Mitch Barrett Headlines Snowbird’s Free Mountain Music Festival

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is presenting its free Mountain Music Festival July 15-17, 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.
 
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. Mitch’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.
 
Late night jamming is encouraged, and lodging is available at a special rate of $85.00 per room per night, excluding taxes and fees. Call 800-453-3000 for reservations.
 
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. Please remember no dogs are allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
 
Schedule of Events:
 
Friday, July 15, 2011
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Snowbird Song School Workshop (SOLD OUT)
5:30 p.m. -  6 p.m. Band Scramble Sign-ups / Event Tent
6 p.m. -6:30 p.m. Band Scramble Practice
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Band Scramble Performances / Event Tent
8:45 p.m. - 10 p.m. Steve Seskin & Craig Carothers (Dana Hubbard opening) / Event Tent
10 p.m. Late night jamming encouraged following the main stage performances.
 
Saturday, July 16, 2011
8:20 a.m. - noon Song School Workshop continued (SOLD OUT)
10:30a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Kate MacLeod Fiddle Workshop / Plaza Deck
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Dana Habbard Blues Harmonica Workshop / Plaza Deck
12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase / Event Tent (Contest held in advance, this is a finalist performance)
3 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. Russ Chapman, Folk Performer / Event Tent
4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Songwriter Winner’s Performance / Event Tent
5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Ellis, Folk Performer / Event Tent
6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Wil Maring with Robert Bowlin, Bluegrass Duo / Event Tent
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Avalanche, Bluegrass Band / Event Tent
8:45-10:15 p.m. Mitch Barrett, Folk-Americana Performer / Event Tent
10:30 p.m. Late night jamming encouraged following the main stage performances.
 
Sunday, July 17, 2011
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Song School Workshop continued (SOLD OUT)
10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Snowbird Song School Open Mic / Plaza Deck (Spectators welcome)
 
For more information, please contact Snowbird Communications Manager Emily Moench at (801) 891-3497 or EMoench@Snowbird.com, or visit Snowbird.com.