The 2023 Strings schedule is packed. Don’t miss these performers in Steamboat this summer. | SteamboatToday.com
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The 2023 Strings schedule is packed. Don’t miss these performers in Steamboat this summer.

Spencer Powell
For Steamboat Pilot & Today
Michael Sachs, the Music Director of Strings of Strings Music Festival, leads the symphony at the Strings Pavilion. The 2023 Strings Music Festival lineup is full of variety and brings music to venues all around Steamboat Springs.
Corey Kopischke/Courtesy photo

Editor’s note: This story was updated with the correct date of the 25th Anniversary celebration.

According to Katie Carroll, director of artistic administration and education for the Strings Music Festival, the summer schedule for the Strings Pavilion is pretty well locked in and features music from one of Hollywood’s most legendary composers, a couple of authors/humorists, the 25-year anniversary celebration for one of the local community’s favorite traditions, and much more.

The season starts with violinist Chee-Yun performing Beethoven on June 24, for the annual Opening Night Classical, which will be followed by a champagne reception as per tradition. The night before, on June 23, is an open rehearsal when the public will be welcome to pop in and watch classical musicians practice.



“Especially on opening night, it’s nice to have a local crowd,” Carroll said.

Then at 7 p.m. on July 1, people can hear the large, iconic, bombastic sounds of brass instruments playing the music of John Williams, who composed music for “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and “Jurassic Park.”



Fresh from releasing their latest album “Celebrants,” Nickel Creek will perform at the pavilion on July 13. The bluegrass trio won a Grammy for its 2003 album “This Side,” which was named Best Contemporary Folk Album.

“We’re super-excited to have Nickel Creek back,” said Elizabeth Diamond, development and marketing director for Strings Music Festival.


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For those eager to hear a world-class pianist, at 7 p.m. on July 15 Anna Geniushene will perform at the pavilion. Geniushene took the silver medal at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition last year and is described by Musical America as a “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality.”

“She’s a Russian pianist who (did well in) the competition when she was six months pregnant,” Diamond said. “Pretty incredible.”

Further ahead, and as a departure from the typical programming at Strings, two writers will share their wit and humor on-stage this summer as David Sedaris performs on July 18, while Aug. 8 is an Evening with Fran Lebowitz.

While standup comedians have been booked for winter performances in the past, having a couple of humorists come in during the summer is unique.

“It’s awesome to have authors as part of our lineup,” Carroll said.

The orchestra finale will happen at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5, and is titled “A Night of Mozart.” Another champagne reception will follow the finale.

The monthly Free Music on the Green at the Yampa River Botanic Park continues this year starting at 10 a.m. each Wednesday, culminating with the event’s 25-year anniversary celebration at 5 p.m. on Aug. 23. That celebration will feature live music, a wine and beer happy hour and food trucks.

2023 Strings Lineup

June
23 Classical Open Rehearsal
24 Opening Night Classical: Chee-Yun Plays Beethoven
27 An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash
28 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
28 Symphonic Septet

July
1 John Williams Film and Olympics Music
2 Brent Rowan and Friends featuring Mandy Barnett
3 Railroad Earth
5 Music on the Green – Yampa River Botanic Park
7 Under the Streetlamp
8 Viano String Quartet
12 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
12 Boyd Meets Girl (pay what you can)
13 Nickel Creek
15 The Guild of Strings Music Festival’s Kitchen & Garden Tour
15 Cliburn Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene
16 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
18 David Sedaris
19 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
19 Dublin Guitar Quartet
22 PROJECT Trio
26 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
26* Romantic Lyricism
28* The Soldier’s Journey: A Musical Narrative
29* Dreams and Impressions: Music for Strings and Piano
30 Mat Kearney
* JULY 26, 28 & 29 – These shows will be offered as a package. Please use code TRIO for 25% off.

August
2 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
2 From Haydn to Schumann: A Century of Music
3 Heartless Bastards with Opening Support from Matthew Logan Vasquez
4 Classical Open Rehearsal
4 Michael Kaeshammer
5 Orchestra Finale: A Night of Mozart
8 An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
9 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
9 Amos Lee
10 Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss
12 BoDeans
13 Buffalo Rose All Ages
14 Buffalo Rose Sensory Friendly
16 Free Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park
17 Daniel Rodriguez
18 Marcus Miller
19 Julian Lage and Leo Kottke
23 Free Music on the Green 25th Anniversary Party at Yampa River Botanic Park
27 Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats


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