The Stanley Hotel and iHeart Radio are pleased to announce its first concert weekend dedicated to bluegrass, friends and family. Stan Jam is a two-day festival event February 23 and 24 featuring a collection of many of the best Colorado musicians set alongside some of the biggest legends including headliners The Del McCoury Band and the Jeff Austin Band.
“While there are a number of great bluegrass festivals across the state, Stan Jam offers an intimate connection between artist and fan,” said Stanley spokesperson Reed Rowley. “The capacity is very exclusive with less than 400 tickets available.”
The celebration kicks-off Friday evening with a lineup of some of Colorado’s top pickers and singers. Denver-based Modern Whiskey Market gets the party started at a special craft-beer reception. Things heat up when the sun goes as internationally-acclaimed Rapidgrass takes the stage in the 109-year-old Stanley Concert Hall. The night culminates with a high-energy performance by bluegrass giant The Jeff Austin Band.
"There’s always been something magical about making music in the Colorado mountains in the wintertime. It stirs up all sorts of creative energy,” said musician Jeff Austin.
Saturday morning the members of Rapidgrass give fans a chance to break out their instruments and hone their skills as they jam together in an interactive musical workshop. Then it’s time to further put those skills to work when the Stan Jam community gets together for a group pick-along.
The afternoon includes back-to-back bluegrass sets from Woodbelly, The Lonesome Days and K.C. Groves/The Side Hustlers in the MacGregor Ballroom of the Stanley. Hitting the main stage in the evening is Estes Park’s own Chain Station.
“This is about more than music,” said Jon Pickett of Chain Station. “Stan Jam is a community gathering for all those with a bluegrass heart and soul… and we’re definitely ready to show off some local talent.”
The main event on Saturday night is headliner and bluegrass icon Del McCoury and the Del McCoury Band. Having played for 50 years, there are few influencers in the genre as predominate as Del, who has made impressions on artists from Vince Gill to Elvis Costello.
For those looking to keep the party going, Jeff Austin plans to raise the dead and rattle the spirits at a Saturday late night after party.
Stan Jam is part of the Stanley Live concert series, which includes past performance by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rick Springfield and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Upcoming concerts for Victor Wooten (Jan 19) and Los Lobos (Jan 20).
