Music is alive and thriving in Southwest Colorado! On Saturday, Oct. 17, Stillwater Music presents the 13th Annual Frank ’n’ Stein: Southwest Colorado’s Bach & Rock-toberfest at Eagle Park in Bayfield.

Originally brought to life by The Be FRANK Foundation as an opportunity for young performers to experience the energy of a live audience, Frank ‘n’ Stein has grown to become a legacy event and annual tradition for families, businesses, and neighbors to come together in celebration of the next generation of local artists. This milestone thirteenth year is the perfect way to enjoy the spooky season, and marks a new chapter with over 20 of Stillwater Music’s youth bands and BFF orchestra programs performing under the same banner for the first time.

Stillwater Music Executive Director, Kyle Igneczi, is thrilled to see Stillwater Music and The Be FRANK Foundation’s legacies align. “For the first time, all of our youth bands and orchestras will be together under one banner, building on shared decades of relationships, traditions, and community support. I’m immensely proud of what our students and teachers have accomplished, and am excited to see these programs come together in a way that honors their history while creating something entirely new.”

From 12 – 6 p.m., hundreds of student musicians from Bayfield, Durango, and Pagosa Springs will be in the spotlight on two stages, sponsored by First Southwest Bank. Festival performances include music from beginners to advanced students, instrument demonstrations, and even a live auction for instruments custom-painted by local members of the National Art Honors Society.

With students taking center stage, Igneczi draws inspiration from the relationships between students, teachers, families, and community partners, whose collective efforts continue to shape Stillwater’s programs and the communities they serve. “There’s something extraordinary about watching young musicians discover what they’re capable of, especially when they’re sharing that experience with their community. The stage is a natural extension of the classroom, and these performances give our students an opportunity to grow as musicians while contributing something meaningful to the place they call home.”

The “Frank Family Fun Zone,” sponsored by Team Up, will feature family-friendly activities throughout the day. Arrive dressed to impress to participate in our costume contest while encountering circus performances, bounce houses, lawn games, food trucks, community partners and vendors, and of course: candy … lots of candy!

Adults 21 and over can partake in libations provided by Ska Brewing Company of Durango, and even take home a special edition stein glass (additional purchase necessary).

Kids attend for free! A donation of $10 (or more) is requested for adult attendees. Every ticket, auction bid, sponsorship, and contribution helps create more opportunities for Stillwater Music to bring high-quality music education to students throughout Southwest Colorado. Your support funds scholarships, youth ensembles, instrument rentals, inclusive classes, and so much more. VIP packages are available, featuring a special edition stein glass and one free pour from Ska Brewing (while supplies last).

Stillwater Music Board President Jeremy Garncarz sees this year’s festival as an example of the organization’s broader commitment to building community through music.

“This is the beginning of something much bigger for Stillwater Music. By bringing our programs, artists, and community partners together, we can create more opportunities for people to experience music in ways that are accessible, collaborative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve. Frank ’n’ Stein is a wonderful example of what’s possible when we build on our shared history and work together toward the future.”

The 13th Annual Frank ‘n’ Stein is generously sponsored by The Town of Bayfield, Southwest Ag, First Southwest Bank, Team Up, Ska Brewery, and the Stillwater Music Board of Directors.

ABOUT STILLWATER MUSIC

For more than twenty years, Stillwater Music has built community through music education, performance, and play, creating opportunities for musicians at every stage of life.

Named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater’s music education and performance opportunities span 120 miles throughout Southwest Colorado, with bands, orchestras, private lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programming, community performances, and so much more. In 2025, Stillwater became the proud home of the Be FRANK Orchestra programs, bringing together two organizations with deep histories of using music to create opportunity, connection, and belonging across the region.

Today, Stillwater serves musicians of all ages, abilities, and interests, from curiosity to career, and beyond. Find your instrument, find your people, find your voice at Stillwater Music.

For more information, or to see how you can support, contact: Kyle Igneczi, Executive Director, Stillwater Music kyle@stillwatermusic.org 440-371-1398