Country music comes to Music in the Mountains
DURANGO, Colo. – Two of Texas’ hottest singer-songwriters — Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison — will headline Music in the Mountains events in Durango, Friday, July 24 and Pagosa Springs, Saturday July 25 as the classic music festival makes its first foray into country music.
“A couple of years ago we decided to introduce a new genre of music to the festival to attract diverse audiences,” said Susan Lander, executive director of Music in the Mountains. “Our festival will continue its classical music focus and these
The two alternative country performers offer a rare blend of everyday life experiences, effortless melodies and charismatic appearances.
Robison and Willis are husband and wife, but have built their careers and reputations individually. Willis, whose musical genre has been described as contemporary country, alternative country and new traditionalist, began performing more than 20 years ago. Noticed by such influentials as singer-songwriters Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett, she landed her first recording contract. Nine albums and four children later, she’s emerging as a highly-revered performer both solo and along with her husband.
Robison’s lyrics are born of everyday stories with new meaning. In his eight albums, he often writes clear-eyed, deeply felt songs about how humans are, not how some might want them to be. Well-known country singers have covered his works, from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s number one hit “Angry All the Time,” the Dixie Chick’s chart topper “Travelin’ Soldier” and George Strait’s Top Five hit version of “Desperately.” Robison received a Country Music Association (CMA) nomination for “Best Single” for 2007.
“Singing together works well for these two, as few voices in country music sound as good together as Willis’ and Robison’s do,” reported The Fort Worth Star Telegram in a review of the duo’s 2008 holiday show.
The two met in 1992 and married in 1996. Since the birth of their fourth child in 2006, Willis has limited her live performances, announcing on her Web site that “being a traveling musician with four kids may not make an extremely compelling reality TV show but it is kicking my butt.”
Willis is the headliner on Friday, July 24, 7 p.m. in the Festival Tent at Durango Mountain Resort preceded by a “Fine Beer and Cheese Tasting” hosted by Steamworks Brewing Company, 5:30 p.m. at Hoody’s. Robison guest stars on this program and then turns the table to headline their concert Saturday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. at BootJack Ranch in Pagosa Springs, when Willis is the guest star.
Music in the Mountains is a three-week Festival of classical music, featuring world renowned musicians, runs July 10 through August 2, 2009. Tickets are available on-line at www.MusicintheMountains.com, in person at the Festival Office,
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