25Th annuaL
e d i r u l l e T
S W E R B BLUEFSESTIVAL &
september 14-16, 2018 Telluride |Colorado
#TELLurIDEBLuES CNdesign Publication
TURN YOUR
BLUES
GREEN
25 0 S. F I R
T ELLURIDE’S ONLY MEDICAL CANNABIS CEN T ER
9 7 0 -7 2 8 -7 9 9 9 ONE BLOCK EAST OF THE TELLURIDE GONDOLA STATION
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Welcome FESTIVAL TIPS
Welcome to the show Time sure does fly when you are having fun. 25 years ago, I sat down at Baked in Telluride with my friend Jeff Lebesch, founder of New Belgium Brewing, and asked him how he thought a beer festival would go over in Telluride, to which he emphatically responded “DO IT”. Telluride’s own James Loo was pioneering the burgeoning craft beer industry with the San Juan Brewing Company and I knew James would be a good connection to the craft beer industry. With friends in tow and a nod from the Town of Telluride, the Telluride Brewers Festival was born in 1994. Fast forward 25 years, we have grown from the Telluride Brewers Festival to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, from 500 people in attendance to 27,000 over three days, from an unknown band at the time called String Cheese Incident to a well-known band called Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters. My… we have grown up! We would not be where we are today without all of you and my staff which are the most amazing people in the world. THANK YOU to all of you and here’s to another 25 years. Prost, Steve Gumble, Festival Director
#TELLURIDEBLUES
Festival Box Office Hours WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
12 PM - 5 PM
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13-15
9 AM - 9 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
9 AM - 5 PM
4 | tellurideblues.com
Drink lots of water and take it easy on the alcohol ‘til you adjust to the altitude. Wear plenty of sunblock, bring a raincoat & warm clothes for the evening. Pack out your garbage and please recycle. Stay on the trails, respect the environment and leave gates as they are. Nothing beats a tarp to sit on when things are looking wet. Keep your tarp size reasonable and share your space. New to recreational marijuana use? Curious? Have questions? We recommend stopping by the O.PenVAPE tent, or the Telluride Green Room to talk to the experts about safe and smart use. Take it slow! Edibles may take up to two hours to produce effects and may last as long as 4 to 8 hours. Please be mindful that altitude enhances the effects of marijuana and alcohol. TRANSIT A free shuttle bus makes downtown loops daily. Starting at 7am, and closing hours vary (Thursday it runs until 12am, Friday and Saturday until 2am and Sunday until 1am). Look for the Galloping Goose signs. The Gondola is a free ride to Mountain Village, daily from 7am to midnight. The Gondola runs until midnight on Thursday, until 2am on Friday and Saturday and until 1am on Sunday during the festival. Local and regional custom ground transportation options are available with the Telluride Express. Call 970-728-6000 to schedule a ride or to learn more.
Friday schedule | SEPTEMBER 14 MAIN STAGE
BLUES STAGE
CAMPGROUND SESSIONS
SPECIAL/VIP EVENTS
10:00 11:00 noon
FESTIVAL GATES OPEN
11:30 AM
DRAGONDEER
12:00 - 1:00 PM p.25
1:00 2:00 3:00
2017 Blues Challenge Winner
RUSS CHAPMAN
1:00 - 2:00 PM p.20
MARCO BENEVENTO 1:30 - 2:30 PM p.28
HUSKY BURNETTE
2:30 - 3:40 PM p.21
MONOPHONICS
3:00 - 4:00 PM p.34
DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS 3:00 - 4:00 PM p.24
4:00 5:00 6:00
SAMANTHA FISH
OPEN BAR + HORS D’ OEUVRES
4:10 - 5:20 PM p.21
4:30 - 5:40 PM p.36
BOOKER T’S STAX REVUE
DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS
6:00 -7:20 PM p.37
5:30 - 7:00PM p.24
7:00 8:00
VIP RECEPTION
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
BEN HARPER AND CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE
4:00 - 6:00 PM
VIP area
CAMPGROUND SESSIONS
Additional shows in the campground are for campers only (camping wristband required for entrance). Musicians will be playing on a rustic stage near the Lower Bear Creek Falls. Don’t miss the chance to see these intimate performances!
8:00 p.41
9:00 10:00
BLUES STAGE
JJ GREY & MOFRO W/OPENER MARCO BENEVENTO
11:00 10:00 PM
12:00
p.37+28
LATE NIGHT
6 | tellurideblues.com
MOON AT O’BANNONS
SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE
THE ELKS LODGE
THE LIBERTY
DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE
MONOPHONICS W/OPENER
STAND-UP COMEDY
SON LITTLE
ZYDECO HELLRAISERS W/OPENER THE BONES OF J.R. JONES 10:00 PM
p.24+20
DRAGONDEER
10:00 PM
p.34+25
“DIRTY SHOW”
10:00 PM
p.44
If sold out in advance, there may be a limited amount of tickets sold at the door for $30. These tickets will only be released after the show starts, and the Festival staff has determined that all pass holders are in the venue.
10:00 PM
p.30
MITCH WOODS CLUB 88 11:30 PM p.14 Free Show
Saturday schedule | SEPTEMBER 15 MAIN STAGE
BLUES STAGE
CAMPGROUND SESSIONS
SPECIAL/VIP EVENTS
BLISTERS+BREWS 5K RUN 8:30 am p.13
TELLURIDE BLUES CHALLENGE
10:00
9:00 am - noon p.14
YOGA SESSIONS 11:00
FESTIVAL GATES OPEN
noon
10 am p.12
11:00 AM
IBC Winner
GRAND TASTING
12:00 - 12:50PM p.24
12:00 - 3:00 PM p.16 VIP + main festival grounds
THE KEESHEA PRATT BAND 1:00
SON LITTLE
1:20 - 2:20PM p.30
2:00
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
3:00
PEE WEE HAYES & THE BONES OF J.R. JONES 3:00 - 4:00 PM p.20 CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
2:40 - 3:40PM p.32
3:00 - 4:00 PM p.30+21
4:00
THE MARCUS KING BAND 4:10 - 5:20PM p.34
3:00 PM VIP area
STAND-UP COMEDY 4:30 - 5:40 PM p.44
5:00 6:00 BLUES CHALLENGE WINNER
JJ GREY & MOFRO
ALBERT CASTIGLIA 6:00 - 7:00PM p.25
6:10 -7:20 PM p.37
7:00 8:00
ROBERT PLANT SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS
AND THE
8:00 p.43
9:00 10:00
4:30 - 5:30 PM p.24
CAMPGROUND SESSIONS
Additional shows in the campground are for campers only (camping wristband required for entrance). Musicians will be playing on a rustic stage near the Lower Bear Creek Falls. Don’t miss the chance to see these intimate performances!
MOON AT O’BANNONS
SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE
THE ELKS LODGE
THE LIBERTY
ANDERS OSBORNE
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS W/ OPENER
THE MARCUS KING BAND W/ OPENER
STAND-UP COMEDY
KEESHEA PRATT BAND
SAMANTHA FISH W/ OPENER JOHNNY SANSONE
10:00 PM
12:00
DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS
BLUES STAGE WITH
11:00
RAW BAR
oysters on the half-shell, oyster shooters, shrimp cocktails
p.36+22
LATE NIGHT
8 | tellurideblues.com
HUSKY BURNETTE
10:00 PM
p.32+21
ALBERT CASTIGLIA
10:00 PM
p.34+25
“DIRTY SHOW”
10:00 PM
p.44
If sold out in advance, there may be a limited amount of tickets sold at the door for $30. These tickets will only be released after the show starts, and the Festival staff has determined that all pass holders are in the venue.
THE
10:00 PM
p.24
MITCH WOODS CLUB 88 11:30 PM p.14 Free Show
ORDER. PAY. GET ON WITH YOUR DAY. TRY OUR ONLINE ORDERING TODAY!
Sunday schedule | SEPTEMBER 16 MAIN STAGE
BLUES STAGE
CAMPGROUND SESSIONS
SPECIAL/VIP EVENTS
BLUES FOR BREAKFAST 9:00 am - noon p.14
BACKPACKER HIKE
10:00 11:00 noon
9:00 am
FESTIVAL GATES OPEN
10:30 AM
THE GLORIFYING VINES SISTERS
BRUNCH, BLOODY MARY & CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
11:00 am - 12:00 PM p.26
11:00 am - 1:00 PM VIP area
DON BRYANT
1:00 FEATURING THE BO-KEYS 12:30 - 1:30PM p.26
2:00
RL BOYCE AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLSTARS 2:00 - 3:00 PM p.28
3:00 4:00
MITCH WOODS
1:00 - 2:00 PM p.21
JOHNNY SANSONE 2:30 - 3:30 PM p.22
VALERIE JUNE
3:30 - 4:40 PM p.32
PEE WEE HAYES
3:00 - 4:00 PM p.30
STAND-UP COMEDY 4:00 - 5:10 PM p.44
3:00 PM VIP area
5:00
ANDERS OSBORNE
5:10 - 6:20 PM p.36
CAMPGROUND
PAT “MOTHER BLUES” COHEN SESSIONS 5:30 - 6:30 PM p.22
6:00 7:00
ASSORTED CANDY BAR + RAW BAR oysters on the half-shell, oyster shooters, shrimp cocktails
GOV’T MULE 7:00 p.39
8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00
10 | tellurideblues.com
Additional shows in the campground are for campers only (camping wristband required for entrance). Musicians will be playing on a rustic stage near the Lower Bear Creek Falls. Don’t miss the chance to see these intimate performances!
FAIS DO DO CLOSING CELEBRATION RL BOYCE AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLSTARS p.28 9:00 PM Sheridan opera house
Special events
OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHTS SUNSET BLUES CONCERT
Join us in Mountain Village Sunset Plaza for our FREE kick-off Blues & Brews Festival Concert featuring Dragondeer with opener The Bones of J.R. Jones. Thursday, September 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mountain Village is just a short, beautiful Gondola ride away from Telluride! THURSDAY 5:00 - 7:00 PM MOUNTAIN VILLAGE SUNSET PLAZA
BAL DE MAISON
Originally ‘Bal de Maison’ were dances held at someone’s house typically in the front room which was cleared of furniture. Quite often these dances were announced by the host of the party simply by standing on their porch and yelling to their neighbor. Word would often travel up to 40 miles this way. Well here is our shout out - we are having a dance party with Samantha Fish on Thursday, September 13th to open the Festival, spread the word!
RAINBOW KIDS
FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES Kids of all ages can enjoy various activities in the Rainbow Kids area throughout the Festival weekend. Living Folklore features children’s entertainment, workshops, and two parades – one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Bring the kids to the Rainbow Kids area to join the wild and wacky Living Folklore Clowns, Giggly Sprout and Gumbo Wobbly. To learn more about the Living Folklore Clowns or The Arizona Living Folklore, visit
YOGA SESSIONS
livingfolklore.com. Additional activities, bungee trampoline and a climbing wall for children ages 3 and up, face painting, talent show and inflatable bounce games. Come by the Kids Area for the full schedule, or look online at tellurideblues.com.
THURSDAY 9 PM OPERA HOUSE
Namasté! Relax, breath deep and unwind at the free Blues & Brews Yoga Sessions. Guided by professional instructor Lauren Miller, enjoy a fluid yoga flow at the free Blues & Brews Yoga Sessions. Learn activating breath practices, liberating movements and playful exercises in the fresh alpine morning air. Nestled in the cozy amphitheater of Elks Park in downtown Telluride, the Yoga Sessions are a fun and inspiring way to start your mornings. Guests of all skill levels are welcome to join. New to yoga or considering for the first time? Join in and discover the healing power of yoga.
FAIS DO DO
Location
“Fais Do Do” roughly translates to “Cajun dance party”. The parties were named for the gentle command (‘go to sleep’) young mothers offered bawling infants so that they could get back out and dance with their husbands before someone else did. This is our final show of the weekend and soon we will all go to sleep! This show is a highlight for many and one you won’t want to miss! SUNDAY 9 PM OPERA HOUSE 12 | tellurideblues.com
Telluride Elks Park Colorado Ave & S Oak St
Inclement Weather Location Town Park Pavilion (Blues Stage)
Time
September 15 & 16 10:00 - 11:00 am
What To Bring
Water, yoga mat, towel and active wear
Special events
BLISTERS & BREWS 5K RACE TASP FUNDRAISER REMEMBERING FELIX SNOW
The third Annual Blisters & Brews 5k Fundraiser Race returns on the morning of Saturday, September 15, 2018. The 5k Race, presented by BootDoctors™ Paragon Outdoors, raises money for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program in remembrance of honored festival friend Felix Snow. The race highlights the natural beauty of Telluride as racers climb up the town’s River Trail and take in unobstructed views of the iconic Ingram Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Through registration fees, donations and the generous support of the Telluride community, we proudly raised over $2,500 for the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program since the start of the program. We’re eagerly looking
forward to another amazing year of community support. Course begins at Elks Park and climbs up the bike path to Pandora Mine and returns along the same route. Racers will follow Colorado Avenue east and pick up the river trail, climbing to the Pandora mine. Racers will turn around and enjoy cruising down to the finish at Elks Park. Two aid stations will provide water electrolytes and snacks. The race finishes with an award cera-
mony in Elks Park accompanied by free music by The Bones of J.R. Jones from 8:50-9:30 am. Don’t like to run, but want to support? Non-athletic support donations are also available. To register or donate, visit tellurideblues.com. RACE SCHEDULE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15 7:15 - 8 AM REGISTRATION OPEN 8:30 AM 5K RACE START 9:30 AM AWARD CEREMONY
THE PAINTING For this year’s poster art, there were a number of things for painter Debra Hurd to consider for imagery. The main source of inspiration was a tintype photograph of festival artist Pee Wee Hayes shot by Tim Duffy of Music Maker Relief Foundation. The real-life feel of the photograph, made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a dark lacquer, hints at the underlying authenticity of each of the musicians that perform here. Adding in the breathtaking mountain scenery that has made Telluride famous along with the subtle hops flowers from which the festival draws upon our craft beer roots, the painting encompasses all aspects which make the festival weekend truly unique and magical. Take home the official 2018 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival poster at the festival store. DEBRA HURD POSTER SIGNING DAILY AT FESTIVAL STORE FROM 12:00 - 2:00 PM PEE WEE HAYES POSTER SIGNING SATURDAY 4:30 PM AT MUSIC MAKER DRINK HOUSE tellurideblues.com | 13
Special events
MITCH WOODS CLUB 88 FREE AFTER HOURS JAM As host of the after hours Piano Bar on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise for 12 years, the extraordinary boogie-woogie/jump blues piano master Mitch Woods has created a beloved tradition. One night, after a particularly inspiring all-night session, a hand-painted sign appeared declaring “Mitch Woods’ Club 88”, and so began the stuff of legend. Mitch still hosts the late night sessions in his pajamas,
and musicians come to sit in after they finish playing their sets on the main stage. He’s even performed an improbable duet with an Alphorn player. (Who cruises with a 12-foot long Alphorn, anyway?) Now Mitch brings his Club 88 to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival for the same late night party! All musicians are invited, so bring your axe for some late night jammin’ at the piano above the mile high limit! Expect some surprise guests and lots of great music in an intimate soulful setting. Let the good times roll! FREE, FRIDAY 11:30 PM, LIBERTY FREE, SATURDAY 11:30 PM, LIBERTY
TELLURIDE BLUES CHALLENGE Through a partnership with Telluride Music Company, Telluride Blues Society and Colorado Blues Society, we are excited to present the 2018 Telluride Blues Challenge. The Telluride Blues Challenge is an annual 14 | tellurideblues.com
competition providing talented up-and-coming artists from the blues genre with an opportunity to advance their professional career and play the Telluride Blues & Brews Main Stage! Solo blues musicians not
BLUES FOR BREAKFAST Join us for blues and breakfast from 9:00 AM - noon on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the Elks Lodge (located at the corner of Townsend and Pacific Avenue). Enjoy solo performances from blues musicians while dining on scrambled eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, coffee, and juice. The music is FREE. Breakfast, bloody marys, mimosas, and a full bar are extra.
signed to a major record or publishing deal can enter by submitting two recorded songs for consideration. Entries are judged on blues content, vocals, talent, originality and overall impression. A panel of blues experts narrow down the entries and judge the top six contestants in a final competition held on Saturday morning of the festival at the Back Porch Stage at the Elks Lodge. Here, the judges will select the 2018 Telluride Blues Challenge Champion who will take home a cash prize, a premium Martin guitar courtesy of Telluride Music and a 20 minute set on the Main Stage at the 2018 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, a full 60 minute set at the 2019 Festival on the Blues Stage and a full set on the 2019 Durango Blues Train. SATURDAY 9 AM ELKS LODGE
Special events
The grand tasting BREWERY/CIDERY (“CIDERY” IN BLUE) 4 Noses Brewing Co. AC Golden Brewing Company/ Colorado Native Aspen Brewing Company Avalanche Brewing Co. Avery Brewing Company Bonfire Brewing Boulder Beer Company Bristol Brewing Company Bull & Bush Brewery Carver Brewing Co. Comrade Brewing Crazy Mountain Brewing Company Crooked Stave Durango Brewing Company Denver Beer Co Elevation Beer Company Epic Brewing Company Fiction Beer Company Flagstaff Brewing Company Full Sail Brewing Co. Great Divide Brewing Co. Horse & Dragon Brewing Company Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery La Cumbre Brewing Co. Lagunitas Brewing Company Lumberyard Brewing Co. Marble Brewery Melvin Brewing Moab Brewery Mother Road Brewing Company New Belgium Brewing Co. New Terrain Brewing Co. Ninkasi Brewing Company Odell Brewing Oskar Blues Brewery Outer Range Brewing Co Palisade Brewing Company Pug Ryan’s Brewing Company Roaring Fork Beer Company Ska Brewing Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Smugglers Brewpub Steamworks Brewing Company Stone Brewing Station 26 Brewing Co. Strange Craft Beer Company SweetWater Brewing Company Telluride Brewing Company Two Roads Brewing Company Uinta Brewing Co Upslope Brewing Co Vernal Brewing Company Big B’s Hard Cider C Squared Ciders Portland Cider Company Stem Ciders 16 | tellurideblues.com
BREWER’S VIP VILLAGE TENT 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
1 1
FINDING YOUR FLAVOR 2 2 3
Enjoy the pours from 56 craft breweries on Saturday, NOON - 3 PM (The maps below depict the beer tents from the vantage point of the festival’s front gate.)
3 4 4 5 5
VIP tasting tents
6 6 7
7
6
8
10
7
9
2
4 5
3
Brewer’s village 3 4
8
9 9
10 10
MAIN STAGE
1 2
8
1
5
6
7
Text To Vote VOTE FOR THE ‘BEST OF FEST’ BREWERS AWARD 2018 WITH YOUR PHONE Look for the text code next to your favorite brewery
ON TAP
OFFICIAL BEER Partner
HOUSE OF BREWS
Along with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. the House of Brews features 5 additional breweries be sure to stop in and check out the different flavors being poured throughout the weekend.
Pale Ale’s unique piney and grapefruit aromas from the use of whole-cone American hops have fascinated beer drinkers for decades. Back Porch Lager was created by the Blues & Brews staff at a unique ‘one-of-a-kind’ Beer Camp weekend, this lager is available exclusively at the festival.
BIG B’S HARD CIDER
HARVEST APPLE HARD CIDER LAZY DAZE HARD LEMONADE
Nooner’s brilliant golden color begs you to take a sip and sink your taste buds into an extremely welcoming beer, full of flavor and balanced by a crisp, dry finish. This is hazy with modest bitterness and intense hop character. Making an unfiltered hop bomb may seem crazy, but to us, it’s a hazy little thing called IPA.
BONFIRE BREWING
“APRÈS-COT” APRICOT BLONDE ALE
Torpedo Extra IPA, featuring our “Hop Torpedo,” is an aggressive yet balanced beer with massive hop aromas of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. Just an unfussy, uncomplicated hoppy golden ale brewed to fit in no matter where it goes. This isn’t beer for collecting, this is beer for drinking. Inspired by traditional Bavarian techniques. With a full, fruity aroma and notes of spicy clove and banana bread, Kellerweis is a truly unique brew.
HIGH ALTITUDE CRAFT BEER LOUNGE
After a successful first year, our craft beer partner, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, is bringing back the High Altitude Craft Beer Lounge. The cozy lounge, located inside the general admission area of the main festival grounds, will feature a rotating tap-list of rare Sierra Nevada beer offerings and give attendees a chance to interact directly with folks from the brewery all weekend long. Listen for the stage announcements for the daily pour list.
DURANGO BREWING CO. BLUEBERRY WHEAT
SKA BREWING
RUDE B. SOHO GRAPEFRUIT LAGER
TELLURIDE BREWING CO. RUSSELL KELLY PALE ALE
tellurideblues.com | 17
NAVIGATION
FESTIVAL GROUNDS WILLOW ST.
official pickup location
MAIN Entrance & Box office
PACIFIC AVENUE
Lost& found WINE & LIQUOR
House of Brews
Warner field Campground
Glamping Area
Festival Merchandise
Entrance
ATM KIDS AREA High Altitude Craft Beer Lounge
Craft Beer Bar
VIP entrance
VIP Area
Main Stage
COLORADO AVENUE
The moon at o ‘bannon’s
JJ
LIBERTY
ELKS PARK PACIFIC AVENUE
JJ
Back Porch Stage at the Elks
YOGA SESSIONS + BLISTERS & BREWS 5K RACE START
GONDOLA TO MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
18 | tellurideblues.com
SPRUCE ST.
FIR ST.
JJ
PINE ST.
Sheridan Opera house
OAK ST.
ASPEN ST.
TOWNSEND ST.
JUKE JOINT
ATM
JJ
COLORADO AVENUE
North
Path Campground Festival Service
Town park Campground
Vendors Grand Tasting
Music Maker Drink HousE Lounge & Exhibition
Water
The Blues Stage
Restroom Showers
Campground Sessions stage
ATM ATM
Charging Station Recycling Bus stop Bike parking
Campground
Handicap access Medical JUKE Joint
HEMLOCK ST.
MAPLE ST.
ALDER ST.
WILLOW ST.
JJ
official pickup location
MAIN Entrance & Box office
FESTIVAL GROUNDS
JJ
The blues stage
tellurideblues.com | 19
THE MUSIC
RUSS CHAPMAN Last year’s winner of our Telluride Blues Challenge, Russ Chapman, earned sets on the Main Stage and on our Blues Stage with his lyrically sharp, footstomping New Orleans style folk blues. And trumpet. With just his mouth. It’s crazy good. The New York state native, who now calls Montana home, grew up with the blues and says he’d sing Howling Wolf songs into his ball cap while playing left field as a kid in Little League. His specialty is connecting with his audiences and he does it well. Easy-going, friendly, a great storyteller and a fine musician, Russ’s songs take the world into a happy place, and that’s right where he likes to be. His advice for those competing in this year’s Blues Challenge? “Just be yourself. Nobody does it better!” FRIDAY 1 PM BLUES STAGE
THE BONES OF J.R. JONES Jonathon Linaberry is a oneman band from upstate New York that will get into your very bones. His music is an earthy blend of blues, soul and Americana and he plays every single instrument you hear. It can make for a solitary existence, playing and touring solo as he does. But the music is irresistibly engaging. It’s a sound that is gritty and moody and filled with confidence and swagger. It may bring to mind the stripped down, beefy blues of early Black 20 | tellurideblues.com
Keys. His voice is rich and dark and his playing is at once focused and loose. On Jonathon’s latest record, Ones To Keep Close, he recruits other musicians with whom to work, resulting in a must-have collection of songs that are powerful, introspective and downright rocking. Now get
your bones to the Blues Stage and shake ‘em. THURSDAY 5 PM FREE SUNSET BLUES CONCERT MOUNTAIN VILLAGE SUNSET PLAZA FRIDAY 10 PM THE MOON SATURDAY 8:50 AM ELKS PARK SATURDAY 3 PM CAMPGROUND
THE MUSIC
HUSKY BURNETTE Brian “Husky” Burnette’s musical family roots might have everything to do with why he got into the music business, but he’s established himself utterly on his own merits with his gritty style of Delta and Hill Country blues. He drenches his songs in an edgy rock potion, and once that groove gets fired up, there’s
no looking back. The Burnette DNA of rockabilly greats Johnny and Dorsey Burnette - is evident. He’s a serious student of the genre and his deft playing and superb songwriting have opened the door for numerous collaborations with the likes of Shooter Jennings, Leon Russell, an a host of others. Husky Burnette plays the blues for people who take their blues seriously. FRIDAY 2:30 PM BLUES STAGE SATURDAY 10 PM THE MOON
MITCH WOODS Jump blues is in the house! No one plays it better than the amazing “rock-a-boogie” pianist and singer Mitch Woods. With its driving, infectious groove, a Mitch Woods set is a throw-your-hands-in-theair, shake-yo-tailfeathers kind of dance party. His late-night blues cruise gigs are the stuff of legend. It seems everyone on board sits in with him, taking partiers into the stratosphere. He started out his musical journey studying jazz and classical, but upon moving to the West Coast and discovering jump blues, he knew he’d found his path. It’s a style from the 1940s and 50s that is one of the forebears of rock and roll. He delivers it fast, swinging, and with enough energy to bring you to dawn’s early light. FRIDAY 11:30 PM THE LIBERTY SATURDAY 11:30 PM THE LIBERTY SUNDAY 1 PM BLUES STAGE
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Christone “Kingfish” Ingram just graduated high school. But close your eyes and listen to this young man wail on his guitar and you’d swear you’re listening to an old blues cat. He started on drums at the age of 6. At 9, he picked up the bass guitar, and by the time he hit his teens, lead guitar and vocals were all comfortably in the bag. His roots are in gospel music and his cousin is country great Charlie Pride. He honed his craft under the guidance of Daddy Rich and Bill Perry at the Delta Blues Museum and counts among his style mentors a range of the greats
– Elmore James, Lightnin’ Hopkins, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince. His future is great and we’re along for the ride. FRIDAY 4:10 PM BLUES STAGE SATURDAY 3 PM BLUES STAGE tellurideblues.com | 21
THE MUSIC
JOHNNY SANSONE A 12-YEAR-OLD JOHNNY SANSONE KNEW HE HAD TO PLAY THE BLUES FOR A LIVING WHEN HE SAW HOWLIN’ WOLF PLAY.
He studied harmonica with James Cotton and Junior Wells in the 1970s and by the 1980s was playing and touring with John Lee Hooker and other blues legends. His was the life of the traveling bluesman until he settled in New Orleans in 1990. Since then, the Crescent City’s diverse musical threads have woven into the tapestry of
his music. He blends Zydeco and Cajun colors into the blues that started it all, and as a member of the all-star collective, Voice of the Wetlands, became friends with Anders Osborne, who has produced a couple records for Johnny. The Blues Foundation has nominated him in multiple categories over the years in recognition of his talent, and his records garner critical and popular acclaim. On his latest record, Hopeland, Anders and the Dickinson brothers, Luther and Cody, join him in the studio. “Jumpin” Johnny Sansone is a thrill to see perform. Go get your thrill on. SATURDAY 10 PM BLUES STAGE SUNDAY 2:30 PM BLUES STAGE
PAT “MOTHER BLUES” COHEN THIS IS THE MOTHER WHOSE HOUSE WE’D ALL GO TO AFTER SCHOOL. NOT FOR COOKIES AND MILK, BUT FOR SOME FIRED-UP BLUES SUNG STRAIGHT FROM HER BOTTOMLESS HEART. Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen grew up in a musical household and absorbed the genre on the front porch at her uncles’ house, one who played guitar and the other on harmonica while the moths beat themselves against the porch light. The woman who idolizes Billie Holiday, Koko Taylor and Etta James got her first gig while still in college. In three short days she had to hire a band and come up with a 30song set list. She did it with all 22 | tellurideblues.com
the style and sass she displays onstage today and the rest, as it is said, is history. She’s been touring with the Music Maker Relief Fund Blues Revue, an organization that supports musicians working in the shadows, lifting them from poverty and into the spotlight. Mother Blues richly deserves her place in blues history. Don’t miss this dynamic performer – colorful wigs, boas, and all! SUNDAY 5:30 PM BLUES STAGE
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THE MUSIC
DWAYNE DOPSIE AND THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS When Dwayne Dopsie says, “This is my calling - Zydeco music is in my blood and it is my heart and soul,” we take a knee in gratitude. His father, the great Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr. was a pioneer in Zydeco music. When his youngest son, Dwayne, expressed an interest in music at a young age, the lessons began. Initially, Dwayne liked the washboard, but it was soon evident that he had preternatural talent on the accordion. He has become what Rolling Stone magazine
calls “The Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,” and his shows are high-energy explosions of his updated version of Zydeco, blues, funk and soul. Follow the river of people heading to the Blues Stage and prepare
to experience the best Zydeco music in the world.
gaging stage presence. She reads an audience like a book and delivers just what it needs. Keeshea refuses to be buttonholed into any one genre. She’ll tell you she
sings it all. We’re here to tell you, she certainly does.
FRIDAY 3 PM CAMPGROUND FRIDAY 5:30 PM BLUES STAGE FRIDAY 10 PM THE MOON SATURDAY 4:30 PM CAMPGROUND
KEESHEA PRATT BAND The “Wow!” factor is real as we introduce you to the Keeshea Pratt band, this year’s International Blues Challenge winners. When the Mississippi native with the stunning voice assembled a band just eight months before traveling to Memphis for the competition, they rolled in with high hopes and a lot of confidence. Her merry band of Texans elevated and supported Keeshea with a classic, horn-heavy sound, and the whirlwind of talent and sass onstage convinced the judges they had a winner. Keeshea is already well-known for her remarkable voice and en24 | tellurideblues.com
SATURDAY 12 PM MAIN STAGE SATURDAY 10 PM THE MOON
THE MUSIC
ALBERT CASTIGLIA This guitar slinging bluesman’s resume begins with a stint as a young man in Junior Wells’ touring band, a group that gigged worldwide for several years. Albert Castiglia wanted nothing more than to be a Chicago bluesman, and with Junior Well’s guidance, he was well on his way. His vocal style has been compared to that of Van Morrison’s and his overall sound is a ferocious blend of hardcore blues, soul, rock and country. His latest album on Ruf Records is Up All Night, a fitting title for a musician who can honestly claim – through both residence and talent - that he is now a Chicago bluesman. Get ready for some electric blues that highlights all his favorite influences and includes his own tasty originals. SATURDAY 6 PM BLUES STAGE SATURDAY 10 PM OPERA HOUSE
DRAGONDEER HAVING DENVER’S DRAGONDEER KICK OFF THE MAIN STAGE FESTIVITIES IS THE BEST REMINDER THAT THIS IS A BLUES-LOVING FESTIVAL. Their first, full-length album, If You’ve Got the Blues, was released earlier this year and captures perfectly the band’s focused, passionate live energy. Recorded in Topanga Canyon in California, the record reflects the band’s belief that we’re all in this together. “It’s about sticking by your loved ones and being there for ‘em when they need it; rising up your tribe,” said Eric Halborg, Dragondeer’s lead vocalist, guitarist and harp player. Halborg’s smoking harmonica runs
and blues-perfect vocals pair up well with Cole Rudy’s stinging pedal steel work. Drummer Carl Sorensen and bassist Casey Sidwell drive Dragondeer like it’s a Rolls Royce with a psychedelic paint job. Careening from deep Mississippi blues to far-out jams, this is a band with chops, attitude and the swagger it takes to get this party started. THURSDAY 5 PM FREE SUNSET BLUES CONCERT MOUNTAIN VILLAGE SUNSET PLAZA FRIDAY 12 PM MAIN STAGE FRIDAY 10 PM OPERA HOUSE tellurideblues.com | 25
THE MUSIC
THE GLORIFYING VINES SISTERS One of our favorite traditions is going from Oh, Hoppy Day (Saturday’s Grand Tasting) to Oh, Happy Day, when Sunday in the park begins with a rousing gospel set. This year The Glorious Vines Sisters will take the stage with their songs of devotion sung in beautiful four-part harmonies. Gospel and the blues are kindred spirits. Both music forms stem from African-American traditions and culture. Gospel often crosses easily into the secular world whether or not one is a believer,
the joy of gospel music is undeniable. And listening to the Vines sisters sing will indeed fill you with joy and light. The Glorifying Vines Sisters are an act endorsed by Music Maker Relief Foundation, a non-profit that keeps
Southern music traditions alive by supporting artists so they can perform their music. We’re grateful for them, for the Vines sisters, and for this beautiful day.
lifluous tenor and back again. The Bo-Keys are a band of session musicians from the Stax and Hi Records studios who found themselves languishing without work once those studios closed. Comprised of those veterans and younger musicians who re-
vered the Memphis soul sound, the band is keeping the tradition alive and dynamic. Now fronted by Don Bryant, they are living, breathing music history. Class is in session!
SUNDAY 11:00 AM MAIN STAGE
DON BRYANT FEAT. THE BO-KEYS Ladies and gentlemen, Memphis soul is in the house! This group is what happens when Memphis soul icons and young musicians steeped in the tradition of Memphis blues, soul and R&B come together. Don Bryant was the man behind countless hits out of Hi Records, including “I Can’t Stand The Rain,” which he wrote for his wife, Ann Peebles. A longtime vocalist for Willie Mitchell’s bands and his own groups, Don Bryant’s roots are in gospel and doo-wop. After countless performances and recordings of his own, he settled in behind the scenes, lending his prodigious songwriting talent to numerous artists. Today, his voice is silky smooth, cascading from thrilling falsetto to mel26 | tellurideblues.com
SUNDAY 12:30 PM MAIN STAGE
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THE MUSIC
RL BOYCE AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLSTARS R.L. Boyce’s Hill Country Blues is effortlessly transcendent and mesmerizing. Capturing the jukejoint, moonshine fuelled, picnic party life of Como, Mississippi, Boyce takes the listener through Saturday night and over that fine
line that separates it from Sunday morning. This is god-fearing music on Mississippi terms. R.L. Boyce has become so highly regarded people see him as the Ravi Shankar of Hill Country music. Hill Country
MARCO BENEVENTO THIS GUY IS A GENIUS. WITH 88 KEYS AND A WILD AND CURIOUS IMAGINATION, MARCO BENEVENTO HAS CREATED A KEYBOARD STYLE THAT IS ALL HIS OWN, USING SOUND SHAPING TRICKS AND SHEER TALENT. It would be easy to classify his music as progressive jazz, but that just scratches the surface of his work. The man who had his Berklee College of Music degree handed to him by none other than David Bowie has performed in his own collectives – Benevento-Russo Duo, Garage A Trois – as well as Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and Bustle In Your Hedgerow, a band that performs fresh interpretations of Led Zeppelin’s music. He’s toured with Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, 28 | tellurideblues.com
raises his own chickens, founded his own studio, Fred Short in upstate New York, and a bathroom stall at the Belly Up in Aspen bears a plaque in his honor. His debut solo album, Invisible Baby, is being reissued this year to commemorate its 10th anniversary, on vinyl as colorful and unusual as the music that pours from his mind. And now for something completely different. FRIDAY 1:30 PM MAIN STAGE FRIDAY 10 PM BLUES STAGE
music is loose and free, so much so that it puts both the performer and the listener in a warm, almost meditative state while still groovy enough to demand a good ass shake. Through improvisation, it is designed to heighten your consciousness. You don’t play this sort of music so much as you submit to it. To properly capture the sound of R.L. and his friends, you set up the mics, get the hell out of the way and let the hypnotic boogie take over. As R.L. himself says, “Most of it, when somethin’ hits my mind, I just start. I don’t do no rehearsin’ with nobody. I don’t do nothin’ like that. Whatever hits me, I jump in on it. SUNDAY 2:00 PM MAIN STAGE FAIS DO DO CLOSING CELEBRATION SUNDAY 9 PM OPERA HOUSE
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THE MUSIC
PEE WEE HAYES THERE’S PLAYING THE BLUES, AND THERE’S LIVING THE BLUES, AND THEN THERE’S PLAYING AND LIVING THE BLUES. That’s where Thomas O. “Pee Wee” Hayes comes in. He spent his earliest childhood years in the south, where his father was a bluesman who ran into resistance
when he kept bringing traveling blues musicians to his café. Eventually, he was run out of town, narrowly escaping being lynched, and sent for his fam-
ily when he found safe harbor in Racine, Wisconsin. At the age of 9, Pee Wee started playing out, first in living rooms and at picnics, and then with his mixed race blues-rock band in clubs and roadhouses in northern Illinois. He knew B.B. King as a young boy, watching with fascination as B.B. plugged in and picked on the family’s front porch. Today, he plays with his brother Charles and, thanks in part to the Music Maker Relief Foundation, is seeing his career as a musician finally taking hold. We believe him when he says, “I just know I can make a hit man. You can feel it, you know?” It’s never too late. SATURDAY 3 PM BLUES STAGE SUNDAY 3 PM CAMPGROUND POSTER SIGNING SATURDAY 4:30 PM AT MUSIC MAKER DRINK HOUSE
SON LITTLE THERE’S A LOT OF MAGIC IN THE MUSIC OF SON LITTLE. BORN AARON LIVINGSTON, SON LITTLE’S NEWEST RECORD ON ANTI, NEW MAGIC, WAS BORN FROM LIFE ON THE ROAD.
With a guitar borrowed from a blind Aboriginal musician while on tour in Australia, Son took advantage of some down time to compose the songs that would become the spiritual center of his new record. His voice is honeyed and imbued with emotion, and his style, while pulling from the rivers of soul and R&B, is inventive and unique. Son Little’s 30 | tellurideblues.com
musical heroes are Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, two artists who come from the blues and R&B traditions, but who each defined those genres with their own, distinct imprints. He strives for and achieves just that with his own music. He’s worked with The Roots and in 2015 received
a Grammy for his work with Mavis Staples on her EP Your Good Fortune. Smooth, seductive, sinuous and soulful … Son Little will soothe. There’s certainly magic in that. FRIDAY 10 PM THE LIBERTY SATURDAY 1:20 PM MAIN STAGE
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THE MUSIC
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS This is feel good music, no doubt. The Honeydrops have grown from lead vocalist, guitarist and trumpeter Lech Wierzynkski and drummer Ben Malament’s earthy and intimate busking days, to today’s full-fledged soulfired dance party. What remains
VALERIE JUNE HER UNIQUE VOICE WINDS INSIDE YOUR HEART LIKE THE BEST SECRET YOU EVER KEPT.
Valerie June hails from Tennessee, where numerous musical traditions intertwine and collide – gospel, Appalachian folk, blues, Americana. It is from this stew that her music is rooted in a style she calls, “organic moonshine roots music.” When she was a little girl, she tagged along with her father, a local promoter of gospel 32 | tellurideblues.com
from Lech and Ben’s can’t-helpbut-notice street performances is the connection they create with the audience. Band members often join the crowd, shaking tail-feathers and high-fiving with joyful abandon. “We want crowd involvement, to make people become a part of the whole thing by dancing along, singing, picking the songs and generally coming out of their shells,” Lech says. His vocals were crafted at
and R&B music, while he hung posters around Jackson for his upcoming acts. In her late teens, she made her way to Memphis where she played rock with her then-husband. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced her first major label album, “Pushin’ Against a Stone,” and gave her sound a deep, lustrous feel. She’s a storyteller with her voice, which she can make sweet, gritty, soft or fierce. In her songs she goes for character and emotion. In the process, she’ll win your heart. Like a treasured secret. SUNDAY 3:30 PM MAIN STAGE
the altar of Sam Cooke and Ray Charles and they soar over and around the sunny, soul-infused songs. Along with Ben and Lech, the Bay Area band is comprised of Johnny Bones on tenor sax and clarinet, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards, and Beau Bradbury on bass. They’re smooth, they groove, and ya gotta move. SATURDAY 2:40 PM MAIN STAGE SATURDAY 10 PM THE MOON
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THE MUSIC
THE MARCUS KING BAND You’re not kidding around when it comes to electric blues-rock and neither is Marcus King. The son of a son of a bluesman, the Greensville, South Carolina native has just achieved legal drinking age and is already making music lovers sit bolt upright with his mature songwriting, smoky vocals and six-string prowess. Warren Haynes produced and plays on his latest album, The Marcus King Band. That should tell you something about this young man’s cred. And Derek Trucks – whose own child-prodigy-toestablished-icon path brings to
mind Marcus King’s future – contributes to this must-have record. Marcus describes his music as “soul-influenced psychedelic southern rock,” and that pretty much nails it. His kickass band deserves mention. They are Jack Ryan on drums and percussion, Stephen Campbell on bass, Dean Mitchell on saxophone, and Justin Johnson on trumpet,
MONOPHONICS THIS IS A SOUL BAND. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BE TRANSPORTED BACK TO A TIME WHEN SOUL, FUNK AND ROCK TUMBLED FROM THE TRANSISTOR RADIO AND INTO YOUR HEART.
trombone and backing vocals. The Marcus King Band is thrilling live and thanks to constant touring, the cat’s out of the bag. He’s here to stay. Count yourself among his earliest fans and hang on for the ride. There are many more miles to go. SATURDAY 4:10 PM MAIN STAGE SATURDAY 10PM OPERA HOUSE
Like one of their influences, Sly and The Family Stone, Monophonics revels in a family vibe, one in which lead vocalist/keyboardist Kelly Finnegan says creates an environment that dispenses with ego in service to the song. Their performances invoke a sweaty dance party. Punctuated with horns, colored with majestic keyboard playing, driven by a locked-in rhythm section, and boasting a set list of sassy covers and fresh original work, a Monophonics set is one of explosive energy and superbly played soulful passion. Their recordings evoke the sounds of Stax and Daptone, recorded on analog equipment and are mostly played live. It is music just like you remember it on the radio … gritty, funked up, and so very danceable. FRIDAY 3:00 PM MAIN STAGE FRIDAY 10PM OPERA HOUSE
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THE MUSIC
SAMANTHA FISH Three is the magic number. In the case of Samantha Fish, who’s making her third consecutive appearance at the festival, we aren’t kidding about the magic. She snuggled right up to our hearts in year one, charming us senseless with her smoking hot riffs, powerful voice, and assured songwriting. Her second time around, she hit the stage with her “souped up band,” an outfit that included horns and even more drive. Minds were blown. Let’s just say she did not disappoint. So when she said yes to coming back to the mountains for our Silver Anniversary, well …
the pleasure is all ours. With each passing year, Samantha grows artistically, her energy approaches supernova, and her charisma shines bright as the Colorado sunshine on a perfect, September afternoon. No wonder she’s become a fan favorite. Easily shoulder-toshoulder with the best guitarists in the business, she reminds us of the quote attributed to Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire’s elegant dance partner. “I do everything a man does only backwards and in high heels.” She’s baaaaack! BAL DE MAISON THURSDAY 9 PM OPERA HOUSE FRIDAY 4:30 PM MAIN STAGE SATURDAY 10 PM BLUES STAGE
ANDERS OSBORNE THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT ANDERS OSBORNE’S GUITAR PLAYING THAT IS UTTERLY PURIFYING. EVERY NOTE IS PERFECTLY PLACED, AT ONCE FERAL AND CONTROLLED, AND EMOTION POURS FROM HIS FINGERS AND THROUGH HIS GUITAR’S SUPPLICANT STRINGS INTO OUR VERY SOULS. Anders is this festival’s most frequent flier and after all these years, he never rests on his laurels, delivering set after astounding set. The Swedish native found the home of his heart in New Orleans after traversing the globe with his songs and his wanderlust, and now he is considered a native son. His musical influence stands shoulder to shoulder with that city’s mythical giants. His songs are imbued with honesty, passion, rage, and love, and his fusion of rock and blues is a 36 | tellurideblues.com
righteous gumbo, seasoned with his massive skills and incisive lyrics. He’s also a compassionate human. In recognition of the challenges faced by musicians who’ve chosen a clean and sober life, he founded Send Me A Friend, a network of volunteers who stand by to help if one’s resolve wears thin. We cannot get enough of him and so we say again, welcome back, Anders! SATURDAY 10 PM BLUES STAGE SUNDAY 5:10 PM MAIN STAGE
THE MUSIC
JJ GREY & MOFRO CHICKEN FARMER, PECAN ORCHARD STEWARD, SWEET, SOUTHERN SOUL MAN.
His live performances are as intimate as a front porch jam, as sanctifying as a tent revival, and as warm and soulful as a Florida night among the orange blossoms. In his songwriting, there are elements of the influences he cites, influences as varied as Otis Redding, Jerry Reed and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Mofro dishes up rock, funk and soul grooves as deep as your favorite record, giving depth and breadth to his
BOOKER T’S STAX REVUE Booker T. has come full circle. In the early 1960s, the young, Hammond B3 prodigy got his start with the legendary soulR&B label, Stax. Today, he’s commemorating the incredible music that poured from those
insightful story songs. His most recent record, Ol Glory, comes as close to his live sound as anything he’s released. It deftly captures the energy and the blue-collar authenticity that has imbued his
work from the get-go. We sure are glad he’s found his way back to the mountains. We’re so ready.
records with a tour to mark 50 years of sweet, soul music. His infectious songs, hits like “Green Onions,” “Time is Tight,” and “Born Under A Bad Sign,” are as embedded in our psyches as our own names. Booker T. Jones is an in-demand organist who has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Neil Young, Otis Redding to Rancid, and
he’s earned a rack of Grammys for his contributions to the music that makes us move. He’ll pay musical tribute to Stax acts Sam & Dave, Otis Redding and Albert King with energy and respect. You won’t be sitting for long. He’s a legend, straight up. Nothing more needs to be said.
FRIDAY 10 PM BLUES STAGE SATURDAY 6:10 PM MAIN STAGE
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THE MUSIC
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THE MUSIC THE ROCK
THE MULE IS BACK! THIS MIGHTY, HARD-WORKING BAND LEAD BY GUITARIST-SINGER WARREN HAYNES IS PROBABLY ONE OF THIS FESTIVAL’S FANS FAVORITE BANDS.
GOV’T MULE Gov’t Mule’s pedigree is a fine one and stretches back to 1994, when Warren and bassist Allen Woody started the Mule side project while working with The Allman Brothers Band. Since then, they’ve amassed an impressive résumé stuffed with countless collaborations, 10 studio albums, numerous live recordings, and a Grammy for Warren’s fireplace mantel. They are beloved the world around for their ferocious playing, amazing improvisational work, and high-energy live shows. Originally a power trio, Mule is now comprised of Matt Abts on drums, Danny Louis on keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals, and Jorgen Carlsson pinning it all down on bass. Their new record is called Revolution Come, Revolution Go, and according to Warren, is a reflection of these times. Rife with steaming groove, pointed, politically aware lyrics, and masterful playing, it holds up a mirror to a country deeply divided, struggling with seeming-
ly insurmountable problems, and casting about for answers. While the record may not provide answers, it does ladle out a thought-provoking point of view, dripping with sadness, bright with hope, and powered by Mule’s unmistakable blend of Southern rock, blues and funk. It’s good medicine, prescribed to ease the pain of uncertainty. Rock and roll has been a source of refuge and release, outrage and sorrow since its inception. Warren and crew have always understood that, in their music – whether exploring reggae, blues, jazz, or funk – healing can be found. They take their mission seriously and dish up live shows that are powerfully moving, beautifully played, and bursting with passion. Listening to Warren’s incendiary guitar solos alone is deliverance. There’s simply no way to overdose on Gov’t Mule’s music. Welcome back, Mule. We need this.
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THE MUSIC
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THE MUSIC THE blues
THEY’RE AT IT AGAIN! BEN HARPER AND CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE’S 2013 COLLABORATION, GET UP! RESULTED IN NOT ONLY A GRAMMY FOR BEST BLUES ALBUM, BUT WAS AN ALBUM AND TOUR THAT BROUGHT ATTENTION TO CHARLIE’S AMAZING BLUES HARP PLAYING TO LEGIONS OF NEW FANS, ALL THE WHILE DEEPENING BEN HARPER’S ALREADY RESPECTABLE BLUES ROOTS.
BEN HARPER and CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE It is with great pleasure that we bring this remarkable duo back to the Town Park stage, as they tour in support of their second recording together, No Mercy In This Land. Charlie is a living legend. In the 1960s on Chicago’s Southside, he blew harp with Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf. His tone is like no other, and is an intrinsic part of what the electric blues is supposed to sound like. His collaborations are at once exhilarating and diverse. He counts as musical partners Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, and Cuban great Eliades Ochoa, and he has recorded with everyone from INXS to Tom Waits. He toured with Hot Tuna in 2011, an experience that left guitarist Jorma Kaukonen in awe. “When Charlie tells stories about the blues guys it’s because he knew them and played with them,” Jorma remarked. Ben Harper grew up steeped in folk and blues traditions, and learned to play guitar like his hero, Robert Johnson. In his early career, fans in Australia, New Zealand and in Europe enthusiastically embraced his music before U.S. music lovers caught on to his smoky voice and poetic lyricism. Like Charlie, Ben’s collaborations are diverse, and his work includes an album he made with Dhani Harrison and Joseph Arthur as Fistful of Mercy. This is a perfect, blues pairing. The interplay between Ben’s guitar and Charlie’s harmonica are a conversation between two, blues masters. They trade off vocals – two travelers, two knowing voices who’ve met along the road and are happy to go on another adventure as a duo. FRIDAY 8 PM MAIN STAGE tellurideblues.com | 41
THE MUSIC
The Legend
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THE MUSIC IF THIS LITTLE PIECE ON ROBERT PLANT CONSISTED OF NOTHING MORE THAN HIS NAME ON THE PAGE, MOST PEOPLE WOULD ALREADY KNOW QUITE A BIT. SUCH IS THE WAY OF LEGENDS, THOUGH MR. PLANT MIGHT CHUCKLE AT THAT DESIGNATION.
ROBERT PLANT andhe t SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS His role as lead singer, front man and co-songwriter for the groundbreaking rock-blues group, Led Zeppelin is a pretty good start to his luminous, musical career. But when that band’s magnificent drummer, John Bonham passed away, save for the occasional reunion, there was no more Zep. Robert’s musical curiosity and drive to explore new sounds is what has sustained him since the curtain dropped on his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group. With his remarkable voice and charismatic stage presence, he took off on a rich and varied solo career, one studded with hits, braided with new journeys, and a recorded output that has reaped critical and popular acclaim. His path took him to American music heavyweights T-Bone Burnett, Alison Krauss, Darrell Scott, and Buddy Miller, and with them he delved into rich veins of Americana and folk. With the Space Shifters – a
group he’s worked with for the past five years – he’s fallen into yet another alluring groove, one that is trancelike, otherworldly and redolent of the electric English folk he has always loved. He’s recorded two records with them, lullaby And … The Ceaseless Roar, and 2017’s Carry Fire, each a mesmerizing, sonic experience that feels like an adventure through time and space. His sound is a raise of the glass to trip-hop, English folk, blues riffing, and North African influences - aural landscapes that add depth and variety to the familiar Led Zeppelin songs that pepper his live shows, as well as the group’s original work. Robert’s voice – considered by many to be the best in the history of rock music – is a fine instrument, burnished and mellowed with time, still powerful and evocative. And it will be so good to hear it echoing off the canyon walls.
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THE Comedians
BACK PORCH COMEDY CLUB
Comedy returns to Blues & Brews with stand-up shows featuring five comedians and a brand new “Back Porch Comedy Club” at the Elks Lodge (472 W Pacific Ave). With cozy couches and comfortable seating along with rustic decor and ambient lighting, the Back Porch Comedy Club will be the ideal setting to catch some late night humor. This intimate venue will host the “Dirty Shows” on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10:00 pm. For the young at heart, please note that some of the comedy will be adult in nature. Catch all five comedians again on the Blues Stage, Saturday and Sunday during the Festival.
MOSES STORM Moses is a multi-hyphenate who will next be seen in the upcoming season of Arrested Development for Netflix as well as Adam Sandler’s upcoming Netflix feature Who Do You Think Would Win. Previously, Moses starred in Timur Bekmambetov’s horror feature Unfriended for Universal. Moses also just finished shooting the CBS pilot, Arranged. A 2015 JFL New Face, Moses made his late night debut last year on Conan, where he received a standing ovation after
TROY WALKER A regular at Comedy Works, Walker has won the Comedy Works “New Faces” contest twice. After making his network TV debut on The Late Late Show, Troy has steadily racked up credits including VICE’s Flophouse and playing the role of “Don Lemon” on Fusion TV’s Trump vs. Bernie. Troy was also featured in a PetSmart commercial directed by Christopher Guest and starring Jane Lynch, had his own Comedy Central digital series and can be seen later 44 | tellurideblues.com
his performance. Conan was so taken with him that he will be starting a new monthly show
sponsored by Team Coco at the hip new comedy venue Dynasty Typewriter that Moses will host.
this year in “Corporate” on Comedy Central. Walker has had the pleasure of opening for some of the most prominent comedians in the country. In addition to headlining clubs and colleges across the nation, Troy serves as a fine ambassador of Denver comedy at national and local comedy festivals including The Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival, The Great American Comedy Festival, and Portland’s Bridgetown Comedy Festival. He was also selected as one the Just for Laughs Montreal’s prestigious “New Faces” and is currently clawing his way up the L.A. comedy scene.
After witnessing Troy’s storytelling abilities and commanding presence on-stage it should come as no surprise that he’s also a licensed attorney who graduated from University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law.
THE Comedians
MEGAN GAILEY JORDAN DOLL Megan Gailey has performed on The Conan O’Brien Show, @Midnight and has a Comedy Central Half Hour Special premiering in 2018. Megan was part of the 2015 New Faces show at the Just For Laughs Festival and was a featured performer at SXSW, Bridgetown Comedy Festival and a writer for the 2017 ESPYS. And she has finally performed alongside enough famous people that her older brothers no longer hate her.
Jordan Doll is a standup comedian, actor and writer from Denver, Colorado where he is a regular at the world famous Comedy Works. If he looks familiar it might be because you saw him on Viceland’s Flophouse, or the Comedy Central snapchat channel, or dressed up like a potato skin in that one TGIFriday’s commercial. Or maybe you caught him performing at Just for Laughs Montreal, or the High plains comedy festival, or San Francisco Sketch Fest; opening for the likes of Kumail Nanjiani, Bryan Posehn and Kyle Kinane. Or maybe it’s something else. He does just kind of have one of those faces.
DAVE STOCKER Dave Stocker is originally from Ohio and attended Ohio University majoring in Adventure Recreation, which made Telluride the perfect place to one day call home. Dave moved to Telluride from Alaska for the library and stayed the next 9 years to ski. Since then he has picked up several other passions including comedy and playing music. He’s been writing for years and more recently performed at the liberty opening up for local comedian Natalie Jones. Dave plans to continue his love for comedy and stand up, and is looking forward to being a part of the Blues & Brews lineup. LATE NIGHT COMEDY SHOWS FRIDAY 10 PM | SATURDAY 10 PM BACK PORCH COMEDY CLUB AT THE ELKS BLUES STAGE COMEDY SHOWS SATURDAY 4:30 PM BLUES STAGE | SUNDAY 4 PM BLUES STAGE
Making the Blues Green
REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE + COMPOST
In cooperation with our vendors, Sysco, and the Town of Telluride, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival provides attendees the opportunity to recycle and compost nearly everything you would want to throw away. When you arrive at the Festival, you’ll find six recycling and compost centers located throughout the Festival grounds and one in the campground.
GREEN THE SCENE + WIN PRIZES
GREEN TICKETS
Purchasing a Telluride Green Ticket for only $3, supports Leave No Trace’s (LNT) initiative in Telluride to raise awareness and educate people about reducing their impact on the environment. Help us protect the earth and keep the Festival moving in a sustainable direction. Tickets are available for purchase at LNT’s booth.
Stop by the LNT booth, to talk about how you can be an advocate by using the best “Leave No Trace” practices, signing up for a membership or, for campers, entering the “Coolest and Cleanest Campsite Challenge” for a chance to win prizes including festival t-shirts, swag and passes to the 2019 Festival.
REFILL & REHYDRATE
Bottled water is not available for purchase at Blues & Brews. We offer FREE water stations to keep you hydrated. Bring your bottle and refill throughout the day at our Filling Stations on the west end of the park and in VIP and the Yeti water station on the east end. Making bottles to meet America’s demand for bottled water uses more than 17 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel 1.3 million cars for a year. And that’s not even including the oil for transportation. Save your souvenir tasting glass and especially your beer cups. Water bottles are available for purchase at the Merchandise Tent.
UPGRADE YOUR
FESTIVAL TICKET to a
GREEN
TICKET 46 | tellurideblues.com
$
HELP “LEAVE NO TRACE” IN THEIR EDUCATIONAL AND AWARENESS INITIATIVES, AND TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO REDUCE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
GREEN TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE LEAVE NO TRACE BOOTH
OUR EVENTS
DURANGO BLUES TRAIN
DURANGO, COLORADO | JUNE + AUGUST, 2019 The Durango Blues Train is an exciting 3 hour moving musical experience providing two consecutive evenings of live blues. The event features six live blues performances on board the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroadís coal-fired, WWW.DURANGOBLUESTRAIN.COM
steam-powered train traveling through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons of the San Juan National Forest. Each artist performs in their own vintage coach, while passengers are free to dance their way from coach to coach and delight in a variety of musical DURANGOBLUESTRAIN
performances. Four coaches have seats while two are open with no seats to entice and encourage dancing. Enjoy the blues, award-winning craft beer, hard cider and the beautiful scenery of the famous train featured in the Hollywood production, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” To cap it all off, passengers will experience breathtaking sunset views along the “Highline,” a world famous section of the railroad, as the train crawls along craggy cliffs 400 feet high above the Wild Animas River, known to be the most beautiful section of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Held during two weekends in June and August, this is a “must do” for any dedicated audiophile and train enthusiast with an adventurous bucket list.
@DBLUESTRAIN
@DURANGOBLUESTRAIN
TELLURIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL AUGUST 2019
Not your same old Telluride Jazz Festival! Two years ago, SBG Productions, the producers of the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, took over the reigns of the Telluride Jazz Festival! This August marked a turning point for the celebrated 42 year old festival with enhanced production, a lineup of world-class jazz, soul, funk and gospel, luxurious ticket options and special events like yoga, WWW.TELLURIDEJAZZ.ORG
48 | tellurideblues.com
art walks, a New Orleans 2nd Line Parade and more! Attendees enjoyed three days of music, interactive educational programing, on-site camping, late night shows and much more. The Jazz
TELLURIDEJAZZFESTIVAL
Festival has a maximum of 3,000 attendees offering an intimate and unparalleled Telluride festival experience. Two trips to Telluride are better than one! Join us for the next year’s festival in August 2019!
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@TELLUIRDEJAZZFESTIVAL
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COLORADO PRINTING
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311 Bear Creek Ave. Morrison, CO 80465
OUR PASSION globe. We are honored to work alongside this compassionate organization in an effort to ensure the continuity of some of the purest and most honest forms of music in American history. Want to get involved? You can change lives with a simple music shop purchase or by making a taxdeductible donation today.
MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION
DRINK HOUSE LOUNGE & EXHIBITION
DEDICATED TO HELPING THE TRUE PIONEERS AND FORGOTTEN HEROES OF SOUTHERN MUSIC GAIN RECOGNITION AND MEET THEIR DAY-TO-DAY NEEDS.
New for 2018, the festival will host the Music Maker Relief Foundation Drink House Lounge and Exhibition in the Blues Stage walk-in area presented by Telluride Express. This lounge and exhibition will feature art, listening stations, artist meet-and-greets, and music history/educational programing that reflects Music Maker’s mission and culture. The new Music Maker Drink House will give attendees a chance to interact with these artists and American music history. Stop by the Drink House in the Blues Stage for the complete weekend schedule!
documentation and performance programs that build knowledge and appreciation of Americaís musical traditions. At this yearís festival, we look forward to having two profoundly talented artists from the MMRF roster perform, Pee Wee Hayes, The Glorifying Vines Sisters, Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Since their founding in 1994, the Foundation has assisted and partnered with over 300 artists, issued over 150 albums and reached over a million people with live performances in over 40 states and 17 countries around the
YOU COULD WIN A BLUES CRUISE, A SIGNED GUITAR + JAZZ FEST TICKETS
We are raising funds for One for educational programs and pato One Mentoring, who em- tient care/prevention. power youth in San Miguel Stop by the merchandise tent County to achieve their social, or Blues Cruise RV to buy a rafemotional and academic potential fle ticket, learn more about the through professionally supported prizes and help show your supmentor relationships, and the port for our local non-profits! Telluride Aids Benefit, a nonprofit organization whose mission TICKETS $10 EACH OR 3 FOR $20 is to fight HIV/ AIDS by heightening global and me rc ha nd is euitesentBu&s local awareness, as th e Bl ue s Cr well as generating $ $ financial support or
The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is raffling off a signed guitar by Joe Bonamassa, valued at $1,500, a 7-day Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise for two and two tickets to the 2019 Telluride Jazz Festival, to benefit local Telluride non-profits. 50 | tellurideblues.com
TICKETS
We are thrilled for the opportunity to once again partner with and contribute to the endeavors of the Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The MMRF was founded to preserve the musical traditions of Americaís South by directly supporting the musicians who make it, ensuring their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time. Through programs dedicated to cultural access, musical development and musician sustenance, the Foundation gives future generations access to their heritage through
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Stop by the Jimmy Jr. at the festival to check out the newest Maui Jim styles.
THE BAND Festival Director Director of Operations Director of Marketing Director of PartnershIps Vending, Glamping & Event Operations Manager Accounting Artist Advance Director Artist Biographer Artist Hospitality Backstage & VIP Massage Beverage Operations Blues Stage Stage Manager Blues Stage Venue Manager Box Office Director Box Office Staff Campground Staff Camping & Volunteers Director Clubs Managers Communications Director Electricians Emeritus Staff Festival Chef Festival Vibe Front Cover Artwork Glamping construction Informational Barricade & Parking Director Lighting Consultant Master of Ceremonies Master of Everything Media Manager & ARTIST RELATIONS Merchandise Director Merchandise ManagerS Music Archivists Operations Assistants Park Operations Director Park Operations Staff Parking & Informational Barricade Staff Photographers Production Director Production Manager Security Director Security Staff Stage Manager Telluride Blues Challenge Director Transportation Staff VIP Host
Steve Gumble Courtney McClary Yug Jacob Bomersback Patrick Shehan Marcus Smith Sherry Brieske, Dave Strellner, Pam Bennett Cat Leonaitis Suzanne Cheavens Kathleen Cole, Kristin Hickey, Casey Graves Diana Marshall Dave Zaumseil, Matt Hladik Chris Lawerence Brent Compton Phoebe Joecks Neddie Troutman, Chris Cloonan, Duke Dean, Doug “Smudge” Scott Elwood Baylor, Carole Reece, Randy Reece, Aaron Reece Fawnda Rogers, Donavan Sandefur Denise Mongan Arab Ginnett, Tom Hannahs Luci Reeve Liberty Bell Electric, Karen Dunivan, Kerry Dunivan Bob McHugh, Karen Moore, Lynn Gumble, Teddy Errico John Gerona How Do You Like Me Now Productions Debra Hurd Joshua Daniel, Niel Ringstad Dennis Green Tim Lafferty Ashley Bohling, Jeb Berrier Rich Estes PHIL CUMMINGS Ashley Story Ava Halper, Pamela Sante, Ashley Shupp John Rosenberg, Rob Carney, Barrett Miller Luke Brown, Dustin Hinde, Ginger Bynum Judd Kleinman Tony King, Steve Spencer, Jordan Bushouse, Steve Morris Jim Yobp, Joe Chisolm, Ross Caswell, Delton Poole Susan Ensor, Mallory Rice, Miranda Richardson MATT KROLL, MONICA CAREY, ED JANUS, ELEASHA HEMPHILL Barry Brecheisen, Dino Perrucci, Jason Squires Robbie Duneweg, Andrew Rios Jereb Carter Patrick Dickenson John Cohn Franny Cohn, Tina Tharp, Degrey Phillips, Joe Piche Frank Hensen, Ruth Hensen, Josh Blakeman, Carol Lee Amber Kleinman Telluride Music - Tom Nading Jim Tweksbury, Mark Kennefick, Dave Johnson, Roger Young Lindie Sanford
SBG Productions: Blues & Brews Festival Program designed & published by: CN Design | Casey Nay P.O. Box 2312 Telluride, CO 81435w | caseynay@gmail.com
Take a break between sets here at River Club. This private residence club is an easy stroll to Town Park. But if you are feeling a bit lazy, there is always the chauffeur‌
Reserve now for Blues & Brews 2019 877. 280. 3905 | TellurideLodging.com/River-Club
THANKS
THE TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT
TOWN OF TELLURIDE STAFF, TELLURIDE TOWN COUNCIL, STEPHANIE JAQUET, JOHN WONTROBSKI, THE PARKS & RECREATION STAFF AND COMMISSION, THE TOWN OF MOUNTAIN VILLAGE STAFF, THE TELLURIDE TOURISM BOARD, THE TELLURIDE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, TOWN OF TELLURIDE PUBLIC WORKS
Official Sponsors
Official Lodging Sponsors
Festival Sponsors
Telluride Blues Challenge Sponsors
House of Brews Sponsors
AND WE CAN’T FORGET THE MUSICIANS, BREWERS, VENDORS, VOLUNTEERS & THE ENTIRE STAFF WHOSE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION MAKES THE TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL A SUCCESS! YOURS IN MUSIC—STEVE GUMBLE, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
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Sally Puff Courtney 43 years of proven success in the Telluride region as a result of: • Experience • Commitment • Local knowledge
Sally Puff Courtney sally@telluridebroker.com 135 W. Colorado, Suite 2E
Temporary location during S. Oak renovation
970.72 8.3086
•
www. t e l l u r i deb ro ke r. c o m