Steamboat Locals

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.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - Kyle Tuttle | WinterWonderGrass Series

In this special episode of the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of bluegrass music’s most innovative and accomplished artists, Kyle Tuttle. This episode is part of our series highlighting the talented musicians performing at this year’s WinterWonderGrass festival.
Kyle Tuttle is a Grammy Award-winning banjoist, National Bluegrass Banjo Champion, and a member of the acclaimed band Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway. Known for his unparalleled expertise and dynamic playing style, Kyle’s career has spanned over a decade, featuring numerous accolades and projects, including his solo albums Bobcat and the deeply personal Labor of Lust.
In our candid and insightful conversation, Kyle reflects on his journey from the release of Bobcat nearly 10 years ago to his latest album, Labor of Lust, a project shaped by significant life events, including the loss of his mentor Jeff Austin, a divorce and a global pandemic. We explore how these experiences influenced his songwriting and the emotional depth of the album.
Kyle also discusses his evolving relationship with the banjo, including his resolution to reconnect with the instrument purely for fun. He shares how this renewed approach has influenced both his personal joy and professional artistry.
As a long-time WinterWonderGrass family member, Kyle opens up about the festival’s unique place in his heart, and a look at the spontaneous collaborations and improvisation that make festivals like WinterWonderGrass so magical.
Join us for this engaging episode to gain a deeper understanding of Kyle Tuttle’s artistry, philosophy, and passion for bluegrass. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the genre, this conversation is sure to inspire and entertain.

STEAMBOAT SOUND CHECK - Sister Sadie | WinterWonderGrass Series

Continuing our special series highlighting the incredible artists performing at this year’s WinterWonderGrass Festival, we sit down with Deanie Richardson and Dani Flowers of Sister Sadie, the groundbreaking all-female bluegrass band.
From their unplanned beginnings in 2012 at Nashville’s iconic Station Inn to becoming IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners, Sister Sadie has consistently pushed the boundaries of bluegrass while staying true to its roots. Deanie and Dani discuss how the band blends their unique musical styles into a cohesive sound, even through lineup changes, and share insights into their latest album, No Fear, which broadens their bluegrass foundation with elements of country, folk, pop, and rock.
We also explore their new single, If I Don’t Have You, co-written by Dani and Deanie, and how it reflects a more intimate and contemplative side of their songwriting. Finally, they share their excitement for their debut at WinterWonderGrass, a festival celebrated for its music, community spirit, and snowy mountain vibes.
WinterWonderGrass Festival takes over Steamboat Springs February 28–March 2. Get your tickets now at www.winterwondergrass.com.
The Steamboat Sound Check Podcast is presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry

Common Folk in the Boat (Ep. 20 Ben Berend)

In this episode, presented by Billo Premium Cannabis, we sit down with Ben Berend, a name that resonates deeply with the heart of Steamboat Springs.
A native of this vibrant mountain town, Ben grew up carving his path on the legendary slopes of Howelsen Hill, fueled by a dream of Olympic glory. That dream became reality in 2018 when Ben represented the United States in Nordic combined skiing at the Winter Olympics, etching his name among Steamboat’s elite athletic legends.
But Ben’s story doesn’t stop at the Olympics. He’s a bridge between Steamboat’s storied past and its evolving present. From the early days of watching local heroes like Jonny Spillane and Todd Lodwick redefine Nordic combined on the world stage, to reflecting on the rich legacy of Carl Howelsen—the Flying Norwegian who founded the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club—Ben shares how these influences shaped his journey.
We’ll also explore the challenges and triumphs of his post-Olympic transition. Now a leading real estate professional with The Boyd & Berend Group at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, Ben has found a new way to impact his community, helping others discover their dreams in the Yampa Valley.
Throughout the conversation, Ben offers thoughtful insights into pressing issues facing Nordic combined today, including the fight for gender equality in the sport, the looming threat of Olympic exclusion, and the critical role grassroots efforts play in sustaining its future.
Join us as we uncover Ben’s reflections on his journey—from his childhood on Howelsen Hill to standing under the Olympic spotlight, and now, helping others build lives in the valley that gave him so much. This is a story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Steamboat Springs.