By Spencer Powell. (Special contributor to Steamboat Radio)

Caption: Kevin Donahue playing keyboard with Sunsquabi, a Denver-based band returning to Steamboat Springs March 23 and March 24. Kevin Donohue/Courtesy photo.

 

Despite making quite the name for themselves, Sunsquabi still makes a point to tour through small mountain towns such as Steamboat Springs.

The Denver-based three-piece future funk rock-and-roll “jamtronica” band is known for keeping a persistent year-round tour schedule, performing at a motley of venues with unique performances at each stop.

“There’s always special stuff for Steamboat,” said Kevin Donohue, the band’s guitarist, keyboardist and producer. “You know, it’s kind of one of those places where we just feel so comfortable. The vibe is so good with the crowd that we can do whatever we feel like doing.”

Every Sunsquabi show is different. Their improvisational skills are world class and no matter the venue, whether they’re performing at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre or the Old Town Pub, their willingness to go off-script and deliver a curated experience has endeared them to audiences.

They mix together a whole hodge-podge of musical inspirations from Pink Floyd to Earth Wind and Fire, to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Donohue’s personal favorite, King Crimson.

Donohue said this past year has been one of the biggest ever for Sunsquabi, who played in so many festivals Donohue can’t remember them all. In October, the band also released “Arise,” their first full-length album since before the pandemic in 2019, from which they intend to play at least a few some songs during their two shows in town.

The title of their new album is in reference to the band’s musical endeavors in the post-lockdown era. After the pandemic put the kibosh to live music, Donohue said he’s more than happy to be back on the road.

“I think that we all kind of look at things differently now, and it’s just really a privilege,” Donohue said. “Every show that we get to play just feels like the biggest opportunity, you know what I mean?”

He also said performing in Steamboat Springs especially is something the band doesn’t want to take for granted. Ever since the band had to cancel one of their Steamboat shows several years ago because Rabbit Ears Pass was being especially treacherous, Sunsquabi has made a point to bring the energy to the town.

And for the Colorado band, Donohue said driving up to Steamboat feels like coming home.

“It’s just a big family affair in Steamboat,” he said. “So we love going to see the fam.”

Sunsquabi has one more show this week. It’s at 9 p.m. tonight at Old Town Pub. Tickets are $35.