Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Going Once....
This might be the year I finally go to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado. It's been on my mind for a long time, because the lineup always looks incredible, and you just can't beat listening to music in the mountains. This year, I'm most excited to see Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova -- who just won the Oscar for Once -- because those songs ... I don't know how to explain it, but they somehow still affect me, months later. Hansard's other band, The Frames, is one of the most dynamic bands I've ever seen in concert. I'm also a big fan of Ryan Adams and Tift Merritt, who are making their first appearances at the festival as well.
On my flight to Austin tomorrow for SXSW, I plan on reading the cover story in the latest (and second-to-last) issue of No Depression, about neo-traditionalist acoustic bands. A good number of them are going to be at Telluride, including Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, The Duhks, Uncle Earl and Steep Canyon Rangers. It promises to be one of those cool events where you can see a classic soul singer like Solomon Burke, and then Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby. And I'll try to catch Sam Bush (a.k.a. The King of Telluride) just as often as I can.
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Linda says:
Hey Craig,
Ohhh, I loved the song by Hansard and Irglova on the Oscars, and may never have found their music if it wasn’t for watching that show (boring overall IMO)! I wish I could go to Telluride and hear them live as well. Lucky you!
If you need another book to read during your travels, I highly recommend Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story by Diane Diekman. It is one of the best-researched biographies I’ve ever read and Diekman explains the man and his life from many angles. I couldn’t put it down — I learned so much and enjoyed every chapter. Hope you like it too.
Safe journey,
Linda
OutlawSteph says:
I think “neo-traditionalist” is a great way to describe the Steep Canyon Rangers. They put on an AMAZING show at the music venue where I work - the Bamboo Room in Florida. I really loved everything about them. You’ll hear a great mix of originals and a few choice classics which you don’t hear very often. (They covered the Kentucky Colonels.)
I haven’t seen the Punch Brothers live, but I’m a fan. Their album is not traditional at all. I’m not totally sure what to make of it yet. It’s obvious how brilliant Chris Thile, Noam Pikelny and Gabe Witcher are!
Have fun and report back after the festival! :)
-Stephanie
Kyralessa says:
For those who want to hear Hansard and Irglova but can’t make it to Telluride, note that they (as The Swell Season) are touring a lot of places in the U.S. in the next two or three months.
Brad says:
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