The initiated will know the headline refers to a 1997 Grammy award winning album of the same name by Ricky Skaggs, an American new traditional country and bluegrass musician, singer, composer and producer, and his band Kentucky Thunder.
For the uninitiated, bluegrass music is a genre of American roots music predominately making use of acoustic stringed instruments – banjos, fiddles, mandolins, guitars and upright basses – to create a mix of high-pitched, “high lonesome” and vocal harmonies, lively rhythms, foot tapping and stomping fun.
Originating from the southern U.S., bluegrass music has roots in Colorado and our region. For decades, festival lovers flocked to Pagosa Springs for the Four Corners Folk Festival and the Pagosa Folk & Bluegrass Festival, both on pause this year, and continue to look forward to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, in its 52nd year.
Starting today through Sunday, the 29th Durango Bluegrass Meltdown kicks off its popular tradition of two hours of family-friendly free music at Ernie’s 11th Street Station. People We Know will play starting at 5 p.m. followed by the Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble – Goat Mafia.
This show, outdoors with the weather as warm as it is, will be great. Bluegrass music outdoors in the sunshine with friends, family or solo is hard to beat.
Also today, Friday, in the interest of inspiring the next generation of “pickers,” Nick Dumas and Branchline, one of this year’s headliners from Wisconsin, and Crooked Measures from La Plata and Montezuma counties, are performing as a part of the Meltdown’s Bluegrass in the Schools program at Florida Mesa and Needham Elementary schools, respectively.
This year’s lineup also includes Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, The David Mayfield Parade, and other local and national talent and fan favorites for a total of 19 bands.
Tonight, there is a new free Friday Contra Dance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion, 878 East Second Ave., featuring live music by the Fractal String Band and calling by Deb Comly. Saturday is host to the 4th Annual Band Contest across the street at the Elks Lodge, 901 East Second Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m. With all venues within walking distance, the convenience of the festival can’t be beat.
Regularly a sell-out event, as of press time, organizers were running low on weekend passes ($150), which one must have to gain entry to Friday shows, but had plenty of Saturday ($90) and Sunday ($65) single tickets, which can be purchased at durangomeltdown.com or at the DBM Box Office at the Durango Arts Center at 802 East Second Ave. Children 12 and younger are free.
We like bluegrass because it is rural roots music and brings people together. Something we need so much more of. Bluegrass music is liked by both hippies and cowboys, Birkenstock and boot lovers, young and old, alike.
Can’t make the Meltdown? Consider the Palisade Bluegrass Bash (April 17 to 20), Tico Time’s Bluegrass Festival (May 16 to 18) and, of course, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 19 to 22). Yes, there are still plenty of tickets and camping available. This could be your year!
Telluride Bluegrass Festival is not just bluegrass, rather a bluegrass and country music festival – and much more – one of the many things of which the festival is proud. Sharing new music with folks is tops.
Alongside mainstays like Sam Bush performing for his 51st year, there are also a record number of debut performances – 15 artists this year who have never before performed at the festival – among more than 30 scheduled acts including Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Chris Thile, Kasey Chambers and so many more.
One of the debut performances is Zach Top, the bluegrass and country music phenom, who with Colorado roots as a one-time University of Colorado student and short-time Durango resident, will perform this year. Another, Toy Factory Project, is a super group formed by Paul T. Riddle, co-founder of the Marshall Tucker Band, featuring Marcus King, Oteil Burbridge, Charlie Starr and Josh Shilling.
Telluride Bluegrass appeals to music lovers of all ages and income levels. Children 12 and younger are also free, as is music in Elks Park every day. Visit bluegrass.com/telluride for the full line up, tickets and camping.
Check your politics at the door while you check out new music, kick up your heels, make new friends and fill your cup with the sweet sounds of bluegrass and more. Applaud no matter what and have fun!
