ON TOP OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN
FREE (with the purchase of a gondola ticket)
June 20 - September 5

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. Concerts are held on Sundays and Saturday, July 3 (no concert on Sunday, July 4).

June 20 - The New Families
June 27 - Frying Pan Bluegrass Band
July 3 - The Two Man Gentlemen Band
July 11 - Spring Creek
July 18 - Missed the Boat
July 25 - Sweet Sunny South
August 1 - Defiance Stringband
August 8 - Head for the Hills
August 15 - The Ackermans
August 22 - Blue Canyon Boys
August 29 - Flying Dogs
September 5 - Loose Cannon Blue Grass

June 20 - The New Familiars
From the foothills of Appalachia a new musical combo has appeared; grown from seeds of the folk, blues, and bluegrass found abundant in the Carolinas, yet shaped by the undeniable power of rock and roll. Known as The New Familiars, these five gentlemen combine an amazing passion for harmony with multi-instrumental talent and unusual storytelling abilities.

June 27 - 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.

July 3 - The Two Man Gentlemen Band
The Two Man Gentlemen Band’s original brand of raucous, retro vaudevillian swing is fast becoming an underground sensation.  Three short years ago, The Gentlemen were playing marathon sets for tips in New York City’s parks and subways.  These days, they traverse the country incessantly, playing hundreds of shows per year for legions of dedicated fans and even catching the attention of big-names like Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson, for whom The Gents opened a handful of shows last summer. The Gentlemen’s memorable, pithy compositions combine the sounds of hot jazz, vintage rhythm & blues, and tin-pan alley with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
 
July 11 - Spring Creek
Spring Creek from Lyons, Colorado, are quickly gaining a reputation as the hottest young band in the Rocky Mountains. The quartet play a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals, and all four musicians are also accomplished vocalists. Spring Creek is built on the fundamentals of bluegrass, yet they create their own classic contemporary style.

July 18 - Missed the Boat
Missed the Boat continues to grow in Colorado and beyond with it's unique music - with roots in rock, folk, bluegrass and Americana. The band is excited about the release of it's first major studio album 'Rollin', and even more excited about the nomination of the song "On the Road" for the 2010 Grammy awards!

July 25 - Sweet Sunny South
Sweet Sunny South is an acoustic old-timey string band that plays a unique blend of new and traditional music.  Based in Paonia, Colorado, the band has been making a name for itself at festivals and theaters throughout the region for the past 8 years. Audiences can expect a highly entertaining stage show featuring rollicking fiddle tunes, soulful ballads, tight vocal harmonies and an exceptional array of original songs combined with a heavy dose of humor that keeps the crowd smiling.

August 1 - 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. 

August 8 - Head for the Hills
Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of Head for the Hills is a vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation. The group’s lyrical nature and songwriting seems to evoke reminiscent feelings of inspiration. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles and sonic.

August 15 - 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!"

August 22 - Blue Canyon Boys
Winners of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass festival band contest, the Blue Canyon Boys offer a unique style of Colorado Bluegrass steeped in tradition with enough excursions to keep all types of music lovers tapping their feet. Blending incredible brother-duet-style vocals and hard-driving instrumental proficiency, this energetic band is driving audiences to their feet and keeping them there.

August 29 - Flying Dogs
These local favorites and Aspen residents have been playing together for 15 years. Year after year the Flying Dog Bluegrass Band entertain audiences with their classic bluegrass tunes.

September 5 - Loose Cannon Blue Grass
Denver-based Loose Cannon Bluegrass feels equally at home with original songs or traditional bluegrass, soft ballads or up-tempo selections, sweet bluegrass harmonies or instrumental barn-burners.