The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Singer-songwriter Holden Young has taken his show on the road.

After moving from Steamboat Springs to Boulder, he assembled drummer Eric Rolls and bassist Billy Franklin to form the Holden Young Trio, which comes to the Yampa Valley this weekend to play a gig at Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill.

“What we’re doing these days is a really intense funk trio combination,” Young said. “And we’re adding elements of singer-songwriter material, some reggae and classic rock influences.”

“It’s Red Hot Chili Peppers meets world music,” Franklin added.

DJ vonFunk will be joining the trio to spin discs in between sets.

“We’ve done two other events with him, and he’s a really good element for adding dance and keeping it consistent,” Young said. “And if it’s still rockin’ late night, he’ll keep playing to keep the party going.”

Each of the musicians in the Holden Young Trio have side projects. Franklin still plays guitar for his other band, Equal Opportunity Employment, and has collaborated with Djate and the Rockers.

“I’m playing more then I ever have before,” Franklin said.

Rolls, who used to play with Hard Poor Corn, hopes this summer boosts his music career.

“Right now, I’m trying to do the music thing and will probably offset the time with carpentry work and whitewater canoeing,” he said.

Young’s move to Boulder was part of his commitment to progressing in the music industry.

“Boulder, for me, has been a great chance to try out my skills in a new place,” he said. “The atmosphere of Boulder is of a very motivated community, and it’s easy to be on top of everything.”

The trio hopes to release a live CD this summer and will embark upon its first out-of-state tour.

“We are covering some new ground, which includes Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington state, Arizona, Chicago and we will spend two weeks in upstate New York,” Young said. “We are trying to do the grassroots thing and consistently tour to the different music scenes we can become involved in.”

The trio hopes to establish fan bases outside of Colorado.

“We definitely want to establish connections everywhere so when we do return, we have friends and family where we go,” Young said. “Hopefully not children — just family.”

The show at Mahogany will be like a homecoming for the three band members.

“It’s a kickoff for the summer,” Young said. “And a launching pad for new things to come.”