Steve Gumble - Trans-Americas Journey

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!

The second day started off a bit rainy, but that didn't stop people from getting down in the mud.

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 Osbourne, Kirk Joseph and Simon Lott.

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

What better way to add complement some New Orleand music than a Mardi Gras parade.

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.