VVR: You’ve spent most of your life performing on stage. What drew you to the Artist in Residence program at Vista Verde?

Georgiana: I’ve always thrived in front of an audience—whether it was the high school play or a national TV performance. But I was curious what might happen creatively if I took time away from the stage and the pressure and just gave myself space. This program felt like a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to explore that.

VVR: And what did you find when you got here?

Georgiana: Silence. [laughs] A lot of it. At first, it was intimidating. I have lived in the city my entire life and have never experienced so much open space, peace, and solitude. I’ve never had to practice being alone before. But the quiet has become a teacher in its own way. I’m learning that creativity doesn’t always look like a spotlight—it can be soft, slow, and internal.

VVR: How has your music evolved during your time at The Ranch?

Georgiana: I have been asked to play music that I have not played before. Singing old country western tunes has been a really fun challenge. It has asked my own songwriting methods questions about authenticity and storytelling. I realized I have been writing in a formula for a long time. I was asking myself what is the most catchy instead of what feels the most honest to me and my story. I think this new breaking free of my creative patterns has pushed my lyricism forward.

VVR: Any surprises along the way?

Georgiana: I am amazed by the deep connections I’ve already made. I have a strong personality, and I have met so many people that I just adore. My coworkers are lovely and have supported me intensely. Every time I play, they are there to cheer me on, which is a huge confidence booster. The Ranch has also given me opportunities to collaborate with other more established artists like Van Andrew, which is just incredible.

VVR: What does “practice” mean to you now?

Georgiana: Practice is such an interesting concept for musicians. It is our lifeblood when we are in school and working in large ensembles. I was expected to practice 4 hours a day outside of rehearsals. You often hear “practice makes perfect,” but I use the mantra “practice makes permanent.” If you practice something wrong, you’re going to play it wrong. Practice isn’t just music. I have to practice patience, empathy, compassion, and knowing when to keep my mouth shut [laughing]. I have come to realize that my daily practices are also making permanent, not perfect. I am practicing introspection and giving grace to others (and myself) even when it’s difficult. Practice isn’t just sitting with my guitar or at the piano or doing vocal exercises. Practice is learning and growing as a human being. I don’t want to ever stop doing that.

VVR: Any advice for the next Artist in Residence?

Georgi: Use some of your creative time to relax. Leave the hustle and bustle behind. It takes a minute to adjust here, whether it’s the altitude or the lifestyle. One big issue that every musician I have ever met runs into is feeling like they are not working hard enough. Use your time here to reset. Also, give everything you do a really good try, and give yourself some grace when it isn’t perfect. It will never be perfect, and that is okay. Create with reckless abandon. Know that your time at the Ranch is sacred, so take full advantage of the opportunity. You’ve stumbled upon something really special.

As Georgi wraps up her season with us, it’s clear that the Artist in Residence program is about more than just creating art—it’s about community, personal growth, and the beauty of slowing down. She reminds us that creativity doesn’t just come from constant output, but from stillness, connection, and grace. We’re grateful for the contribution that Georgi has brought—her music and her heart. We can’t wait to see how her story continues to unfold beyond her time at the Ranch.

There, I said it. My wife tells me this all the time (Holly, you’re right), and I’ve finally come around. I love watching my Phillies and Eagles. I get pulled into a good western, or a random history documentary about something obscure that has zero relevance to my soul.

But here’s the thing — I’ve realized how toxic it can all be. The ads yelling at me about what to drive, what to drink, who to blame. Those subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages sneak into our conversations — around the water cooler, over coffee, even around the dinner table. It’s exhausting. It’s divisive.

It’s just… noise.

Nearly 19 years ago, I came to Vista Verde Ranch because I was craving something quieter. Something better. I saw how identity was turning into tribalism — people retreating into corners and throwing stones. I wanted to help create a place where folks could drop their guard, ride a horse, eat a great meal, two-step at a barn dance, and remember how much we actually have in common. A place that breathes life back into people.

Life is short, and most of us are breathing in too much smog — stress, conflict, outrage. But out here at Vista Verde, you can unplug from the noise. You can take a deep breath of clean mountain air. You can laugh. Share stories. Reconnect — with loved ones, new friends, or maybe even that still, small voice inside you that’s hard to hear when the world is shouting.

So, really, this is just an invitation. To come have coffee with me or someone new on the front porch. No fences, plenty of seats. You might be surprised who you meet — and what you hear. Especially if it’s yourself.

– Ben Martin, Executive General Manager

Live. Work. Create. Inspire.

There’s something about the wide-open spaces, whispering aspens, and snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the horses’ hooves on the trail or the quake of the aspen leaves. Whatever it is, creativity tends to run wild around here — and now, we’re inviting artists to saddle up and join the ride.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Vista Verde Ranch Artist in Residence Program, a one-of-a-kind opportunity for talented musicians to immerse themselves in the Ranch lifestyle while honing their craft, connecting with a vibrant community, and performing in one of the most naturally inspiring places on Earth.

So What Is the Artist in Residence Program?

Think of it as part songwriting retreat, part gig, part mountain soul-search. This seasonal program is designed for musicians who want to step away from the noise and into the beauty, simplicity, and depth of Ranch Life.

As our Artist in Residence, you’ll:
🎶 Live and work a real ranch job at the base of the majestic Zirkel Wilderness
🎶 Perform regularly for guests during evening campfire gatherings and local events
🎶 Create new work inspired by the mountains, the people, and the rhythm of life on the ranch
🎶 Grow as a person and a performer, connecting with audiences from all walks of life
🎶 Collaborate with our marketing team to tell your story and elevate your personal brand

Whether you’re a rising country artist, a bluegrass picker, a soulful indie singer-songwriter, or something uniquely your own, we want to offer you a stage — with a backdrop of jaw-dropping alpenglow.

Meet Our First Artist in Residence: Georgiana “Georgi” Stern

To kick off this exciting new chapter, we’re proud to introduce our inaugural Artist in Residence: Georgiana “Georgi” Stern.

An Indiana native, Georgiana blends heartfelt storytelling with soulful melodies. Her music carries echoes of the land she grew up in — earthy, honest, and unafraid to roam. She sings and plays guitar and piano.

Georgiana, a recent graduate from Belmont University School of Music in Nashville, TN, will spend the 2025 summer season performing for our guests, creating original music inspired by her time at the Ranch, and collaborating with the Farwell Mountain Band to bring this program to life. Guests can expect to hear her play during fireside acoustic sets, with the band on Music Night, at local events at Steamboat Lake Outpost, our sister adventure lodge.

We can’t wait for you to meet her — and for the music that will come from this extraordinary collision of artistry and adventure.

Want to Be Next?

If you’re a musician looking for more than just a gig — if you’re craving space to grow, inspiration to create, and a community that’s as real as the mountains — we want to hear from you.

📧 Reach out to jobs@vistaverde.com
🌐 Learn more at www.vistaverde.com

Come write your next song with us — it just might be your most inspired yet.

Raised on a farm in rural Illinois, but just an hour or so from Chicago, Dace had an innate love for nature and solitude, but a taste for culture and the arts. He grew up with 2 younger sisters and 2 older brothers, and stays close to all of them to this day. In fact, Dace is the proud and fun-loving uncle of 8 nieces and nephews with another arriving soon.

After leaving Illinois to attend college at CU Boulder, Dace essentially never looked back. He discovered guest ranches in Colorado as a wrangler during his summer breaks and that relationship extended well past graduation as he helped manage and run a well established Colorado guest ranch for years.

Next up, Dace attended Biola University in California for his Masters in Organizational Leadership while also working at the Disney Grand California, for a different angle into the world of hospitality. It was shortly after that Dace ended up learning about the opportunity to come be General Manager at Vista Verde Ranch. He and Ben both interviewed for the job and agreed that it would best be approached by them sharing the role and each having their own focus.

Where things get interesting about Dace is to understand the various layers of his passions. An avid sports fan, Dace is currently rooting for the Chicago Black hawks to make their first run at the Stanley Cup. But, taking a break from that, he moves into his studio upstairs (pictured) to work on some of his paintings that he is considering submitting for an art show this Spring. You’ll not only find a guitar in Dace’s office for singing around the campfire, but he plays often at home. Time away from the ranch has taken Dace to China to be a speaker on hospitality, to visit family and explore places like Mackinaw Island, Puerto Rico and the southern states.

Right now Dace is finishing up the hiring for the summer season. He has all positions filled except for the last fishing guide. I’m sure he’ll be celebrating when he fills that last spot! We hope you get to meet Dace if you haven’t already. And if you have, know that he’ll be waiting by the campfire with his guitar for you next time you’re out this way.