BIFA is a 10-day celebration of Adventure + Creativity + Nature + Play. Local, national and international artists merge to deliver traditional and unconventional experiences across music, dance, film, visual arts and family entertainment. The festival transforms the Town of Breckenridge into a vibrant hub of cultural exploration, with events spanning venues, public parks, trails and open spaces. This year’s focus on the complex relationship between humans and earth comes to life through a county weed pull turned outdoor art installation, interactive theater inspired by the mysterious life of bees, a physicist-narrated string quartet confronting a planet under siege and so much more. Explore ticketed performances, immersive art installations, art classes and free, family-friendly activities at breckcreate.org/bifa.
Outdoor events are subject to weather delays or cancellations, and all end times are approximate. Event locations are detailed on page 52.
SCHEDULE KEY
F = Free Event R = Free with Registration Event $ = Paid Event
FRIDAY, AUG 16
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Moonstone Trail
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Iowa Hill Trail
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Illinois Creek Trail
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
10am Polyglot Theatre’s BEES F Ridge Street Arts Square
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
10am Guided Mindfulness Hike
11am Megan Geckler Artist Talk
11am Polyglot Theatre’s BEES
Old Masonic Hall
Old Masonic Hall
Iowa Hill Trail
Iowa Hill Trail
Ridge Street Arts Square
11am–12pm Create a Musical Instrument F Quandary Antiques Cabin
12–5pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent F Blue River Plaza
1pm Polyglot Theatre’s BEES F Ridge Street Arts Square
1–2pm Flagging Tape Flowers F Fuqua Livery Stable
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
2pm Polyglot Theatre’s BEES
Ridge Street Arts Square
2–3:30pm BIFA Inspired Creative Action Workshop
2–5pm Kayla Powers Studio: Open Doors
2–5pm Cipriano Ortega Studio: Open Doors
4–6pm Mala Making
7pm Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music + Media
SATURDAY, AUG 17
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
9am–12pm Edible Foraging + Cooking
F Randall Barn
F Robert Whyte House
F Robert Whyte House
$ Quandary Antiques Cabin
R Riverwalk Center
F Moonstone Trail
F Iowa Hill Trail
F Illinois Creek Trail
$ Colorado Mountain College + Old Masonic Hall Patio
10am Polyglot Theatre’s BEES
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
11am Polyglot Theatre’s BEES
11am–12pm Create a Musical Instrument
12–5pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent
1pm Polyglot Theatre’s BEES
1–2pm Flagging Tape Flowers
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
Riverwalk Center Lawn
Old Masonic Hall
Old Masonic Hall
Riverwalk Center Lawn
Randall Barn
Blue River Plaza
Riverwalk Center Lawn
Fuqua Livery Stable (Patio)
Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
2pm Polyglot Theatre’s BEES F Riverwalk Center Lawn
2:30–3:30pm Craft Stick Skateboards
3–5pm Clay Hand Building – Planters
7pm Acoustic Flow Evening Kick-Off
MONDAY, AUG 19
Quandary Antiques Cabin
Ceramic Studio
Riverwalk Center Stage
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Moonstone Trail
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
Iowa Hill Trail
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Illinois Creek Trail
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
8am Acoustic Flow R Riverwalk Center Lawn
10am Trail Mix Performance
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
Iowa Hill Trail
Old Masonic Hall
Old Masonic Hall
1pm Trail Mix Performance - A Lady’s Guide to Mountains R Moonstone Trail
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
6pm Trail Mix Performance • Tree-o
TUESDAY, AUG 20
Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
Illinois Creek Trail
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Moonstone Trail
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Iowa Hill Trail
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Illinois Creek Trail
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
8am Acoustic Flow
10am Trail Mix Performance - A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
1pm Trail Mix Performance - Tree-o
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
4:30pm STREB PopAction Youth Workshop
5:30pm Music From Almost Yesterday
6–8pm Guided Mindfulness Hike
WEDNESDAY, AUG 21
All Day Trail Mix Exhibitions
8am Acoustic Flow
10am Trail Mix Performance - Tree-o
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
1pm Trail Mix Performance - A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
5pm STREB Extreme Action Teaser
5:30pm Game Night
6pm Trail Mix Performance
THURSDAY, AUG 22
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
8am Acoustic Flow
10am Trail Mix Performance
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
11am–5pm Precious Plastic: Collection Event
12–5pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
R Iowa Hill Trail
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
R Illinois Creek Trail
F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
R Riverwalk Center
R Moonstone Trail
F Illinois Creek, Iowa Hill, Moonstone Trails + Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
R Illinois Creek Trail
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
R Moonstone Trail
F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
F Blue River Plaza
F Old Masonic Hall
R Iowa Hill Trail
F Moonstone Trail
F Iowa Hill Trail
F Illinois Creek Trail
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
R Moonstone Trail
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
F Fuqua Livery Stable
F Blue River Plaza
1pm Trail Mix Performance - Tree-o
Illinois Creek Trail
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
4–7pm AirStage Summer Après ft. STREB + Tree-o F Ridge Street Arts Square
6pm Trail Mix Performance
6–8:30pm Glassblown Leaves
7:30pm A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
FRIDAY, AUG 23
Iowa Hill Trail
Hot Shop
Breckenridge Theater
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Moonstone Trail
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Iowa Hill Trail
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition F Illinois Creek Trail
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
8am Acoustic Flow R Riverwalk Center Lawn
10am–12pm Guided Mindfulness Hike R Illinois Creek Trail
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke F Old Masonic Hall
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler F Old Masonic Hall
11am–12pm Build Binoculars
12–5pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent
1pm Trail Mix Performance
Quandary Antiques Cabin
Blue River Plaza
Iowa Hill Trail
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
2–3pm Torn Mountainscapes F Randall Barn
2–4pm Kayla Powers Studio: Open Doors F Robert Whyte House
2–4pm Cipriano Ortega Studio: Open Doors
3–5pm Mala Making
5pm STREB Extreme Action Teaser
5:30pm Exhibit Reception + Artist Talk ft. Gerald Clarke
6pm Trail Mix Performance Tree-o
6–9pm Make Your Own Upcycled Tray: 2 Day Workshop
7:30pm A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
SATURDAY, AUG 24
Robert Whyte House
Quandary Antiques Cabin
Blue River Plaza
Old Masonic Hall
Illinois Creek Trail
Fuqua Livery Stable
Breckenridge Theater
All Day Trail Mix Exhibitions F Illinois Creek, Iowa Hill, Moonstone Trails + Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
8am Acoustic Flow
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
10am–1pm Make Your Own Upcycled Tray: 2 Day Workshop $ Fuqua Livery Stable
11am STREB PopAction for Kids + Adults Workshop
11am–12pm Build Binoculars
12–3pm Exploring the Art of Gerald Clarke
12–5pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent
1–2pm Craft Stick Mountains
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
2–5pm Kayla Powers Studio: Open Doors
2–5pm Cipriano Ortega Studio: Open Doors
3:30–5:30pm Drafts + Crafts - Can Crafts
4pm A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
6pm Scorched Art: Gerald Clarke Artist Demo
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
F Quandary Antiques Cabin
F Old Masonic Hall
F Blue River Plaza
F Quandary Antiques Cabin
F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
F Robert Whyte House
F Robert Whyte House
$ Old Masonic Hall (Patio)
R Breckenridge Theater
F Blue River Plaza
7:30pm STREB Extreme Action Present Time Machine: $ Riverwalk Center From Ringside to Extreme Action
SUNDAY, AUG 25
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: You Need To Come Home
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Megan Geckler: Tomorrow Isn’t Soon Enough
All Day Trail Mix Exhibition
Gerald Clarke: To the Next Generation
8am Acoustic Flow
9am–2pm BIFA Info + Craft Tent
10am–1pm Exploring the Art of Gerald Clark
10am–8pm The Door is Open by Gerald Clarke
10am–8pm Tunnel Vision by Megan Geckler
1–2pm Craft Stick Mountains
1–4pm Trail Mix Exhibition - Bill Orisich: Miner Key
2pm Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project
3–4pm Torn Mountainscapes
4pm A Lady’s Guide to Mountains
F Moonstone Trail
F Iowa Hill Trail
F Illinois Creek Trail
R Riverwalk Center Lawn
F Blue River Plaza
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
F Old Masonic Hall
F Quandary Antiques Cabin
F Reiling Dredge via B&B Trailhead
R Riverwalk Center
F Randall Barn
R Breckenridge Theater
FIND WONDER
Welcome to the 2024 Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, affectionately known as BIFA. This year Breck Create builds on the annual theme of Adventure + Creativity + Play with the addition of Nature, a force inextricably linked to everything we do at Breck Create and in Breckenridge. This year’s BIFA celebrates the unique community spirit of Breckenridge while also taking a critical look at the interplay between humanity and the natural world that sustains us.
Browse this program guide to discover the remarkable highlights and initiatives that will shape this year’s festival, featuring nearly 100 events that promise to inspire and provoke thought. What’s more, 80 of these events are free of charge, fostering an environment where artistic exploration knows no boundaries.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I extend my deepest gratitude to every Breck Create member and supporter. Your unwavering dedication and generosity serve as the bedrock of the organization, empowering us to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and community engagement.
Together, let us embark on this adventure of creativity, play and exploration as we celebrate the beauty of our world and the creative solutions to sustain it.
Kelly Owens Mayor of Breckenridge
Jason Moran + The Bandwagon FINDING A LINE: SKATEBOARDING, MUSIC + MEDIA
Friday, Aug 16 • 7pm • Riverwalk Center
JASON MORAN PLAYS DUKE ELLINGTON + The Bandwagon
Saturday, Aug 17 • 7:30pm • Riverwalk Center • $15-$55 RES
MUSIC FROM ALMOST YESTERDAY
Tuesday, Aug 20 • 7:30pm • Riverwalk Center
Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Company Presents A LADY’S GUIDE TO MOUNTAINS
Thursday, Aug 22 + Friday, Aug 23 • 7:30pm–8:30pm
Saturday, Aug 24 + Sunday, Aug 25 • 4pm–5pm
Breckenridge Theater
STREB Extreme Action Presents TIME MACHINE: FROM RINGSIDE TO EXTREME ACTION
Saturday, Aug 24 • 7:30pm • Riverwalk Center • $15-$55 RES
Breck Create and National Repertory Orchestra Present RISING TIDE: THE CROSSROADS PROJECT
Sunday, Aug 25 • 2pm • Riverwalk Center
Learn more + register
INTERACTIVE PLAY POLYGLOT THEATRE’S
BEES
Friday, Aug 16–Sunday, Aug 18 • 10pm, 11pm, 1pm + 2pm • Free
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS WITH STREB EXTREME ACTION POPACTION YOUTH WORKSHOP
FREE CRAFTS AT THE INFO TENT BEE RINGS • DESIGN A CAPE
Thursday, Aug 15–Sunday, Aug 18
Thursday, Aug 22–Sunday, Aug 25
FREE CRAFTS ON THE ARTS DISTRICT CAMPUS
See schedule for more details.
Create a Musical Instrument • Flagging Tape Flowers
Craft Stick Skateboards • Make Your Own Hiking Stick
Build Binoculars • Torn Mountainscapes
Craft Stick Mountains
Learn more + register
Built around founder Elizabeth Streb’s organizing principle “Extreme Action,” STREB performs choreographed feats of physicality, scientifically planned chaos, strength, risk, grace, and elegance with a movement style that thrills participants, audiences and students. STREB artists defy gravity throughout the week with open rehearsals set against the spectacular Ten Mile Range.
TEASERS + WORKSHOPS
POPACTION YOUTH WORKSHOP AUG 20 • 4:30 PM • RIVERWALK CENTER LAWN
TEASER AUG 21 • 5PM • BLUE RIVER PLAZA
TEASER AUG 22 • 5:30/6:30PM • RIDGE STREET ARTS SQUARE
TEASER AUG 23 • 5PM • BLUE RIVER PLAZA
POPACTION FOR KIDS + ADULTS WORKSHOP
AUG 24 • 11AM • RIVERWALK CENTER LAWN
TIME MACHINE: FROM RINGSIDE TO EXTREME ACTION
AUG 24 • 7:30PM • RIVERWALK CENTER • $15-$55 RES
Bees is a joyful, interactive work in which children are welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination. Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children as they play. Children are immersed in the sounds, shapes and scents of the bee world, from their familiar buzz to honeycomb houses providing a range of access points for them to participate.
Bees is designed for ages 4-11 and their families.
FRIDAY, AUG 16 • 10AM, 11AM, 1PM + 2PM • RIDGE STREET ARTS SQUARE
SATURDAY, AUG 17 • 10AM, 11AM, 1PM + 2PM • RIVERWALK CENTER LAWN
SUNDAY, AUG 18 • 10AM, 11AM, 1PM + 2PM • RIVERWALK CENTER LAWN
Polyglot Theatre is working in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre to deliver this season. Polyglot is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Read more + artist bio
Ft. Pro Skateboarders Jordyn Barratt + Derek Scott +Hartman Austin, Skate Ambassador
FRIDAY, AUG 16 • RIVERWALK CENTER • 7PM FREE REGISTRATION, DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Led by trendsetter jazz pianist Jason Moran, athletes and artists dive deep into the fusion of music and skateboarding in this unforgettable festival opener. Picture this inside the Riverwalk: inspired pro and local skaters unleashing halfpipe tricks while three of today’s most elite jazz musicians drop live responses. Don’t miss this epic improvisation of flips, tricks and riffs for a community festival kickoff!
In partnership with the Breckenridge Recreation Center.
SATURDAY, AUG 17 • 7:30PM RIVERWALK CENTER • $15–$55 RES
“When Jason Moran performs with his trio, Bandwagon, these days, he engages in a ritual that befits one of the most independent minds now working in jazz.”
-The New York Times
Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music, brilliantly reimagined by Moran. Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this extraordinary celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy 125 years after his birth and finishes the evening with his trio, The Bandwagon.
Pianist and composer Jason Moran has established himself as a risk-taker and trendsetter for new directions in jazz. It’s that incomparable talent and unyielding drive towards innovation that earned Moran a prestigious MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship and the title of Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz. Since 2000, Moran and his trio The Bandwagon (Tarus Mateen and Nasheet Waits) have dazzled audiences at elite venues worldwide. Moran has also performed with many acclaimed artists such as Charles Lloyd and Dave Holland. He composed a ballet for Alzonzo King LINES Ballet, conceived a jazz and skateboarding collaboration and wrote the films score for Selma.
TUESDAY, AUG 20 • 7:30PM • RIVERWALK CENTER
FREE REGISTRATION, DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Local percussionist Jason Rodon and friends curate an evening of BIFAinspired contemporary music that take the audience on a journey through sound and image featuring multimedia composer Yehuda Yannay.
Josh Schmidt, iPad as Interactive Electronic Instrument
Jon Welstead, Electronic drone realization
Dale Kaminiski, Image synthesis + projection
Marie Mellott, image artist
Read more + artist bios
These daily, 60-minute classes combine music, nature and wellness along the relaxing shores of the Blue River.
SERIES KICK-OFF • SONIC MEDITATION
SUNDAY, AUG 18 • 7PM • RIVERWALK CENTER STAGE FREE WITH REGISTRATION
Sonic Meditation returns to kick off the Acoustic Flow series. Start your week of wellness with a sound journey on the Riverwalk Stage.
ACOUSTIC FLOW • MORNING YOGA
AUG 19–25 • 8AM • RIVERWALK LAWN • FREE WITH REGISTRATION
Produced in partnership with Blue Iguana Productions and Building Hope Summit County. Sponsored by Vail Health.
BUILDINGHOPE SUMMIT COUNTY
AUG 16–23 • 10AM, 1PM + 6PM • FREE WITH REGISTRATION
MOONSTONE, ILLINOIS CREEK + IOWA HILL TRAILS
Trail Mix combines art, music, theater, mindfulness, hiking and biking along the trails of Breckenridge with free outdoor pop-up performances, guided hikes and environmental installations. Performances feature Tree-o, excerpts from A Lady’s Guide to Mountains or local musicians.
TREE-O
Elevating music to new heights, Tree-o features three musicians-cellist Russick Smith, violinist Karen Lauffer and mandolinist Kevin Larkin-in a series of 30-minute concerts held in the forest, high among the pine boughs and branches.
Guided Mindfulness Hikes produced in partnership with Building Hope and sponsored by Vail Health.
BUILDINGHOPE SUMMIT COUNTY
FRIDAY, AUG 16
10AM • MINDFULNESS HIKE + ARTIST TALK • IOWA HILL TRAIL
MONDAY, AUG 19
10AM • LOCAL MUSICIANS • IOWA HILL
1PM • A LADY’S GUIDE TO MOUNTAINS • MOONSTONE TRAIL
6PM • TREE-O • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
TUESDAY, AUG 20
10AM • A LADY’S GUIDE TO MOUNTAINS • IOWA HILL TRAIL
1PM • TREE-O • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
6PM • MINDFULNESS HIKE • MOONSTONE TRAIL
WEDNESDAY, AUG 21
10AM
• TREE-O • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
1PM • A LADY’S GUIDE TO MOUNTAINS • MOONSTONE TRAIL
6PM • LOCAL MUSICIANS • IOWA HILL TRAIL
THURSDAY, AUG 22
10AM • LOCAL MUSICIANS • MOONSTONE TRAIL
1PM • TREE-O • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
6PM • LOCAL MUSICIANS • IOWA HILL TRAIL
FRIDAY, AUG 23
10AM • MINDFULNESS HIKE • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
1PM • LOCAL MUSICIANS • IOWA HILL TRAIL
6PM • TREE-O • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
YOU NEED TO COME HOME; TOMORROW ISN’T SOON ENOUGH
BY MEGAN
GECKLER
AUG 16–SEP 8 • ALL DAY
MOONSTONE + IOWA HILL TRAILS
Megan Geckler’s trail installations use flagging tape, a mass-produced material used in the male-dominated fields of construction, mining and forestry. Wrapped tree trunks on Moonstone Trail create a Seussical, color-wheel effect as one gazes up or down the steep switchbacks. On Iowa Hill, Geckler worked with volunteers to weed invasive species, such as False Chamomile, replacing each weeded plant with a small lawn flag. The masses of flags create a color deposit that blankets the hillsides, hugging the surface of the earth.
MEET THE ARTIST
FRIDAY, AUG 16 • 11AM
IOWA HILL TRAIL
Enhance your experience with a guided Mindfulness Hike at 10am.
TO THE NEXT GENERATION
BY GERALD CLARKE
AUG 16–SEP 8 • ALL DAY • ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
In To the Next Generation, Clarke is influenced in part by roadside monuments placed by various historical societies and related civic and governmental organizations. Many of these monuments romanticize American historical events and erase the history and presence of Indigenous people, cultures and placenames. In contrast, Clarke’s series incorporates local histories to turn the reductive trope of the “last Indian” on its head. Whereas historical monuments are focused on the commemoration of the past, To the Next Generation features text that both reimagines Breckenridge’s past but also projects events tied to the land that take place in the future.
In addition to the trail installation, view Clarke’s monuments in the Riverwalk Center Lawn and Blue River Plaza throughout the Festival.
MINER KEY
BY BILL ORISICH
AUG 16–25 • 1–4PM DAILY REILING DREDGE VIA B&B TRAILHEAD / PARKING LOT
This trail is ADA accessible
The Reiling Dredge operated from 1909 until it sank in 1922. Miner Key is a site-specific sonic experience inspired by the history, sound, shape, texture, rhythm and beauty of the Reiling Dredge. It recalls a time when this place was teeming with mining enterprises, oblivious and in stark contrast to the pristine natural environment and envisions the past in the context of the present.
Breck Create gratefully acknowledges the partnerships that make Trail Mix possible: Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission, Summit County Open Space Advisory Council, and Breckenridge History
THURSDAY, AUG 22–FRIDAY, AUG 23 • 7:30PM–8:30PM
SATURDAY, AUG 24–SUNDAY, AUG 25 • 4PM–5PM
BRECKENRIDGE THEATER
FREE REGISTRATION, DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Written by MT Cozzola, Directed by Jacqueline Stone
Henriette wants to be the first lady in 1830s Europe to climb Mont Blanc. Erin wants to be the first trans woman to ascend the Seven Summits. And MT wants to get through a bouldering class without embarrassing herself. This story celebrates Colorado’s outdoor culture with three true stories of women pushing their limits and meeting their edge. The performances will be staged readings with performers taking on multiple roles, engaging with the audience through moments of direct address storytelling and celebrating community through honest and intimate staging.
Together Stone and Cozzola have over 25 years of experience, including Off-Broadway and The Second City. This marks their fourth collaboration together since 2016.
Local Artist-in-Residence Kia Neill contributes visuals to the theater and lobby for A Lady’s Guide to Mountains Neill is a mixed media artist. Her work is inspired by living in the Rocky Mountain landscape, the different ways people culturally use or “mine” the mountains, how the land constantly reclaims itself and her own sense of spirituality in relation to nature when pushing her athleticism and endurance in the high alpine elements. Through color and abstraction, Neill’s work simultaneously portrays the soul of the mountains themselves and conveys the internal emotional, mental and spiritual landscape of the hiker.
SUNDAY, AUG 25 • 2PM • RIVERWALK CENTER
FREE REGISTRATION, DONATIONS APPRECIATED
At the dawn of the 21st century, humanity has arrived at an extraordinary Crossroads—a time and place where scientific ability to identify unprecedented risk intersects a societal inability to respond. The Crossroads Project fuses original music with art, imagery and science to create live performance experiences that address global sustainability and provide a path toward meaningful response. Featuring physicist Dr. Robert Davies and the Fry Street Quartet, Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project confronts a planet under siege and a future in peril—inspiring audiences to change the course.
Underwritten by Paul Finkel and Barbara Strauss.
Read more + artist’s bios
RIDGE STREET ARTS SQUARE • 4–7PM • FREE
Hike, bike or bus to the Breckenridge Arts District to enjoy outdoor drafts, crafts and BIFA performing artists on the AirStage. Bring a picnic blanket, grab dinner to go and let the kids play on the lawn while you catch up with friends and family. Well-behaved pups on leashes are welcome!
THURSDAY, AUG 15
BIFA Locals Preview Party: Unveiling of Community Art Project, Polyglot Theatre’s BEE Photo Op + Craft, Cipriano Ortega
THURSDAY, AUG 22
STREB Extreme Action Company, Tree-O, DJ
COMMUNITY ART PROJECT
Artists-in-residence Cipriano Ortega and Kayla Powers worked with community members throughout the summer on an art installation to be unveiled the evening before the opening night of BIFA. Ortega blends the visual, literary and performing arts to explore and deconstruct the work around him. Powers creates ecologically focused textile art to explore the common threads of our shared humanity.
Thanks to our 2024 AirStage Sponsor.
JUN 14–SEP 1 • OLD MASONIC HALL • FREE FESTIVAL GALLERY HOURS MON–SUN 10AM–8PM
Tunnel Vision is a solo exhibition of work by Megan Geckler. The centerpiece is a stunning, large-scale installation created from flagging tape in a vibrant array of colors. The extruded PVC film suspends from the gallery ceiling to the floor, forming a mesmerizing, floating mass of gradients that shift between a spectrum of hues.
In the gallery storefront are several pieces from Geckler’s Woven Panels series, where she meticulously layers flagging tape into intricate, geometric patterns. Geckler also transforms ordinary gallery pedestals by wrapping and weaving them in the material, turning them into beautifully crafted, impermanent works of art.
Read more + artist’s bio
MAY 24–SEP 1
The Door is Open is a retrospective exhibition of Gerald Clarke’s work featuring sculpture, painting, video and other media from the 1990s to today. A self-described “30-year emerging artist” and citizen of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, Clarke reckons with personal, national and Cahuilla tribal histories through his practice. He uses humor to uplift Indigenous narratives, interrogate the impacts of colonialism and disarm viewers into absorbing his art.
SATURDAY, AUG 24 • 6PM
BLUE RIVER PLAZA • FREE
Hear firsthand about the inspirations and processes behind Gerald Clarke’s outdoor art installation, To the Next Generation, in this artist talk. Clarke will describe his approach to incorporating Summit County and Ute history and answer questions from the audience.
Immediately following his talk, Gerald will create new works for his series, Branded, in which he scorches pieces of paper and other objects using branding irons he forged himself. Branding irons that read “Native” and “Indian” satirize nonnative people’s and the art world’s obsession with Indigenous authenticity. Heated up and burned onto a surface, they highlight how that obsession essentializes and stereotypes the infinitely varied lived experiences and artwork of Indigenous people.
Immerse yourself in the exhibitions by Megan Geckler and Gerald Clarke at Old Masonic Hall with Creative Encounters—bridging art, conversation and music within our contemporary gallery space.
GAME NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, AUG 21 • 5:30 PM • FREE
Exhibiting artist Gerald Clarke will introduce and play his game-inspired artwork Ethnopoly with participants and lead Native American inspired trivia. Friendly neighborhood game shop, Wizards of the Peaks will provide a mix of classic and modern board games for all to enjoy in the gallery and on the patio of Old Masonic Hall.
THE DOOR IS OPEN
BY GERALD CLARKE
EXHIBITION RECEPTION + ARTIST TALK
FRIDAY, AUG 23 • 5:30-7:30PM
Join this celebration and artist talk of The Door is Open, Gerald Clarke’s solo exhibition. The reception features live music by visiting Artist-in-Residence Cipriano Ortega.
EXPLORING THE ART OF GERALD CLARKE
SATURDAY, AUG 24 • 12–3PM
SUNDAY, AUG 25 • 10AM–1PM
In this workshop, Gerald Clarke will give a personal tour of his exhibition “The Door is Open” and discuss Native Lands, Cahuilla culture and symbolism. Then he’ll lead a creative activity related to his piece “Continuum Basket: Pivat.”
BIFA offers participatory classes and workshops for everyone. Ignite your imagination at any of these offerings.
NATURE + BIFA INSPIRED CLASSES
VARIOUS DAYS + TIMES – SEE DAILY SCHEDULE ON PAGES 6–9
BIFA INSPIRED CREATIVE ACTION WORKSHOP
FRIDAY, AUG 16, 2–3:30PM • SUNDAY, AUG 18, 11AM–12:30PM • RANDALL BARN
Learn simple, fun ways to enhance and enjoy BIFA experiences and your life in general via the lens of creativity with master creativity coach Jill Allison Bryan. Ages 18 and up.
INFO + CRAFT TENT
THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, 12–5PM • SUNDAYS, 9AM–2PM • BLUE RIVER PLAZA
Visit the BIFA Info + Craft Tent to learn about all the Festival offerings and events. Participate in free, family-friendly crafts designed for kids. Make bee rings and design a cape!
See all BIFA classes and workshops
Breck Create aims to build a dynamic, year-round creative community in Breckenridge.
The organization’s mission is to deliver inspiring creative experiences that enrich the quality of life for all residents and quality of place for visitors. Breck Create supports and serves artists, creatives, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and the community at large by providing performances, exhibitions, screenings, art classes and other engagement opportunities.
The organization maintains, manages and operates the Town of Breckenridge’s exceptional cultural facilities and hosts arts-based events in public gathering spaces throughout Breckenridge. Breck Create’s core attractions are the Riverwalk Center—a 750-seat, heated, indoor performance venue—and a lively Arts District campus of renovated historic structures that now function as studio spaces for art classes and workshops. These structures also include affordable rentals for local artists and visiting artists-inresidence participants. The Breckenridge Arts District is a certified district within the Colorado Creative Industries Creative District program.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Martin Inglis, Chair
Geri Gasperut, Vice Chair
Ken Nelson, Secretary
Bill Taylor, Treasurer
Martin Carter
Laura Dziedzic
Jose Espino
Steve Gerard, Breckenridge Town Council
Lesley Gregory
Shannon Haynes, Town Manager
Maya Kulick
Dave Ratner
Tim West
Tamara Nuzzaci Park, ex officio
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Tamara Nuzzaci Park
President + CEO
Neal Kerr
Senior Director of Theaters + Technology
Susan Lyon
Senior Director of Finance + Administration
Avery Glassman
Director of Programs + Special Projects
Karlie McLaughlin
Senior Director of External Relations
Ken Miller
Director of Production
Rob Phipps
Facilities Manager + Lead Preparator
Drea Edwards
Arts Education Manager
Rebecca Campos
Patron Services Manager
Emily Carlson
Patron Services Coordinator
Nadia Borovich
Programs Coordinator
Aaron Cross
Production Manager + Head of Audio
Austin Maffei
Technical Services Coordinator
Nicole Sletta
Precious Plastic Coordinator
ILLINOIS CREEK TRAIL
From Blue River Plaza, travel south on Main Street. Turn left on Boreas Pass Road. The Stephen C. West Ice Arena will be on the right. The trailhead is located at the far east end of the arena’s parking lot.
Beginner Trail • 1.6 Miles
IOWA HILL TRAIL
From Blue River Plaza, travel north on Main Street. At the roundabout, continue north on Highway 9. At the second stoplight, turn left onto Valley Brook Road and then turn right onto Airport Road. Travel 0.25 miles and the trailhead will be on the left directly after the Public Works facilities. Parking is available in the dirt lot.
Intermediate Trail • 1.2 Miles
MOONSTONE TRAIL
From Blue River Plaza, travel south on Main Street. Turn left on Adams Avenue for three blocks and then take a right onto Harris Street. Follow Harris to Carter Park. The trail begins on the east side of the parking area. Follow Carter Park switchbacks 0.3 miles to Moonstone Trail.
Intermediate Trail • .5 Miles
REILING DREDGE TRAIL
From the Blue River Plaza, drive north on Main Street two blocks and turn right onto Wellington Road. Follow Wellington Road 1.1 miles to the intersection of Wellington and French Gulch Road. Stay right and follow French Gulch Road as it turns to dirt and then continues past the Country Boy Mine on the right. From the Country Boy Mine, the entrance to the Reiling Dredge trailhead is 1 mile on the right. Follow the bridge across the creek to the Reiling Dredge and enjoy many of the intersecting trails in the historic mining district.
Beginner Trail • .3 Mile Loop • ADA Accessible
BreckCreate gratefully acknowledges support from its generous donors. The listing below reflects donations received from June 2, 2023, to June 1, 2024
$10,000+
Tim Alexander and Michele
Massey Alexander
Sue and Martin Carter
Sue and Howard Carver
Laura and Jerry Dziedzic
Martin Inglis
Elizabeth McKenna
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Hans and Mary Jane Wurster
$2,500–$9,999
Jose Espino
Joann and John Paul Johnson
Sue and Dave McDonald
Michael Molloy
Greg Oswald
Kimberly and David Salmon
Gene and Richard Sosville
Marilyn and William Taylor
Karen and Jim Warrick
$1,000–$2,499
Dara Altshuler
Debra and Jim Anderson
Penny and Jim Banks
Dick and Kathie Becker
Jo Marie & George Dancik
Maggie and Wally Ducayet
Jonathan and Robin Gear
Louise and Larry Glenn
Add Linda and Brian Hall
Francinelee Hand and David Siegal
Shelley and Steve Harris
Janet and Mike Hebert
Add Jill and David Hughes
The state of Pat Hutson
Bill and Barbara Kiser
Rob and Janet Miles
Margaret and Tim O’Neal
Jason Rodon and Leslie Ross
Kate Seavey
Hollis Shumway
Louise and Steve Slater
Sheri and Todd Suko
Russ and Janey Trowbridge
Tamara and Jonas Valdez
Sharon and Jeff Weeden
$500–$999
Peggy and Doug Brown
Sharon and Mark Chertok
Jill Desmond and Mitch Melichar
Alana and Sherman Glass
Reggie and Pam Gray
Neil and Beth Groundwater
Anthony Jones
Maura Murphy and Ken Nelson
Rebecca Roberts
William Snyder
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Brooke Whittemore
Susan and Austin Young
$250–$499
Darlene Beck
Jed Callen and Carol Hess
Tracey Clark-Turner
Guy Fox
Debra and John Hatmaker
Felice Huntley
Neal and Cecile Kerr
Molly Lee
James Letson
Sally and Andy Lewis
Beth and Josh Roach
Dana Thor
Julie Tifft
$50–$249
Izabel Adams
Julie Akers
Ana Alexander
Forbes Alexander
Jane Allaman
Greg Allen
$50–$249 cont.
Janet Allenby
Jeffrey and Rita Aron
Talia Assi
Jason Auerbach
Oly Avidar
Gregory Baker
Andria Barberi
Elizabeth Bartholomew
Jery and Ann Bass
Sarah Bass
Marion Bauer
Dayna Baugher
Gabriella Bennett
Paul Bennett
James Bindseil
Angelica Blake
Joshua Blanchard
Wendy Blasingame
Naomi Braker
Stacey Brandsma
Sarah Bright
Theresa Bucci
Margaret Burke
Susan Burkey
Katie Burkhart
Greg and Michele Bushey
Garth Butterfield and Nancy Held
Stasia Callaghan
Allison Capote
John Capps
Sue Carlson
Cheryl Carlson
Rachel Caughey
Jennifer and Chris Cawley
Stephanie Chenevert
Kathy Christina
Cara and William Cipriani
John Clarke
Bryce Colaco
Ben Cole
Nancy Cole
Cheryl Colen
Kristin Conroy
Preston Cooper
Aaron Corich-Kleim
Melissa Corwin
Marisa Covy
Kathleen Cowie
Michelle Cyr
Bradford Davey
Suzanne and Jim Davis
Tom Day
Carolyn and Robert Deal
Abigail DeFore
Mimi DeRose
K Reilly Desantis
Kristina Deutsch
Robin Dew
Stephen and Andrea Diamond
Jamie Dicks
Lisa Dieckhaus
Shelly Dohlby
Bernadette Dotson
Julie Egermayer
Maeve Ennis
Jaime Falcon
Lauren Ferrara
Lisa Firestone
Michael Fowler
Neva Frank
Scott Frazier
Candace Galen
Ashley Garrison
Jeff Gerhardt
Thomas Gibson
Emma Gilroy
Gerald and Suzann Glenn
Ben and Cynthia Gordon
Katherine Grattan
Fred and Judy Green
Lesley Gregory
Kelsey Griffin
Mat Groh
Lisa Grussendorf
Julie Guemmer
Mary Guthrie
Mara Gwin
Patrick Hankins
Meagan Harris
Melanie Hebert
Susan Hess
Joel High
Rose Hill
Lita Hodges
Emily Hokett
Vicki Holcomb
Sandra Holdgreve
Nora Holmes
Risa Holmes
Sarah Hopkins
Cindy Horn
Bernadette Huang
Isabella Huang
Miriam and Harold Hudson
Mark Hughes
Jeannie Irvine-Blazek
Marian Ittner
Claire Jain
Malgorzata Jonska
Sarah K Adamson
Leanne Kelly
Annie Kerns
Gail King
TOGETH ER MAKE MEMORIES
BURNING SPEAR
WED | JUNE 5
MIPSO
THU | JUNE 13
BRIT FLOYD
The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Experience
SUN | JUNE 30
MON | JULY 1
TANYA TUCKER
FRI | JULY 5
ADAM TRENT
The Next Generation of Magic
SAT | JULY 6
BOB REYNOLDS GROUP
Presented in the May Gallery
TUE | JULY 9
BLACKBERRY SMOKE
WED | JULY 10
THU | JULY 11
Comedian TOM PAPA
FRI | JULY 12
STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Summer: The 90s
FRI | JULY 19
SHAGGY
SAT | JULY 20
BEN FOLDS Paper Airplane Request Tour
TUE | AUG 6
HAIRBALL A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock
THU | AUG 8
CLINT BLACK 35th Anniversary of Killin’ Time
FRI | AUG 9
BERNADETTE
PETERS with Members of the Colorado Symphony THU | AUG 22
Comedian
COLIN JOST
FRI | AUG 23
GEORGE THOROGOOD & The Destroyers
WED | AUG 28
PUPPY PALS
LIVE!
SUN | SEPT 8
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
TUE | SEPT 10
ELI YOUNG BAND SAT | SEPT 21
WILD WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE
National Geographic Live SUN | SEPT 22
$50–$249 cont.
Karen Klein
Jenn Klemperer
David Krapf
Kaylyn and Paul Krummen
Rachel Langgle
Olive Lara
Kent and Bonnie Lattig
Ted and Jean Lawson
Joan Lawson
Tabby Lemaster
Joanne LePere
Steve Levy and Jill Jeffery
Alice Loan
Christina Lorentson
Jennifer and Mike Lundin
Caitlin Maddox
Eric and Sara Mamula
Simone Mancuso
Beth Manning
Kara Martella
Sarah Mason
Helen McGookey
Sharlea McMurty
Sally and Jerry McNamara
Tracy McPherson
Jennifer Merkel
Bec Metras and John Clark
Dave Miller
Virginia Morrison
Robert Moses
Rita Neubauer
Aileen Nicoletti
Jade Nicoletti
Nathanael Nihart
Gretchen Norton
Cyndi Ochs
Christopher O’Reilly
Alexine Pack
Kate Pals
Edward Paterson
Craig Perrinjaquet
Sarah Pomeroy
Gardner Popp
Bradd and Kasey Provorse
Amanda Puskar
Lonna Ramirez
Mallory Ray
Nancy and Larry Raymond
Kris Read
Libby Richey
Lindsay Riggs
Cynthia Rosengren
Kate Ruth
Dina Sanchez
John Saunders
Ryan Schrader
Julie Scott
Gereltsogt Shagdar
Devon Sharon
John Sherman
Robert Short
Derek Sideney
Jenny Stafford
Adam Stepansky
Lea Stocks
Kelby Strickland
Jordan Sullivan
Liza Szoszorek
Jane Tarlow
Cheryl Tatro
Lisa Taylor
Lance Thatcher
Robin and Patty Theobald
Barbara Thomas
Wendy Timm
Riley Traun
Sam Travis
Sarah Trimarco
Karen Turney
Danielle Twite
Charles Tyler
Jennifer Tyler
Sarah Valero
Jessica Vandemark
Regina Vanderreyden
Ginny Vietti
Erik Voorhees
Matthew Warren
Terrie Warren
Kim Weiner
Jennifer and Patrick Welch
Pam and Larry Willhite
Victoria Winn
Lisa Wolstenholme
Luke Wolstenholme
Basilia Yao
Haley Zipperer
Stephanie Zukowski
ONLINE
breckcreate.org IN PERSON
Old Masonic Hall, 136 S. Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424
BIFA Hours of Operation: Mon–Sun 10am–8pm
Riverwalk Center, 150 W. Adams Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Hours of Operation: Open on event days 3 hours prior to and 30 minutes after event start time.
BY PHONE
970 547 3100
FRIDAY, AUG 16 • 2–3:30PM
SUNDAY, AUG 18 • 11AM–12:30PM
RANDALL BARN
Learn simple, fun ways to enhance and enjoy BIFA experiences and your life in general via the lens of creativity! Master creativity coach, Jill Allison Bryan, will be your guide and help you explore a variety of creative realms. You’ll learn playful yet powerful ways to expand your awareness, enrich your interactions and express yourself creatively in this unique interactive workshop.
Explore Jill’s Creative Action Guide
Breck Create is grateful to the many organizations who contribute time, talent, expertise and in-kind contributions and financial support to making our programming available and accessible to the community.
GOVERNMENT + FOUNDATION SPONSORS
CORPORATE SPONSORS
LODGING PARTNERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Blue Iguana Productions
Breckenridge Backstage Theater
Breckenridge Film
Breckenridge History
Breckenridge Open Space + Trails
Breckenridge Recreation Center
Breckenridge Tourism Office
Broken Compass Brewery
Building Hope Summit County
Family Intercultural Resource Center
Metro State University:
Chicano Humanities Arts Council
Meta Yoga
Mexican Cultural Center
Mountain Dreamers
National Repertory Orchestra
Summit County South Branch Library
Summit County Youth + Family Services
Summit School District
Town of Breckenridge Recreation Center
Town of Breckenridge Open Space + Trails
Wizards of the Peaks
El Deseo Foundation
We are proud to call Breckenridge not only our workplace, but also our home. BGV Gives is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations in our community supporting local
