Did we mention the rain? It never down-poured and the glorious Colorado sunshine always returned but we did get enough of the wet stuff to make some quality mud pits to dance barefoot in. What do you expect during a September festival in the mountains!

Day 2 started out sunny, but it didn't last, much to the delight of these happy mud dancers.

Day 2 was extra wet for another reason besides the rain–it was the day the festival held the Grand Tasting. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (from Chico, CA where Karen grew up) was the festival’s anchor brewery but on Day 2 more than 50 microbrews tented up and poured their stuff for a very eager crowd. Once properly lubricated, we were treated to yet another day of kickass music.

Vieux Farka Toure, direct from Mali, helped warm up the crowd.

Some of our New Orleans favorites -- Anders Osborne, Kirk Joseph on sousaphone and Simon Lott working the drums.

What better way to complement some New Orleans music than with a Mardi Gras-style parade through the crowd during Anders' set?

Of course no Mardi Gras parade is complete without throwing beads to the crowd. Festival Director Steve Gumble and family members helped from the stage.

Anders "Grizzly" Osborne (LOVE the facial hair) and Kirk Joseph.

Enjoying the New Orleans jamming of Anders Osborne.

Anders having as much fun as the crowed.

Enjoying Anders Osborne--except for that guy on the left who looks like he's asleep on the rail...

Ryan Stasik, Jake Cinninger and Kris Myers of Umphrey's McGee.

Ryan Stasik of Umphrey's Mcgee brought his 'nasty' face.

The one, the only Buddy Guy.

Buddy Guy

Anders Osborne and Kirk Joseph played a blistering night show (along with Simon Lott) at the historic Sheridan Opera House.

Kirk Joseph at the Sheridan Opera House.

We are so lucky. Not only do we get to drive around and see all kinds of beautiful places and beautiful people but every once in a while there’s beautiful music too. Beautiful places, people and music were in abundant supply at the 16th annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and we spent three blissful days enjoying all three PLUS the chance to hang out with old friends from New York (hi Dino and Ali). Bonus!

Historic downtown Telluride.

No doubt the town of Telluride has changed a lot over the years and today its mining-town past sometimes takes a back seat to its fancy-town present. However, the gorgeous mountains that pen Telluride into its scenic box canyon remain unchanged: just plain gorgeous and a fantastic backdrop for an outdoor festival.

Telluride Town Park makes for one of the most beautiful festival sites anywhere.

Another great thing about the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is the fact that it maxes out at around 6,000 people which means you can always get to the front of the stage if you want to. We spent most of our time up front checking out a lot of bands that were new to us.

Jason Ricci and New Blood was a new band to us and we were blown away.

Karen enjoying the blues but her brew is sadly empty. As Dino said, "Somebody fill her glass!" (photo courtesy of Dino Perrucci)

Otis Taylor's African Orchestra also kicked butt. Bassist Cassie Taylor was a badass stand out.

Some of the tasty beer selection. It is the Blues & Brews Fest after all.

Clouds did not diminish the beauty of the stage surrounded by Aspens just coming into fall colors.

Seasoned Blues & Brews goers know that the key to staying comfortable all day in the changing mountain weather is to layer up. In the course of just one day festival goers went from shorts and t-shirts to fleece and waterproof jackets as the weather swung between gorgeous sunshine to rain.

Jackie Greene.

Joe Cocker, the headliner for Day 1, was in perfect form.

The first night of the festival was anchored by Joe Cocker who lives not far from Telluride with his wife who co-runs the Cocker Kids’ Foundation. He may not perform much anymore and he may be 65-years-old but his performance proved that there’s still plenty of Mad Dog left in him.

Joe Cocker, a resident of nearby Crawford, still has chops.

It’s both a blessing and a curse to go into the same business as a famous parent, however, Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) delivered his very own brand of rocking blues that showed a talent all his own, dipping into many musical pots including Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles.

Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) and the Promise of the Real played a night show at the lovely and intimate Sheridan Opera House.

Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real

From coast to coast Halloween is a reason to celebrate with more than just mini-Snickers and that tired old French maid costume. Our latest feature for Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine uncovers the best places to celebrate Halloween in ways that go above and beyond–from hardcore Munsters impersonators to the biggest gathering of jack-o-lanterns in the world.

Read it here!