Good music and great times in the Vail Valley

VAIL, Colorado – The Vail Valley has a thriving community of solo artists who entertain guests and locals alike, taking up musical residencies at restaurants, bars and hotels around the area. Their regular, weekly appearances at these venues make the concerts accessible and memorable for audiences that return time after time for drinks, music and dancing.

• Phil Long

Every Wednesday through Saturday at the Red Lion, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Call 970-476-7676.

Long has been a staple at the Red Lion as long as most can remember. He’s released three albums, including a “Best of Phil Long 20th Anniversary” CD to commemorate his many years playing music in the valley. In winter and summer, Long creates an environment where you know you’ll hear the classics and see good friends all in the same room.

• Tony G

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Every day except Sunday at Grouse Mountain Grill, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Call 970-949-0600. Every Sunday at Kelly Liken, 8:30 to 11 p.m. Call 970-479-0175.

Performer and educator Tony G plays both solo and trio shows with his band, the Tony G Trio. Jazz is Tony’s forte and passion, and he is regarded as a musician who helped get the valley’s scene on its feet during its fledgling years of music. His piano work is dazzling and not to be missed anywhere he plays.

• Brendan McKinney

Every Friday at Park Hyatt, 4 to 7 p.m. Call 970-949-1234. Every Sunday and Monday at Pepi’s, 6 to 9 p.m. Call 970-476-4671. Tuesdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Red Lion. Call 970-476-7676.

After traveling the country earlier this summer, McKinney returns to the val ley to entertain crowds at a variety of venues. A self-described “international touring troubadour,” McKinney is noted for his expansion into countries such as Swe den and Greece, among many others. Not bad for the acoustic-guitar player who calls Eagle home.

• Pat Hamilton

Check listings or call 970-845-8808 for dates at Splendido in Beaver Creek.

Pat Hamilton is a pillar in the county’s music scene. She’s played music in the valley for years, and her experience shines through her country, blues and new folk styling. She’s also known for her 2002 album, ” You Are My Christmas,” as well as organizing charity collaborations and concerts around that time of year. Catch her at Splendido in Beaver Creek most Fridays.

• Mickey Poage

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mickey’s Bar at The Lodge in Vail, 8:30 p.m. Call 970-476-5011.

Perhaps no other piano player in the valley exemplifies the same class and quality Vail does as Mickey Poage, our ubiquitous local lounge entertainer. Nothing goes better with the ambience and aperitifs at The Lodge than Poage and his fingers dancing on the keys.

• Dave Perron

Every Wednesday at eat! drink!, 5:30 p.m. Call 970-926-1393. Every Thursday at Bearfish Bar and Grill in West Vail, 8:30 p.m. Call 970-476-2739.

Dave Perron is the lead singer of those downvalley bluegrass pickers the Laughing Bones. Bringing a deep baritone vocal to his performances, Perron shows consist of originals, covers and some of the best Johnny Cash renditions this side of Nashville. Don’t miss “Ring of Fire,” a fan favorite valleywide.

Are you a musician who would like to be included in this list? Or a restaurant that hosts an entertainer? E-mail High Life Editor Caramie Schnell at cschnell@vaildaily.com with information you’d like to see included here.