OURAY – Kort McCumber and his band McCumberland Gap will return to the Wright Opera House, timed to provide Ouray County's own kickoff for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, on June 17 at 7:30 p.m.

McCumber's music is best described as “Americana” featuring a range of stringed instruments with equal parts folk, bluegrass, country, and blues with a healthy dose of something new and fresh. He and his band weave a rich tapestry of musical skill and energy into each song with guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, bouzouki, cello, electric bass, upright bass, and more.

The concert is sponsored by Citizen's State Bank, allowing proceeds to go to the Friends of the Wright Opera House for their fund to purchase the building.  

“We feel lucky to be able to get on Kort’s schedule and especially fortunate to have the Citizen’s State Bank step forward to provide the sponsorship to make it possible to bring this band back to the Wright Opera House,” said Dee Williams, Friends board member.

As a songwriter and a performer, McCumber has received considerable recognition.  Among his many song writing accolades and invited performances are: Colorado Songwriter of the Year; International Songwriting Competition finalist; Flat Rock Music Festival Song Writing Competition; Sundance Festival; Jacksonville Symphony; Rocky Mountain Folk Festival; Nashville River Stages; and Boulder ’s Chautauqua Auditorium, Fox Theater and Boulder Theater.

Advance tickets are now on sale at Cimarron Books & Coffee in Ridgway and Khristopher's Culinaire, Mouse's Chocolate and Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray. In Montrose, tickets are available at Ouray Silversmith on Main Street. All tickets are $15.