This season the Moab Music Festival turns its attention to our greatest local resource—the mighty Colorado River. Join us as we explore a range of perspectives of living artists, with the hope to inspire ongoing stewardship of this precious resource.

The banks of the Colorado are the perfect setting to hear two world premieres by up-and-coming composers Maya Miro Johnson and Roydon Tse. Sponsored by the festival’s Commissioning Club and a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Johnson and Tse’s new commissions are inspired by the river. The program also includes a work by Salt Lake City composer John Costa, original music by Diné composer/pianist Connor Chee, a presentation by the Hopi Nation, and literary readings from Utah authors.

About the venue: Perched on the Colorado River and set against towering red rock walls, Red Cliffs Lodge is a spectacular location for an outdoor evening concert. The stage is set on an expansive lawn adjacent to the Colorado; bring a chair, spread your blanket on the lawn or find your spot in the provided seating area and enjoy the music as the sun sets on this beautiful venue.

Pre-Concert Panel: Just before the Colorado Currents performance, attend a free panel discussion at the Red Cliffs Lodge Colorado Room from 5:30-6:30 pm. Discussion will include the Moab Music Festival’s two world premieres, stewardship of the Colorado River, and the importance of water in the Hopi culture. Panelists include:

• John Weisheit, Co-Founder at Living Rivers and the Colorado Riverkeeper,
• Howard Dennis, Native American flutist and Hopi Elder, and
• Moab Music Festival commissioned composers Maya Miro Johnson and Roydon Tse.

Accommodation: Make the concert venue your accommodation in Moab and save 30% on your stay. When you book a room at Red Cliffs Lodge between August 30 and Sept 2, save 30% with the discount code MMF2024. Important: Enter the code on the page where you select your dates.