
Formed in Duluth, Minnesota, over 20 years ago, Trampled By Turtles has built a dedicated following with their raw energy, intricate instrumentation, and heartfelt songwriting. Though they are deeply rooted in their home state, their music resonates strongly with Colorado audiences, making them one of the more highly anticipated acts to hit this year's WinterWonderGrass stage.
Dave opens up about his personal connection to Steamboat Springs, having lived here for a stint, and weighs in on the infamous Yampa Valley Curse. We talk about the band’s unconventional path to bluegrass, how their punk and rock backgrounds helped shape their sound, and the challenges of maintaining balance in a relentless touring lifestyle. He also sheds light on Trampled By Turtles’ 2024 EP Always Here, as well as their recently released beautiful cover of Bon Iver’s For Emma, recorded in collaboration with Sumbuck, and how they approached reinterpreting a song that holds deep meaning in the indie-folk world.
With WinterWonderGrass around the corner, Dave reflects on what makes the festival so special and what he’s looking forward to most when returning to Steamboat. If you're a fan of Trampled By Turtles or just love hearing stories about the magic of Colorado’s mountain lifestyle and music scene, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

STEAMBOAT COMEDY - Ep. 132 Gladiator 2

In this episode Kyle and Matt talk about how Gladiator 2 sucked and no one should watch it. Just don't. Topics also include interesting thought experiments on genitals, the great debate of whether Dinosaurs had feathers, and Kyle's public flashing.
 
Please be aware that this podcast contains explicit material and is not recommended for listeners under the age of 16.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK | moe.

In the latest episode of the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, we had the pleasure of talking with Al Schnier, guitarist and vocalist for the renowned jam band moe., ahead of their upcoming performance at Strings Music Pavilion on February 13th.
Formed in 1990 at the University at Buffalo, moe. has become a cornerstone of the jam band scene, known for their eclectic blend of rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelia. Their current lineup features Rob Derhak (bass, vocals), Chuck Garvey (guitar, vocals), Al Schnier (guitar, vocals), Jim Loughlin (percussion, vibraphone), Vinnie Amico (drums), and their newest addition, Nate Wilson (keys). Over the past three decades, moe. has built a dedicated fan base through extensive touring and their signature improvisational live performances.
Podcast Highlights
🎸 Al’s Journey with moe. – Al shared how he first discovered moe.’s music and the surreal experience of eventually joining the band in 1992, a move that would define his career.
🎶 New Album: Circle of Giants – Released on January 31, 2025, this is moe.’s 14th studio album. Al gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how the record encapsulates the band’s 35-year journey and their ongoing evolution.
🎵 The Story Behind "Ups and Downs" – We explored the origins of the band's latest single, which reflects the band's collective challenges.
⏳ Embracing Extended Tracks – In an era where shorter songs dominate, moe. continues to craft expansive, long-form musical explorations. Al discussed why the band remains committed to this approach and what it means to their artistry.
🎹 Welcoming Keyboardist Nate Wilson – With Nate Wilson joining the band in 2023, Al talked about the fresh collaborative energy and how Wilson’s keys have expanded their sound.
🧠 Supporting Mental Health with Backline – Al emphasized moe.'s commitment to mental health advocacy, continuing their tradition of donating $1 from every ticket to Backline, an organization supporting mental health resources for musicians and their families.
🏟️ Intimate Venues vs. Festivals – We discussed how playing at massive festivals differs from intimate venues like Strings Music Pavilion, and how these settings influence their setlists and performance energy.
⛷️ Balancing Music & Skiing – A passionate skier and part-time ski patroller, Al shared his excitement about visiting Steamboat and hitting the slopes while on tour.
This episode offers a deep dive into Al Schnier’s personal journey, the evolution of moe., and the band’s enduring legacy.
🎟️ Don’t miss moe.’s show at the Strings Music Pavilion on February 13th!

ELEVATING STEAMBOAT - Ep. 3 SSWSC

In the latest episode of the Elevating Steamboat podcast presented by The Carpet Shoppe, Gardner Flanigan sits down with Brian Krill, the Executive Director of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC). Brian brings nearly three decades of experience in education and the nonprofit sector, with a rich history in competitive mountain sports. Before joining SSWSC, he served as the Executive Director for the Sugar Bowl Ski Team and Academy in California and the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club. He also held roles with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, contributing significantly to club development and sport education.
In our conversation, Brian shares insights into his background and his vision for the future of SSWSC. He emphasizes the club's unlimited potential and its commitment to fostering athletic excellence while preserving the unique community spirit of Steamboat Springs. Brian discusses upcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing athlete development and expanding community engagement, reflecting his dedication to both the sport and the local community.
We also delve into the upcoming 112th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, scheduled for February 5-9, 2025. Hosted by SSWSC, this annual celebration embraces Steamboat's western heritage and highlights its tradition of winter sports. This year's theme, "Let Your Light Shine," encourages participants to celebrate their unique contributions to the community. The carnival features a variety of events, including the iconic Street Events where children on skis and snowboards are pulled behind horses along snow-covered Lincoln Avenue, and the Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill, showcasing local athletes performing illuminated stunts, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
Join us as we explore Brian's journey, his aspirations for SSWSC, and the exciting events planned for this year's Winter Carnival. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the people and traditions that make Steamboat Springs a special place.

STEAMBOAT COMEDY - Ep. 131 Valentine's Preview

In this episode Kyle and Matt bring you all things Valentines day before the holiday coming up next week! Including super useful relationship advice, first date ideas, and Valentines sentences that have never been said. Other topics include the upcoming Superbowl match up between 2 teams everyone hates, Star Wars vs Marvel, and dumb middle school activities.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK | Banshee Tree

In this episode of Steamboat Sound Check, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, we dive deep into the world of Banshee Tree with drummer Michelle Pietrafitta, bassist Jason Bertone, and saxophonist Jesse Shantor as they gear up for their highly anticipated performance at Schmiggity’s on February 1, 2025.
 
Known for their electrifying fusion of early jazz, swing, indie, trance, and psychedelic rock, Banshee Tree has built a reputation for delivering high-energy, immersive live shows that push musical boundaries. In this conversation, we explore what makes the band tick:
🎶 Jason shares insights from his background in ethnomusicology and how it shapes the band’s sonic identity.💼 Michelle opens up about the balancing act of running the business side of the band while keeping the artistic vision intact.🎷Jesse, as the band’s newest member, talks about his role in evolving their sound and bringing fresh creative energy to the group.
From the magic of live improvisation to the challenges of independent touring, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves genre-defying music and the behind-the-scenes stories of life on the road.
Tune in and get ready for Banshee Tree to bring the heat to Schmiggity’s! As always, you can claim one FREE well drink at the show through the Steamboat Locals App! 

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country | WinterWonderGrass Series

 
As part of our WinterWonderGrass Artist Spotlight series, we chat with Daniel Donato—a guitar virtuoso, songwriter, and the mind behind Cosmic Country. Known for his mind-bending improvisation, deep musical philosophy, and electrifying live performances, Donato has carved out a unique space in the modern music landscape, blending country, rock, and psychedelic influences into a sound that’s entirely his own.
In this episode, as Daniel is getting set to hop into a song writing session with Brent Cobb, he gives us a few minutes to dive into his introduction to music. He shares how a high school teacher turned him on to The Grateful Dead, sparking the idea of merging Nashville country with jam-band improvisation—an experiment that evolved into Cosmic Country. We explore his creative process, the influence of Carl Jung’s teachings on duality, and his thoughts on psychedelics as a tool for both artistic expansion and mental health.
Daniel also opens up about his approach to crafting albums in an era dominated by singles, what fans can expect from his upcoming record, and how he tailors his high-energy, marathon-length shows into a festival-friendly format. Plus, we talk about his return to WinterWonderGrass Steamboat and why this festival is the perfect home for genre-bending artists like himself.
Whether you’re a longtime Cosmic Country fan or just discovering Daniel Donato’s music, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in to Steamboat Sound Check, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, and get ready for a deep dive into the mind of one of modern music’s most exciting artists.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - The Brothers Comatose | WinterWonderGrass Series

As part of our ongoing series highlighting musicians playing this year’s WinterWonderGrass festival, we had the great pleasure of visiting with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose for the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry. Together, we explored the band’s journey, their influences, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance at WWG.
Formed in San Francisco, The Brothers Comatose have built a reputation as one of the most exciting and genre-blending string bands in the modern Americana scene. While rooted in bluegrass, their sound is infused with rock, folk, and an undeniable energy that sets them apart. We explored how the rich and eclectic Bay Area music scene has shaped their sound, from the legends of the ‘60s to the present day.
Ben shared stories from their 2018 cultural exchange tour with American Music Abroad, where the band traveled through Asia, experiencing new sounds and traditions that left a lasting impact on their music. We also talked about the recent addition of multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy, how she’s reshaping the band’s dynamic, and what it’s like for a founding member to welcome fresh creative energy into an established group.
Of course, we couldn’t chat without touching on the band’s knack for putting their signature twist on classic songs. Their latest release, a stunning rendition of Jackson Browne’s “These Days” featuring AJ Lee & Blue Summit, is just the latest in a long line of well-loved covers, including Neil Young’s “Harvest” and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie”. Ben gave insight into how they choose which songs to reimagine and what it was like collaborating with AJ Lee.
With WinterWonderGrass on the horizon, we discussed the festival’s uniquely collaborative spirit, the bands Ben is most excited to jam with, and what fans can expect from The Brothers Comatose’s set on Saturday, March 1st.
Tune in for an engaging conversation about music, evolution, and the power of community in the bluegrass world.