About The MSB
The Morningside String Band started as an acoustic trio in 2019, based out of Steamboat Springs, CO. The band primarily uses traditional acoustic instruments (mandolin, acoustic guitar & stand up bass), with the addition of drums and an electric guitar. This lends itself to an eclectic mix of originals and covers, rooted in blues, reggae, bluegrass, funk, jam and rock.
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The lineup includes: Craig Thornhill (acoustic guitar, vocals) / Paul Geppert (mandolin and vocals) / Tim Cunningham (upright bass) / Courtney La Zier (electric guitar and vocals) and frequently rotates between Gabe Hedstrom (drums/percussion) and Ron Wheeler (drums/percussion)
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The band plays regularly around Steamboat and Northwest Colorado. The MSB has played Rhythms on The Rio in 2023 and 2025, with plans to continue to play more festivals and new venues in and around Colorado.
Individual band member bios below:
Craig Thornhill plays acoustic rhythm guitar and holds down one of the vocal spots with the MSB. He has been playing guitar for approximately 30+ years. Growing up, Craig split time between Chicago and Louisiana, which generated a deep appreciation for a lot of different kinds of music, including blues, funk, reggae, jam, bluegrass, R/B, hard core, EDM and more. This often contributes to an eclectic song selection and writing style for Craig. His originals are frequently played at MSB shows and tend to melodically and lyrically represent his musical roots and passions, as well as living the mountain lifestyle in Colorado. Outside of music, Craig works as a mental health/addiction professional and enjoys snowboarding, fly-fishing and raising his family in Steamboat.
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Paul Geppert grew up in the New York metro area and was influenced by AM and FM radio coming out of the city. A multi-instrumentalist, he has been a part of the northwest Colorado musical community for the past 25 years and has performed at too many weddings, chili cookoffs, backyard BBQs and festivals to recall. Paul has played in the Steamboat Springs-based band 3 Wire for over 20 years. He was also a member of Old River Road and currently plays mandolin and sings in The Morningside String Band.
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Tim Cunningham was born and raised in the Mississippi delta, Tim was soaked in the soulful rhythms and melodies of the blues. After playing the piano and electric bass, Tim transitioned to the upright bass to get an authentic sound for playing Jazz, bluegrass, newgrass, and folk. He enjoys holding down rhythm sections, with drummers or not. Tim lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with his wife and two daughters.
Courtney La Zier grew up in the suburbs of Chicago catching as much live blues in the Windy City as he could from a young age. He’s been in the music biz his entire life whether it be a recording studio, music store, or the stage. Currently loving life in the mountains around Creede, CO, Courtney is thrilled to be bending some strings with the Morningside String Band.
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Gabe Hedstrom is originally from Kansas, the land of sunshine, sunflowers, and sons of Kansas mothers, Gabe has been playing drum set in bands since Junior High School. He has been fortunate to play many genres of music in Kansas City, Memphis, Midwest, and Colorado venues and generally has a darn good time doing it.
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Ron Wheeler is a longtime Steamboat musician, playing in many projects over the years. Ron is classically trained with an affinity for jazz, blues, rock and anything else you throw at him.