On the evening of August 3rd, 2023, the second night of the Annual JBE Triple A SummitFest ignited the city of Boulder, Colorado with mesmerizing performances from a multitude of talented musicians. Nestled into the heart of the vibrant city of Boulder, JBE hosted this eclectic musical festival at the Fox Theatre, while a free outdoor stage, “The Hill Stage”, animated the surrounding area with an explosion of infectious energy and vibrant melodies.
The evening started off on a high note with three-piece band, Kiltro, taking over the Hill stage with their ambient and neo-psychedelia sound rippling through the streets of Boulder. Their performance played the perfect overture to a night filled with unforgettable music.
Inside the Fox Theatre, the excitement was palpable as the packed house eagerly anticipated the night's headliner, Grace Potter. Before she took the stage, the audience was treated to stellar performances by Andy Frasco & The U.N, and The Band of Heathens.
First to take the stage at The Fox Theatre was the unmissable force that is Andy Frasco & The U.N. The band started their set with their catchy new hit "You Do You," and later performed their soulful new single "Iowa Moon." Both songs are part of their new album, “L’Optimist,” an undeniable testament to their growing musical prowess.
One unforgettable moment was when Andy Frasco lit a cigarette, and gave an impassioned speech about celebrating life, all while closing out their set performing the emotionally charged song "Dancin’ Around My Grave." Andee Avila (drums) stole the spotlight as he sang his heart out in the ending bridge of the song, leaving the audience absolutely riveted.
Not to mention, Shawn Eckels electrified the crowd with several high-energy guitar solos that had fans jumping up and down, their applause thundering through the Fox Theatre. Add in the fact that all members of Andy Frasco & The U.N. swapped instruments during their set, creating an incredible performance that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
Back outdoors, the critically acclaimed trio Pressing Strings graced the Hill Stage with their diverse and uplifting sound as the final outdoor performance of the evening. This talented trifecta, composed of Jordan Sokel (Guitar, Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals), uplifted the crowd with their unique and genre-fluid sound.
Back inside of The Fox Theatre, Band of Heathens kicked it off with their hit song “Medicine Man,” followed by other fan favorites such as “Don't Let the Darkness” and “Call Me Gilded.” Their emotional delivery of "Simple Things," with guitarist and lead singer Ed Jurdi taking to the piano, was simply a moment to remember.
As the evening progressed, the moment everyone had been anxiously awaiting all night finally arrived. Grace Potter took the stage, commanding the spotlight as she launched into a powerful a cappella introduction before transitioning into her hit, “Medicine Man.”
One of the standout performances was her rendition of “Good Time” on piano. The crowd sang along with her with every word. Her interaction with the crowd was pure magic, even going as far as performing a Christmas song she wrote in response to a fan's suggestion from the audience.
Her cover of “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to her versatile vocal talent. She brought fresh new energy to “Rose-Colored Rearview” and finished her set with the heartfelt “Mother Road,” creating an exquisite ending to an unforgettable night of music.
The Annual JBE Triple A Summitfest's second night was an electrifying celebration of music and life. Between the raw energy of Andy Frasco & The U.N., the soulful performances of Band of Heathens, and the enchanting allure of Grace Potter, it was an unforgettable experience. And if you missed out this time, mark your calendars now for next year's festival! Trust me, it's a music lover's dream come true.
