Ryan Bingham - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Ryan Bingham’s new record, American Love Songs, absolutely rocks. And it soothes, too, and it might just make you cry. His first album in four years hits the listener right in the heart. And if you like good stories, filled with characters who are — just like us — vulnerable, flawed, hopeful and determined, this new collection of songs delivers. Ryan was born in New Mexico and grew up all across Texas and the Southwest. He set out on his own at a young age, playing gigs in dive bars, traveling from one small dot on the map to the next. His wise-beyond-his-years vocals and insightful songwriting make him a beloved with critics and fans alike. Does he got the damn blues? You damn right.

Cedric Burnside - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Listening to Cedric Burnside’s dirty, growling blues brings to mind his grandpa, the great R.L. Burnside. And no surprise there- he grew up in his grandfather’s house with the extended Burnside family. His papa, the blues drummer Calvin Jackson’s influence is in place, too — Cedric is a drummer as well as a guitarist and singer-songwriter. This is real-deal electric blues — lo-fi, gritty and authentic. It’s a product of Cedric’s genes, his Southern upbringing and a deep connection to blues traditions. Cedric’s latest record, Benton County Relic, is a hypnotizing collection of songs. Fall under his spell.

Low Cut Connie - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Low Cut Connie is the embodiment of the notion that “rock and roll is here to stay.” The band’s roots-rock foundation is a recipe for dancing and feeling good. They are renowned for their high energy live show, so we fully expect Blues & Brews attendees kicking up the dust in front of the stage. Fronted by Adam Weiner on piano, Low Cut Connie pulses with rock and roll energy, replete with twangy guitars and yearning songs of love and heartbreak. Adam started as a solo act in New York, playing under the moniker Ladyfingers in gay clubs, karaoke bars and ballet classes. Named after a waitress who wore her tops low, Low Cut Connie has garnered critical acclaim with their earnest, driving songs that hearken back to more innocent times. No matter what you call it, it’s rock and roll and we dig it.

Samantha Fish - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

OK, we admit it. We’re smitten. It’s not just a passing crush, a little thang, a fickle fancy. It’s true love and we adore Samantha Fish. She had us from the get-go when she ruled the crowd in her 2016 Fred Shellman Memorial Stage debut, and we’ve invited her back every year since then. We’re so grateful she says yes! How do we love her? Let’s count the ways. Let’s start with her guitar chops. She makes the guitar cry and sing, and her solos are like riding a magic carpet through time and space. Then there’s that voice. Oh, that voice. It’s clear and pure and powerful as a springtime river. She howls and shouts and she sings sweetly with unbridled emotion.

Tab Benoit - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

This powerful and exciting blues guitarist is always welcome back to the mountains. He’s been playing since he was a teen in Houma, Louisiana and learned his craft from living legends playing in local clubs. Those lessons were taken to heart — his playing is expressive and nuanced, at once face melting as it is seductive. His self-penned songs and tasteful covers will take you deep into the Louisiana night where the blues runs deep and the humidity of the South keeps things greasy. This is one righteous human.

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Oh, it’s big alright. Big on sound, big on blues, big on energy. That there are just the three of ‘em making a racket onstage is all the more impressive. It’s nothing short of a hoot and a holler to have the good Reverend back on our stage, along with his wife, Breezy, on washboard and Max Senteney on a stripped-down drum kit that includes a five-gallon maple syrup bucket. This is a power trio that delivers incredible musicianship featuring the Reverend’s fantastic country blues finger-picking style.

The Como Mamas Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

From the tiny town of Como, Mississippi, come the Como Mamas — Ester Mae Smith, Angelia Taylor, and Della Daniels — and they are bringing the good word with them. This is traditional gospel music just like they learned from the elders at the Mt. Moriah C.M.E. Church. Blues runs in the family, too: Ester Mae and Della are cousins whose grandfather, Miles Pratcher, played guitar and hosted front porch jams with anyone who’d play, including blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell. It’s righteous and real, sung with uplifted voices driven by faith.

Southern Avenue - "Rock Steady" Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

This band records for Stax Records, which should tell you all you need to know. This Memphis-based outfit stays as true to blues, rock, funk and soul traditions as any of its predecessors at the legendary label, but with a fresh injection of youthful energy and sheer talent. Watch the electrifying rendition of Aretha Franklin's classic song, “Rock Steady,” live from the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Main Stage.

Anders Osborne - "Back On Dumaine" Live at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

Anders Osborne’s music has become part of the DNA of this festival. He is a purveyor of modern electric blues, rooted firmly in the musical traditions of his adopted hometown, New Orleans. He is a festival favorite and has been on the bill since his first appearance here in 2008. It’s not Telluride Blues & Brews without Anders Osborne. Watch the energetic performance of “Back On Dumaine” live from the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Main Stage.

Entries Now Open For 2020 Telluride Blues Challenge

Calling all musicians, play your way to the Main Stage of the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival! Through a partnership with Telluride Music Company and Telluride Blues Society, we are excited to present the 2020 Telluride Blues Challenge. The Telluride Blues Challenge is an annual competition providing talented up-and-coming artists from the blues genre with an opportunity to advance their professional career and play the Telluride Blues & Brews Main Stage!

Steve GumbleApril 8, 2020Telluride Blues Challenge, 2020, Cary Morin

The 2020 Artist Lineup Is Here

As September 18-20 inches just a bit closer, the 27th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival reveals its 2019 artist lineup. The festival returns with a dynamic, well-rounded mix of live blues, funk, indie, rock, jam band, gospel and soul performances featuring Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Jonny Lang and many more. For the complete list of artists, click here.

2020 Artist Lineup Playlist

Now streaming! We've curated a Spotify playlist featuring the 2020 Artist Lineup for your listening pleasure! Enjoy classic hits from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Brittany Howard and Buddy Guy, along with new singles from Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Jonny Lang and many more. Dive deeper and discover hidden gems from up-and-coming artists. Tune in, turn up the volume and let the music take your mind away to the beautiful town of Telluride! All of these great artists will converge on the Telluride Town Park stage this September 18 - 20.

2020 Lineup Announcement Timing

Attention fans! It’s time for a decision and we need your help! After months of hard work crafting an incredible artist lineup for the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, September 18, 19, 20, 2020, we are ready to share it with you. We are eager to share the uplifting news and under normal circumstances, we would just post an upcoming announcement date here. Given the situation, we are looking to our fans to tell us when the time is right.

Coronavirus Blues: Protecting Our Festival Community in a Pandemic

As the number of cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rise, we remain committed to the health and safety of our audience which is of utmost importance to us. We are closely monitoring health officials’ recommendations and carefully considering options with attendee safety as a top priority. At this time, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is moving forward as planned. We will take all precautions and will implement safety measures that exceed the current mandated standards and protocol.

Steve GumbleMarch 12, 20202020, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Colorado, Festival, Coronavirus

2020 Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are on sale now for the 27th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival held on September 18-20, 2020 in the world famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the festival boasts three days of music, comedy, craft beer, yoga, art and entertainment in the iconic Telluride Town Park set against a backdrop of stunning 13,000-ft mountain peaks. Limited quantities are available for VIP Passes, Super VIP Passes, 4-Day Camping, Campground Vehicle, RV Passes, and the Fundraiser Dinner for Music Maker Relief Foundation (includes VIP Pass). Don't miss out! Buy early and save! To purchase tickets, click here.

Get To Know the 2020 Festival Vendors

In addition to three days of world-class music, festival attendees can enjoy a wide variety of festival food and craft vendors at the 2020 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival! From delicious wraps, pizza, warm coffee and vegan options, the tasty food vendor menus will keep your taste buds satisfied all weekend long. Shop at the local craft booths for fine jewelry, clothing and keepsakes.

Steve GumbleFebruary 27, 2020Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Colorado, Music, Live Music, Festival, Music Festival, Vendors, Food, 2020

2020 Grand Tasting Breweries

As the craft beer scene continues to grow, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival continues to receive an overwhelming number of Grand Tasting Brewer applications! The list has been narrowed down and we’re thrilled to announce the 2020 Grand Tasting Brewery lineup. These 56 breweries will pour over 170 styles of beer and cider on Saturday, September 19 from Noon to 3 pm. Cheers!

Build Your Perfect Festival Experience

Tickets for the 27th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival go on sale Monday, March 2 at 10 am (MT). Choose from a variety of pass options to help you build your perfect experience. From the luxurious Super VIP and VIP Experiences to the regular GA, there's something for everyone. Below we've listed the benefits of each pass to compare side-by-side and find out which suits you best.

Steve GumbleFebruary 25, 2020Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Colorado, Music, Live Music, Festival, Music Festival, 2020

2020 Music Maker Fundraiser Dinner

On Thursday, September 17, the Telluride Blues Society is hosting an evening of live music, dinner and a special studio recording with a festival artist to support the Music Maker Relief Foundation. This fundraising event will be held at the intimate, mountainside recording studio, Studio In The Clouds, located in the towering San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride. Tickets to the Fundraiser Dinner are available in two options: with and without a VIP 3-Day Pass. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 2 at 10 am (MT).

2020 Festival Camping

Camp out in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Telluride Town Park! Surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the picturesque campground is located just steps away from the Main Stage and Main Street! With a private campground stage, fun challenges to win tickets, and easy access to the festival stages, camping is a great and social way to experience the Festival. Festival camping is also the most affordable way to stay in town for the festival.

Steve GumbleFebruary 12, 20202020, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, Colorado, Music, Festival, Music Festival