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Jeff Baum, executive director of the Breckenridge Music Festival the past nine years, will be stepping down from the position effective Oct. 15.
BRECKENRIDGE — Sunday night’s concert at the Riverwalk Center wrapped up the 28th summer season of the Breckenridge Music Festival; it also marked the end of executive director Jeff Baum’s time with the organization.
Baum has led the nonprofit since 1999 and notes the development of the Blue River Series of contemporary music along with the positive working atmosphere he leaves behind as his top accomplishments.
Baum’s career in music management began in the 1970s as a roadie for Jefferson Airplane. He soon became the production manager and toured with the band for 10 years. During that time in San Francisco, he also worked with local groups like the Steve Miller Band and the Grateful Dead.
After his stint with Jefferson Airplane, Baum tried his hand at a number of different professions before realizing he needed a college degree. He began his undergraduate work at the age of 34 at the University of California-Berkeley, then continued at the London School of Economics and then the University of Cincinnati.
As a Colorado native, Baum was drawn back to Summit County in the late 1990s just before accepting the executive-director position for both the Breckenridge Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra in 1999. In 2002, he was hired solely as the director of the Breckenridge Music Festival.
Baum, a Frisco homeowner, noted he is not leaving the county and in fact looks to continue working with the Breckenridge Music Festival in some aspects.
“There’s talk about some consulting, or perhaps me taking over the Blue River Series as an independent contractor. There’s also talk of me joining the board,” Baum said Tuesday.
Baum said in the future he is interested in using his many music contacts in creating a “presenting-type production company.”
Right now, however, Baum said he is looking to take some time for himself.
Wally Ducayet, president of the Breckenridge Music Festival board of directors, said in a press release: “Jeff’s skills, commitment and dedication have allowed the BMF to grow to serve the expanding Breckenridge and Summit County communities. While we will miss his day-to-day efforts, we look forward to Jeff’s continued support and involvement.”
Ducayet said they will begin a nationwide search for Baum’s replacement immediately.
Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com.
Baum has led the nonprofit since 1999 and notes the development of the Blue River Series of contemporary music along with the positive working atmosphere he leaves behind as his top accomplishments.
Baum’s career in music management began in the 1970s as a roadie for Jefferson Airplane. He soon became the production manager and toured with the band for 10 years. During that time in San Francisco, he also worked with local groups like the Steve Miller Band and the Grateful Dead.
After his stint with Jefferson Airplane, Baum tried his hand at a number of different professions before realizing he needed a college degree. He began his undergraduate work at the age of 34 at the University of California-Berkeley, then continued at the London School of Economics and then the University of Cincinnati.
As a Colorado native, Baum was drawn back to Summit County in the late 1990s just before accepting the executive-director position for both the Breckenridge Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra in 1999. In 2002, he was hired solely as the director of the Breckenridge Music Festival.
Baum, a Frisco homeowner, noted he is not leaving the county and in fact looks to continue working with the Breckenridge Music Festival in some aspects.
“There’s talk about some consulting, or perhaps me taking over the Blue River Series as an independent contractor. There’s also talk of me joining the board,” Baum said Tuesday.
Baum said in the future he is interested in using his many music contacts in creating a “presenting-type production company.”
Right now, however, Baum said he is looking to take some time for himself.
Wally Ducayet, president of the Breckenridge Music Festival board of directors, said in a press release: “Jeff’s skills, commitment and dedication have allowed the BMF to grow to serve the expanding Breckenridge and Summit County communities. While we will miss his day-to-day efforts, we look forward to Jeff’s continued support and involvement.”
Ducayet said they will begin a nationwide search for Baum’s replacement immediately.
Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com.
