Bluegrass, Beer, Dogs and Good causes are some of my favorite things. Finally through an event like Dog Days Bluegrass Festival I was able to enjoy all of these things in one place. Dog Days was truly special, as it gave Denverites a place to enjoy great music with their favorite furry companions as well as find great food, beer, vendors and charitable organizations.
The inaugural Dog Days were held at the Watering Bowl, a dog friendly bar and venue. Boasting multiple stages both indoor and outdoor as well as a large dog run outside. For a first time visitor I was impressed by the size and capabilities of this venue. Both upstairs and downstairs bars were hospitable, the stages were handled professionally so that music was never far off and the dog run was incredibly well maintained for holding over 30 dogs.
The Bluegrass and Beer flowed profusely and everyone, including the dogs had a lively time. I was expecting there to be at least one issue with the animals but not one arose. This event went smoothly thanks to Brian and everyone at Beejeeco Events.
The Front Range is very lucky to be home to so many incredible musicians. Some of our heaviest Pickers came to throw down. Highlights included Hog MaGundy, The Sweet Lillies and most notably The Dog Days All-stars featuring Chris Pandolfi and Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters and Tyler Grant and Adrian Engfer of Grant Farm.
Hog MaGundy was an interesting five-piece blend of Grateful Dead tunes as well as originals. Bluegrass is all about the execution of the picking and these guys picked up a storm. If you’re ever in FOCO go check them out.
The Sweet Lillies were a four piece strings only group comprised of three women and one gentleman. It’s always nice to see more women in music and these ladies knew how to pick and sing.
I must also mention another key feature of this event that was way too much fun… The Dogs. Everyone’s animals were incredibly well behaved…
And photogenic to boot!
The Dog Days All-stars stole the show. The level of precision in executing these tunes was beyond stellar. This is why I go to Bluegrass shows… the precision. To be even considered a mediocre picker one must have skills parallel with the best of the best. Metal musicians could learn a lot from Bluegrass and in particular from these gentlemen.
I should also mention that this was also an event to feature and benefit the Denver Dumb Friends League as well as a ton of local vendors. Music is truly at its best when it can benefit other causes. Please support local artists as well as charities like the Dumb Friends league.
I’m looking forward to next years Dog Days festival and I hope you are too. It’s rare to find such a vortex of beautiful people, animals and music. It’s that potent combination of hard work and pure fun that make life worth living. Cheers and see everyone next year!
Check out more photos from Dog Days Bluegrass Festival.
