The 5 Best Local Bands/Musicians Around Summit County

Music lovers know there’s something electric about a live band connecting with its audience under mountain skies. In Summit County, “Local Band/Musician” honors recognize artists who offer more than background sound: they bring energy, identity, and community. The Best of Summit picks show how these acts are shaping the soundscape—from Americana strings to funk grooves to soul-inflected dance.

Moonstone Quill

Moonstone Quill is a four-piece string band from Breckenridge whose music fuses bluegrass, folk, country and rock into something vibrantly alive. Founded in 2020 by Dan Shukis and Nate Spencer, the group leans on acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass and pedal steel to craft harmonies that ride between tradition and experimentation. Their live shows blend improvisational jams with tight vocal work, engaging audiences whether at local venues or outdoor stages. Moonstone Quill has become a favorite in the Summit scene for its ability to transport listeners—sometimes with a fiddle, sometimes with a string bending echo, always with enough roots to feel both familiar and fresh.

Beau Thomas Band

Beau Thomas Band brings soul and showmanship into Summit County’s nightlife. Based in Frisco and active since about 2018, the band leans heavily on soulful vocals, danceable grooves and high-energy renditions of both classic and modern tracks. Beau Thomas (lead vocals & guitar), along with his crew, draw from Motown, R&B, rock and underground hip hop to build sets that get people moving. They’re entertainers first, not just performers—so their shows often feel interactive, pulling in crowd energy, shifting styles, and delivering surprises. Whether at weddings, festivals or local gigs, they aim to create not just a set, but a moment you remember.

Frisco Funk Collective

If you want funk that moves your hips and lifts your spirits, Frisco Funk Collective delivers. Formed around 2015, this ensemble mixes funk, rock, R&B and jazz to create a high-altitude party in sound. With core members including Tyler Easton (bass & vocals), Leo Lopez (drums), Eric James (guitar), Connor Williams (brass), and Kathleen Woods (lead vocals), the group emphasizes tight grooves, powerful vocals and vibrant live arrangements. Their performances—whether at Frisco’s free concert series, festivals, or club nights—are dynamic, often leaning into spontaneous jams and energetic crowd rapport. In the Summit circuit, they’ve earned a reputation as a “movement,” not just a band.

Each of these acts contributes unique style, passion, and local color to Summit County’s music scene. Thanks, ChatGPT.