Performers say there is a unique thrill to performing in front of the smartest, most attentive audience in the country. Artists are encouraged to take risks in Telluride, and the Festivarian audience is regularly rewarded with unique blends of voices sharing the stage for the first time - as a new musical friendship cultivated backstage makes its debut on the Telluride stage.

With music on the main stage all day, intimate workshops on the Elks Park stage in the middle of town, prestigious band and songwriting contests, late-night Nightgrass concerts at every indoor venue in town, and jam sessions throughout the night in various Telluride condos and around the campgrounds, this is a week of uncommon musical riches. 

The 39th Annual Telluride Bluegrass once again coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. It's a magical time of sun and light, when  the high country of Colorado puts away its skis and grabs hiking boots, kayaks, and a low-back festival chair to take in some great Bluegrass.

The 2013 artist lineup will another magical four days of only-in-Telluride performances featuring beloved Festival veterans and inspiring new talent. The Telluride royalty of virtuosic bluegrass superpickers, soulful songwriters, and some of the biggest stars in the rootsy Americana landscape including Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, Hot Rize, as well as the incredible Telluride Bluegrass House Band (Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Brian Sutton) will descend upon Telluride, Colorado this year for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

The festival is built around the many artists that have defined the Telluride Bluegrass sound. .