Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Marshall Tucker Band's live music drew an enormous crowd eager for great entertainment, while offering the chance for local residents to catch up with each other Sunday evening at the base of Howelsen Hill.

"It's the biggest concert of the year," said David Ihde of Elko, Nev.

A former fulltime Steamboat resident, Ihde said the summer concerts give him the opportunity to talk to old friends.

He also owns a second home in Steamboat. "I get to come visit and work on my home," he said.

The Marshall Tucker Band played a mixture of country bluegrass and rock, providing entertainment for people with many different music interests.

The die-hard dancers found places near the stage while those more interested in socializing roamed the upper hillside.

Ihde said the music was more in the background as he sat higher on the hill.

He said he didn't mind, though, since he really came to mingle with the people.

Other former residents attended the concert, some just to get in touch with old acquaintances.

"For us it is more of a social event. It is great to come back and see everybody," former resident Shelly Dillingham said. Dillingham said her son enjoyed playing with the other children.

"He's a little overwhelmed," she said.

The country-based band also drew a lot of cowboys.

Music lover Phil Atkinson said he wouldn't miss the chance to socialize, drink beer and listen to music.

Atkinson works as a bouncer at Levelz nightclub and enjoys the large number of bands that play in Steamboat.

"I'm a fan of music," he said.

The hot and dusty evening made the beverage tent a popular place.

For Rick and Karyn Hill, the Marshall Tucker Band brought back old memories. Rick Hill said the Marshall Tucker Band was one of the first concerts he went to see with his wife in the '70s.

"We were dating at the time," he said. Hill said the band has changed a lot over the years but he still enjoys coming out to listen to them.

Many of those in attendance were also in preparing to watch an evening of bull riding at Romick Arena.

"I don't want to think about snow or winter," Ihde said.

Jamie Cesana of Denver said the concert was one of many events she has enjoyed this Labor Day weekend.

Cesana also said she enjoys visiting with friends.

As the last free concert of the summer, locals enjoyed the chance to catch up with her friends and neighbors before the winter season begins.

Majorie Baldwin of Steamboat said she didn't come to the concert with friends because she knew a large number of them would already be there.

She said finding her friends, though, was a challenge with the large number in attendance.

"It's lovely," Baldwin said. "Everyone wants to come out.