Home

Steamboat Springs — Since Deb Lenhart and Jeff Miller formed the band In Flight, they have wanted to play on stage in the Steamboat Springs Free Concert Series.

"Jeff said that timing is everything and 10 years later -- here we go," Lenhart said.

In Flight is a Yampa-based band that plays electric/acoustic music with attitude, and will open for the Chicago Blues Reunion for the first free concert of the summer.

In Flight will be playing original songs and covers to get the crowd pumped up.

"I know we can do this and get them ready for the group coming up," Lenhart said. "That's my job."

Chicago Blues Reunion headlines the show with original blues music from the south side of Chicago. The members of the band include Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Harvey Mandel, Tracy Nelson, Sam Lay and Corky Siegel.

The band was a forerunner of the blues rock explosion of the 1960s, and its members learned to play the blues from the original masters including B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Forty years later, they have reunited to keep the blues alive.

"It's a special thing, because we have such respect for each other, musically, and our careers have intertwined once again," Goldberg said. "It's a celebration. We come from different parts of the country to play together. This brings us back to those wonderful days in Chicago, and the feeling is still there."

The Free Concert Series is one of the most anticipated events of the summer and there are a few things to know before attending the show.

Riley Polumbus, the communications director of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, said dogs are not permitted and attendees are not allowed to bring alcohol into the event.

"Keep in mind that the sale of beer at the event helps raise money for next year's event," Polumbus said. "You will be subject to search if you bring a bag, but it's OK to bring non-alcoholic beverages, blankets and food."

Food vendors at the event include Cugino's, Chelsea's, Creekside Cafe, Dippin' Dots and Zombonis.

There also will be activities for children including face painting and sand pools.

Polumbus suggests people walk, ride their bikes or ride the bus to the event. There will be extra bus shuttles running tonight to aid the flow of traffic.

Attendees are encouraged to bring cans of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank sponsored by LIFT-UP of Routt County. Personal hygiene products such as shampoo and conditioner also will be accepted.

The Free Concert Series is an opportunity to hear great music with families and the whole community. This year's lineup includes four more concerts featuring Michael Franti and Spearhead, Los Lobos, Matt Costa and Susan Tedeschi.

"We look for the best talent we can find," said series co-organizer Joe Kboudi. "I think the lineup this year is really strong. There's something for everyone."

-- To reach Allison Plean, call 871-4204

or e-mail aplean@steamboatpilot.com