The Colorado River Concerts was created from a concept that began in the United States in the 1930’s. In small communities nationwide, people had a desire for live performing arts, but stages were empty because money was scarce for touring entertainers. In New York, the managers at Columbia Artists came up with a bold plan: raise the money for touring performances in advance through a network of locally based organizations, which would sell a whole season at a time. The community concert concept went nationwide to establish non-profit, all-volunteer organizations and thus, the Colorado River Community Concerts was formed in the mid-1970’s. Several of our founding members are still in our audience today and are our biggest supporters. At the time, the Mohave High School Band Teacher was instrumental in arranging for the use of the school auditorium. The live performances continue to be presented at the Mohave High School Auditorium in Bullhead City.
Today, we are known as the Colorado River Concerts and are assisted by Live On Stage, a Nashville based company which previews hundreds of fantastic artists for us each year to help us bring world class entertainment to Bullhead City and the surrounding Colorado River communities. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors has the pleasure of previewing these artists and selecting our performers for each season.
In 2001, we began presenting Educational Outreach programs for local youth through the schools and homeschooler organizations. To date, we have presented more than 60 of these mini-concerts at no charge to the students or schools. The money is raised through our season sponsors. We feel that we give the youth of our community an experience that inspires an interest in performing arts thus creating the audience and artists of the future.
By fostering people’s hunger for live performing arts, the Colorado River Concerts and other community concert organizations have contributed to the nationwide growth of local symphonies, theaters, and dance companies.
Featured artists over the years have included the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Terry Barber, John Berry, Rudolf Budginas, Buffalo Rome, Anita Chen, Chris Burton Jacome Flamenco Ensemble, Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues, Edgar Cruz, Billy Dean, Alex DePue & Miguel De Hoyos, Susan Egan, Gus Giordiano Dance, Alina Kiryayeva, Dale Gonyea, Pavlo, New Christy Minstrels, Robert Post, Project Trio, Daniel Rodriguez, Taylor 2 Dance Company, Voiceplay to name a few.
Over the years, we have continued to present a wide variety of music: blues, classical, country, jazz, opera, pop, and more, along with an occasional dance company or comedian. Our commitment is to keep the performing arts alive in our community as we continue to grow. Please join us and enjoy all that the Colorado River Concerts offers to Bullhead City and the surrounding river communities.