The Nashville-based indie folk rock band Arts Fishing Club is coming to Steamboat Springs for the first time with a purpose and a passion based on connection and sound.

Presented by Crazy 88 Ranch, the group will perform at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Snow Bowl Steamboat on the west side of town.

The band, led by Christopher Kessenich, has spent the last decade forging a musical identity rooted in adventure, energy and lyrics that deeply resonate with their audiences. Though the band is now based in Nashville, the group can trace its origins back to a young man playing guitar in train stations across Vienna.

“I taught myself guitar in high school and would play a lot by myself, but didn’t quite have the full confidence that I was ‘allowed by society’ to be a musician,” Kessenich said. “I knew I was bad, relatively speaking, and yet I was making good money. Ever since then, I started pursuing music as my whole purpose.”

That decision launched a journey that included a 1,600-mile walking tour from Maine to Atlanta to Nashville, during which Kessenich played 60 shows and slept on the floors of strangers’ houses. That spirit of perseverance, along with a deep appreciation of journey over destination, helped shape the band’s name. It is also a tribute to his grandfathers and a symbol of grit and gratitude.

AFC’s core lineup includes drummer Jody Lee Oliver, guitarist Chris “Dunks” Dunkley and bassist Nir Horowitz. 

“Jody Lee is pure energy. Dunks is eye candy and keeps us all in line. Nir is a producer at heart and helps us arrange the songs as well as push the stage presence vibe,” Kessenich said.

Their recent album “Rothko Sky” features songs like “Foster Falls” and “Arizona,” which explore love, change and emotional vulnerability with a blend of both rock and folk. Kessenich describes the group’s music as joyful but grounded.

“At the core of our music is joy. We want people leaving the show thinking that they had one hell of a night,” he said. “I also really believe in people. Life is really hard for anyone and everyone, and music is our way of helping people carry that.”

That philosophy has shown up time and time again in their performances, which pull audiences in, whether or not they’ve heard of the band.

“I think the stage is a sacred place,” Kessenich said. “It takes a lot of something to elevate yourself and ask others for their undivided attention. It’s not selfish if we deliver an incredible show — we are making magic and giving a gift.”

The group has played more than 100 shows in the past year alone, including festival slots at Bonnaroo, Summerfest and Mile of Music. They’re also releasing a new song every three weeks for the next eight months, a move that reflects how much the band is “pushing the creative edge.”

Though it’s their first time in Steamboat Springs, it might not be the last.

“If it wasn’t for music grabbing hold and taking control of my life, I’m certain I’d have had a lot of years ski-bumming,” Kessenich said. “Maybe after this show, we’ll make some friends and move the band out to Steamboat so we can do both.”

For tickets, visit SnowBowlSteamboat.com. Information on Arts Fishing Club can be found at ArtsFishingClub.com.