Friday Night at Bluff Fort returning for the season

Friday night at the Fort has been an entertaining highlight of San Juan County for several years. Boasting local as well as imported talent, this year’s talent lineup is certain to impress. As always, admission is free, as are refreshments following the performance. (Usually ice cream).
This year’s Friday Night at the Fort kicks off on June 28th with the musical talent of Cara Tomco of Blanding. Cara credits her songwriting and musical influence to her formative years raised among the red rocks and mesas of San Juan. She comes from a musically talented family that has written literally hundreds of folk songs that they have been performing for years. Cara lives in San Juan County with her husband and three children in a log home they built with their own hands.
On July 12th, Craig Crippin and family will headline. The Crippins enjoy all types of music; from classical to country. Craig is the son of a prominent Jazz singer who has put on several Hollywood productions. Comments following Craig’s previous performances include the following: “I could have listened to him sing all night!” - “I want to be there every time that you sing!” One visiting movie producer who heard Craig sing at a previous Friday Night at the Fort said, “Listening to Craig sing was the highlight of my vacation!” Upon hearing Craig’s son, Grant, sing added, “My jaw dropped, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.” Come and see what all the buzz is about!
On August 2nd Denver and Kristan Smith family performs. The Smith family loves to sing, and play a wide variety of music; from classical to folk, and everything in between! Their favorites are those numbers where the audience can join in and sing with them. They have been making music together since Denver and Kristan met in college 15 years ago as music majors. They are now joined by their four daughters rounding out the family band.
On August 23rd, Russell Pincock and Patricia Kudzia will make a special appearance. Patricia is a classically trained cellist and began playing at the age of 11, studying and performing from Portland, Oregon, to Las Vegas. She has played with various “A-List” artists throughout her career, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Pavarotti, Bocelli and Dean Martin. She currently works as a trauma nurse and chose to live in San Juan County due to the natural beauty and hiking opportunities. Russell began playing piano at the age of five, continuing his music studies throughout college. He has accompanied several large choirs and soloists. In addition to piano, he has sung with the Utah Symphony Chorus. Russell currently works with the Utah Navajo Health System and holds a Ph.D. in Nursing.
On September 27th, the Grayson Girls will be performing at the Fort, featuring their unmistakable tight harmonies. Singing pop or country favorites acapella or accompanied by guitar, banjo, flute, glockenspiel, or side whistle, they are always a hit with audiences. The Grayson Girls feature Bev Feldstad, Sheri Pugh, Manette Shumway, Genevieve Ford, and Gayle Shumway. Their performance this evening will be a special tribute to the music of Elvis Presley.