With the snow beginning to melt on Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Free Summer Concerts unveiled its 2025 lineup at their annual reveal party and fundraiser, which took place Saturday at Old Town Pub in Steamboat Springs.

Two sets from Steamboat’s Grateful Dead tribute band, Heads All Empty, were combined with a silent auction at the reveal party to generate proceeds in support of the summer concerts. 

“It’s always exciting to finally share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes,” said John Waldman, founder of Great Knight Productions and organizer of the series. “There’s a lot of energy in town around these shows, and we’re proud of the lineup we’ve put together.”

Free music under the stars

Entering its third decade, the Steamboat Free Summer Concerts have become a beloved local tradition and a much-anticipated opportunity for the community to gather at Howelsen Hill for live music, dancing and food trucks. 

What began in the 1990s as a small community effort to bring high-quality live acts to the Yampa Valley has blossomed into a signature series of events that welcomes thousands of locals and visitors each summer.

Over the years, the series has showcased acts across genres including reggae, bluegrass, rock and funk, all while staying true to its mission of offering free, family-friendly entertainment for the community.

Community connection is key

Waldman emphasized how much thought goes into curating each season’s lineup. 

“It’s about more than just booking good bands,” he said. “We’re thinking about the full experience — how each show fits into the summer, how the bands connect with the crowd and what kind of energy they bring.”

He noted the importance of giving local and regional acts a platform alongside nationally touring artists.

“We always want to support up-and-coming talent, especially those with roots in Colorado and the Mountain West,” he said. 

As a result, the 2025 season is balanced between well-known headliners and opening acts, some of which are from the Yampa Valley, that are going to meet a diverse range of musical tastes. 

“We can’t say, ‘thank you enough’ to John Waldman, the Keepin’ It Free board, the city of Steamboat Springs, all the sponsors and, of course, the people who show up show after show for these amazing events,” said Little Moon Travelers’ Eric Baker. 

“The (Free Summer Concerts) are the premier annual summer event that everyone looks forward to, locals and tourists alike,” Baker added. “It really is an honor to be able to play our music on that stage, on those historic Howelsen Hill grounds, for all our friends and family.” 

June 21 – Andy Frasco & The U.N. | Opener: Graham Good & The Painters

Kicking off the season will be Andy Frasco & The U.N., a powerhouse known for high-energy performances that blend rock, blues and funk with what some call a healthy dose of chaotic creation.

Frasco’s shows are, at times, more like parties than concerts, and as a result have built him a loyal fan base nationwide. Opening the night on the event’s first day is Graham Good & The Painters, a Colorado-based band known for their upbeat, feel-good style.

July 19 – Julian Marley & The Uprising | Opener: Mighty Mystic

Bringing the island vibes to the Steamboat Free Summer Concerts is Julian Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. Taking the stage with The Uprising, they are known for continuing the Marley legacy with spiritual and socially-conscious music.

This pairing of Marley with reggae-rock artist Mighty Mystic will create a sound that is both uplifting and unifying.

July 31 – Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country | Opener: Bonfire Dub

The rising Daniel Donato, fresh off two consecutive years of performing at WinterWonderGrass, has built a reputation in the jam and Americana scene by combining country, psychedelic rock and jam-band improvisation into what he likes to call “Cosmic Country.”

His precise guitar playing, combined with his band’s precision and spontaneity, produces a unique, energetic fusion of seemingly unconnected genres of music. Bonfire Dub, a Colorado-based band blending folk, reggae and world music, will open for Donato.

August 31 – Brothers Comatose | Opener: Little Moon Travelers

The summer concert series will close with Brothers Comatose, a West Coast string band that brings a modern twist to traditional bluegrass. Their picking and rich vocal harmonies result in upbeat music that is full of spirit. Steamboat’s Little Moon Travelers will set the stage for the evening with a much-anticipated mix of Americana and folk-rock.

More than music

For Waldman and the organization’s leadership, the concert series isn’t just about music — it’s about community. 

“Every summer, we see people from all walks of life come together at these shows,” Waldman said. “Families, longtime locals, visitors — everyone’s just there to enjoy the moment. That’s what makes it special.”

Whether you’re there for the dancing, the mountain sunsets or just the joy of gathering with friends and family, Howelsen Hill will, once again this summer, be alive with the sound of music.

Those willing to donate to support the free summer concerts can visit KeepinItFree.com/donate.