Beautiful places, people, and music were all in abundant supply at the 16th annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Here’s what happened on Day 1 of this beloved annual music festival in the mountains including Joe Cocker and a bunch of bands (and beers) that were new to us.
Historic downtown Telluride, Colorado.
Day 1 of the Blues & Brews music festival in Telluride
The town of Telluride has changed a lot over the years. Today, its mining-town past sometimes takes a back seat to its fancy-town present. However, the gorgeous mountains that surround Telluride in its scenic box canyon remain unchanged: just plain gorgeous and a fantastic backdrop for an outdoor music festival.
Telluride Town Park makes for one of the most beautiful music 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. (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.
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. Event at 65-years-old he proved 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.
Check out our video of Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, below.
Here’s more about travel in the United States
Leave A Comment