Ski-bum bands keep winter nights lively — and homegrown

Ski towns like Park City are infamous for showcasing local talent. Sometimes a rough day on the slopes and a few beers will make any music sound good, but most resort towns have a group or two of locals who’ve been around for a while and play well enough to have developed a following ― call them ski-bum bands.

Usually working in sports shops or restaurants, these musicians live to ski or board by day and jam by night. And they know everyone. Who wouldn’t support Park City mayor Dana Williams and his Motherlode Canyon Band when he’s covering the Grateful Dead and Fleetwood Mac? Deer Valley Skier Services director John Guay often makes like blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan with his band, the Detonators. These groups may never win a Grammy, but they’re the KISS of the small resort town.

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Places to go
Cisero’s (435/649-6800), Mother Urban’s Ratskeller (435/615-7200), Renee’s Bar & Café (435/615-8357), and the Spur Bar and Grill (435/615-1618) often host local bands.

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