Steamboat Locals

Steamboat Sound Check | The Lil Smokies

In this Steamboat Sound Check, Eli Campbell checks in with Andy Dunnigan of The Lil Smokies ahead of their April 13, 2024 concert at Steamboat Resort! Andy talks about the evolution of the band over the past 15 years, upcoming new music, what WinterWonderGrass has meant to their careers, and what to expect at the show in Steamboat!
Blending virtuosic instrumental acrobatics with riveting lyrical craftsmanship, The Lil Smokies have earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying acts in modern American roots music thanks to their exhilarating live show and critically acclaimed studio output. Since forming on the streets of Missoula, Montana, where the group got its start busking back in 2009, the band has performed everywhere from Red Rocks to The Rialto and captivated festival audiences at Telluride, High Sierra, LOCKN’, Freshgrass, FloydFest, and countless more. Their latest album, 2020’s Tornillo, showcases the hard touring four-piece at its most adventurous, teaming up with producer Bill Reynolds (The Avett Brothers, Band Of Horses) for a genre-bending joyride from the hills of Laurel Canyon to the wide-open deserts of West Texas.

Steamboat Sound Check | Donavon Frankenreiter

Steamboat is renowned worldwide for skiing, biking, and all that our natural playground has to offer. We're fortunate, though, that the natural beauty here attracts more than just outdoor enthusiasts. From local legends to world-class acts, amazing musicians regularly play the venues in our little corner of Northwest Colorado. Join Eli Campbell, as he explores the stories and experiences of these talented artists who, bringing unforgettable performances to the 'Boat. In this episode, Eli chats with Donavon Frankenreiter before his March 9, 2024 Bud Light Rocks the Boat concert at Steamboat Resort! Donavon talks about the similarities between mountain towns and the beach communities he has spent most of his life living in, revisits one of his more unique concerts during his last visit to Steamboat, talks about his new backing band Goodnight, Texas, and gives a few thoughts about his new album that is set to be released in November!

Common Folk in the Boat (Ep.6 Cookie Lockhart)

In this episode, we get to hear incredible stories from Cookie Lockhart. Cookie reminisces on her childhood days as the "Princess of Steamboat" in the 1940's, to becoming the first female to graduate from auctioneering school in the 1960's, her appearance on To Tell the Truth and ultimately being known as the "Queen of Auctioneering" by the time she was inducted into the Auctioneers Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, Cookie has experienced far more than a mere 30-minute conversation can capture, but we've tried our best!

WinterWonderGrass Folk in the Boat | The Fretliners

Just before the gates opened at WinterWonderGrass 2024 in Steamboat, Eli got the chance to chat with Dan Andree of  The Fretliners! Hear about their serendipitous (or carefully planned out) impromptu first gig together that led to forming the band that, for only the second time in history, won both Telluride Bluegrass and Rockygrass Competitions in the same year! Also, learn how the band prepares to play a unique Power Flow Yoga Set as part of this year's WinterWonderGrass additional experiences! WinterWonderGrass is here, and we couldn't be more excited!
Apologies in advance for the hot mics... It was a great conversation if you can listen through some hot mic clipped audio!!!

WinterWonderGrass Folk in the 'Boat | The Little Moon Travelers

In this episode, we were lucky enough to not only have a great conversation with The Little Moon Travelers prior to their two sets at WinterWonderGrass, but we also got a great preview of a few songs they'll be performing at the festival! The Little Moon Travelers are a local Steamboat Springs based band that blends folk, old time and roots Americana influences to produce a sound that harkens to times past. The band took shape in a local hideaway called Little Moon Trail in the hills of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. During the covid lockdown, these musicians gathered around the fire pit with their instruments. These unrehearsed get-togethers helped them and many others ward off the restlessness we all felt. The informal strumming sessions invited those listening to put aside their worries and connect more freely with each other in the present moment. They are thrilled to bring to the world their brand of live roots music.

WinterWonderGrass Folk in the 'Boat | Sam Grisman

Ahead of this weekend's WinterWonderGrass festival in Steamboat Springs, Eli is able to catch up with the Sam Grisman Project. Sam shares stories of growing up in a house where his dad, David Grisman, and Jerry Garcia created music that defined a generation. He also talks about what it means to him to have the opportunity to evolve the Dawg music style that was pioneered by his father. In doing so, Sam Grisman is building a platform to showcase our genuine passion and appreciation for the legacy of Dawg and Jerry’s music. He and his friends play their beloved repertoire and share the original music that their own collective has to offer.

Common Folk in the Boat (Ep. 5 Eric Baker)

In this episode, we interview the multi-talented Eric Baker. Most of our conversation centers around how Eric founded Harvest Skis, and his commitment to producing quality, handcrafted skis using only premium materials in a manner that is aware of and respects the environment around us. We also discuss Eric's past and current music endeavors with Buffalo Commons and The Little Moon Travelers

WinterWonderGrass Folk in the 'Boat | Clay Street Unit

Eli is excited to interview a series of musicians performing at the 2024 WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat March 1st-3rd! Playing off of the "Common Folk in the 'Boat" series, we are titling these "WinterWonderGrass Folk in the 'Boat". The first conversation is with Sam Walker from Clay Street Unit. Based out of Denver, CO, Clay Street Unit is rooted deep in homegrown southern Country/Folk and branches into the bluegrass sound that’s heard throughout the Appalachian hills. 

Common Folk in the Boat (Ep. 4 Peter & Patty Duke)

We get the opportunity to talk to the founders of two internationally renowned brands in the merino wool active wear industry. Peter and Patty Duke launched Smartwool from their garage in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as a way to solve the problem of cold feet. That essentially kickstarted an entire merino wool apparel industry. After leaving Smartwool, the pair went on to start Point6 with new techniques and technology that reshaped the future comfort and longevity of merino wool products. 

Steamboat Sound Check | Brett Dennen

Eli is provided with the great opportunity to talk to Brett Dennen ahead of his Feb. 15, 2024 concert at the Strings Music Pavilion. Brett is a songwriter, performer, environmental conservationist and outdoorsman.  He embraces the mentality of the common people found within mountain towns, and discusses how all of these aspects are connected within his music and his life.