House Concert at Private Ranch on the Colorado
On June 7th, the Moab Music Festival invites you pull up a rock, soak in the view of Fisher Towers and enjoy a program of classical and traditional Irish music at the spectacular Hauer Ranch on the banks of the Colorado River. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will follow.

Before the concert, patrons can enjoy an optional late afternoon scenic river float or the chance to ride the Hauers’ mules at the ranch. With its rustic Western architecture and unique situation in the red rock, this house was featured in an Architectural Digest profile called “Between a Rock and a Hard Place in Utah”. Space is limited for this benefit so please make your reservations early! Tickets are $150 and portion of the price is a tax-deductible contribution to the MMF.

Musical Variety Show at Star Hall
Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 pm
An evening of chamber works and Irish folk music will be offered by our acclaimed classical and traditional artists. They will join forces in an eclectic program showcasing their talents in a wide range of musical styles. Works by Villa-Lobos, Hummel and Bach’s famous Chaconne for solo violin (played by Tim Fain) comprise the first half of the show. Then our trio of folk musicians will explore the music and poetry of Ireland presenting the rich story of Irish balladry across the ages. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students* and $35 for a family ticket.

Musical River Expedition
June 10-13
For you adventuresome music lovers who have attended the Festival’s concerts in the grotto and wondered what it would be like to continue down the river, this trip is your opportunity to see and hear for yourselves. This 4-day 3-night custom expedition combines rafting on the Colorado River with chamber and Irish music performances each day in extraordinary settings along the way. Bob Jones of Tag-A-Long Expeditions outfits the trip. He and his expert guides take us through the thrilling rapids of Cataract Canyon to Lake Powell, prepare delicious meals and educate us about the history and geology of the spectacular canyon country. Festival players provide the musical magic. The trip concludes with a scenic flight back to Moab. Just 16 people can participate in this benefit event. A portion of your ticket cost is a tax-deductible contribution. Please call the Music Festival office at 435/259-7003 for more details.

Musicians:

Timothy Fain, violin - Tim is the first violinist of the Rossetti String Quartet and is touring with the “Musicians from Marlboro” in the 2003-2004 season. This year he has solo appearances with orchestras in GA, NH, FL and MI. He will return to Moab for the 2004 MMF.

Leslie Tomkins, viola - Leslie is the Artistic Director and co-founder of the MMF.

Jeremy Turner, cello - Jeremy plays with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and MET Chamber Ensemble in New York. Recently he performed with soprano Renee Fleming in the opening night concert of Carnegie Hall’s new Zankel Hall.

Eric Thomas, clarinet - Eric has earned the title of the “world’s best clarinetist” from Utah classical music expert Gene Pack. He is on the faculty at Colby College in Maine where he conducts the wind ensemble and jazz bands.

Brendan O’Shea, singer/songwriter - Brendan, originally from Ireland, released his solo CD “In the Light” in 2003. Mostly a solo performer, he has also performed in support slots with the 100,000 Maniacs and Cowboy Junkies. This is his first appearance in Moab.

Paul Woodiel, fiddle - Paul is a New York based purveyor of violin/fiddle music. A 3-time New England Fiddle Contest champion, he is a noted exponent of traditional fiddle styles. He performs in the US and abroad with the Scottish dance band Local Hero.

Chris Layer, flutes and pipes - Chris is a diverse multi-instrumentalist. He has performed with orchestras including the National and Detroit Symphonies. He is the principal pipe soloist and flautist for the Trinity Irish Dance Companies. Compositions include scoring for the Irish film “Exile”.