As we left Telluride last year, we decided to make a return trip this year. Last year’s bluegrass festival was a first for me and I loved every minute of it—except, maybe, when it poured down rain during the Punch Brothers’ set on Saturday. But what the heck! Everyone was getting soaked, we had ponchos, and we were listening to some of the best music in the world.
That’s what the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is about. The “creme de la creme” of bluegrass and country music in a Rocky Mountain venue that’s one of the most beautiful spots on earth. The festival grounds are in a grass covered park at the end of a box canyon town that reminded me of a set of an old west drama, except updated buildings contain stores and restaurants that are open and ready to accommodate any need.
The surrounding backdrop to all of this are beautiful tree covered mountains that are capped by a bit of snow and ice left from springtime thawing. A meandering waterfall flows from the peaks that overlook the festival park, and like that water, music flows all day long. Expert masters and talented newcomers play fiddles, mandolins, guitars, banjos, bass (and more) and song crafters provide the entertainment for four days and nights that we, privileged festival goers, crave.
Did I mention the mild temperatures and fresh mountain air? The food vendors that cook up delicious goodies to satisfy any hunger? The cool fresh mountain water that is provided endlessly for free? I think all of this factors in the overall demeanor of best crowd of people I’ve ever been around. Dancing, laughing, loving and having good, good times. I can’t wait to drive back through the mountains and hear the music again this year!
