TUNES

Tunes

Catching up with Jay Roemer

Recently returning from a trip to Africa, including a safari in Kenya, longtime local Jay Roemer is one of the leading faces of original, acoustic Americana and bluegrass in Steamboat. Often performing his own material with just a guitar and harmonica, or with his cohorts in the highly acclaimed Jay Roemer Band, he’s focused on intriguing lyrics and rippin’ guitar, with his songs continuing to connect with all types of audiences. He’s made two albums, including “A Sea of Scars and Tales To Tell,” and continues to light up Steamboat’s grassroots music scene. We caught up with him for his take on his tunes and the town he loves to call home.

When did you move here?

The 20th anniversary of the day I moved here is coming up this October. I remember the exact day because it was also my 20th birthday. Luckily, this place is like Neverland and I haven’t aged a bit. That’s Peter Pan’s Neverland, not Michael Jackson’s. I grew up in Wisconsin, spent my first year in Colorado on the Front Range, made some friends, whom I decided to move to a ski town with for a season. We found a place downtown and signed a year lease. I soon realized that the summer here was even better than the winter, and that was that.

What’s your musical background?

I decided to become a musician before I ever even picked up a real instrument. I started by pretending to play with a tennis racket in place of a guitar and jumping on the bed while listening to ‘90s pop. When my dad bought me my first guitar at age 13, I was immediately hooked. I’ve been practicing almost every day since. My tennis game is not very impressive, but the real guitar thing has progressed pretty well.

How would you define your style and what’s unique about it?

I write songs. I perform those songs, and sometimes people like them. I’m proud of that. It’s not easy. I think I’m getting better at it, too. Although, in my opinion, my most requested songs aren’t my best work. People like to hear songs about partying when they’re at a party, so I guess it makes sense. If you ever need a child to be put to sleep, or a proper sendoff for a beloved pet, I have songs for those occasions as well.

Tell us a little about your albums

I’ve recorded two full-length studio albums, and I have the material for two more, but here’s the part of the business that isn’t my strong suit. I don’t really care for YouTube or Spotify, and I despise begging for money on Kickstarter. You can’t find much of anything of mine online, and I can’t afford to record my new songs in a professional manner or setting. Just come see me perform live.

Who all is in your band?

I perform with a rotating cast of musicians. We typically call ourselves “Jay Roemer Band.” All the good band names were taken by the time I put something together. My regulars include Erik Yates, Jarett Mason and Dan Andree. It’s not too difficult to convince these guys, who are also my close friends, to come to Steamboat.

What’s your take on Steamboat’s music scene?

What really made me fall in love with this place was the nightlife and music scene. The mountains, snow, river, library, hot springs and free bus are all amazing, but music has always been my passion, whether that’s performing my own or witnessing someone else. The scene is ever changing. I try not to be that “I remember when…” guy, but I do have some fond, foggy memories of the Tugboat. But the current local scene is great. I love every venue in Steamboat that is hosting live music. I mean that. I would say that we really don’t need any more tribute/ cover bands, but I’ll probably join one before this goes to print.

What do you like about Steamboat?

I realized during the first summer of the latest global pandemic that I really enjoy staying around the Yampa Valley as much as possible when it’s sunny and warm.

Tunelicious! Where to Catch Live Tunes this Summer Snow Bowl Summer Music Fest

Free, 16-week summer concert series held every Wednesday, from June 14 through Sept. 27, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Key on DeadPhish Orchestra

July 26. Swillin’ tip: Try rafting or tubing there! snowbowlsteamboat.com

Free Summer Concert Series

Once again, it’ll be a rockin’ summer at the base of Howelsen, with Steamboat’s Free Summer Concert Series continuing to keep in real. keepingitfree.com

6/23 Greyboy Allstars with Bonfire Dub

7/14 Cody Canada and the Departed

7/21 Wood Brothers

8/11 St. Paul and the Broken Bones

9/3 Yonder Mountain String Band with Buffalo Commons

Strings Music Festival

Okay, so we got rid of all the orchestra listings because there were just too many to mention (check their web for those). But catch nine Grammy nominated artists, Hall of Fame inductees, Hugo Award winners and more this summer at the Strings Music Festival, which kicks off June 24. A sampling:

June 27: Graham Nash: Hulloo…Crosby, Stills & What’s His Name Again, anyone?

July 1: John Williams Film and Olympics Music: Star Wars and Jurassic Park theme songs ring a bell?

July 2: Brent Rowan and Friends (w/ Mandy Barnett): Local boy does good.

July 12: Boyd Meets Girl: A classical guitarist/ cellist pairing, covering Radiohead to Beyoncé.

July 13: Nickel Creek: Platinum-selling, Grammy-winning jammin’ good time

Aug. 2: The BoDeans: Somebody shoot us…are you kidding us, the Bodeans?

Aug. 19: Julian Lage and Leo Kottke: Leo, my man!

Aug. 27: Lee Rocker of Stray Cats: “I get my dinner from a garbage can…”

Music on the Green: Free programming and performances at the Botanic Park, Café Classical at Dusky Grouse, and Strings on Tap at the Barley Tap and Tavern. For dates and details, visit stringsmusicfestival.com.