Neighborhood Non-profits: Mountain Town Music

Cuba Libre performs as part of a Mountain Town Music concert series. Photo: Daniel Lewis

PARK CITY, Utah. — Mountain Town Music is synonymous with sunshine, joyful gatherings, and a downright good time. Over two decades, the non-profit is responsible for showcasing thousands of musicians at over a dozen venues across Park City and the Wasatch back.

Mountain Town Music started with Randy Barton as Mountain Town Stages in 2001. In 2008, Brian Richards took over as executive director and re-branded as Mountain Town Music.

Mountains Town Music’s mission is the produce, foster, and support live music that enhances the quality of life for Park City and Summit County residents and visitors. Richards describes how the organization achieves its goal.

“Since I have been involved with Mountain Town Music, we have put on over 3000 free musical performances,” he said. “You need only attend one of our shows, look around, and see families and friends on their blankets, with their children, smiling, enjoying an evening to understand the impact that Mountain Town Music has on the quality of life here in Park City.”

In 2021, Mountain Town Music hosted over 250 musical performances and hired 757 local Utah artists. By supporting the local musicians, Mountain Town Music provides artists with performance opportunities while enriching the community.

“We consider ourselves an all-inclusive organization and treat the musicians that play with us like family,” said Richards. “We want them to feel like it’s an ‘easy like Sunday morning’ playing a Mountain Town Music gig!”

Richards spends most of his day listening to music to discover new favorite artists. Although Brian recruits many musicians, the booking procedures are approachable and non-exclusionary. “It’s a very organic booking process,” he states, “It is part discovery and part working with your friends – oftentimes musicians reach out regarding open gigs.”

Beyond free concerts for the community, Mountain Town Music is invested in fostering young musicians. Honoring the legacy of Michael James Richard, the Michael James Richards Memorial Fund supports young musicians through education, internship, and scholarship program.

“Anybody interested in supporting or participating in these programs can visit the Michael James Memorial Fund page on our website,” he said, adding, “Young bands interested in playing on one of our stages can email me at brian@mountaintownmusic.org.”

With warmer temperatures and summer just around the corner, Richards is excited about the concert season ahead like many Park City residents.

“I am looking most forward to being outside once again, in the sunshine, listening to music with the Park City Community,” he said. “We are lucky to live in an amazing and supportive community where people understand the difference that experiencing live music makes in our essential wellness. There is nowhere else that offers the diverse array of opportunities to experience live music on a near-nightly basis during the summer than Park City, and I feel very blessed.”

Check out the robust 2022 music calendar for performances, venue locations, and ways to support or donate.