Bangkok Happy Bowl and Phat Pho n Sushi, in partnership with the Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS), will host their 12th annual live music series this summer on the garden patios of both restaurants. The series runs July 2 through August 23, 2027, every Thursday through Monday from 6–8 p.m., with select Saturdays featuring additional guest musicians.
The collaboration showcases student musicians from AMFS's Hire A Musician program, which places ensembles in venues across the Roaring Fork Valley. Performers, selected from AMFS's summer programs, rotate through solo, duo, trio, and quartet configurations, primarily featuring strings with occasional woodwind performances. The intimate outdoor setting allows guests to enjoy Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine while listening to live classical music.
Veronica Janet Lopez, Education and Community Programs Coordinator at AMFS, emphasized the program's value: "The Hire A Musician program provides our students with meaningful performance opportunities in community settings. This long-standing collaboration continues to be an important way for students to share their work outside the classroom and connect with local audiences."
Kirk Coult, owner of both restaurants, noted the series' significance: "This series has become an important part of our summer programming. It brings together live music and dining in a way that supports young musicians while offering guests a unique experience in Aspen."
AMFS offers intensive summer programs in orchestral, chamber, opera, and solo performance disciplines. Students study and perform alongside faculty and visiting musicians from major orchestras and institutions across the United States. The Hire A Musician initiative complements these programs by providing real-world performance experience.
The adjoining patios seat over fifty guests, creating an outdoor dining experience enhanced by live music. The series underscores the role of local businesses in fostering cultural opportunities and supporting the next generation of musicians. For more information about the restaurants, visit Bangkok Happy Bowl or Phat Pho n Sushi.
