I'm planning a hiking vacation in northern Colorado this year and wanted to dovetail with a festival where I can hear some music and play in a few sessions.
I hit Mabon by accident a couple of years ago, and now I'm trying to decide between the Sterling Celtic Festival (June), the Colorado Irish Festival (July), and the Longs Peak Festival (Sept).
Does anyone have any recommendations, thoughts, ponderings, etc?
The CO Irish Festival had some fantastic gigs on when I was there a couple years ago. Liz Caroll and John Doyle played, for one. There weren't any sessions then (2005) but I think they have created kind of a "session tent" where people can play. If you're in Northern CO, it's kind of a pain to get to as it is in wat South Denver.
The Estes Park Highland Festival is fun, especially if you're into Highland bagpipes. You can watch the pipeband competition, the feis (dance competition) and various bands. Last time I was there I wasn't all that into any of the bands on the main stage, which were all trying to be Wolfstone, but not quite getting there. A few of my friends who play mostly Irish music had a wee gig there as well. You can also watch Highland games like caber tossing and they have jousting as well, which I thought was the most entertaining part of the festival. Estes Park is also just really pretty and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
I can't speak for the Stirling Festival, as I've not been to it nor even heard of it.
The Colorado festivals are often hit or miss as to how much traditional music you'll actually find (as opposed to "celtic rock", or other such fun).
There is a festival in Southern Colorado on Sept. 25-28 that should be good this year. Among others, Liz Carroll, Jerry O'Sullivan, and Matt & Shannon Heaton will be there... (http://www.celticmusicfest.com)
There is also a vibrant session scene around the Front Range, so whenever you're out here, we can point you to some good sessions.
Denver area festivals
Denver area festivals
I'm planning a hiking vacation in northern Colorado this year and wanted to dovetail with a festival where I can hear some music and play in a few sessions.
I hit Mabon by accident a couple of years ago, and now I'm trying to decide between the Sterling Celtic Festival (June), the Colorado Irish Festival (July), and the Longs Peak Festival (Sept).
Does anyone have any recommendations, thoughts, ponderings, etc?
# Posted on March 11th 2008 by Brink
Re: Denver area festivals
The CO Irish Festival had some fantastic gigs on when I was there a couple years ago. Liz Caroll and John Doyle played, for one. There weren't any sessions then (2005) but I think they have created kind of a "session tent" where people can play. If you're in Northern CO, it's kind of a pain to get to as it is in wat South Denver.
The Estes Park Highland Festival is fun, especially if you're into Highland bagpipes. You can watch the pipeband competition, the feis (dance competition) and various bands. Last time I was there I wasn't all that into any of the bands on the main stage, which were all trying to be Wolfstone, but not quite getting there. A few of my friends who play mostly Irish music had a wee gig there as well. You can also watch Highland games like caber tossing and they have jousting as well, which I thought was the most entertaining part of the festival. Estes Park is also just really pretty and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
I can't speak for the Stirling Festival, as I've not been to it nor even heard of it.
# Posted on March 12th 2008 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Denver area festivals
The Colorado festivals are often hit or miss as to how much traditional music you'll actually find (as opposed to "celtic rock", or other such fun).
There is a festival in Southern Colorado on Sept. 25-28 that should be good this year. Among others, Liz Carroll, Jerry O'Sullivan, and Matt & Shannon Heaton will be there... (http://www.celticmusicfest.com)
There is also a vibrant session scene around the Front Range, so whenever you're out here, we can point you to some good sessions.
# Posted on March 12th 2008 by Reverend