Dreams come true in new Roaring Fork Rising series

The Wheeler Opera House will present Roaring Fork Rising, a new performance series designed to showcase local talent on Fridays and Saturdays beginning in mid-May. 

Launching the debut series at the Wheeler at 7 p.m., Friday, May 16, Aspen-born musical artist Emery Major will return to one of the influential origins of his musical journey.

This step in his career is a dream come true for Major, a guitar-playing singer-songwriter who  grew up participating in productions at The Wheeler.

“The Wheeler is my favorite venue of all-time,” Major said. “I have spent so much time backstage, sort of imagining being able to play my own original music there.”

Major’s folk-pop style is described as Noah Kahan meets Jason Mraz, with a little John Denver and James Taylor thrown in. 

Although Major performed in theaters throughout the valley as a child and attended the Aspen School District, this will be the first opportunity to introduce his musical style to Aspen. 

“It feels like a homecoming show,” he added. Major believes he is a “product of the arts in the Valley,” which is why he fits in well with the themes this series explores.

The show includes another alum of the local schools, Aspenite comedian David Uhlfelder, who will warm up the crowd. Uhlfelder has performed in 21 states, four countries, and even opened for Taylor Tomlinson.

“The Wheeler Opera House has long been a community space for local artists and audiences, and Roaring Fork Rising is a natural extension of that legacy,” Executive Director Mike Harrington said in a statement. “By creating space for local talent to share their work, we are fostering a thriving arts community and celebrating the creative spirit that defines Aspen.” 

Upcoming shows will include the Sopris Sisters with Rai Omri, May 17; folk songwriter Dan Sheridan with Valley Roses, May 23; Feeding Giants and Salmon Daze, May 24; and Olivia Pevec with John Hatanaka, May 30; and Patio Night Live, May 31. 

The performances will take place in The Vault, located on the second-floor lobby and bar area of The Wheeler Opera House.

“I think it’s special to have a couple of local kids showing up and kicking everything off,” Major said.

Tickets are available 12-5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays at the box office, located at 320 E. Hyman Ave., or by calling 970-920-5770, or visit aspenshowtix.com.

For more details on upcoming performances, visit wheeleroperahouse.com.