Bluegrass Sundays

ON TOP OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN
FREE (with the purchase of a gondola ticket)
June 19 - September 4

A favorite among locals, Bluegrass Sundays feature top bluegrass musicians from around Colorado and the country performing in this ideal Rocky Mountain setting. The FREE (with the purchase of a gondola ticket), open-air concerts are from noon to 3 p.m. outside the Sundeck on top of Aspen Mountain on Sundays.

2011 SCHEDULE 

June 19 – James Justin Burke & Co
June 27 – Flying Dog Bluegrass Band
July 3 - Defiance Stringband
July 10 – Equestrian Quartet
July 17 - The Ackermans
July 24 – The Henhouse Prowlers
July 31 – The Hillbenders
August 7 – Stray Grass
August 14 – Frying Pan Bluegrass Band
August 21 – Waiting on Trail
August 28 – Buffalo Joe
September 4 – Roaring Fork Ramblers

June 19 – James Justin Burke & Co
Gardens are a reoccurring theme in James Justin Burke’s musical life. From his cozy cottage in Folly Beach, South Carolina, the songwriter tends to an ever-growing plot of heartfelt tunes, tilling their verses and melodies with positive energy. With debut album Southern Son, So Far, Burke has solidified his name as an invigorating new face in Americana music. From honest country to soul, the nine-song album showcases Burke‘s strengths as a solid guitarist, strong vocalist, and songwriting craftsman.

June 27 – Flying Dog Bluegrass Band
Since 1998, Frying Pan Bluegrass has been entertaining audiences all around Colorado. Based in Basalt, Colorado, the band takes its name from the famous hometown trout stream, the Frying Pan River. The band’s roots are in traditional bluegrass but their driving sound comes from their time together and their original material. There is a unique rhythm to their playing and it sets a tempo for polished harmonies.

July 3 - Defiance Stringband
The Defiance Stringband is an -Acoustic/Eclectic/Americana- quintet featuring a variety of musical styles including old-time, folk, bluegrass, country, Celtic, ethnic and original compositions.  This troupe of musicians north of Aspen and west of Vail has generated buzz and excitement in the mountains and valleys west of the Great Divide. Creating musical offerings for just over 1/100th of a century, this fun quintet  is 100% pure fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass and harmonious vocals, yielding a genuine roots musical experience.

July 10 – Equestrian Quartet

July 17 - The Ackermans
The Ackermans carry musical thrill. At a time when most top bluegrass bands are smooth, tight and virtuosic, The Ackermans retain some of the rugged, roughhewn dynamism, and emotional impact of traditional bluegrass to new audiences. From the moment they hit the stage until the moment they leave, the audience is going to be entertained!"

July 24 – The Henhouse Prowlers
The Prowlers began to see their hard work and relentless tour schedule pay off with a strong momentum and growing reputation for crisp, hard-driving bluegrass with intricate harmonies and electrifying stage energy. Dedicated equally to tradition and innovation, The Henhouse Prowlers center their sound on that of the early, formative years of bluegrass, while they keep their pulse on today by covering contemporary topics in a largely original repertoire. The bluegrass and acoustic music scenes are exploding with a new generation of young, invigorated fans across the nation, and the Prowlers embody the new breed of performers adding to the style of Flatt and Scruggs with a dynamic exuberance appreciated by all.

July 31 – The Hillbenders
Undeniably the hottest young band on the acoustic scene, The HillBenders have been winning over audiences from coast to coast with their unique style, original compositions and relentless drive. These buzz-worthy bluegrass whiz-kids are quickly rising above many of their peers and gaining international recognition for their aggressive combination of contemporary influences with traditional inspiration and instrumentation, as well as their infectiously energetic stage performances.

August 7 – Stray Grass
Stray Grass specializes in high-energy interpretations of acoustic music. Although played on traditional instruments, the musical stylings of Stray Grass are anything but traditional. Stray Grass exists for the simple reason that they love to play music for anyone who enjoys it.
 
August 14 – Frying Pan Bluegrass Band
Since 1998, Frying Pan Bluegrass has been entertaining audiences all around Colorado. Based in Basalt, Colorado, the band takes its name from the famous hometown trout stream, the Frying Pan River. The band’s roots are in traditional bluegrass but their driving sound comes from their time together and their original material. There is a unique rhythm to their playing and it sets a tempo for polished harmonies.

August 21 – Waiting on Trail
Waiting on Trial represents Durango well. The five-piece is made up mostly of true-blue locals. If you haven't seen them on stage, it's likely you've seen them riding through town on bikes or perhaps been on a river trip with one of them. An appealing aspect of their sound is they're distanced from traditional bluegrass. There's a common-man, blue-collar approach to the music; their lyrics aren't going to change the world or influence who you vote for. The songs are about broken hearts, empty wallets and jilted lovers played by an upbeat jug and rock 'n' roll band that likes to have fun.

August 28 – Buffalo Joe

September 4 – Roaring Fork Ramblers