MUSIC

AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 MOAB MUSIC FESTIVAL

Words by S+B Staff

RICHARD BOWDITCH

For 28 years, the Moab Music Festival has created a place where concertgoers can find a unique and memorable experience. Amidst a fabled town brimming with charming shops and restaurants, awe-inspiring National Parks and some of America’s best hiking, biking and jeep trails, the festival has always offered eagerlyanticipated concerts and events that bring “music in concert with the landscape.”

For a full event list and tickets, call 435.259.7003 or visit moabmusicfest.org.

With chamber music at the heart of the festival, programs will take place between August 31 through September 14 this year, including a wide range of genres from classical and jazz to Latin and American Roots.

Though there was uncertainty about the season as festivals across the U.S. cancelled concerts, the board, staff and co-directors Leslie Tomkins and Michael Barrett reimagined the season for the times in which we live.

With the safety of audiences and artists as the top priority, they considered the options and ultimately felt that the wide-open spaces of red rock country would be the perfect “stage” for its concerts. Having presented many events outdoors during the past three decades, festival organizers decided to move even more concerts into Moab’s wide-open spaces. They thought people needed a respite and joy, and were itching for live music again.

So, with social distancing, mask wearing, many handwashing stations and other protocols in place, they proceeded with the festival’s programming and are again bringing worldclass artists to southeast Utah.

While the 2020 series will be outdoorsonly and pared down, without intermissions or pre- and post-concert receptions, organizers say the musical experience for the audience will be the same.

Much of the challenge also involves making the performers feel as comfortable as possible, since they will spend many hours rehearsing in Moab, requiring large spaces, special air circulating systems and multiple contingency plans.

Festivalgoers will be treated to grotto, ranch and Red Cliffs Lodge concerts, as well as the always-popular music hikes. The festival is also joining the worldwide celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, exploring his varied interests in works both famous and rare. :