By Tim Dwenger
jazzaspen.org
June 22-25 and Sept. 1-4
Snowmass Village, Co.
What would a summer in the mountains be without a high end festival or two in Aspen? The perfect getaway for yuppie 30-something couples who like their music civilized, Jazz Aspen’s two festivals feature a massive stage, great sound, lush green grass, and a large VIP area where you can sit comfortably just steps from a top shelf open bar (though this will cost between $350 and $1,800). Over the past couple of summers the organizers have tried to mix up the crowd a bit and have brought in some of the biggest names in the jamband scene, including Trey Anastasio and Widespread Panic. With music starting in the late afternoon or evening, festival goers have the day to explore the town of Aspen or head into the mountains to do some hiking. While this is a relatively expensive festival, you get what you pay for and very few walk away unsatisfied.
ARTISTS:
June Festival:
Jamie Cullum
Lizz Wright
Diana Krall
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Delbert McClinton
Trey Anastasio
Maceo Parker
Various Bands as Part of the JAS After Dark Series
September Festival :
TBA
TRAVEL TIME:
(As calculated by mapquest.com from
Denver, Co. to Aspen, Co.).
Total Est. Time: 3 hours, 45 minute
Total Est. Distance: 197 miles
ALONG THE WAY: While in Aspen, head out the road a bit to Woody Creek. You can drive by (but not up to) to infamous Woody Creek Ranch, where the famed Dr. Hunter S. Thompson lived and died. Remember that while Aspen may be a bit “pinkies up,” the Good Doctor did run for sheriff in the 1970s on the “Freak Power” ticket. So it can’t be all bad.
Go Gonzo!
PRICES: $$$$$
CAMPING: No
