Peakaboo by the Steamboat Pilot

Did you know Colorado is home to more than 960 species of wildlife? While that is an exciting prospect to animal and bird lovers who come to visit the state, it can be a challenge for the animals themselves. Knowing how to appreciate and view wildlife safely is paramount to the safety of both humans and animals.

In Steamboat, sightings of black bears, moose and elk have become a frequent occurrence in urban areas. We urge everyone to remember that the wildlife you see is indeed wild and should never be approached. At Condos in Steamboat, we reached out to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for safety tips to share with our guests who are on a mission to seek out the furry and feathered members of our community.

• Time your outing for morning or evening, when wildlife are most active.
• Wear earth-tone clothes, like gray, khaki and olive green. Animals will tolerate you better if you blend into the surroundings.
• Keep your distance, for the safety and comfort of both animals and people. If an animal changes its behavior, stops eating or seems nervous at your presence, it’s time to back away.
• Stay quiet and still. Noise and quick movements mean “danger” to wildlife. They may run or fly off, sometimes leaving their nests or young unprotected. Never chase or harass wildlife.
• Look to the edges of the landscape, (where the forest meets the meadow for example), because many wildlife species spend time along habitat edges.
• Look for movement, shapes, and color contrasts. Motion is the best giveaway. Also, look for parts of an animal such as its head, tail, ear, wing, or antler.
• Use binoculars, a spotting scope, or a telephoto lens for a close-up view.
• Use your car as a viewing blind. Pull safely off the road. Respect others who are viewing the same animals.
• Avoid animals that behave unexpectedly or aggressively. They may be ill, injured, or have young nearby.
• Leave your pets at home. Pets hinder wildlife watching. They can chase, injure or kill wildlife, or be injured or killed themselves.
• Do not feed wild animals. It can change their behavior in ways that can be harmful—both to them and to people. Reserve feeding for ‘backyard’ birds.

This season’s Steamboat’s Rock The Boat Free Concert Series is underway with The Main Squeeze set to play this Saturday. All concerts are free to the public and take place on the Steamboat Stage in Gondola Square beginning around 3:30pm (with some exceptions).

“This year’s lineup provides a little of something for everyone, with a wide span of musical options,” said Katie Brown, vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. “To be able to bring together our guests and staff in the base area with a musical celebration each weekend is one of the highlights of a visit to Steamboat.”  We have some old favorites returning and fresh new additions to keep everyone on their feet dancing.

The following outlines the full schedule of concerts as part of the Rock the Boat free concert series:

SCHEDULE & BAND LISTING

The Main Squeeze                                             Saturday, March 16                                

A powerful combination of hip-hop, funk, and rock, the Main Squeeze has vastly evolved from their humble beginning as a party band at Indiana University. Their unique sound and soulful energy have propelled them to the stage at Red Rocks as well as performances alongside The Roots and Aloe Blacc. The soulful sound of front man Corey Frye’s vocals mixed with creative instrumentals bring an emotional and funky stage presence that invites the audience to experience and enjoy life. The Main Squeeze debuts their new album, “Without a Sound”, this April which continues to build on their classic yet innovative music with the goal of appealing to the senses of their listeners.

Freddy Jones Band                                            Saturday, March 23                                

Building on their previous roots-rock hits, Freddy Jones Band most recently released “Never Change”, an album described as “euphoric” by the band’s lead singer/songwriter Marty Lloyd. Lloyd is a founding member of the band that was formed in the early ‘90s and is accompanied by Rich Ross on bass, Stu Miller on guitar, and drummer Goose LaPoint. This long-running act brings a mix of Southern rock and blues producing number-one singles such as “In a Daydream”, “Take the Time”, and “Those Diamonds” from their newly debuted album.

Southern Avenue                                               Saturday, March 30                               

Named for a street in their home town of Memphis, Southern Avenue puts a twist on gospel with a unique blend of R&B and soul. Founded by guitarist Ori Naftaly, who grew up in Israel with a passion for blues and funk, the band was formed when Naftaly met Memphis natives Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra who provide soulful vocals and powerful drumming along with bassist Daniel McKee, and Jeremy Powell on the keyboard.

The Commonheart                                              Saturday, April 6         

Debuting their new album, “Grown”, The Commonheart brings an energetic tone and energy infusing crisp sound with powerful instrumentals. The nine-piece band, formed in Pittsburgh, is made up of vocals from front man Clinton Clegg along with trumpet, saxophone, keys, and guitar bring a powerhouse performance with blues, soul, and gospel influence. The Commonheart’s sound is a true testament to the past while completely holding its own as one of today’s most promising acts.

To Be Announced                                               Saturday, April 13       

The Wailers                                                         Sunday, April 14           

Throughout the ‘70s, Bob Marley & The Wailers helped bring the genre of reggae music to the world. Today they continue this quest in memory of their original front man after his untimely passing in 1981. Several original members, including Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett on bass guitar and lead guitarist Donald Kinsey are among the eight-piece band delivering a bright and innovative sound. The group continues its mission of sharing Bob Marley’s message of unity and the spirit of their leader alive through music.