Get a Little Bit PURPLE
It’s hard to be blue in a red state
I’m sure that many of us can relate
I was wondering how instead
It would be if I was a little bit red
And a question I would ask of you
How would it be if you were a little bit blue?
If you listen to the rhetoric, it can make you physically sick
How ‘bout you talk to me and I will talk to you
And if we disagree, I hope that we can see
We all really want the same things
‘Cuz red and blue make purple, a word that’s hard to rhyme
If you think it’s easy, you can try it yourself sometime
But if we want Freedom to rain down like sweet maple surple
I think it’s time we all turn a little purple
Negotiated compromise is something we have come to despise
But isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
If we want to get things done without resorting to the gun
And save our democracy
‘Cuz blue and red make purple
It seems it’s hard to do
To form a more perfect union, it’s gonna take both me and you
And if we want Justice to rain down like sweet maple surple
I think it’s time we all get a little bit purple
Purple is empathy
Purple is sympathy
Purple is walking in other people’s shoes
Purple is the golden rule
Purple is a state of mind
Purple can lead us to find
the common thread … that connects the red … the white, and the blue
ELEVATE THE ARTS:
Take the time to have a conversation with someone who has a different opinion than you and really listen.
More Than Bowling
AS A LONGTIME entertainment establishment and the only bowling center in Routt County, Snow Bowl Steamboat has been a popular destination for locals and tourists since its original opening in 1977. Purchased in 2017 and renovated in 2018, the new owners, and longtime Steamboat residents, wanted to keep the original charm of Snow Bowl while also providing an updated entertainment experience for customers. The results have awarded them with Business of the Year, Creative Leader of the Year, and more. As a supporter of the arts, the owners of Snow Bowl Steamboat installed an 8,000 square-foot turf on their property—that’s dog friendly—with a 300 square-foot multi-use stage to welcome the town into an unlikely, out-of-the-way space that is packed in the summer with bands, games, dogs and more. “We wanted to build a space that was dog friendly where our patrons could enjoy a cold beer, delicious food and live music on the west side of Steamboat,” said Rory Clow, Creative Director of Western Centers, Inc., the Aurora-based umbrella company that owns Snow Bowl Steamboat, The Boat Yard, and The Boathouse. The space has become so much more than a music venue. Yoga instructors use the space, as do comedians. Parties are held there, as are pup washes, lawn tournaments and more.
While the west side location may feel out of the way, the stage was created with the intent of building community connections. Steamboat has no shortage of free summer concerts, but Snow Bowl’s location provides those living on the outskirts of town with the same opportunities as those who live near the mountain or downtown to ride a cruiser or walk to a high-quality show. With a direct stop along the free bus route and a location at the end of the city-long bike path, The Snow Bowl Summer Music Fest expands the Steamboat Community’s free music opportunities. Past musical acts have included Andy Frasco and the U.N., Fortunate Youth,
Ryan Montbleau, Bonfire Dub, the Young Dubliners, and local celebrities like Buffalo Commons and Wish You Were Pink!
To spread the love for artists, Western Centers invited a visual artist to create digital poster artwork to highlight each show. Clow, who initially was recruited to design twelve of the 2022 summer concert posters as a freelance artist, then moved to a full-time position with Western Centers, Inc. and created a large outdoor pet mural that celebrates the organization’s partnership with the Routt County Humane Society. “Over 120 local pets whose owners donated to RCHS are featured,” said Clow.
Supporting local artists is a commitment made throughout the Snow Bowl space. Inside is a sheet metal wall mural by local artist, Julia Dordoni. The mural runs the length of the bowling lanes, bringing the natural world inside and highlighting local landmarks. The bowling ball returns were custom-made by Colorado woodworker Larry Wagner, and consist of reclaimed beetle-kill and corrugated steel that are matched to a bowling pin installation on the front desk created from past Snow Bowl bowling pins. During the initial renovation, the original bowling lanes were repurposed into wood bar tops, counters and tables made by the Snow Bowl construction team. The Snow Bowl Steamboat menu has transformed familiar bowling alley food into a culinary experience for bowlers and diners alike. Make sure to try the summer BBQ, the World’s Best Reuben or the Carnitas Street Tacos.
“Partnerships are the heartbeat of our community, and we believe successful businesses support each other. A world without art lacks flair, interest and uniqueness. Our support of, and partnerships with, local artists allow us to create community gathering spaces where people can be stimulated by the atmospheres we have created,” said Clow.
During the pandemic, Snow Bowl provided free hot meals to
Steamboat Springs community members, paying special attention to laid-off hospitality employees who needed immediate food assistance during the shutdown. What started as a two-week commitment to utilize the food that couldn’t be served when restaurants were shut down, turned into a 77-day food resource powered by local partners to help support community members in need. The owners of Snow Bowl grew up in Steamboat and continue to be active members of the community. When they realized Snow Bowl was in a position to support the patrons that regularly frequented their space, they decided to give back. When individuals and businesses heard about the endeavor, the community supported their efforts with food donations and monetary contributions to keep it going. Snow Bowl served 21,698 meals and raised $47,000
for Family Bowl. In March 2023, Family Bowl received 501(c)(3) non-profit status and will plan to continue to support the people who live in the valley.
From music to community to the best bowling around, Snow Bowl really does have it all.
ELEVATE THE ARTS: Don’t miss the third year of summer concerts, June 14–Sept. 27. The Snow Bowl Music Fest is free to the public. A new pergola and firepit will be added to the existing infrastructure to expand the shaded and heated seating. For the kids, a hot dog stand will make for an easy dinner. Go to Snow Bowl for music, community and great bowling! Donate to Family Bowl and help keep our community connected. AwA
Photo courtesy of Snow Bowl