Harry & Friends featuring Martin and Steve Gilmore

About Harry & Friends

In 2024, the tradition continues! Our founder, Harry Tuft, will be coming by to swap songs and stories with his talented musician friends. The evening begins with an interview and performance with Harry’s guest, from 7:00 – 8:15 PM. After a 15-minute break, there will be a song circle, to which players and listeners are all invited. The song circle ends at 9:45 in order for the building to close at 10 PM.

Harry’s friend will be…Martin and Steve Gilmore! Check back here for more details!

Martin Gilmore, a soaring troubadour of modern folk, weaves tales with strings that resonate through time. His nimble fingers find harmony in the tapestry of folk and country, skillfully blending tradition with innovation. Born on the prairies of Nebraska, he now lives in Denver, Colorado. A poet with a guitar, Martin’s lyrics dance between heartache and hope, painting vivid portraits of the human experience. In 2024 he won the Telluride Troubadour and the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriters Showcase songwriting contests. From small-town stages to packed amphitheaters, his melodies captivate audiences, inviting them on a journey of introspection and joy.

A lifetime interest in music has enriched Steve’s life in every way. His parents bought him a harmonica when he was 6 years-old. He joined church choir when he was 8, and started playing trombone when he was 11. He had a strong interest in playing the guitar, and at age 12, he acquired a guitar from his brother. Growing up in a house where his parents listened to a variety of music, Steve began learning many styles. Neither parent was a musician, but they liked music and frequently purchased records. Steve’s early influences were The Kingston Trio, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, The Sons of The Pioneers and many other groups.

As a teen, Steve bought a banjo and his parents gave him a mandolin for his 15^th birthday. He was hooked on acoustic music, and although he also played rock & roll, his real passion was acoustic guitar. Moving to Nebraska in the 1970’s, he joined forces with Mike Metzger and Turtle Creek Bluegrass Band was formed. For over 25 years, Turtle Creek performed throughout the region as members of the Nebraska Arts Council Touring Arts Program. They were frequent performers at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas and played numerous other festivals in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.

In 1999, Steve was asked to join Denver based bluegrass band High Plains Tradition as the guitarist. Since that time, High Plains Tradition has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada. They have also made 5 tours of Ireland.

Martin and Steve performed frequently while Martin was growing up. Additionally, Steve hosted community concerts and festivals throughout the region. As a result, there was a steady stream of talented musicians who visited. Some of these artists included Country Gazette, Bryan Bowers, Stephen Bennett, Jim Salestrom, John Lowell and Ben Winship. Music festivals also afforded many opportunities for Martin and Steve to play music with stellar musicians.

Singing with family members comes naturally. Sister Gretchen occasionally joins Martin and Steve in informal jam sessions, and wonderful harmonies happen. Family and music binds Martin and Steve together. They both love making music and spending time together.