Thought some of you might enjoy this! It’s in 5280 Magazine this month.
5 Likes
Not able to get there this year but hope that those who experience the 50th will truly experience it. I did not get to the festival until the 80’s and have been in awe of it since then.
Forget your cell phone camera, just take it all in, breathe it in. Thanks to those 49 years ago with the courage to start a festival in a town of about 600 people, the chutzpah to get New Grass, the wisdom to develop a relationship to Sam, and the staying power to keep it together against the odds.
Walk up to Bear Creek Falls in the morning and return to the sounds of an early band bouncing around the canyon. Stare at Bridal Veil while listening to Chris Thile bend a few thousand notes. Offer some space on your tarp to a newbie and let them in on the secret. Remember the long-time music lovers who curate the scene, musicians, and festival organizers who have passed on and take a moment to thank someone doing the job today.
Listen to Jimmy Ibbotson and bring your best to the fest
“Work all winter in the tomboy mine
Dreamin’ of what we’ll do
When the snow finally ends
And the spring breaks through
We’ll load up the wagon & set the little one by our side
Take the gold into Telluride”
Oh, and bring layers 
1 Like