The best weekend of the year will be here in no time. For 40 years, Festivarians have been flocking to Telluride's Town Park during the Summer Solstice to pay tribute to one of the greatest forms of American roots music: BLUEGRASS. 13,000 foot peaks, sunshine, Killer Flank Steaks, free Workshops, campsite hoedowns, happy people, ice cold New Belgium brews, late night NightGrass parties, and 4 days of the best acoustic adventures you'll ever embark on.
Haven’t been to Telluride? The town was founded in 1858 after gold and silver were discovered, Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here, Nikola Tesla selected the site to build the world’s first power plant, hippies re-settled these lands in the 60’s, skiing arrived in the 70’s, real estate agents invaded in the 80’s, Tom Cruise, Oprah and Oliver Stone call it vacation, and Tim McGraw even wrote a song about it... and on the Summer Solstice, this small mountain town kicks off one of the most-anticipated festival lineups in the nation.
With the lineup additions of Mumford and Sons, The String Cheese Incident, Dispatch, Leftover Salmon, Feist and many more amazing musicians, this year's 40th anniversary fest undoubtedly sold-out in record time. In minutes, actually. Weren't able to snag tickets or lodging? We're here to help. This is your chance to meet us in the box canyon for one of the best experiences of your life!
We're giving away two, 4-day passes and 4 nights lodging at the Aspen Street Inn to one lucky winner for the sold-out 40th Telluride Bluegrass Festival, June 20-23, 2013! Tell your friends and family... you never know, they might invite you along!
Contest rules: Passes and lodging are only valid for the 40th Telluride Bluegrass Festival, non-transferable. Lodging consists of 4 nights at the Aspen Street Inn in the Lewis hotel room (Bedding: King bed or 2 twins). Contest starts Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 and one winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 1st, 2013.
Listen to our 2013 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Spotify Playlist and watch a short clip about the history of the festival:
We are so excited to welcome so many incredible names in bluegrass music to town this summer from June 20 - 23.
All-stars of bluegrass and country music grace the stages along with up-and-coming artists from all genres.
Returning to Telluride this year is the Telluride House Band, with Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan, and Edgar Meyer headlining the Sunday schedule.
For your traditional bluegrass and country music fix, Emmylou Harris, Tim O'Brien, Del McCoury and more will perform throughout the weekend.
Some of my favorite alternative musicians playing the festival this summer include Elephant Revival, Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers, Feist, Lake Street Dive and Sarah Jarosz.
(Above: Sarah Jarosz)
For a full list and tentative schedule of performances for the 2013 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, see the official website.
(Above: Hot Rize)
Stay tuned for more information and features on these amazing musicians.
We'll be keeping you updated on Telluride.com with all you need to plan your 2013 Telluride Bluegrass Festival adventure!
Good morning, Drew. I’d like to start by thanking you for taking the time to chat with me and Telluride.com this morning. Leftover Salmon’s music has been a huge influence on a lot of people’s lives… mine especially… not to mention, an enormous effect and influence on other bluegrass musicians, the festival circuit, and the Colorado & Telluride music scenes.
You guys are fresh of a brand new album and just about to head on a Winter Tour throughout the West…You excited to hit the road again with all the boys?
I’ve been in Hawaii with my family and in Crested Butte skiing powder… it’s been a good little break… but we’re ecstatic to get back on tour and hit the road again.
•Who were your major influences/musical heroes in your early years when you first picked up the banjo & mandolin?
Sam Bush, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, Flecktones, Zeplin, Yes, The Who,
•How did you meet Vince Herman back in the 80’s and how did Leftover come together? At a Left Hand String Band show?
Vince came from West Virginia out to Boulder… and the first night he was in town… he saw a sign outside the Walrus Saloon that said “Bluegrass Tonight”… turned out that my band Left Hand String Band was playing that night. The rest is history…
•Sounds like you’re finishing up a few shows with Bill Nershi and the Emmitt-Nershi Band this weekend… describe how it’s been touring with your buddy, Bill.
Awesome. We always have a fun, fun time. We’re going to finish up in Big Sky this weekend… with LoS picking up and Bill wanting to spend more time with his family, it’s good timing.
•2 part question… Sticking with collaborations… from past Telluride Bluegrass Fests & Merlefests… do you have a memorable collaboration? And who’s someone you would die to play with?
•Leftover Salmon’s unique hybrid of basically every type of American music has set you guys apart for years; you name it, you guys can play it…
How would YOU describe Leftover’s current sound/genre?
•You guys just released your first album in 8 years, “Aquatic Hitchhiker”… which sounds awesome by the way…
How did it get its name and elaborate on some of the songs you wrote, like “Gulf of Mexico”?
I started writing Gulf of Mexico when we were down on the Gulf with the Emmitt-Nershi Band… singing the tune “Way down in Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico…” and then we all collaborated and
•I’m originally from NC and I’ve had some good talks with Andy Thorn over the years…
Where did you meet Andy and how has his addition to the band helped Leftover?
Andy started in the Emmitt Nershi Band and he’s just a solid guy and seemed to fit with LoS. Chris Pandolfi recommended him when he left to go play with the String Dusters… so I called Andy up, chatted with him and hired him over the phone. We’re really excited to have him on board.
•We’re gearing up for a two-night run at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, February 27th…
How’s it like stepping out onto that stage?
Oh, it’s awesome. So much history… one of the smaller shows we play but the energy is amazing. We always enjoy playing the Opera House.
You going to get some skiing in while you’re in town? Wanna take some turns?
We love to ski a
•40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival on June 20-23rd. Leftover Salmon has been called one of the most quintessential Telluride Bluegrass Festival bands of them all…
When you look back on your career… What does the Telluride Bluegrass Festival mean to you personally? We started in the campgrounds… pickin and playing as the Left Hand Salmon Spankers… this will be my 20th year playing Telluride Bluegrass Festival… so, to be able to celebrate my 20th at the 40th is extremely special.
What type of mandolin are you playing right now? San Juan?
Drew Emmitt, I really appreciate you chattin’ with us this morning… You’re a Telluride legend and we can’t wait to see you at the Sheridan Opera House in a few weeks.
Look out for Leftover Salmon coming to a town near you this Winter and Spring and of course, we’ll see you at the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Check out their tour dates and new album at LeftoverSalmon.com
A Colorado local, mandolin prodigy, Telluride idol and an overall bluegrass God... Drew Emmitt has been jamming and doing what he loves for over 25 years. I grew to love his music back in the early 90's with the sweet, unmistakable, self-acclaimed "Poly-ethnic Cajun Slamgrass" sound of Leftover Salmon's 'Bridges to Bert' album. Its bluegrass mixed with an island, Cajun, funk, boogie carnival sound that makes you want to dance and drink a handful of ice cold beers... or sip some 'shine? Yes please. I still have his 'Nashville Sessions' album on tape cassette in my 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser... it plays on repeat, never gets old. Needless to say, Drew Emmitt is one of my all-time favorite musicians.
I think Telluride would feel the same way. From pickin' in the Town Park campgrounds during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, to playing on Main Stage and the historic Sheridan Opera House, to touring with his own band, the Emmitt-Nershi Band and Leftover Salmon... Telluride holds a special place in his heart as a magical spot where his career was launched and Leftover's cult-like followers grew by the thousands. We had the unique opportunity to chat with Drew Emmitt this morning, one of the founding members of Leftover Salmon, about his upcoming winter tour and Telluride shows, new album "Aquatic Hitchhiker" and the reuniting of Leftover Salmon. Hope you enjoy!
T.com: Good morning, Drew. I’d like to start by thanking you for taking the time to chat with me and Telluride.com this morning. Leftover Salmon’s music has been a huge influence on a lot of people’s lives, not to mention, an enormous impact on other bluegrass musicians, the festival circuit, and the Colorado & Telluride music scenes.
Drew: It's my pleasure! Thanks for chatting with me.
T.com: You guys are fresh off a brand new album and just about to head on a Winter Tour throughout the West, Southern California and numerous ski towns. You excited to hit the road again with all the boys after 8 years?
Drew: Can't wait. I’ve been in Hawaii with family and in Crested Butte skiing a bunch of powder… it’s been a good little break... but, we’re ecstatic to get back on tour and hit the road again. Leftover's back.
T.com: Let's go back for a minute... who were your major influences/musical heroes in your early years when you first picked up the banjo & mandolin?
Drew: Just to name a few... Sam Bush, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, Flecktones were a huge influence on me and my style... I also had a handful of rock n' roll influences such as Led Zeppelin, Yes, The Who... the list goes on.
T.com: How did you meet Vince Herman back in the 80’s and how did Leftover Salmon come together?
Drew: Vince came from West Virginia out to Boulder and the first night he was in town… he saw a sign outside the Walrus Saloon that said “Bluegrass Tonight”. Turned out that my band, Left Hand String Band, was playing that night. The rest is history. He was just a fun, crazy guy to hang out with and play music with... he started playing with his band the Salmon Heads and whenever they needed a player to fill in, I'd step in and jam with the guys.
T.com: Sounds like you’re finishing up a few shows with Bill Nershi and the Emmitt-Nershi Band this weekend… describe how it’s been touring with your buddy, Bill.
Drew: Awesome. We always have a fun, fun, fun time playing together. We’re going to finish up in Big Sky, Montana this weekend. Big Sky Big Grass is a great festival... we'll be playing along with Del McCoury and the Sam Bush Band... we love playing in ski towns - we try to ski as often as we can when there's time. With Leftover Salmon picking up and Bill wanting to spend more time with his family and playing with String Cheese, it’s been a great run playing with him and the band.
T.com: Do you have a memorable collaboration over the years?
Drew: Our 'Nashville Sessions' album was amazing to record. Playing and recording with the greats like Jeff Coffin, Taj Mahal, Waylon Jennings... it was extremely special and exciting. If I had to chose one though, I'd have to say Waylon Jennings... when he walked in the studio, I was like WHOA that's Waylon Jennings! (laughs)
T.com: Leftover Salmon’s unique hybrid of basically every type of American music has set you guys apart for years; you name it, you guys can play it…How would YOU describe Leftover’s current sound/genre?
Drew: We're back to a 5-piece band and with the addition of Andy Thorn on banjo... we're going back to our roots - old school Salmon Cajun jamgrass.
T.com: You guys just released your first album in 8 years, 'Aquatic Hitchhiker'… which sounds awesome by the way. How did it get its name and elaborate on some of the songs you wrote, like “Gulf of Mexico”?
Drew: I noticed a sign once in our travels that said, "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers". And I was like what is that?! It's a warning to boaters to not pick up little "hitchhikers" or little mussels attached to the bottom of your boat. I always thought that would be a cool song title... so, I kept it in the back of my head. And I guess that's what Leftover Salmon is. Aquatic Hitchhikers. Traveling around, playing music, leaving little pieces wherever we go. I started writing 'Gulf of Mexico' when we were down on the Gulf with the Emmitt-Nershi Band after the BP spill… I would hum & sing the tune “Way down in Mississippi by the Gulf of Mexico…” and then we all collaborated and it came together perfectly.
T.com: Where did you meet Andy Thorn and how has his addition to the band helped Leftover?
Drew: Andy started in the Emmitt Nershi Band and he’s just a solid guy and seemed to fit with Leftover Salmon. Chris Pandolfi recommended him when he left to go play with the Infamous Stringdusters… so, I called Andy up, chatted with him and hired him over the phone. He's just the right fit. We’re really excited to have him on board.
T.com: We’re gearing up for a two-night run at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, February 27th…How’s it like stepping out onto that stage?
Drew: Oh, it’s awesome. So much history… one of the smaller shows we play but the energy is amazing. We always enjoy playing the historic Opera House. It should be a good time, for sure.
T.com: You going to get some skiing in while you’re in town? Wanna take some turns?
Drew: I love to ski... that would be awesome!
T.com: With the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival coming up in June over the Summer Solstice... Leftover Salmon has been called one of the most quintessential Telluride Bluegrass Festival bands of them all… can you just describe what the Bluegrass Fest means to you personally?
Drew: It's amazing. We started in the campgrounds… pickin' and playing as the Left Hand Salmon Spankers. That's what Bluegrass Festival is all about. This will actually be my 20th year playing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival… so, to be able to celebrate my 20th at the 40th is extremely special to me.
T.com: What are some of your favorite venues/festivals to play around the country?
Drew: We enjoy playing High Sierra, Spring Fest, Fillmore in San Francisco and Denver, Red Rocks whenever you get the privilege to play there, Crystal Ballroom and the Boulder and Fox theaters... just to name a few.
T.com: What type of mandolin are you playing right now? San Juan?
Drew: I play my San Juan mandolin a good amount... love it. For Sam Bush's 60th birthday, I surprised him with the gift of a San Juan mandolin before our show at Bluegrass Fest. Bobby Wintringham and those guys in Dolores really know how to make an axe. I also play with my 1996 Nugget F5.
T.com: Drew Emmitt, I really appreciate you chattin’ with us this morning… You’re a Telluride legend and we can’t wait to see you at the Sheridan Opera House in a few weeks.
Drew: Can't wait! Thanks for the talk. See you later this month!
###
Look out for Leftover Salmon coming to a town near you this Winter and Spring... and of course, we’ll see you at the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Check out their tour dates and new album at LeftoverSalmon.com
Don't forget to buy your tickets to their two-night run at the Sheridan Opera House on 2/26 and 2/27!
Two words that Telluride, Colorado loves to hear: Leftover Salmon. Get ready for a two-night run at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, February 27th!
Leftover Salmon's unique bluegrass/funk/Cajun sound is unmistakable. After a short hiatus, Leftover Salmon took stage at the 2007 Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Town Park and marked their unofficial return to the bluegrass scene.... THANK GOD! They recently dropped a brand new album which is just a whole lot of awesomeness... stream the entire album on Spotify, here.
Get ready for not one, but TWO of the best shows you'll see this winter at the Sheridan Opera House! For more information and tickets, click here. But get them fast... these shows will definitely sell-out!
Take a look at Leftover's shows from last year's performance at the Sheridan Opera House:
Coming up in February we have some great music events at the Sheridan Opera House!
Bluegrass guitar legend and Grammy Award-winner Tim O’Brien plays Telluride on Monday, February 18th! There are plenty of tickets still available for this intimate seated show, featuring O’Brien on the acoustic guitar. Click here for a seating chart and to buy tickets through the historic Sheridan Opera House. The show begins at 8 pm and will certainly be a memorable night! To hear some of O’Brien’s music, click here.
FESSSTIVAAAAAL! I can hear Leftover lead man, Vince Herman, screaming it right now. Planet Bluegrass has announced the initial festival lineup for the 40th anniversary Telluride Bluegrass Festival on June 20-23, 2013. With record breaking ticket sales... this year's fest is going to be one for the ages. The list is full of the "Usual Suspects"... with a couple really exciting wild cards. Check it out!
Sam Bush Band Jackson Browne Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell Telluride House Band featuring Sam, Béla, Jerry, Edgar, Bryan & Stuart Yonder Mountain String Band Feist Hot Rize Richard Thompson Leftover Salmon Jerry Douglas Band Punch Brothers Tim O’Brien Peter Rowan Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Trampled by Turtles Sara Watkins The Infamous Stringdusters Steep Canyon Rangers Sarah Jarosz Elephant Revival Lake Street Dive BlueBilly Grit Telluride Troubadour and many more still to be announced…
Want to see Abigail Washburn in
concert? Want to see the show for free? And spend the weekend in Telluride??! We’re giving away two tickets to see Abigail LIVE in concert at the historic Sheridan
Opera House on Thursday, October 25th. The winner will also receive
one night of free lodging at the Mountainside Inn in Telluride just a
few blocks from the show!
This American old-time music singer
and songwriter has proven herself to be a bracing revelation to the folk
tradition. Abigail Washburn is an Illinois-born, Nashville-based clawhammer
banjo player who is every bit as interested in the present and the future as
she is in the past, and every bit as attuned to the global as she is to the
local. She pairs venerable folk elements with far-flung sounds, and the results
feel both strangely familiar and unlike anything anybody’s ever heard before.
To put it another way, she changes what seems possible.
We had the opportunity to speak with Abigail the other day about Telluride Bluegrass Festival, playing with Mumford and Sons, and her upcoming show at the historic Sheridan Opera House. Read the full interview, here.
WIN tickets provided by Sheridan
Opera House and lodging provided by Telluride Alpine Lodging and come check out
rising star and global phenomenon Abigail Washburn Thursday, October 25th!
Contest
Details:
1.
You must "Like" the Sheridan Opera House on Facebook.
3.
"Share" with your friends (They might win and invite you!!)
4.
Good luck!
If you don't win the contest, we'd still love to have you in town for this wonderful event! Buy concert tickets here, and call us for discounted lodging specials here in Telluride! 877-507-9695
*Two tickets and 1 night lodging are
non-transferrable and only valid for the Abigail Washburn concert on October
25th, 2012* *Contest will run from 10/15/12 to 10/18/12* *Lodging consists of 1 bedroom condo (sleeps 3-4) at the Mountainside Inn*
Little Hurricane Performs LIVE at the Sheridan Opera House TONIGHT (Thursday, September 13th, 2012)!
Celeste “C.C.” Spina, a cook and bartender, put out an add on Craigslist looking for like-minded musicians and Anthony “Tone” Catalano, impressed by a woman on the drums, struck an interest. The two turned out to be practically neighbors, living just up the street from one another in North Park, San Diego. Stricking up a blues-jazz collaborative, the two have a raw sound and lyrics that tap into some of the more difficult aspects of life: death, age, loneliness, lies. Little Hurricane says about themselves, “We’re small, but we’re powerful.” Their major influences include Van Morrison, Carole King, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. C.C. has been playing the drums since age ten where she got started in school band. Keep an ear out for “Homewrecker” probably the duos most recognizable song and check out the video below off their debut album.
The 39th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival was a huge
success! Here’s a great big thank you to everyone who lent a hand to make it
all happen, and to all of the fantastic bands for coming out and playing a
whole lot of good music. And of course, thank you Festivarians for being some
of the happiest AND rowdiest group of folks. Here’s a recap from inside the
park!
Day one of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival was a beautiful one
indeed! The tarps have been layed, the beer is flowing, and the music just
keeps on coming. Thursday morning on the main stage included acts such as Thelma
and Louise (Bela Fleck and Chris Thile), Della Mae, and Greensky Bluegrass who
all put on a great show inside the festival grounds. But we must say, the real party
went down yesterday afternoon in Elk’s Park when Head for the Hills blew the
crowd away with their free show! The lawn was packed and Head for the Hills had
everyone up and dancing. The Punch Brothers followed, wrapping up the day’s workshops.
When the sun went down and it finally cooled off,
festivarians in the Park got to enjoy a fantastic set by classic American
songwriter John Prine, and finally Allison Krauss closed the show. And it didn’t
stop there! Festivarians took to the streets of downtown Telluride for the
various Nightgrass events, including Elephant Revival’s sold out show at the
Sheridan Opera House. It was a full day of good music and good people, and we’re
ready for round two!
Yesterday’s FirstGrass was an awesome kickoff to the
Telluride Bluegrass Festival! Gondola lines were packed but that didn’t stop people
from heading up to Mountain Village for free music in the park followed by the 11th
annual Yonder Mountain String Band Nightgrass show. Here’s a few shots in case
you missed it!
Today, we’re off to Telluride Town Park for the first official
day of bluegrass- good thing it’s the longest day of the year! If you don’t
have a ticket to the festival, be sure to swing by Elk’s Park for free Workshops
put on by some great bands.
FirstGrass kicks off this week with a FREE concert in Mountain Village on Wednesday night from 5-8pm. Come kickoff the 39th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival with Peter Rowan, Della Mae and Greensky Bluegrass! The concert will be held outside in the Sunset Plaza, perfect for catching great views.
Cap off the night with the official Telluride Bluegrass Festival kickoff party with Yonder Mountain String Band at the Telluride Conference Center. YMSB has rung in the bluegrass festivities at the Wednesday night kick off for the past decade and this year is sure to be another amazing show. Don't miss it! Show starts at 9. FESTIVAL IS HERE!!! Check out Yonder's epic live cover of John Hartford's original tune "Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown."
The Summer Solstice is almost here. Everything you love about Bluegrass Festival – hours
and hours of good music, incredible fans, amazing & talented artists,
gorgeous views, the prettiest Town Park in the world, waterfalls, Flank Steaks,
Corndogs, Lemonade, kid’s parade, happy people, NightGrass, camping, friendly
strangers, Troubadour Contest, and many,
many more long-lasting memories – are about to converge on the tiny mountain
town of Telluride, Colorado.
We want to help first-timers, seasoned festivarians and
longtime veterans have the best time of their lives… so, we’ve created the
‘Bluegrass Bible’ for YOU. We've replaced Samuel, John and Peter... with our own bluegrass prophets: Sam Bush, John Prine and Peter Rowan. A guide with everything you need to know, do, taste,
see and hear while you’re visiting us for the 39th Annual Telluride
Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy.
Rule #1: Have Fun
What to Do
– Most of your time will be consumed in the beautiful gates of Town Park (not a
bad thing) but, remember to get outside and explore all Telluride has to offer
while you’re in town. Here are a few recommendations on ‘What To Do’ around
town:
FirstGrass
– For those lucky fans that’ll be in town on Wednesday, June 20th, go to the FREE Sunset Plaza show in Mountain Village from 5-8pm.
This year, Peter Rowan, Della Mae and Greensky Bluegrass will serve up a couple
great hours of bluegrass goodness. Did we mention it is FREE? Bring a blanket,
picnic and your camera and start this party off right! Check out video from last year's FirstGrass concert.
Kickoff
Party with YMSB – After the free show in Sunset Plaza… hop over to the
Telluride Conference Center for the official 11th Annual Bluegrass
Kickoff Party with Yonder Mountain String Band. Show starts at 9:00pm and will
(as always) be an amazing night of energy and bluegrass reuniting.
Telluride
Farmers’ Market – Friday, June 22nd from 11am - 4pm the weekly
Telluride Farmers’ Market will take place on South Oak Street. Stroll through
vendors with fresh, local produce, beautiful flowers and delicious food. Try
the Kettle Corn Popcorn… amazing.
Ride the
Gondola – You can’t visit Telluride without riding the most stunning public
transportation in the country. The FREE Gondola is a must-do and don’t forget
your camera! Get out on top (San Sophia) and hike around or ride it down into
Mountain Village and check out the shops, restaurants, bars and more.
Hike
– Telluride has some of the most stunning hikes in Colorado… literally right
outside your backdoor. Hike Bear Creek Trail right behind Town Park in between
shows… or work off those corndogs on a longer hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Did
you know Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s largest free-falling waterfall? Boom.
There you go… another must-do! Here are the Top 5 must-do hikes in Telluride
ranging from beginner to expert terrain.
Attend a
Workshop – The Elks Park Workshops are one of the coolest experiences of
Bluegrass Fest. I can still remember sitting down and watching a full hour of
Victor Wooten mesmerize the crowd a couple years back. Enjoy these unique
collaborations and informal performances from some of your favorite artists…
free in Elks Park. Go. You won’t regret it. For a complete Workshop schedule, click here.
Tarp Run – The infamous Tarp Run... something seasoned festivarians train for all year long. Your opportunity to have the most ideal spot for your friends and family each day of Bluegrass Fest. The diehards setup camp around midnight... the lightweights setup camp around 4:00am. Yea, it's that competitive. Watch this video for a cool glimpse of this daily race in Town Park:
Rule #2: Stay Hydrated
What to Bring
– Telluride’s weather is extremely unpredictable. Remember last year’s Mumford
and Sons show when it rained, snowed and then the sun came out? Yea… it
happens. So, pack for all four seasons.
Pack a rain jacket, a pair of sandals/Chacos,
hiking boots, sunscreen and a festival hat…
with your other normal festival, summer-in-Colorado wardrobe. It’s been getting down in the 40’s at night and into the upper 70’s-80’s during the day.
Low-back chairs, tarps, coolers (with no glass inside) and a water bottle/Camelback to fill up at the onsite Water station.
Don’t
forget your camera! You’ll be blown
away by the beauty of Town Park and you’ll definitely want to relive your
experiences throughout the year. For more Festival FAQ’s, click here.
Rule #3:Explore. Experience. Enjoy.
Who to See
– The 39th Annual is packing some serious heat. Every single show
you’ll see will be amazing. Obviously you don’t want to miss the Telluride
standards - Sam Bush, YMSB, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas - BUT, if you need a couple
recommendations of some must-see shows… here are a couple acts you don’t want
to miss:
Greensky
Bluegrass – all the way from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Greensky Bluegrass found
themselves winning the Telluride Troubadour Contest (a must-see because you
never know who will win and become the next big thing!) at Bluegrass Festival in 2006…
earning them a spot of Main Stage in 2007. We love these guys. They bleed
Telluride and bluegrass. Every note they play… they jam with passion. Don’t
miss their awesome set Thursday, 3:30-4:45pm.•
Alison
Krauss & Union Station – Alison sings like an angel. Most of you
already knew that. But, if you’ve never seen her live… you will be absolutely
blown away by her beauty and sound. See her on Main Stage Thursday night,
9-11pm.
John
Fogerty – Who doesn’t love Creedence Clearwater Revival? Fogerty was the
front man for CCR and #40 on Rolling Stone’s list of ‘100 Greatest Guitarists’.
He’s a legend. Enough said. See him live Friday night, 8-10pm.
Leftover
Salmon – FESTIVALLLL! You’ll hear it belted out from lead man Vince Herman…
don’t you worry. Leftover Salmon always brings a party to Telluride. One of the
best “closing” acts of the entire festival. Don’t miss it 10:30-Midnight on
Friday night.
The Devil
Makes Three – One of the acts we’re most excited to see live. The Devil Makes
Three are awesome. With singles like ‘Old Number Seven’ and ‘All Hail’… they
are sure to bring down a rockin’, bluegrass stompin’ good time in Town Park.
They play 12:45-2:00pm on Saturday. Be There.
Bruce
Hornsby – Bruce is the man. SO glad he will grace his presence in Town
Park. A great fit to an already amazing lineup. Not only is he a multi
Grammy-award winning artist… but Bruce even played with the Grateful Dead at
one point in his career. He’s nasty on the keys. See him LIVE in Town Park,
10:30-Midnight on Saturday.
Punch
Brothers – Chris Thile is pretty much a local. Last year, he stepped into
The Steaming Bean on Tuesday after Bluegrass Festival and played a 2 hour set
for locals. Yea… he’s that cool. Don’t miss this show Sunday evening from
5-6:15pm.
Rule #4: Go Green
Where to Eat
– The festival food in Town Park is to die for. Don't forget to try the Flank Steaks, Corndogs,
Wontons and more. If you’d like to try out a good eat outside of Town Park,
here are a few restaurants we recommend:
Brown Dog
Pizza – best Sports Bar and pizza in town. Watch a game, drink an ice-cold
PBR and grab a slice. Located directly on Main Street.
Baked in
Telluride – great spot to get breakfast or a quick eat if you’re in a hurry
to catch a show. B.I.T. offers fresh bagels, cookies, croissants, muffins,
pizza, doughnuts and much, much more. Located on South Fir Street.
La Cocina
– delicious organic Mexican food with Gluten Free options. Located on Main
Street with outdoor seating and a hellova margarita!
Diggity
Dogs – need a late night snack? Diggity Dog usually posts up right outside
the Court House and offers hotdogs with delicious toppings of your choice.
Siam
– one of our favorite restaurants in Telluride… Siam offers mouth-watering Thai
food with large portions. Yes, Siam!
Rule #5: Hug a Stranger
Where to Drink
– Here are the top bars to checkout before, during or after you hang out in
Town Park:
The Last
Dollar Saloon – called “The Buck”… a great local hangout where the PBR
flows like wine. The Buck is CASH ONLY… so, don’t be that guy who pulls out a
credit card. Mingle with the locals, play some foosball or Buck Hunter and
enjoy the scene. (Located on Main Street)
New
Sheridan – more of an old-timey bar… you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back
into the 1800’s. Play some pool and grab a drink. (Located on Main Street)
Sheridan
Opera House – if you’re lucky enough to grace the presence of this venue…
pat yourself on the back. Tickets went fast! The Opera House is one of our
favorite venues in the country. Small, unique, intimate and one of the best
shows you’ll ever see… doesn’t matter who it is! (Located on North Oak Street…
beside the Sheridan Chop House)
There
– Where? There. There Bar located near South Davis Street (kitty-corner from
Siam) is a cool, hipster bar with fantastic cocktails. Try out the blueberry
jam with vodka… mmmmm!
Rule #6: Come Visit Us Again…SOON!
Media – We love social media here in Telluride! Make sure you post and tag your photos and memories so the rest of the world can view the glory of Bluegrass.
Facebook – Post photos, ask questions and let us know how much fun you're having on our Fan Page!
Twitter – Make sure you hashtag your favorite shows, photos and experiences from #Telluride! The official Telluride Bluegrass Festival hashtag is #TBF39. Tag us @TellurideDotCom and we'll RT! A couple people to follow for great updates: @TellurideFests, @hartwellskis, @PlanetBluegrass and @ChacoUSA.
Instagram – Post your favorite photos from Town Park and use #Telluride and tag us at @TellurideColorado and we'll share our favorite posts on Facebook all weekend long.
Pinterest – Look out for your favorite pins and boards on Pinterest!
Spotify – While you pack your bags... listen to our Bluegrass Festival Playlist on Spotify to get you pumped!
CAN'T WAIT to have everyone in Town! If you have any questions... feel free to reach out to us on Facebook and/or Twitter. See you in Town Park SOON!! Here's an awesome YouTube video of the history of Bluegrass Festival:
