The Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) works to promote, present, and preserve live performances of classical and other music genres 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 performing arts festival by outstanding artists. Our diverse offerings inspire and educate audiences, and develop 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 26th year, CBMF continues to feature distinctive genres such as symphonic and chamber pieces, contemporary classical works, gypsy jazz, bluegrass, 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. It's diverse programming; intimate, quality performances; and connections fostered between performers, their audiences, and supporters distinguish the Crested Butte Music Festival. Education and enrichment are just as central to CBMF's mission. We are continuing to expand our Community Enrichment by pursuing more initiatives to reach the underserved of our community of all ages and backgrounds.
One of our adult Gypsy Jazz Guitar Campers sent the following survey response at the end of 2021: "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. Each instructor was 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."
