Moab » The label of chamber music comes from the notion that smaller classical music ensembles would be able to fit inside of a chamber, or small room.

But what happens when you take the room out of the equation?

That’s the idea behind the Grotto Concerts held during the 19th annual Moab Music Festival, which began Sept. 1 and continues through Sept. 12 in this small, lively Grand County town.

This year’s three Grotto Concerts serve as signature events of the festival that celebrates the mystical tandem of music and landscape: each is elevated by the other.

Chamber music is the focus of the festival, but during the past two decades the offerings and venues have been expanded. This year, for example, the progressive bluegrass group The Punch Brothers (led by former Nickel Creek mandolin player Chris Thile) headline a concert at Red Cliffs Lodge, while the Latin Jazz All-Stars will showcase Venezuelan bebop on Sept. 10 at the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa.

But it’s the series of Grotto concerts that encapsulate the vision of festival co-founders and husband-and-wife team Michael Barrett and Leslie Tomkins, who play classical piano and viola, respectively. Two decades ago, as they began planning the festival, a river guide told them about a spot about 10 or so miles up the adjacent Colorado River that could provide a unique place for a concert. The pair were skeptical but intrigued.

To read more about my experience at the Moab Music Festival, go to: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/52512065-81/concert-concerts-festival-grotto.html.csp