The Moab Music Festival was founded by Michael Barrett and Leslie Tompkins over 30 years ago, and the influence of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein was present even then. This season, the festival is holding a free screening of the biopic film “Maestro,” along with a presentation from Berstein’s daughter Jamie.
MSN: You’ve had a long personal connection to the festival from the very beginning.
Jamie Bernstein: Yes, Michael Barrett and Leslie Tompkins were not only good family friends, but Michael studied conducting with my dad and then, later on, became my father’s conducting assistant.
MSN: How have you seen the festival change over the years?
JB: In the very beginning, it was so ambitious but they started small and didn’t have much of a budget. The first programs were just thin photocopied paper. Now, I look at these gorgeous, full-color program books, all glossy and elegantly designed and I think, boy, we’ve come a long way. The music as well, of course: expanding all the outdoor places to have concerts over the years. And then the river trip was such a fantastic addition!
MSN: That river trip just sounds so improbable, doesn’t it?
JB: It’s so improbable and it’s so indescribably thrilling. I cannot express what a gigantic experience it is. You’re getting a concert every time you pull over and sometimes in the boat while it’s moving. You’re there with pals and the camping is fun, and you get these fantastic dinners and the white water.
MSN: You’re also presenting at a few events this year.
JB: Yes, at a free screening of “Maestro” on September 3 and I’m also narrating a concert of my father’s piano pieces at a house show on September 4. Each of the pieces is dedicated to someone in his life, so I talk about the people and that becomes a sort of portrait of my dad.
MSN: Wow, that sounds so that sounds so intimate. For people in the community who haven’t connected with the Moab Music Festival, what would you say to them to get them to turn out this year?
JB: I would say that I really hope they realize that they have a precious gem sitting in the middle of their town and that they should admire and enjoy it. They can really take advantage of this fantastic jewel that belongs to them. It’s such a gift to the community, honestly. I love that whole part of it so much, especially the free Labor Day concert that’s in Old City Park.
For tickets and more information about this year’s festival, go to moabmusicfest.org
