These are the “Only at The MusicFest” moments you won’t want to miss
The MusicFest boasts well over 200 hours of live music in the widest variety of venues. It’s well known for its one-of-a-kind shows and events that you’ll ONLY experience at this special gathering in the majestic Rockies.
The MusicFest at Steamboat is revered for its extensive music marathon and unique stage collaborations. Put hundreds of musicians playing and enjoying time with fellow music makers in a world class ski resort, and there will be shows planned and unplanned that can ONLY happen at The MusicFest. The following are a few of the unique events (that we know of!):
See The MusicFest 2023 app for a full schedule of round 200 performances, events and shows, with all the details.
The MusicFest Charity Poker Tournament with Live and Silent Auction
Jan. 7 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
The annual kick-off, starting at 5 p.m., includes a poker tourney, silent & live auction—with 100% of funds raised going to charity. Get involved or just raise a glass to the New Year and great times to come. It’s a wonderful kick-off with anteing up with old and new friends plus bidding away on some incredible auction items, including personalized artists items, MusicFest swag, amazing hunting and vacation trips, festival tickets and more. Presented annually by the hard working and fun team of first responders, front line workers, Huck Foundation and Warhorse Ranch nonprofits. More than $250,000 have been raised for various charities from this fun event on check-in day!
Open Mic hosted by Matt Skinner
Daily, Jan. 8-11, at Dung Beetle Saloon
Gather at the iconic Dung Beetle Saloon and maybe you’ll catch the next big thing! It’s happened at MusicFest before and will happen again as unknown singer/songwriters put it all out there for the MusicFest community. It’s a tough gig to be in front of true music lovers but amazing to hear so many wonderful talents and possibly a breakthrough moment that you can say “I was there.”
KOKE FM Radio-Austin presents with Eric Raines
Daily, Jan. 8-11, at The MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge
Join legendary radio personality Eric Raines at The MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge for exceptional interviews of new and veteran MusicFest artists performing and discussing their latest projects and happenings. Eric’s a musician, radio program director, radio station owner, legend in Texas radio and the best in casual, calculated conversations that result in some amazing interviews. And the show is broadcast on KOKE FM for all your friends back home. Featured artists include Tyler Halverson, Courtney Patton, The Texas Trio and Tanner Usrey.
Real Life, Real Music presents with Kyle Hutton
Daily, Jan. 8-11, at The MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge
Singer/songwriter Kyle Hutton takes his 15+ years of relevant interview skills on the road to The MusicFest, capturing history of the who’s who of Texas music with passionate conversations, songs, stories, laugher and more. The “real life” moments are recorded for future broadcast for the world to enjoy on the Real Life, Real Music podcast. Featured artists include Matt Hillyer, Kaitlin Butts, Jamie Lin Wilson and Kelly Mickwee with the producer of her new release and fellow artist Jonathan Tyler.
Lucchese Late Night Lounge at Slopeside Grill
Nightly, Jan. 8-11, at Slopeside MusicFest Nights
Brick oven pizza, fried chicken, burritos… and a great bar PLUS a fun sing-a-long. By popular demand, we’re taking MusicFest late night to the festival’s only “roadhouse grill.” Sing along with MusicFest entertainment till closing time as we welcome the morning hour and enjoy those needed munchies!
Opening Day – Presentation of Colors, 21-Gun Salute and National Anthem
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Outdoor Stage at The MusicFest Village
Join us at the Outdoor Stage as The MusicFest and Steamboat community pay respect to honored military personal with the presentation of colors and a 21-gun salute by local veterans and first responders and national anthem performance by Kylie Frey. The MusicFest would like to thank Routt County Sheriff’s Department and the local VFW for this special respectful presentation.
Opening Night – Presentation of Colors and National Anthem
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Dancehall at the Big Tent
Join us for the traditional presentation of colors by local veterans and national anthem sung by Jade Marie Patek, in honor of all those allowing us the freedom and opportunity to gather and make memories for a lifetime.
Late Night on the 7th Floor featuring Wade Bowen and Friends
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
There’s hundreds of shows at The MusicFest in multiple venues but even more happen among musicians in the lodges and condos! Wade Bowen, a 20-year veteran of The MusicFest, is well known around the nighttime jam circuit and he (plus friends) wanted to bring a taste of it to the fans. Gather in a circle, sit back, and relax and enjoy a group of talented friends in their “living room” for a truly unique experience…we’re just moving up the clock (and party).
Bri Bagwell Record Release
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Cabin at Timber and Torch
New music for the new year! Bri is one of the hardest working musicians and we’re honored to get to hear her new work first. Join Bri as she shares stories and songs from her new release along with her classic hits.
Roger Creager and Kevin Fowler’s Dos Borrachos
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Dancehall at the Big Tent
What’s better than one of the best Texas music entertainers? How about TWO! Roger Creager and Kevin Fowler are legendary in their own rights and combine forces on stage for a very special collaboration. It started at their annual and very popular Big Cabo Fest and resulted in an album. This unique high energy show is in huge demand and headlining fairs, festival and events across the country. The MusicFest is fortunate to showcase this amazing show.
Jack Ingram and The Beat Up Ford Band Outdoor Show
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest Outdoor Stage at The MusicFest Village
It’s a classic part of the MusicFest experience. Jack is a Texas music legend and when he performs his annual outdoor show on the opening day of the festival, it’s never the same and always off-the-charts great! Join the Good Times and be ready to be entertained x10!
Matt Hillyer Glorieta Record Release (Real Life, Real Music presents)
Jan. 8 at The MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge
Matt Hillyer, a MusicFest favorite with his witfully crafted tunes and delivery plus a heck of a guitarist to boot! Join us for a taste of his first release in 10 years. “I know there are plenty of songs on it that folks who’ve enjoyed my music in the past will enjoy. There are a couple of songs that take my style in a different direction too. I’m very proud of it,” he says.
Cornhole/Washers Tournament
Jan. 9-11 at the Slopeside Ice Bar
Compete in The MusicFest washers/cornhole tournament for bragging rights and great times with good friends. Join the competition near the outdoor stage at the Slopeside Ice Bar. Tournament proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Steamboat.
Honcho Music Group Songwriters Showcase
Jan. 9 at The MusicFest Cabin at Timber and Torch
Dalton Domino provided a place where some of the best established and up-and-coming artists can play and work. Collectively known as The Honcho Music Group, an amazing group that gravitated naturally toward each other through their talent and friendships has turned into a force in the music industry. True music fan won’t miss this one.
Erv’s Songwriters Showcase
Jan. 9 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
You may not know Erv, but those that do will know this is a select group of young singer/songwriters to pay attention too. Why? Because Erv knows! (We guarantee, you’ll want to know, too, and brag “I was there.”) Only at The MusicFest.
Jam #2 featuring Reckless Kelly and Friends
Jan. 9 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
The musicians’ musicians are throwing “Jam #2”—guaranteed to be another full house in the ballroom. If you weren’t there last year, all we can say is “You had to be there”… and now you know! Another MusicFest one-of-a-kind.
Cody Canada and The Departed present Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Soul Gravy Replayed
Jan. 9 at The MusicFest Dancehall at the Big Tent
Cody Canada, the front man/co-founder/songwriter/guitar slinger of the iconic Cross Canadian Ragweed, the band that changed Texas/Red Dirt music as we knew it, will perform his 2022 rendition of one of CCR’s most prolific pieces of work, the 2004 Soul Gravy album, joined by his full band including fellow Departed member and CCR base player/vocals Jeremy Plato. Only at The MusicFest.
Ben Haggard in Concert
Jan. 9 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
Ben Haggard joins us in Steamboat as we pay tribute to his father, Merle Haggard. Ben is an amazing talent in his own right, we’re privileged to have him carry on the Haggard tradition and perform a special show at this festival.
Reincarnating Roger Miller with Doug Moreland and Friends
Jan. 9 at Dung Beetle Saloon
There’s a connection between Miller and Moreland that includes wood carvings, songwriting, entertaining and humor. “His humor and seemingly lack of negative thought is what draws me to his songs, music and stories” says Moreland. “God Bless Roger Miller. He was awake more than most.” We’ll let Doug explain the wood carving part from the stage. This show guarantees good times and timeless music classics as Doug and friends indulge into Miller’s genius.
My Brother and Me with Bruce Robison and Charlie Robison
Jan. 10 at The MusicFest Cabin at Timber and Torch
Texas music royalty joins The MusicFest at Steamboat. In a rare appearance, two of Texas’ most prolific songwriters and forces in the music scene join on stage for brotherly camaraderie, stories, and songs for a lucky group of MusicFesters.
The MusicFest Artists Tribute to a Legend honoring Merle Haggard
Jan. 10 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
Since 2003, The MusicFest artists have honored Texas artists and beyond that have influenced “our” music. Carrying on this 20-year tradition, MusicFest artists, with special guest Ben Haggard, will sing their favorite Haggard song and maybe share a story or two of how they have been impacted by the incredible work of “The Hag.” MusicFest founder John Dickson remembers producing a Merle Haggard show in a small venue in Austin, Texas, in 1996. “It was a remarkable show and Mr. Haggard was amazing on and off the stage,” Dickson says. “Not only was the show unforgettable but while watching from the side of the stage another legend was standing next to me—Earl Campbell singing along to every song.” Merle asked Earl to join him on stage for a song and it was apparent they were best of friends as both belted out “Momma Tried.” We have a feeling similarly memorable moments are in the stars. The Tribute to a Legend is always a special afternoon—something one can truly experience only at The MusicFest. Artists will include Cody Canada (a previous honoree), Matt Hillyer, Jamie Lin Wilson, Courtney Patton, Jason Eady and Mike Harmeier of Mike and the Moonpies. Artist and SiriusXM on-air personality Sunny Sweeney will emcee. (Read more about the legend and his influence here.)
- Guaranteed Access to the Tribute: Free tickets for the tribute show are available exclusively for MusicFest attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Claim your ticket The MusicFest General Store in The MusicFest Village (mountain base near the Outdoor Stage) starting at noon on Jan. 9. (Limit 4 tickets total per person; every tribute ticket holder must be a registered MusicFest attendees—no exceptions.)
The Piano Man Show featuring Roger Creager
Jan. 10 at the Thunderhead Star Gazer Series
He’s not only a multitalented instrumentalist, Creager is one of the most energetic, versatile and wide-ranging entertainers. Always a standing-room only show, join us on top of the mountain as Roger showcases his talent on keys and various instruments with the greatest hits of the ’80s and ’90s, plus your favorite Texas songs (his and others’).
The Lonestar Luau Showcase with Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe
Jan. 10 at The MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge
How about some “Trop Rock” to get in that “tropical state of mind,” and who better to get you there than the producers of the annual Lonestar Luau (held every February at Margaritaville in Conroe, Texas). Umbrella drinks optional!
The Texas Trio Record Release
Jan. 10 at MusicFest ON-AIR Media Lounge
What happens when you get a member of Strait’s band, a multi-Grammy Award winner and the quintessential Texas singer songwriter together? Some of the best authentic Texas music out there. “It’s Texas through and through, to the core,” says MusicFest founder John Dickson. Celebrate a new Texas classic with their first album release.
Rio Tripiano Record Release
Jan. 10 at Slopeside MusicFest Nights
“This is the album I should have made 10 years ago, but there’s no way I could have made it without the last 10 years” say Rio Tripiano. Want to hear some fascinating guitar work, rockin’ good tunes and a delivery that will have you on your feet? Get on the Rio at The MusicFest “roadhouse bar.” Rio Tripiano’s versatile playing style and song delivery is highly respected by fans and artists alike, a true favorite of those who enjoy great musicianship, delivering some great ear spank.
Chicken Poop Bingo
Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Village
Like bingo? Play The MusicFest’s Chicken Poop Bingo on Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Village. Yep, another good time event ONLY at The MusicFest. Win cash and prizes, and 100% of proceeds support the Steamboat local 4-H clubs.
Grammy Winner Wayne Toups and Friends
Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Outdoor Stage at The MusicFest Village
Top off an incredible and unforgettable music marathon week with classic high energy Cajun/Zydeco music from South Louisiana’s Grammy-winning legend Wayne Toups. “Laissez les bons temps Rouler”… just add a Hurricane or two plus the music of Kylie Frey and Sour Bridges. Beads optional!
’90s Throwback Afternoon featuring Matt Hillyer and Special Guest
Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Cabin at Timber and Torch
Leave it to Hillyer to blow it out of the water (er, snow) again. Last year he stunned us with his tribute to ZZ Top. This year, he’s put together an all-star band and bringing in special guests to stupefy us with the best of ’90s classic country, rock and beyond. Take the hint: Don’t miss it because it will be talked about for a long time.
Tuff and Charlie
Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Cabin at Timber and Torch
Put on stage a three-time World Champion Bull Rider and Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, and exemplary Texas singer/songwriter, Charlie Robison, then saddle up and hang on! These longstanding friends are connected by their appreciation of good music and their Texas sense of humor. Truly a MusicFest original—join two close friends as they shoot the breeze and play your favorite songs. (Thanks for doing this, guys!)
Braun Brothers Reunion Show
Jan. 11 at Dung Beetle Saloon
There’s no way we can recreate the BBR in Challis, Idaho’s beautiful mountains and cool western town atmosphere, but we can bring you a taste of the amazing talent (and festival producers) that grace the stage of the annual event. Take it from John Dickson, who calls BBR an amazing music festival and one of the Dickson family’s all-time favorites.
The Matinee Show with Dean Dillon
Jan. 11 at The MusicFest Grand Ballroom
The MusicFest is known for bringing legends to the stage and we are delivering again. If you enjoy the music of George Strait, Keith Whitley, George Jones, Toby Keith, Gary Stewart, David Allen Coe (we could go on), then you’ll love the music and stories on this afternoon. Dillon’s penned, co-wrote and performed with the best and to no surprise is a multi-Hall of Famer. Be ready to sing along with the guy that wrote ’em!
New Braunfels Nights with Rio, Jade and Eric
Jan. 11 at Dung Beetle Saloon
New Braunfels, Texas, is home to many of Texas’ most influential music makers and many take the stage at The MusicFest. NB’s Eric Middleton, front man for Midnight River Choir plus guitarist extraordinaire, Rio Tripiano and the soulful Jade Marie Patek plus special guest will deliver a special musical gathering like no other. Only at The MusicFest.
Wade Bowen’s Annual MusicFest Grand Finale
Jan. 11 at Grand Hotel Ballroom
If you haven’t witnessed a “Texas music family jam,” then here’s your chance. Wade Bowen has been an integral part of “our” music and The MusicFest for decades. Wade’s annual MusicFest finale is always a magical and moving part of this unique festival. His incredible show brings everyone together including his personally picked sing-a-long song that marks the end of another legendary festival that delivers memories of a lifetime.
