Warming Up On Winter Nights
A Vail entertainment legend, Rod Powell has played Pepi’s Bar for over a quarter of a century.
The Vail Valley has drawn an eclectic group of musicians into its entertainment spotlight. Many have proceeded to find the right room and make it their own musically.
Pat Hamilton loves that moment when she’s singing and knows she has connected with her audience. “That feeling is what makes performing worthwhile for me,” says the singer-songwriter-guitarist who plays nightly at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa. Her music is a folk, country, and light blues blend. Known for her annual benefit Christmas concert with pianist Peter Vavra, the two have aided the Salvation Army’s causes for 18 years. 
A Colorado Springs native, Micky Poage has played in his namesake “Mickey’s Lounge” at the Lodge at Vail since he was 19. He has recorded six CDs, performs private concerts in the off-season, composes, and orchestrates. From Billy Joel to Andrew Lloyd Weber, his repertoire includes movie themes and show tunes. “I know most people in the room; many are friends,” says Poage. “I like to improvise and create as I play.”
Brent Gordon and his saxophone get around. Whether it’s the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch’s Buffalo Bar on weekends, Balata at Singletree, Matthews in Edwards, or Rick & Kelly’s on Monday nights, people have heard and been impressed by the former Harry Baxter Band leader. A talented alto and soprano sax player, he is influenced by Maceo Parker, Branford Marsalis, and David Sanborn. Peter Fontanese, a bass guitarist whose production company books business for area musicians, accompanies him. After 54 shows in July and August, Gordon took a little time off to rest his vocal chords
The Kathy Baxter Band shows the innovative way musicians use their names: Brent Gordon combined his former band’s moniker with Kathy Morrow’s first name. As he says, “We are all working together instead of competing, and it’s good for us.” Morrow’s followers can hear her in an upcoming Estée Lauder ad campaign. Her three CDs are available on iTunes. Morrow traveled for 30 years playing piano bars in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East but is now content with her gig at the Sonnenalp Resort on Saturdays 8-11pm. “I love the King’s Club; there is a wonderful mix of people in an intimate setting.” Although she always carried a tuning hammer on those trips for optimum piano performance, Morrow says, “I consider myself a singer first, player second.” Her vocal group “Femmes Fatales” includes Beth Swearingen and Sally Peterson. They’ll give a holiday concert on December 20 at the Sonnenalp. Morrow owns The Yarn Shop in Minturn and finds knitting creative, soothing, and a helpful rest for her voice.
The Grouse Mountain Grill in Beaver Creek is Tony Gulizia’s home base every night during winter, but the places he plays before the six-o’clock hour vary widely. It’s a pleasure to hear Tony’s trio – Allan Finney on drums and Tom Kirk on saxophone. Wherever he is, Tony G never forgets his jazz roots. His weekly program on KZYR radio, Jazz at its Peak, complements Wednesday to Sunday après-ski gigs at the Cascade Resort, teaching jazz at elementary schools with drummer-brother Joey, annual trips to Beaver Creek’s sister city Lech, Austria and taking his family when he performs on cruise ships. Tony G’s popularity as an entertainer and all-around “cool” cat was reinforced last year when he was honored as Vail’s Own Jazz Music Man, and Eagle County proclaimed “Tony Gulizia Day.”
Phil Long pleases crowds with acoustic rock, so much so that he keeps a few reserved tables available upfront for his Wednesday through Saturday shows at The Red Lion at the top of Bridge Street in Vail Village. He’s played piano and guitar in the glassed-in bar for 23 years. Long and his wife, with two partners, bought the Red Lion in 2000. “I am so fortunate to have people who come back to hear me perform,” he says. Guitarist Brendan McKinney plays Sunday to Tuesday.
At the other end of Bridge Street, Rod Powell has delighted guests at Pepi’s Bar for over 25 years. His wit complements a repertoire of popular songs that he brings alive on guitar and vocals.
Peter Vavra arrived in Vail driving a salmon-colored 1977 Cadillac. His taste in cars has changed with the practicality required in mountain driving, but his taste in pianos is superb. Vavra owns a Steinway and believes there is no substitute for an acoustic piano, “I’m a purist,” he says. Vavra’s style is based on classical tonalities and technical skills. Giving piano lessons is a passion: “I love teaching,” Vavra notes.
Vavra plays for dinner guests Tuesday through Saturday at Splendido’s in Beaver Creek’s Chateau. “The quality of the food is a matter of fact. I’m honored to play there,” he says. “It is lucky for me that Chef David Walford believes in offering live entertainment.”On busy weekends, Vavra welcomes arrivals at the private Vail Valley Jet Center on a concert grand piano. “It creates an impression. You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Roy Bloomfield performs solo acoustic guitar at the Vail Mountain Marriott Resort & Spa, and his songbook ranges from the Beatles to jazz and blues. “I’ve done the solo thing for over 12 years,” he says. “But I enjoy playing with other musicians the most.” He has prepared a song list that numbers 400. Calling himself the “accidental singer,” Bloomfield has played guitar for 44 years.
Vocalist Beth Swearingen sings with Don Watson on Thursday nights at the Sonnenalp and in his Vail Valley Band. She is a member of Kathy Morrow’s Femmes Fatales singing group. Swearingen performed on Broadway before joining the Vail music scene. She also directs the Vail Valley Theatre Company’s annual fundraiser, “An Evening on Broadway,” February 21 and 22. Area musicians perform in the event to benefit local arts events.
Peter Fontanese plays base guitar in the Vail Valley Band. Former manager and performer at Vail’s Club Chelsea in the ‘90s, Fontanese now books local performers through his production company.
For an evening of beautiful Brazilian jazz, it’s Justin Allison’s guitar and vocal styling. Allison also plays straight ahead jazz and the great American songwriters. He performs the melodies and harmonically complex works of Antonio Carlos Jobim and contemporary Brazilian composers. “Music is a conversation between the guitar and me,” he says. His yoga practice prepares him for the physical challenge of standing while playing and singing. “Your body is your instrument. With yoga, it’s easier to let the music flow through me.” Allison can be heard at the Timber Hearth Grille at Cordillera.
Don Watson performs Monday through Friday 8-11pm in the Sonnenalp’s King’s Club. The guitarist-singer-composer awaits the opening of his second musical in London.
Meanwhile, Watson and the Vail Valley Band (Beth Swearingen, Peter Fontanese, Bob Hyam, and Dave Andersen) work their magic for corporate and fundraising events. As if he doesn’t have enough on his calendar, Watson started a fencing school and gives guitar lessons.
Rosalie Hill Isom’s musical skills are strongest when listening. In her business, Word for Word, Isom teaches French and tickles the computer keys while writing and editing.
Reader Comments:
Where do I look for listings for summer concerts 2009?
Hi there- thanks for your interest. We will have the summer schedule posted this week. Check back and tell your friends!