Retirement may signal the end of a career, but for some Western Slope musicians, it’s just the start of a new set. These artists may have years of experience or little at all, but in retirement they aren’t chasing stardom—they’re finding joy in the music itself.

Their performances bring energy and connection to the stage, reminding audiences that music keeps minds sharp, spirits high and friendships strong.

JAZZ WITH A TWIST

Mixed Bag Jazz has become a staple on the Western Slope, performing at everything from weddings and festivals to winery shows and corporate events. Based in Montrose, the group provides ensembles of all sizes—duos, trios, quartets and more—hence the name “Mixed Bag.” Known for putting their own spin on everything from jazz standards to rock and movie tunes, they thrive on improvisation.

“Jazz is a test,” said co-founder and bass player Todd Humphrey, 71. “If you can play jazz, you can play anything.” 

Horn player and co-founder Zan Waller added that jazz musicians “build on each other’s strengths and create something new.”

For three of the musicians—Waller, Humphrey and drummer Pat Olson—the band is the focus of their retirement years. 

Waller, 57, is a retired military musician who performed with both Army and Navy bands around the world for more than 20 years before returning to Montrose, where he grew up. His passion for music started early, nurtured by his jazz-playing father. 

“After the millionth playing of Miles Davis, I told my father that trumpets stink,” he recalled. 

Yet in high school, a friend introduced him to the coronet, and he’s been hooked ever since.

Humphrey, a retired music educator and longtime professional musician from Southern California, also grew up with a father who played in a jazz band. He was trained on bass to fill a perpetual gap in the group and landed his first paid gig at the Elks Club at age 12. 

Olson, 77, came to music by a roundabout path. Over the years, he built careers in sculpture, real estate, television production and computer science, before returning to his first love of art and music. After moving to Grand Junction, he reconnected with Humphrey and Waller, and joined the group.

The band’s younger members keep the lineup versatile. Guitarist Jim Disner, 47, studied under Denver jazz legend Ron Miles and now makes music his full-time career, supplementing it with instrument repair and the occasional handyman job. 

“I fell in love with jazz and the improvisational element of it,” said Disner. “It’s more challenging than other music and I do not like to be bored.”

Guitarist Greg Kinslow, 53, splits his time between playing in bands and managing properties. He moved to New York at 20, played with groups that landed record deals and worked as a studio musician before moving to the Western Slope. Today, he divides his time between Colorado and St. John in the Virgin Islands, joining whichever band needs him.

Since Kinslow and Disner often have other commitments with other groups, they sub out for each other, keeping the ensemble flexible.

Mixed Bag Jazz continues to collaborate with musicians of all ages and is actively looking for new talent—vocalists, DJs, horn and keyboard players—to expand their offerings. 

For performance dates or booking information, visit MixedBagJazz.com.

SLIM PICKINGS

Slim Pickings is another Western Slope band proving that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from music. The bluegrass quartet from Grand Junction blends traditional bluegrass with the storytelling spirit of folk and Americana. Their sound spills out of breweries, festivals and small-town venues, where audiences find themselves smiling and tapping their feet.

The group formed about four years ago when banjo and guitar player Tony Weadock, 67, met mandolinist Gary Lobdell, 70, at local jam sessions. Both were eager for something more—Lobdell wanted a challenge and Weadock wanted to reignite his passion for music.

They began practicing together, and soon bassist Dave Featherstone, 73, joined in and the trio began rotating practice sessions in each other’s living rooms. Not long after, they connected with guitarist Dave Karisny, 68. 

At first, they called themselves Half Grassed, a nod to their genre-blending style, but the name Slim Pickings soon stuck.

Informal jam sessions give the band freedom to test new material and even swap instruments, while performances bring the thrill of connecting with audiences of all ages. Their catalog blends covers with originals, with each member taking turns to lead. 

Weadock, an advocate for shelter animals, has written playful songs such as “Pitbull Kisses” and “Zoomies,” while Lobdell composed “Delores’ Song,” an instrumental tribute to his aunt.

They prefer smaller venues, where they can see the audience’s reaction up close. Featherstone recalls one of their most memorable shows in Nucla, where a Pizza Hut was transformed into a concert hall. With only 30 people in the room, the intimacy made the night unforgettable.

All four members are retired, but weekly practices keep them sharp. 

“Retirement is the perfect time to reignite the flame,” added Weadock. 

For him, the banjo keeps his mind active, while for Karisny, guitar helps ease feelings of isolation. 

“Whether it’s music, dancing or singing in the shower, stay active, stay curious and do what brings you joy,” said Karisny.

Learn more about the band on their website or contact Weadock at 301-514-5498 to book.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

• Sept. 6 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Terravin Cellars | Palisade
• Sept. 11 • 4 p.m. | Montrose Art Crawl | Montrose
• Sept. 20 • 6:30 p.m. | Terravin Cellars | Palisade
• Sept. 21 • 11 a.m. | Terravin Cellars | Palisade

• Sept. 5 • 5-8 p.m. | Flying Bear Pizzeria | Naturita
• September 24 • 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Trail Life Brewery | Downtown Grand Junction
• Sept. 27 • 2 p.m. | Fruita Fall Festival, Circle Park | Fruita
• Oct. 4  | Heritage Festival, Town Park | Nucla

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