Snowbird, UT – Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is presenting its free Mountain Music Festival this Friday through Sunday, featuring headliners Mitch Barrett, Steve Seskin and Craig Carothers. Folk and bluegrass performances by prominent local and national musicians, as well as guest participation are all part of this year’s lineup.
“The Mountain Music Festival is a wonderful opportunity to escape the city heat and enjoy music in the mountains,” said Ruth Naccarato, Event Coordinator at Snowbird.
Live music will be performed by Snowbird Song School instructors Steve Seskin and Craig Carothers on Friday night. Saturday will feature the Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase, along with professional performances by Russ Chapman, Ellis, Wil Maring with Robert Bowlin, Avalanche and Mitch Barrett. Friday and Saturday performances will take place in the Snowbird Event Tent. Sunday will feature a Snowbird Song School Open Mic session on the Plaza Deck.
Saturday’s headline performer Mitch Barrett is one of folk music’s most sought-after and talented singer/songwriters. His approach to lyrical storytelling is true “Americana,” rooted in authentic experience. Barrett’s music draws from his Appalachian heritage and the values it instilled: agrarian work ethic, simple living, the importance of family and celebrating the joys and the struggles of everyday life through music and song.
Interactive events include a Band Scramble, where participants write their name and instrument on a piece of paper and deposit it in a container. The Band Scramble leader will draw out groups of five to six names to constitute a full band. The newly formed bands will have 30 minutes to rehearse one vocal and one instrumental song. The bands will then perform their two songs on the main stage in the Snowbird Event Tent on Friday night.
The Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase is another highlight of the festival. Ten singer/songwriter finalists will perform for first place and a chance to play at a future event. Other ways to participate in the Mountain Music Festival include the Snowbird Song School, fiddle and harmonica workshops, and Late Night Jamming sessions.
The festival runs from July 15-17, and there is no admission fee. The festival will take place in the Snowbird Event Tent and surrounding areas, with entrance through Snowbird Entry 2. Small coolers are permitted into the venue. Remember that no dogs are allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon.