Alpenphunk26: Soulive

Alpenphunk is an annual celebration of music, mountains, and skiing, set in the heart of Crested Butte, Colorado, taking place the last weekend of January. Since its inception in 2022, Alpenphunk has grown into Colorado’s premier micro-festival, providing an unparalleled experience that blends world-class live music with the area’s rich mountain culture. Each year, the festival proudly features an “artist in residence”, an influential musician who curates the weekend and leads one-of-a-kind collaborations with other renowned artists.

From the electrifying sounds of funk, reggae, and afro-beat to genre-blurring performances that defy expectations, Alpenphunk showcases musicians from across the globe. The intimate, small-scale nature of the event allows festival-goers to enjoy performances up close, with unexpected musical moments that happen only at Alpenphunk.

Centered at the iconic Crested Butte Public House and partnered with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenphunk offers much more than just a festival—it’s a fully immersive, communal experience. Attendees can explore Crested Butte’s legendary ski slopes during the day and dive into incredible live music each night, all while being part of a vibrant community of music lovers and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time visitor, Alpenphunk promises a weekend filled with exhilarating skiing, soulful music, and unforgettable moments.

Join us for an incredible journey of sound, slopes, and once-in-a-lifetime performances at the unique crossroads of music and mountain adventure.

For over two decades, Soulive has been at the forefront of the modern soul-jazz and funk movement, crafting a sound that is as timeless as it is innovative. Formed in 1999 by brothers Alan Evans (drums) and Neal Evans (Hammond B3 organ, bass keys) alongside guitarist Eric Krasno, the trio quickly became known for their electrifying live shows, deep-pocket grooves, and genre-blending improvisation.

Rooted in classic soul and jazz but unafraid to lean into hip-hop, rock, and psychedelic funk, Soulive has cultivated a loyal global following. Their early records like Turn It Out and Doin’ Something established them as torchbearers of a new groove-based instrumental movement, while later releases like Next, Break Out, and No Place Like Soul pushed the boundaries with high-profile guest collaborations (including Chaka Khan, Talib Kweli, and Robert Randolph).

A cornerstone of the legendary Blue Note Records catalog in the early 2000s, Soulive has since become synonymous with creative independence, often releasing music on their own terms and performing with a rotating cast of collaborators. They’ve shared the stage with everyone from The Roots to Stevie Wonder and have become festival mainstays at events like Bonnaroo, Montreux Jazz Festival, and New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Known not just for their technical prowess but for their unmistakable feel, Soulive brings an infectious joy to their performances—each set a seamless blend of tight arrangements, spontaneous exploration, and unrelenting groove.

Whether playing intimate jazz clubs or headlining large stages, Soulive continues to evolve while remaining deeply anchored in the musical traditions that inspired them. Their influence runs deep across generations of musicians, and their sound remains essential listening for anyone who believes in the power of live, instrumental soul music.