RIDE Festival Returns to Telluride July 8th-9th

GET TICKETS HERE!

Telluride CO:  RIDE Festival returns to Telluride July 8-9 in its sixth consecutive year of world-class music, camping and mountain adventure that only Colorado can deliver. Featuring an all-star line up in an intimate mountain setting; event headliners include BECK, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The John Butler Trio, Rival Sons, The Temperance Movement, Kaleo, Jackie Greene, and Boulder's own Rose Hill Drive among others.

Set to take place in downtown Telluride’s Town Park, the event features an unparalleled backdrop of Telluride’s idyllic landscape, world-class musicianship, Colorado’s finest microbrews and daily adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and music aficionados alike. Past RIDE performers include Pearl Jam, David Byrne, The Lumineers, Cage the Elephant, Widespread Panic, Jonny Lang and many others

The undisputed gem of southwest Colorado, Telluride is well-known by Colorado locals to be among the very best mountain destinations and has been called "number one for both scenery and character" by Forbes and Ski Magazine. With world-class hiking, rafting, climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and hot springs all within 40 miles of the festival, as well as a perfectly integrated farmer's market downtown on Fridays, RIDE Festival is the can't-miss mountain festival of 2017.

A boost to the local economy during the beautiful alpine summer, event organizers work hand in hand with the community to help bring first-class entertainment throughout the town for a full-scale festival environment. In an effort to take advantage of the unique Telluride setting, RIDE Festival carries out into the streets from Town Park with events scheduled at The Sheridan Opera House, Sheridan Bar, Roma Bar, Moon at O’Bannons, and the new Liberty Bar -- each featuring emerging talent and intimate performances that play well into the night. Featuring an inclusive party-vibe that only a small town can provide most of the late-night entertainment is also free to RIDE Festival weekend pass holders.

RIDE Festival will feature another star-studded lineup in 2017 including a rare Telluride performance by the Grammy-Award winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, BECK. Celebrated for his sonically experimental and lo-fi style, BECK rose to fame in the early 1990’s for creating musical collages encompassing a wide genre of styles. With a highly anticipated release on the horizon for 2017, fans may be treated to an early taste of the producer's latest tunes during the 6th annual festival.

Known for his high-energy live performances, prominent activist and American singer-songwriter Ben Harper will perform for the first time in Telluride since his 2012 performance at the RIDE Festival.  This year, Ben will be appearing with his talented band The Innocent Criminals.  A rousing performer, Harper has taken home numerous awards including Grammy Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album in 2005 and Best Blues Album in 2014.

With additional performances spanning multiple genres of music including rock n' roll, reggae, gospel and soul, RIDE Festival has something for everyone.

Much more than just a mountain party with the coolest bands on stage, the annual event also benefits local community radio station KOTOfm, a local non-commercial listener-supported station in operation in the San Juan Mountains since 1975. An important facet to community living at 8,750 ft, KOTOfm provides local news, information, entertainment and music in an area that may not have access to local radio otherwise.

For more information about the RIDE Festival including ticketing and official festival details check out www.ridefestival.com.
 

Jason Pendleton

Music | Telluride Blues and Brews | September 18-20 | Photo Recap and Review

This year’s Telluride Blues and Brews festival was one for the record books. After hearing the campground was to open on Thursday morning the day before the festival began, we decided to make our trip out a day early to get a proper camping spot.  A pack of camels, four Big Gulps of Mountain Dew and one 5-hour Energy later, we were finally making our way up the San Juan Mountains to the magical town of Telluirde. When we arrived at 6:30am, we found ourselves 8th in line to get in the campground. After setting up camp and napping the rest of the day, we were invited to an exclusive party where a local musician named AJ Fullerton was playing at Arroyo Wine Bar.  This young man had quite the talent as he plucked his custom guitar in front of most of the main festival coordinators, including Steve Gumble, the festival director. Gumble is similar to a baseball talent scout who travels from festival to festival in search of compelling musicians to play at Blues and Brews. This year he put together an incredible arsenal of talent to grace the stage including Denver’s own Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, as well as Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes, Blackberry Smoke, ZZ Top, Bright Light Social Hour, Otis Taylor, Leo “Bud” Welch, Anders Osborne, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, John Hiatt, The Revivalists, Taj Mahal Trio and Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers. 

Not only did Gumble bring in great music, but he also brought out over 55 microbreweries to show off their beers during the Grand Tasting on Saturday as the Bright Light Social Hour rocked out on the main stage. ZZ Top paid tribute to Jimmy Hendrix on Friday night when they played “Foxy Lady” on the 45th anniversary of his death, obviously the crowd was ecstatic! One of the most memorable performances of the weekend was when Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings took the stage on Saturday. For those who didn’t know, Sharon Jones flew out for the festival from upstate New York where she had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment to fight her second battle with cancer. Jones delivered just as she always does with her dance moves and powerful voice, an incredible feat for these circumstances. She truly is the female version of James Brown! She played her song “Get up and Get Out” and even changed up the lyrics to say “Cancer, get out, you’re not welcome here” as a message to show she’s not done fighting. This year also marks the last time you’ll see the Fred Shellman Memorial Stage that has been standing in Town Park for 24 years. Telluride has decided to tear it down to make room for a 1.8 million dollar modern stage that will be showcased next year. We laughed, we cried, we ate and drank our fill. We most certainly will be returning next year for the new stage and to see what Gumble has in store for us. In the meantime, check out our photos from this years festivities.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival | September 12 - 15 | Telluride, CO

Although it took us driving through an apocalyptic storm, the trip to the 20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival was well worth the anxiety. Nothing a little Xanax couldn’t cure; my nerves were at ease. We made it bright and early on Friday and had the sunshine tease us while we set up our campsite. For a second, I may have broken a sweat. We learned from last year’s adventure to plan for every season and so I packed: Hunter boots, a zero degree jacket and sleeping bag, skirts to twirl in, and a rain jacket. It rained just about every other hour while we were there. It would rain, never too hard, and then the sun would peak it’s rays out and dry our skin just enough to forget.

20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews FestivalPhoto Credit: Amanda Spilos

20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

I was excited to see the raspy gypsy queen, ZZ Ward. She was the first act that I caught and I was, of course, impressed. She had great energy and presence and man, that girl has style. She was channeling a young Stevie Nicks in her over-sized coat and floppy hat. There were definitely festy-trends throughout the weekend which caught my eye. Denim pearl snap shirts, various boot styles, layers, ponchos, and aztec patterns. You definitely knew you were in southern Colorado at a festival. Even Allen Stone really honed in on the trend in his fringe vest. He was vibrant and a great compliment to ZZ Ward and though he experienced some technical snafus halfway through his set, his band backed him up and I would never have known had I not been in the photo pit.

ZZ WardPhoto Credit: Amanda Spilos

ZZ Ward

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

Allen StonePhoto Credit: Amanda Spilos

Allen Stone

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

Friday's music continued with Gary Clark Jr. who was soulful with smooth vocals. The weather was beginning to change and Gary's bluesy tunes carried us into the night as the temperature began to drop - just a bit. He played his well-known songs like, "Right Now" and "I Don't Owe You a Thang" which had the mountain folks dancing.

Gary Clark Jr.Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

Gary Clark Jr.

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

There's something about being in Telluride surrounded by green, lush mountains with massive spires jutting out while listening to live music. The San Juan Mountains are breath-taking; from the streets of Telluride you can see a massive waterfall nestled between two peaks. It's as if it makes the music sound that much sweeter.

20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

20th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

The Black Crowes closed out Friday night and while it rained a bit during Gary Clark Jr.'s set, the sky cleared up just in time. Chris Robinson was able to light up the stage for all in attendance. His unusual dance moves added an entertaining element to the night with all of his twirling and Jagger-esque moves.

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesPhoto Credit: Amanda Spilos

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

If it weren't for the Grand Beer Tasting on Saturday afternoon, the crowd's spirits may have been a bit down considering the amount of rain we received that afternoon. We weren't phased, though. With over 50 microbreweries and over 200 beer selections, the festy-goers had beer in their belly's and music on their mind. I discovered a coconut Porter from Horsefly that I can't stop dreaming about. The New Mastersounds were great drinking music for the beer tasting. Their quick, upbeat tunes kept the chugging pace at an all time high. Guitarist Eddie Roberts took a seat through the set due to a broken foot but he didn't let that slow him down one bit.

Rebirth Brass Band closed out the Grand Beer Tasting followed by a later afternoon set from the Mickey Hart Band, drummer for the Grateful Dead. Playing a solid mix of both Mickey Hart material and classic Grateful Dead, they had us twirling in the rain with songs like "Bertha", "China Cat Sunflower", "I Know You Rider" and "Fire on the Mountain".

And then, Jim James. I overheard someone say that perhaps they hadn't done enough mild-altering drugs to get it. The set was dark and mysterious and while it rained quite a bit, it added a special element to the evening. He opened the set with "State of the Art (A.E.I.OU.)" and swiveled around the stage with his crazy hair in his purple suit. Things would slow down at times and then he'd pick up a guitar and just rip shit. There was a time and a place and a rainy Saturday night in Telluride, was the time and the place.

Jim James of My Morning JacketPhoto Credit: Amanda Spilos

Jim James of My Morning Jacket

Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos

The Denver weather and the potential to return home to a flooded basement, caused us to leave on Sunday. It rained early Sunday morning and cleared up for a fantastic last day. Anders Osborne and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe gave folks something to look forward to on their last day. I've seen both in the past, though I was still bummed I missed them.

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival is something I will continue to attend. The scenery, the people, the music, the food, and the beer will keep me coming back

19th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

A weekend full of perfect weather, delicious beer, iconic artists, and a scenery that can only be appreciated in person, this was the The 19th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. If you haven’t had the opportunity to make it to the festival, I strongly encourage you to do so, however, make sure you are prepared for both warm weather and cold. We thought we were coming well-prepared for the cooler temperatures, but with not a cloud in the sky, I ended up with a bit of a sunburn in 70 degrees. Be sure to bring shorts and tank tops (and sunscreen) for the day but the second that sun passes behind the mountains, be sure you have brought long johns, a winter jacket, and close-toed shoes. Also, a wagon is a must for hauling your camping gear to your campsite, this will save you five trips. And above anything, a bike is a necessity, and not just a road bike. The festival lies at the end of the town and while it isn’t a long walk, you are able to see more and get around more quickly on a bike. Around the campsite and festival grounds, it is unpaved so I would suggest a mountain bike. And that is my rant.

The crowd enjoying the 19th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival (Photo credit: Amanda Spilos)​

And now, the meat and potatoes of the weekend. A number of factors make this festival what it is and sets the standard of quality. When camping, you must park in overnight parking which led us to the top of Mountain Village. This sounded like an inconvenience at first, but we parked at the gondola and took it straight into the heart of Telluride, enjoying three miles and thirteen minutes of scenic Colorado. Walking back to our campsite we noticed lines of folks with their lawn chairs, tarps, and coolers waiting for hours. Perplexed, and wondering if we should be doing the same, I asked what was going on. It is called “The Running of the Tarps”; attendees start lining up hours before the festival grounds open in hopes to lay their tarp and snag the best spot for the entire day. Some huge names ranging from Robert Randolph, The B-52s, Phil Lesh, Gov’t Mule, and so on graced one stage throughout the day. This is something that I enjoyed of a smaller festival, music does not overlap. I’ve paid the $300.00 Bonnaroo ticket and had to compromise my time, splitting it between acts, this was not the case this weekend. The music was prompt and started on schedule. Yes, you heard that correctly. Top-notch artists understand why you travelled long and far, they didn’t pull a Kanye.

Robert Randolph (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

Friday’s lineup included Robert Randolph, Little Feat, and the B-52s among others (full lineup listed below). Robert Randolph with his giant grin, was great for a day show. The crowd was dancing and taking it all in on that first day. The B-52s were.. interesting. I didn’t know what to think but all I knew was that I had to stick around to hear “Love Shack”, you could tell they were less than enthused to play it for the billionth time. However, the costume contest was something for conversation.

The B-52s (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

Saturday was my favorite day, not just because of the Grand Tasting with over fifty Microbrews, but also for the talented music from Monophonics, Orgone, Anders Osborne, and Gov’t Mule. Warren Haynes is the man! Back to the beer tasting for just a minute; the Saturday crowd had three hours to try ninety-six different beers from microbreweries all over the country. The winner for the third year in a row, and my favorite, was Eddyline Brewery from Buena Vista, CO. Later that evening, after a little afternoon nap, we attended a late night show with The Lee Boys from Miami. Although it was bitter cold, they had the small crowd dancing so much you were peeling off layers. 

Beer tasting (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

Eddyline Brewery: Winning brewery for the third year in a row (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

Warren Haynes​ (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)

Sunday we took it easy. I made pancakes and bacon, we cruised the town, and we packed up the car. We wanted to beat the rush Monday morning (which was the best idea we had all weekend) and camped just outside of Telluride in a National Forest. Sunday brought acts like The Lee Boys (again), Kelley Hunt, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and Phil Lesh & Friends: Warren Haynes, Grahame Lesh (son), Brian Lesh (son), Tony Leone, and Jeff Chimenti (from Furthur). Phil’s set spanned from 6 pm until 10 pm; festival-goers certainly got their money’s worth with that show, packed full of Grateful Dead tunes. 

Chris Robinson (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

Phil Lesh and Friends (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)​

In all, the festival was amazing and friendly for all ages. There was plenty to do outside of the festival and plenty to eat if you grew sick of camp food (I would recommend the dumplings from Sisters’ Pantry, if you’re nice she will throw in an extra dumpling or wonton). It was a beautiful weekend and I will certainly be back next year. To see more photos from the weekend, click here.

Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead (Photo Credit: Amanda Spilos)

Amanda​

Friday, September 14: Pickwick | Little Hurricane | Heartless Bastards | Robert Randolph & the Family Band | Little Feat | The B-52s

Saturday, September 15: Grand Tasting with over 50 Microbrews | Monophonics | Orgone | MarchFourth MArching Band | Anders Osborne | Acoustic Blues Competition Winner | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue | Gov’t Mule

Sunday, September 16: The Lee Boys | Kelley Hunt | Phil Wiggins & Rev. John Wilkins | Tab Benoit | The Chris Robinson Brotherhood | Phil Lesh & Friends

​