Lots of Beers, lots of Blues, and a whole lot of Sunshine

As the summer music festival season comes to an end here in Telluride, Colorado... I don't think anyone could have asked for a better way to go out. This year's 17th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is going to be talked about for a long time. 

After last year's wonderful musical lineup, but not so wonderful weather (remember wading around in ankle deep mud?), the "Beer Gods" shined down on Telluride Town Park with record breaking weather and temps. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all 70+ degrees with crystal clear skies... which made people happy and thirsty. 

Friday's highlights consisted of an amazing set by the beautiful Dana Fuchs - she and Alison Krauss tie for "Angel-voice" of the summer. Then George Thorogood & The Destroyers took stage and were the perfect way to close out Day 1. This guy knows how to put on a show. He's like Mick Jagger on speed. Makes sense... It just happens that George got his first mainstream exposure as a support act for the Rolling Stones in their 1981 U.S. tour. Hip-thrusting, tongue-licking, guitar-shredding is a good way to sum up Thorogood's stage presence that was absolutely 'Bad to the Bone'. 

Saturday's not a race... its a marathon. At High Noon, 9,000 people began the Grand Tasting with over 50 microbreweries dishing out their new and favorite brews. Every 15 minutes, a roar from the crowd echoed through the box canyon followed by a community 'cheers' from festivarians raising their glass to a great weekend. After a couple hours of tasting delicious beers from around the country, Galactic stole the show with high energy horns and NOLA blues. 

Sunday was all about the legend himself... B.B. King. Over 8,000 people sang Mr. King a very happy birthday as he celebrated his 85th birthday. It was an honor to see the legendary B.B. King play in Town Park even if he did ramble on more than pick his guitar - Give the guy a break... he's been recording since 1949!! Overall, a wonderful end to an amazing and unforgettable weekend here in Telluride.

We're already getting excited about next year's festival... September 16-18, 2011.  

Check out video clips from the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival here: http://vimeo.com/15141948

George Thorogood (Photo: Tellurideblues.com)

Blues & Brews

Festivarians during the Grand Tasting 

Town Park 

B.B. King