Ghosts in Grafton, stolen quilts in Rockville and moonlight sonatas in Springdale.  A cycle of songs celebrating the history and contemporary life of Zion National Park and its neighboring communities.  Based on oral histories gathered from local residents (portrayed here in a photo gallery). Performed by an all-star ensemble on a lively assortment of guitars, violins, oboe, English horn, mandolin, banjo, mandocello, harmonica, button accordion, jaw harp, upright bass and vocals.  Immediately after release the CD shot to #10 on the Folk DJ chart, with "When President Harding Came to Zion" the #7 song.

READ the lyrics and the stories behind the songs HERE

Composer and former Springdale, Utah mayor Phillip Bimstein wrote Zion Canyon Song Cycle on a grant from the nationwide Continental Harmony commissioning program of the American Composers Forum.  His alternative classical works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Abravanel Hall, London’s Royal Opera House, and his new wave band's videos appeared on MTV in the 1980s.  Bimstein teaches and speaks about Red Rock Rondo and issues related to music and community—for info see Composing a Community.  He also performs with the chamber folk ensemble, blue haiku.

Hear Red Rock Rondo @ MySpace

Zion Canyon Song Cycle is performed by Red Rock Rondo, a 6-member ensemble including the internationally-known recording artist Kate MacLeod, Deseret String Band and Cowboy Poetry Gathering founder Hal Cannon, Phillip Bimstein and fellow blue haiku members Harold Carr, Flavia Cerviño-Wood and Charlotte Bell, who also perform with the Salt Lake Symphony.  Their music is a well-crafted synergy of folk and classical styles.  

To see live concert photos, click here.  To hear songs from the Zion Canyon Song Cycle  CD, click here.  To buy the CD, click here.  To see stills from the upcoming 2009 PBS TV special about Red Rock Rondo, in celebration of Zion National Park's Centennial, "A Century of Sanctuary,"  click here.

For more information, please email Red Rock Rondo

Read a feature story in the Salt Lake Tribune

Read The Music Man of Zion in The Daily Yonder

Go to CD cover artist Kate Starling's website here.