The Band

Heart of the Rockies, loved and respected throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Western Slope of Colorado, perform their own unique brand of “down home, toe-tappin’, all-American acoustic music” specializing in a wide variety of fun-filled musical entertainment for any occasion and for people of all ages. Combining excellent musicianship on guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and upright bass with superb vocals and entertaining showmanship, their performances set a mood of celebration inspired by the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. Their repertoire includes country, folk, bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, Latino, western swing, old-time rock and roll and children’s songs as well as some exciting original compositions.

Heart of the Rockies take pride in the variety of their musical offerings, from melodic background instrumentals to handclapping sing-a-longs and foot-stompin’ dance music. They are sure to be the perfect complement to any special event including Rocky Mountain weddings and rehearsal dinners, birthday and anniversary parties, family reunions and corporate outings.

Twirp Anderson, an ex-rodeo cowboy, is originally from Idaho and came to Aspen, Colorado in 1966 as a member of the legendary “Hustlers”. Long regarded as one of the most popular performers in the Roaring Fork Valley, he captivates audiences with his warm, smooth vocals and humorous onstage antics. As well as being a longtime announcer for the Snowmass Rodeo, Twirp is also a farrier and auctioneer and has appeared in John Denver's TV movie "The Christmas Gift". He makes his home in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Cash Cashman, a former Navy pilot, has been a valuable member of Aspen’s music scene since 1970. He has delighted audiences worldwide with his vocals (extremely reminiscent of Hank Williams) and unique entertaining style on the upright bass. Cash also appeared with Twirp Anderson in John Denver's "The Christmas Gift" as well as two other Denver TV shows.  Originally from Maryland, he currently resides at the top end of the Frying Pan River Valley in Colorado.

John Sommers, a former Navy pilot, moved to Aspen, Colorado from Los Angeles in 1969. A multi-talented instrumentalist (fiddle, banjo and mandolin) and singer/songwriter, he has performed for audiences throughout the world. John is a past member of John Denver's band and in 1975 his Grammy nominated composition "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" became a number one hit on both the country and pop charts.

Randy Utterback grew up in southwest Iowa and moved to Colorado in 1995. 2005 marked his 25th year as a musical performer. He excels on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, bass, piano, pedal steel guitar and harmonica. Also a gifted singer and songwriter, he performs with many other groups and artists on the Western Slope in addition to "Heart of the Rockies". Randy lives in Paonia, Colorado with his wife Marylee and son Calen.