2018 Sunset Blues Concert
Join us in Mountain Village's Sunset Plaza for our free Sunset Blues Concert on Thursday, September 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm featuring Dragondeer and The Bones of J.R. Jones. Sunset Plaza is just a short, beautiful gondola ride up the mountain from the town of Telluride! The event and gondola ride are free and open to the public, and the event is rain or shine.
The Sunset Blues Concert is made possible by the generous support by Telluride Ski Resort, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, TMVOA, and the Town of Mountain Village.
Mountain Village
Mountain Village is perched above the valley floor at 9,500 feet, providing access to the Telluride Ski Resort and Uncompahgre National Forest. The Town of Mountain Village is home to 2,100 acres of rolling aspen and spruce-covered mountainsides. A vision of alpine elegance, this European-style village tempts guests with the best of everything in the Telluride region. Coming into its own as a leading community, Mountain Village embraces green practices and sustainable growth in its everyday operations.
Telluride and Mountain Village are connected by a free, scenic gondola - the only transportation system of its kind in North America. The 12 minute ride is a daily event for residents and visitors alike. Exploring both Telluride and Mountain Village is easy with the convenience of the gondola.
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. Read, listen and watch more, click here.
The Bones of J.R. Jones
Jonathon Linaberry is a one-man 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 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. For more information click here.
Festival Transportation
During the festival weekend, gondola operating hours are from 6:30 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday, and until 1 am Sunday. Long lines are possible during peak times. In addition, our festival transportation partner, Telluride Express, has a fleet of customizable transport options available.