TELLURIDE, CO | Well, after two days of rough weather at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, we have ourselves a magnificent Saturday. The surrounding San Juan Mountains have a fresh coat of snow on their peaks, enhancing the already breathtaking views, and the sun is out and shining. Festivarians are feeling it—many of whom while wearing gold in honor of 50 years of Telluride Bluegrass.
Sierra Ferrell. Yeah, she kinda stole the whole damn festival. Her set was all I heard about for the rest of the weekend and rightfully so. It was memorable, captivating, and fun. There’s no denying her talent and presence. She’s a bonafide star. All eyes were on her, even when Peter Rowan and Jerry Douglas joined her for a couple songs.
“We specifically asked you to throw marshmallows at Nickel Creek this year,” Yonder Mountain String Band bassist Ben Kaufmann joked as the popular campfire delicacies launched with a steady pace from the crowd to the stage. The marshmallow toss is a bit of a tradition for Yonder, and the smiles that ensue from it are contagious. The fan favorites gave the crowd a solid jam sesh, pausing to rip shots with Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, and Jerry Douglas, who joined them for a few songs.
Twenty years have passed since Mary Chapin Carpenter graced the TBF stage, so it was a much anticipated return for the singer/songwriter who reached new heights of success after her 1990 set at TBF. She busted out all the hits including “Passionate Kisses” and “I Feel Lucky,” and her performance turned into a full blown dancing sing-a-long.
Shutting Saturday night down was none other than the King of TBF, Sam Bush with his band. In between songs, he spoke of TBF history and shared stories and memories that coincided with his setlist.
SIERRA FERRELL (WITH PETER ROWAN AND JERRY DOUGLAS)
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND (WITH JERRY DOUGLAS, SAM BUSH, TIM O’BRIEN)
ED HELMS, SAM BUSH, JERRY DOUGLAS
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
SAM BUSH BAND
50th ANNUAL TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL,
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023
