Each room at the High Country Motor Lodge (HCML) features an ultra-plush bed, designer bath amenities, high-speed internet and a box of cassettes with a retro tape deck.
In collaboration with The Numero Group, the roadside motel curated this collection of analog mixtapes to reflect the space and pay homage to the era of road trips and the wilderness experience, the spirit of this budding lodge.
Music, therefore, is an essential part of the ethos that HCML is trying to amplify, and this summer, the hotel is expanding Flagstaff鈥檚 entertainment options with the Fadeaway Sessions, a free, all-ages concert series that is open to both guests and members of the community.
Stripped back and intimate, these sessions are meant to celebrate independent music and bring people together, but this isn鈥檛 the first time HCML has experimented with live music.
Last year, the hotel hosted Flagstaff Fadeaway, a music festival that endeavored to treat those in attendance to an evening of great music benefiting the Glen Canyon Institute.
John Grossman, CEO of Marc & Rose Hospitality鈥攖he owner and operator of HCML鈥攕aid these two Fadeaway initiatives embody HCML鈥檚 continued efforts to invest in the things that matter most to this community, which in this case are conservation and the arts.
鈥淏y initiating Fadeaway Sessions,鈥� Grossman said, 鈥渨e can fuel the momentum and energy we created from Flagstaff Fadeaway through a regular live music series that will continue to highlight a variety of musicians and musical styles with each show benefitting environmentally-focused nonprofits through 1% For The Planet.鈥�
The talent that HCML books for the sessions are artists who also wish to support environmentally-focused nonprofits.
The first show featured Tim Hill, a keyboardist and touring member of the Allah-Las; the next, L茅Ponds and Florry.
HCML is not tied to a specific musical criteria.
鈥淓ach session features a different musician,鈥� Grossman said. 鈥淪ome artists are local and some are taking a detour from the open road. Genres range from indie folk and Americana to cosmic country and beyond.鈥�
HCML plans to carry the Fadeaway concept forward, bringing innovative musical programming to locals and guests alike at absolutely no cost. Seating is first come, first serve, and no outside food or alcohol is permitted.
L茅Ponds performs on July 27, and Florry on August 10. All shows begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Learn more about the Fadeaway Sessions at .