ON TOP OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN
FREE (with the purchase of a gondola ticket)
June 15 - August 31
A
favorite among locals, Bluegrass Sundays feature top bluegrass musicians from
around Colorado 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.
2008 SCHEDULE
June 15 – Jayme Stone
This banjo-playing composer started playing banjo because the instrument’s quirky physics align with his quick thinking. An unlikely set of circumstances has lent Stone a broader set of reference points than most banjoists and those early beginnings have influenced his sound, choice of material, and collaborations. Check here for more info about Jayme Stone.
June 22 – Stanleytones
The Stanleytones Bluegrass Band was formed in 1999, when the original members met while attending local jam sessions in the Boulder area. Having recently finished recording a new album, The Stanleytones’ passion for traditional bluegrass is evident in the their sound, and has made them into what they are today – a classic bluegrass band reminiscent of those early bands of the 50’s and 60’s, with an added repertoire of original compositions comprised of melodic instrumentals and skillful vocal harmonies. Check here for more info about The Stanleytones.
June 29 – Lone Pine Bluegrass Band
Since 1996, The Lone Pine Bluegrass Band has been keeping the bluegrass tradition alive in Aspen, Colorado. It has seen many member changes since then with two of the original members, Peter Platek (banjo and guitar) and Dave Notor (mandolin and guitar) still in the band. With the addition of Trevor Mountjoy (bass and finger-style guitar) and Kory Krahl (fiddle, mandolin and guitar), Lone Pine has become a band to look out for. Their tight vocal harmonies and driving instrumentals have made Lone Pine a name to remember. Check here for more info about Lone Pine Bluegrass Band.
July 6 – Head for the Hills
Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of Head for the Hills creates a vibrant tapestry. Their sundry blend of ancestral bluegrass, moving harmonies, & original compositions, results in a sound nothing short of exceptional. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical stylings that posses an eclectic and progressive perspective on acoustic roots music but is still widely respected by the traditional bluegrass community. Check here for more info about Head for the Hills.
July 13 – Greensky
Performing at festivals, theaters, clubs and listening rooms all over the US, the rare traditional sound of Greensky is piquing the interests of not only bluegrass enthusiasts, but lovers of music of all genres. It is their unique fusion of tradition and enthusiasm for improvisation that has come to define the band's creative and tangible compositional style. Check here for more info about Greensky.
July 20 – Frying Pan Bluegrass
Since 1998, Frying Pan Bluegrass Band has been entertaining audiences all around Colorado. Based in Basalt, Colorado, the band takes its name from their famous hometown trout stream, the Frying Pan River. When you see this band, you will enjoy their stage show around the single microphone and their dedication to quality traditional and original bluegrass. Frying Pan has burned their mark on Colorado and they’re out to display the legend of bluegrass music. Check here for more info about Frying Pan Bluegrass Band.
July 27 – The Ackermans
The Ackermans carry musical thrill forward 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! Check here for more info about The Ackermans.
August 3 – Grass It Up
Grass It Up is an acoustic-based trio that plays driving bluegrass with the occasional jazz, blues, celtic, rock or country tune. The word "It" refers to what is grassed up. We pursue the right mix of music for our audience, while serving our fix of bluegrass and any other genre that compels us. Check here for more info about Grass It Up.
August 10 – KC & Sharon
KC Groves is the founding member of Uncle Earl and currently plays and important role in the thriving acoustic music scene in Colorado. She is a well-respected vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Sharon Gilchrist originally hails from Southlake, Texas. She has performed with a long list of artists - the Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet, Uncle Earl, the Bill Hearne Trio and Mary & Mars, to name a few. She is currently based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she teaches private mandolin lessons at High Desert Guitars and is on staff as a mandolin teacher at the College of Santa Fe. Check here for more info about KC & Sharon.
August 17 – Flying Dog Bluegrass Band
These local favorites and Aspen residents have been playing together for 13 years. Year after year the Flying Dog Bluegrass Band entertains audiences with their classic bluegrass tunes. Check here for more info about Flying Dog Bluegrass Band.
August 24 – Mountain Jumpers
Three people who like to apply force to tense wires attached to wooden compartments. Check here for more info about Mountain Jumpers.
August 31 – The Greencards
This progressive bluegrass band from Austin, TX is known internationally as a popular Americana musical act. Their 2007 release, Viridian, was critically acclaimed, reached the #1 position on the Billboard Magazine Bluegrass Chart and was nominated for a Grammy award. Check here for more info about The Greencards.