Bob Hemenger: Unleashing the natural power of music

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Photo courtesy Jonas Grushkin  Bob Hemenger basks in the glory of the two things he loves most — the beauty of the natural world and the saxophone. Photo courtesy Jonas Grushkin
Bob Hemenger basks in the glory of the two things he loves most — the beauty of the natural world and the saxophone.[/caption]

To sum up Bob Hemenger’s philosophy of life and art, it would be that music is only as good as the person who facilitates it.

In this regard, it is no surprise that Hemenger is lauded as one of the best saxophone players in the country, because he is, in fact, a phenomenal human being.

Hemenger has lived in Pagosa Springs for over 20 years. He can be found playing music across town, from humble mom-and-pop venues to the Four Corners Folk Festival stage where he plays alongside the biggest names to grace our mountain town.

Hemenger is perhaps one of Pagosa Springs’ best kept secrets.

He is approachable and has a light-hearted, joyful demeanor. In his daily life, he is an educator and a naturalist.

Locals enjoy his music over dinner at Riff Raff Brewing Company, and may let him slip past their notice as an ordinary person.

Truth is, he has played in front of 17,000 people with the infamous Zac Brown Band, and captivated the likes of Robert Plant, the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, at the Telluride Music Festival.

Our best kept secret, indeed, and an extraordinary one at that.

Hemenger grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and began learning music at a young age.

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