Now in its 10th season, the Mountain Light Music Festival (MLMF) is an exclusive chamber music festival that makes its home in Pagosa Springs. For two weeks in the summer, top musicians from around the country swap the concert hall for the for the fresh air and breathtaking views of Colorado.
The visionary festival was founded in 2015 trombonist Brent Phillips, who is on faculty at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. As a boy, Phillips visited Pagosa each summer to participate in Voice of the Wilderness (VOW) outdoor adventures led by Chet Russel, backpacking through the glorious San Juan mountains and forests.
When the former “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band trombonist became a professor at Baylor University, Pagosa kept calling him back, and he launched the MLMF through VOW in a fruitful, decade-long partnership. MLMF accepts an elite pool of collegiate musicians to participate each summer. The group is frequently joined by professional guest artists from University Texas El Paso, the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, Baylor University and more.
Thursday, July 31: Trombone Summit
What better place to hear movie music than the classic Liberty Theatre? Cool off with music from big screen favorites like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Star Wars,” “Star Trek” and “Ben Hur,” and get in the summer spirit with American patriotic themes. Join us for a tribute to our armed forces and our America the Beautiful with the magnificent festival Trombone Choir. The concert will be at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
Top off your evening with beverages in the lobby. Bring the whole family — this two-hour concert with one intermission is a great way to engage young ears.
Tickets are $28.52 at EventBrite.
Friday, August 1: Friends of Mountain Light Music Festival Concert
Your stage is a meadow and your backdrop is the mountains for this free evening of music.
Grab your picnic, drinks and camp chairs to take in the luminous sunset and music in a spectacular alpine setting. Hop in your ATV and side-by-side or take a vehicle up to trek up to the meadow, then stay for a reception with light bites. All are welcome to this free outdoor event.
The concert will begin at 6pm, with the meadow opening at 5pm at 300C Columbine Court in Pagosa Springs.
Tickets are not required, but charitable gifts are welcomed at EventBrite.