2015 World Championships: High Tunes

Our exclusive entertainment and music guide for the next two weeks

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles guiding visitors through activities and events at the FIS 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Also check out our guides to dining, après and kids’ activities.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Town Cavalry

A free concert and street fair held every day after the races on Avon’s Main Street Mall features live music, food, craft brews, cocktails, performance art and giveaways, along with visits by the 2015 official mascots and cheerleaders. Vail-based Town Cavalry kicks off the Après Avon series with their unique covers and original songs. The lead guitarist also happens to be Sarah Schleper’s brother, Jonny. He rips the guitar like Sarah rips a slalom course.

The Details
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
When: Feb. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Genre: Rock
Cost: Free

Michael Franti & Spearhead

For more than 20 years, Michael Franti has been mixing rock, rap, reggae and other musical styles into a singular sound that keeps crowds moving. The group is known globally for hits like “Say Hey (I Love You),” “The Sound of Sunshine” and “Hey Hey Hey.”

The Details
When: Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic Rock
Cost: Free

Jon Wayne and The Pain

If Lee Scratch Perry and Deadmau5 died, went to heaven, and recorded an album with Bradley Nowell and Jerry Garcia, they’d end up with something like Jon Wayne and The Pain’s new full-length album “Surrender.” In addition to the Minneapolis trio’s signature sound of roots infused Reggae Rock, their latest release adds a bold fusion of Jam and EDM into the fold.

The Details
When: Feb. 3 at 9 p.m.
Where: Agave, Avon
Genre: Reggae Rock
Cost: Free

Wednesday, Feb. 4

The Travelin’ McCourys

As the torchbearers of the McCoury family legacy, The Travelin’ McCourys take the traditional string band sound to new levels. Ronnie and Rob McCoury continue the legendary bluegrass playing of their father, Del McCourty along with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram. Look for an appearance by a “Ski Hall-of-Famer and ski industry notable.”

The Details
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
When: Feb. 4 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Genre: Bluegrass
Cost: Free

Andreas Gabalier

If you happen to be in Vail and want a good laugh and a taste of Tyrolean ski-race rock, this is worth checking out. Gabalier was not only the artist behind the 2013 World Championships’ official song in Schladming, Austria; he is also a celebrated folk singer throughout Europe and recipient of both the ECHO music award in folk music category and, apparently, the Amadeus Austrian Music Award in 2012.

The Details
When: Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic Rock
Cost: Free

Thursday, Feb. 5

Mix Master Mike

Mix Master Mike is best known for his role as resident DJ for the Beastie Boys. The turntable legend will pump up the crowd with his signature heavy-hitting bass and intricate scratch routines during this free show in Vail.

The Details
When: Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic Rock
Cost: Free

Anna Netrebko

Opera star Anna Netrebko has become one of the most acclaimed and widely recognized classical singers in the world today. Regularly headlining productions at virtually all the world’s leading opera houses, the Russian soprano has been hailed as “the reigning new diva of the early 21st century.”

The Details
When: Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center Beaver Creek
Genre: Opera
Cost: $225

The Love Shack: Fox Street & Friends

Fox Street & Friends add their soulful blend of rock, funk and R&B to the driving horns of Eufórquestra, the powerful vocals of Denver’s The Congress and the dance grooves of Tiger Party and Ableminds. It’s a one-time only concert experience.

The Details
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
When: Feb. 5 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Genre: Rock
Cost: Free

Frogs Gone Fishin’

At a Frogs Gone Fishin’ show, fans are treated to heavy-hitting rock and funk with the Frog’s signature improvisational twist. In an age of auto-tuned vocals and laptop superstars, it’s great to find a band who relies on vocal harmonies, strong melody, and dynamic rhythms to keep their fans coming back. On any given night, the Frogs cut across genres and material from their two albums and never, ever, play the same set-list twice. This diversity in song choice and explosive improvisational energy has earned the band enthusiastic and devoted fans from places as far apart as Denver and New Orleans, Chicago and Austin, New York and San Francisco. Join them at the base of the hill at Agave in Avon — one of the best music venues in the Vail Valley.

The Details
Where: Agave, Avon
When: Feb. 5 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Funky Jam
Cost: $10

Friday, Feb. 6

Eufórquestra

Featuring a special appearance by Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin, Eufórquestra is energy and rhythm personified with an emphasis on funk, soul, Afrobeat and roots reggae. Guest frontman Kevin Kinsella of John Brown’s Body ignites the dance floor with his energy and spirit-filled presence. Eufórquestra will also play a late night show at Vail Ale House starting at 9:30 p.m.

The Details
When: Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Stree; Vail Ale House late-night
Genre: Worldbeat
Cost: Free in Avon, $10 in advance late-night

American Authors

Coming onto the scene and quickly rising in the alternative rock game, the four members of Brooklyn-based American Authors weave in everything from hip-hop grooves and Afro-Latin rhythms to dance-pop synths and Queen-inspired vocal harmonies — all while staying true to a refined rock-and-roll energy and melodic sensibility.

The Details
When: Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic pop
Cost: Free

Frogs Gone Fishin’

At a Frogs Gone Fishin’ show, fans are treated to heavy-hitting rock and funk with the Frog’s signature improvisational twist. In an age of auto-tuned vocals and laptop superstars, it’s great to find a band who relies on vocal harmonies, strong melody, and dynamic rhythms to keep their fans coming back. On any given night, the Frogs cut across genres and material from their two albums and never, ever, play the same set-list twice. This diversity in song choice and explosive improvisational energy has earned the band enthusiastic and devoted fans from places as far apart as Denver and New Orleans, Chicago and Austin, New York and San Francisco. Join them at the base of the hill at Agave in Avon — one of the best music venues in the Vail Valley.

The Details
Where: Agave, Avon
When: Feb. 6 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Funky Jam
Cost: $10

Saturday, Feb. 7

OAR

OAR first came onto the scene in the late 90s and is best known for “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” “Heaven,” and “Peace.” OAR also produces an intense, vibrant live show; in Vail, it will also feature songs from the band’s new album “The Rockville LP” and current single “Favorite Song.”

The Details
When: Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic pop
Cost: Free

The Mother Hips w/ Nicki Bluhm

Joined on stage by guest frontwoman Nicki Bluhm of The Gramblers, The Mother Hips perform a romping strain of psychedelic and folk rock that creates their unique brand of “California Soul.” This act made a needle’s-eye leap onto the national music circuit in 2012, bringing a spirited stage show inspired by vintage vinyl.

The Details
When: Feb. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: California Soul
Cost: Free

Spiritual Rez

The latest release, Apocalypse Whenever, from Boston’s beloved reggae-rock funkateers Spiritual Rez is a 14-track collection of infectious anthems chock-full of rollicking guitar riffs, ocean-bathed melodies, swagger-centric basslines, crisp soaring horns, and ska-infused jam sections that have come to define Rez’s progressive signature sound. It was produced by lead singer Toft Willingham, co-produced by bassist Jesse Shaternick, and mastered by legendary engineer Howie Weinberg (Ramones, Beastie Boys, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers),

The Details
Where: Samana Lounge, Vail Village
When: Feb. 7 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Ska-jam

Sunday, Feb. 8

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is known for folding the aesthetics of the jamband scene into the structures of reggae. They blend traditional folk and straight Americana and allow reggae to breathe in a non-traditional way.

The Details
When: Feb. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Progressive Reggae

Cost: Free

Doctor Robert

Not your everyday Beatles tribute band, Doctor Robert (dressed in mod clothes circa 1964) brings a modern sound and feel to the Fab Four’s classics. The band is quickly becoming respected for its extended, high-energy sets including everything from “Please Please Me” to “Abbey Road,” and no two shows are ever the same.

The Details
Where: Samana Lounge
When: Feb. 8
Genre: Rock
Cost: Free

Monday, Feb. 9

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is known for folding the aesthetics of the jamband scene into the structures of reggae. They blend traditional folk and straight Americana and allow reggae to breathe in a non-traditional way.

The Details
When: Feb. 9 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Progressive Reggae

Cost: Free

MOMIX

Light, shadow, props, and the human body make up the magic of MOMIX, which has been featured on the stage, big screen (Robert Altman’s “The Company” and IMAX’s “Imagine”) and TV (PBS’ “Dance in America). Artistic Director Moses Pendelton combines athletic dance, music, costumes and stunts for an entertaining multimedia experience.

The Details
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center
When: Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Genre: Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 10

The Motet

The Motet is an improvisational funk band dedicated to the healing powers of funky dance music. They’ve been touring the country for more than a decade developing a new and unique style of music with roots in funk, Afrobeat, disco, electronic music and soul.

The Details
When: Feb. 10 from 2-5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Improvisational Funk
Cost: Free

KC and the Sunshine Band

Topping the charts with seven No.1 singles and three triple platinum albums, including such hits as “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It),” “Boogie Shoes,” and “Rock Your Baby,” KC and The Sunshine Band have defined disco music for more than 40 years.

The Details
When: Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic pop
Cost: Free

MOMIX

Light, shadow, props, and the human body make up the magic of MOMIX, which has been featured on the stage, big screen (Robert Altman’s “The Company” and IMAX’s “Imagine”) and TV (PBS’ “Dance in America). Artistic Director Moses Pendelton combines athletic dance, music, costumes and stunts for an entertaining multimedia experience.

The Details
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center
When: Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Genre: Dance
Cost: $30

Wednesday, Feb. 11

John Denver tribute by The John Adams Band

One of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters, John Denver lives on with The John Adams Band performing timeless classics including “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

The Details
When: Feb. 11 from 2-5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Folk Rock
Cost: Free

Thursday, Feb. 12

Phillip Phillips

Best known for hits “Home” and “Gone Gone Gone,” the 23-year-old singer and guitarist will bring his signature folky rock-and-roll music to the Championships on the heels of his most recent album going platinum, in addition to a No. 4 debut on the Billboard Top 200.

The Details
When: Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Classic pop
Cost: Free

Hell’s Belles

All-women AC/DC tribute band. Need we say more?

The Details
When: Feb. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Rock
Cost: Free

Friday, February 13

Brothers Keeper w/ John Popper

A seasoned vet of the music scene, John Popper of Blues Traveler brings his recognizable vocals and blues harmonica to the stage with the Americana, southern rock and soul of Brothers Keeper.

The Details
When: Feb. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Rockin’ Blues
Cost: Free

Saturday, Feb. 14

Bonfire Dub & The Congress

Bonfire Dub plays a deep and powerful blend of roots music — original songs with rich melodies, featuring down tempo, acoustic-laced and electric-steel driven reggae, folk and dub.

The Details
When: Feb. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Avon’s Main Street Mall
Genre: Rock/Reggae
Cost: Free

CeeLo Green

Five-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter-producer and TV personality CeeLo Green is known best for his worldwide hit “Forget You,” which received five Grammy nominations and won the category for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance;” he’ll also perform top hits such as “Crazy,” “Bright Lights Bigger City” and more.

The Details
When: Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Vail’s Championships Plaza (Solaris)
Genre: Pop
Cost: Free

Sunday, Feb. 15

Chali 2na

From his days growing up on Chicago’s South Side to his subsequent explosion onto Los Angeles’ burgeoning hip-hop scene and his tenure as MC for seminal hip-hop group Jurassic 5, Chali brings a diverse background to Vail/Beaver Creek 2015.

The Details
Where: Agave, Avon
When: Feb. 15 at 9:30 p.m.
Genre: Hip-hop
Cost: $15 advance/$18 DOS