For live music lovers, the sweet sound of summer kicks into full gear this weekend. If you live in Durango, the decision of which way to head on Highway 160 is a difficult one. Of course, musical taste, time and budgets play into these decisions, but we are sure fortunate to have so much to choose from. Share the problem with an out-of-town friend and you are not likely to get much sympathy.
Heading east, starting this afternoon and running through Sunday evening, Folkwest hosts the 12th annual Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass festival at Reservoir Hill in Pagosa Springs. This year’s special guests include Mark O’Connor, Loudon Wainwright III, The Dustbowl Revival and nine other bands.
With over 24 hours of music on the main stage, another six after-hours on Friday and Saturday nights, and the campfire jams that go until dawn, the festival slogan, “It’s about the music,” is about right. Sleep has never been this festival’s priority.
On-site camping makes it a convenient and affordable option for the whole family. Kids 12 and under are free, as are a host of activities, including magic, juggling, theater, arts and crafts and more.
Heading west, the 14th annual Dolores River Festival takes place tomorrow in Joe Rowell Park. Overlapping with Folk ‘n Bluegrass, hardcore music fans will try to take in a bit of both, as this little gem of a one-day festival never disappoints.
Music runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features 10 bands, including the homegrown talents of Durango’s Hello Dollface and Carute Roma, and headliners Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons. The festival is also kid- and dog-friendly, affordable, offers camping, free Dolores River raft rides and is a ton of fun.
If your preference is to take in music after work and a little closer to home, the Concert Hall at the Park free concert series kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in Buckley Park with the handmade music of Run Boy Run from Flagstaff, Ariz., Weekly concerts through July 20 feature The Cannondolls, Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams, Garrett LeBeau and others.
Community concerts in the Secret Garden at the Rochester Hotel kick off on June 28 with the Jeff Solon Jazz Trio and benefit Durango Nature Studies. Sponsored by the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, the series runs through August and additionally supports nine other local not-for-profit organizations. James Ranch’s Burger & Band Summer Series is off and running on Thursdays through Aug. 24, with The Assortment playing on the terrace on the 15th.
Telluride’s box canyon and high peaks provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor music, and diehard fans will not miss the 44th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival, June 15-18, the 41st Telluride Jazz Festival, Aug. 4-6, or also that weekend in another beautiful locale, Rhythm’s on the Rio in South Fork. Telluride’s Ride Festival takes place July 8 and 9, and Music in the Mountains runs July 9–30. There are some choices to make.
Whatever your musical tastes, there truly is something for everyone and something to celebrate – the musicians who live here and those we attract, without whom our summer would not be nearly as sweet.
