Programming
2025 Summer Season
An Overview
FESTIVAL WEEKENDS
Westward Bound Festival Weekend, June 27–29
Sacred Songs of the Silver Thread Festival Weekend, August 1–3
Art of the Steel Festival Weekend, August 29-31
Westward Bound Festival Weekend
June 27–29, 2025
Saddle up for a genre-defying celebration of the American West, where jazz, classical, opera, musical theatre, and American standards ride side by side.
CMAC’s Westward Bound weekend weaves frontier charm with unexpected musical adventures across three unforgettable days of performances, community, and creativity.
Westward Bound Listening Room Concert – Friday at CMAC HQ
Happy Hour, Live @ the Creede Hotel – Saturday at the Creede Hotel
Music in the Park – Sunday afternoon at Basham Park
Featured Artists
Craig Verm, baritone
Karen Rothlisberger Verm, piano
Amy Owens, soprano
Dan Weisselberg Jazz Trio
Dan Weisselberg, double bass
Iftah Kary, piano
Aleksi Heinola, drums
Educational & Community Events
Voice Class – open to singers of all levels, guest taught by husband-and-wife duo Craig Verm and Karen Roethlisberger Verm
Instrument Petting Zoo – a hands-on musical playground for kids, in collaboration with San Juan Sports/Sunnyside Bar
Sound Bath Cave Yoga – immersive wellness meets music in Creede’s storied geology, featuring soprano Amy Owens and led by Jo Johnson
Whether you're a classical connoisseur, jazz junkie, or simply in search of something new, Westward Bound invites you to explore the wide-open possibilities of sound and story—where every note carries a little dust and a lot of heart.
Sacred Songs of the Silver Thread Festival Weekend
August 1–3, 2025
Let your heart be lifted and your spirit restored during Sacred Songs of the Silver Thread—a weekend of soul-stirring music in some of Creede’s most peaceful and picturesque spaces.
Drawing inspiration from sacred traditions across cultures, this festival blends the power of the human voice with the serenity of Creede’s natural and spiritual landscapes. Through vocal chamber music, gospel, oratorio, spirituals, and sacred arias, the weekend invites deep listening and heartfelt connection.
Candlelight Concert – Friday at the Sunnyside Chapel
Lifted: Morris Robinson & Lyyra – Saturday at the Creede Community Church
Music in the Park – Sunday afternoon at Basham Park
Featured Artists
Morris Robinson, bass
Steven Aguiló-Arbues, piano
Lyyra – an all-American, all-women vocal ensemble from the Voces8 Foundation
Anna Crumley, vocals
MaryRuth Miller, vocals
Elizabeth Tait, vocals
Ingrid Johnson, vocals
Aryssa Leigh Burrs, vocals
Cecille Elliott, vocals
Educational & Community Events
Vocal Masterclass & Group Sing with Lyyra – open to all voices, no experience required
Melody Makers & Shakers – a hands-on musical instrument craft session for kids, in collaboration with the Creede Center for the Arts
Whether you’re drawn to the deep resonance of gospel, the layered elegance of vocal a cappella chamber harmony, or simply the joy of singing together, Sacred Songs of the Silver Thread is a celebration of voice, reverence, and the spirit of community—tied together by the beauty of the Rio Grande’s headwaters.
Art of the Steel Festival Weekend
August 29–31, 2025
From the islands of Hawaii to the heart of honky-tonk, Art of the Steel celebrates the shimmering sound and soulful spirit of the steel guitar in all its forms.
This genre-blending festival spotlights the instrument’s deep roots and wide reach—from the smooth slides of Hawaiian tradition to the high-lonesome cry of classic country. Join us for a weekend of concerts, collaborations, and community gatherings that showcase the versatility and emotional power of this iconic sound.
Listening Room Concert – Friday at CMAC HQ
Happy Hour at the Historic Creede Hotel – Saturday evening
Music in the Park – Sunday afternoon at Basham Park
Featured Artists
Alan Akaka – internationally acclaimed master of the Hawaiian steel guitar
Caleb Lindley – pedal steel dynamo with Amber Digby & Midnight Flyer
Amber Digby, vocals & guitar
Randy Lindley, bass
Avery Davis, drums
Damian O’Grady, piano
Educational & Community Events
Voice Class – open to singers of all levels
Steel 101 – an interactive intro to steel guitar with Alan Akaka in collaboration with Caleb & Randy Lindley
Community Jam – an open pick session with festival artists—bring your instrument, borrow one of ours, or just come tap your toes
Instrument Petting Zoo – hands-on fun for kids of all ages
Sound Bath Cave Yoga – stretch, breathe, and listen inside the cave, featuring live pedal steel with Caleb Lindley and led by Jo Johnson
Whether you're a steel guitar aficionado, a country music fan, or simply curious to hear something special, Art of the Steel is a weekend of heartfelt music and wide-open inspiration—celebrating the strings that sing across traditions and time.
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
& SPECIAL EVENTS
Beyond the stage, CMAC offers a vibrant mix of programs that bring people together through music, movement, and hands-on learning. Whether you're dancing in a barn, singing with pros, or learning how to care for your instrument, these events are designed to spark joy, build community, and deepen connection.
Recurring Programs & Community Favorites
Thursdays: June 26, July 31 & August 28 | 5:00–9:00 PM
The Stables at the Rio Grande
Kick up your heels at CMAC’s signature summer dance party! With live string band music and expert calling by Andrea Earley Coen, these all-ages evenings feature square dancing, contra, two-step, and more. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm.
Live music by Ryan Drickey, Avery Augur, KC Groves, Donny Chavez, and Jason Hicks.
June 10, July 8, August 5 & September 2 | 6:00–9:00 PM
CMAC HQ
Share a tune, test a new piece, or just listen and enjoy at this relaxed monthly gathering of local talent and visiting artists. All styles welcome—acoustic preferred. Sign up on-site, and let the music flow!
Fridays, June 6–September 5 | 12:00–1:00 PM
CMAC HQ
Join opera singers Meg Marino and Mike Mayes for weekly voice classes open to singers of all levels. Expect supportive coaching, fun vocal warmups, and special guest artists during festival weekends.
Mondays: June 9, June 30 & July 28 | 3:00–4:15 PM
with Courtney La Zier
CMAC HQ
Learn the basics of caring for your instrument in this hands-on workshop designed for musicians of all ages. From string changes to cleaning tips, you'll gain confidence in keeping your gear performance-ready all summer long.
SPECIAL ARTIST RESIDENCIES & CONVERSATIONS
CMAC’s artist residencies offer audiences a deeper connection with extraordinary musicians through unique performances, educational offerings, and community moments you won’t find anywhere else. These special engagements bring world-class artists to Creede for immersive, collaborative experiences across generations and genres.
Grace Browning, harp & Benjamin Krug, cello
June 21 & 22, 2025
Back by popular demand, this duo returns to Creede for a magical weekend of music and movement along the rails.
Solstice & Strings: A Rail Biking Concert Experience
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 5:30–9:00 PM, 2 Runs
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a one-of-a-kind musical railbike adventure, featuring live performances along the way by harpist Grace Browning and cellist Benjamin Krug. Presented in collaboration with RevRail.
Kids’ Costume Tea Party Concert
Sunday, June 22, 2025 | 2-2:45 PM
Dress up, sip tea, and enjoy a whimsical morning concert designed especially for young music lovers (and the young at heart). Harp, cello, and sweet treats in perfect harmony! Join us at the Creede Hotel Tent for music, fun & refreshments.
Poi Rogers
August 13 & 14, 2025
Poi Rogers brings their signature blend of classic country & Americana sounds to Creede in this two-day residency filled with music and hands-on connection.
Listening Room Concert
Wednesday, August 13 | 7:00–9:00 PM
An intimate evening of island-infused Americana and heartfelt harmonies.
Instrument Maintenance 101
Thursday, August 14 | 11–12:30 PM
Join Poi Rogers for a special edition of this popular hands-on workshop. Bring your instrument and learn from the pros.
Artful Instrument-Making Talkback
Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 5:30–7:00 PM
CMAC HQ
In collaboration with the Creede Center for the Arts
Join Jeff Johnson, Courtney La Zier, and friends for a lively talkback and demo exploring the world of handmade instruments. From cigar box guitars to wash tub basses and pizza pan percussion, discover how everyday objects become functional, playable art. Includes show & tell and live demonstrations.