Music in the Valley

High Mountain Hay Fever Blue Grass Festival

Why does music sound sweeter here? Is it because the crowds are more appreciative and motivate musicians with great rounds of applause? Do the picturesque surroundings inspire? It is hard to say, but one thing is certain, the Quality of the concerts & festivals in the valley is outstanding.

The drive behind these events is a genuine, heart felt passion for music. Ron Thomason of Dry Branch Fire Squad, an Ohio Bluegrass Band has been in the business for 25+ years and knows seemingly everyone in the Blue Grass business. Ron lives in the area and uses music as a way to give back to the community, specifically to the Wet Mountain Clinic. He organized the High Mountain Hay Fever Blue Grass Festival as a fundraiser. Now the largest festival, drawing 2,500 to 3,000 people annually, this event contributes a healthy sum annually to the medical clinic. Showcasing Grammy winning and IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) winners, the festival has treated audiences to musicians like Michael Cleveland, an award winning fiddle player. Last Year, Norman Blake, a Grammy winner featured on the Oh Brother Where Art Thou CD gave an exceptional performance. This year, we are looking forward to the band Seldom Seen and Hazel Dickens, an authentic, first generation blue grass icon. We wonder what other surprises are to come.

Other Events

With so many fantastic fiddlers, guitarists and the like in the area, new events are coming to the area, all with the same incredible quality. Frank Wolking of Sons and Brothers works at a tireless pace to find and promote entertainment for the valley. When he hears of western artists passing through Colorado, he will contact them for an Afternoon Pie Social at the Hillside Grange. Up to 250 lucky people have had the privilege of hearing cowboy singer songwriter, Dave Stamie and folk group, Dakota Blond in the willows by the grange. Frank is working on a July concert with world renowned fiddler player-Richard Green as is hoping to bring the Wells Family in from North Carolina. They are a girl version of Sons & Brothers, with three sisters the same age as Frank's sons. We hope to hear the sons and the daughters perform together. It would be a once in a lifetime experience.

High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Assn. * 719-783-0883
59000 Hwy. 69
P.O. Box 1199
Westcliffe, CO  81252
www.highmountainhayfever.org

In Concert Classical Music In The Valley * 719-783-9709
PO Box 1484
Westcliffe, CO  81252
inconcertwestcliffe@earthlink.net
www.inconcertwestcliffe.org

Sons & Brothers * 719-783-3351
67449 Hwy 69
Westcliffe, CO  81252