Colorado Gives Day starts in
CBMF is a Region 10 Enterprise Zone Project whose work promotes, presents, and preserves live performances of classical and other music with the goal to make this sometimes unfamiliar art available and knowable to listeners in an approachable, casual, and educational atmosphere.
To present an annual festival of diverse music, opera and dance performed by outstanding artists, to inspire a greater appreciation of these art forms, and to help develop the performers of tomorrow.
The Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) was founded in 1997 to enrich the quality of life in the rural Gunnison Valley through the performing arts. Early seasons encompassed one to three weeks of primarily classical music, with concerts featuring lieder, jazz and poetry. Over time, CBMF grew to span the majority of the summer and, beginning in 2010, highlighted select genres in mini-festivals including bluegrass, gypsy jazz and opera. Now in its 21st year, CBMF continues to feature distinctive genres such as symphonic and chamber pieces, contemporary classical works, main stage operas, gypsy jazz and open programming. As well as live performances of world-class music, education remains a central component of CBMF's mission; opportunities in every genre abound during the summer and include camps, interactive musical experiences, masterclasses, lectures and workshops for all ages. Its diverse programming; intimate, quality performances; and connections fostered between performers, their audiences, and supporters distinguish the Crested Butte Music Festival.
One of our adult Gypsy Jazz Guitar Campers sent the following survey response at the end of 2016: "There are not sufficient words to describe how wonderful this was for me. I woke up every morning basically feeling like I was in heaven, and that feeling pretty much persisted through the entire camp. It was wonderful to be able to really concentrate on the music and experience it with so many other great people. Frank, Vinnie, and Olli were exceptional and wonderful. The festival performances were the icing on the cake each one was just over the top. I sure hope to be able to do it again. I am so grateful to have been there."
