What are your best TBF memories?

[Jake]

boy....i'm not sure i can remember all my fav moments...

there was seeing Sam and Tim playing together up close at Elks Park, seeing Nickel Creek closing the entire festival at Nightgrass, seeing Nickel Creek play anytime, for that matter. 

i thoroughly enjoyed the Counting Crows set last year, and got extra chills seeing EmmyLou on stage with them.   

i think my favorite memories from all the TBF's i've been to is the people watching. 

[Dewstar]

This being my 20th Festival

I want to see everyone having a great time.

I don't wish to cry, but some band or special activity (rain, a song, etc) always puts a damper on that.

I want partially cloudy skies without too much rain to help shield us from the sun.

Giving thanks to those that hold court throughout the night, braving and sacrificing the cold and sleep and and sitting in crampy chaise lounges to receive the ultimate prize in the morning, a lower number lottery ticket for the privelage to run with the bulls and ducks and birds snapping the tarp with the flick of the wrist and laying it all out within seconds, claiming space for the day. Do not forget to acknowledge people doing this great service, by making them breakfast, relieving them for porto services and a bit of morning hooch, wherever and whenever the need arises.

Appreciating the fact that lost and found plays such an important role for so many of us and may we always find what we have lost and seek shelter for what we have found.

God Bless the Instrument Check!  No Worrys Mate!

I can't wait to see all the people I've met over the years once again.

Wondering . . . Where's Waldo?

Seeing my beautiful woman friend in the Italian Foodbooth that remembers me each year and every year, year after year and serves me up some of dat deliciosio cocina!

Spraying water up and down the lines of people the waterin trough/fill station of those waiting to refill and refresh.

Envying the line of those who are allowed ice cream at Rolling Cones

Sifting through the bargain tubs at the bargain bins at the vendors and surprising my wife with a new bauble.

meeting this year's newbies and tarp mates and the warm glow we all experience as new friends

Scalping all my extra tickets at exorbitant  rates ... ... I'M JOKING I'M JOKING!

Saying hello to staff members past and present, thanking them for the great job they are doing.

Stopping by the Med Tent and thank them for the year I stayed with them most of the weekend and introduced me to the joys of oxygen! If you have a problem, they are the nicest people to help sort you out.

The joy of hearing a band I have never heard of,  being grateful and humbled that I stuck around to learn something new in the great big world of sound.

The luxury of Warner Field and the camaraderie of The Town Park Folks Festival

That early morning shower before everyone is up and running and using all the quarters I want to have a great hot douche.  Tres Chaud!

Catching that rare show in Elk's Park, home to one of kind musical experiences!

Enjoying the moment when my beautiful wife and life companion goes against my stubborness and pulls a total random act of kindness and shocks me out of my belief systems

The Hugs, the tears, the smiles, the get togethers and the happiness everyone exudes

Looking favorable at the police force, knowing they are there for safety to one another.

The annual stroll through the streets of Telluride, gushing over the fact that this is MY TOWN, one I only want to visit and never live in. Its my vacation place!

Reading and re-reading the program bios and schedules over and over

ReThinking all of the experiences I've had over the years, starting in '83

Wishing TimO's wife Happy Birthday Every Year

The road most traveled this week almost every year

Being patient with those that over-induldge, I know, cause I have been there.

Thanking those in the past who have been patient with me when I chose to over - induldge

The annual choosing of my sun hat

Tarp O Mania, the oddest and oldest game of TWISTER in T-Ride

HIGH ALTITUDE

A pint of Guinness at O'bannons early one morning, well at least one . . . anyway

Making coffee in Warner, eating breakfast in town with friends

A massage, Always a massage at the tent nearest the stage

Gazing into the eyes of my wife Avril, realizing how lucky I AM to be with her and the amazing sacrifices she's made because of the way I am.

The touching moments of wonderful, enthusiastic music, setting trends that only this festival can do.

Laughing at myself and all the fun adventures I can remember having here

Remembering Pastor Mustard, and now that he's no longer, I really miss him

Stopping By Craig Ferg's table, thanking him for the backstage passes and hospitality.


 

 Listening to: Hot Rize and the Twailbwazers!

[tulipsandwine]

I have been so lucky to have attended TBF for 11 bluegrass festivals in the last 14 years. 

One of the best memories was meeting a group of awesome guys in 1997.  We became friends and meet a few of them in Telluride every year for this awesome reunion.  OK, I had my first one night stand in Telluride, after the awesome sunday night show with Lyle Lovett (Road to Ensenada), full moon, tequila, magical, truly magical. 

Also, 1997 was J. Cash and JC Cash and also before they came on that day or the day before someone sang the song, "Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash , Johnny CAsh he don't smoke hash"  I fell over laughing and dancing.  I think it was Leftover Salmon who sang it.  Loved it!

I miss the Boom Chicks, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin.  I loved seeing Michele Shocked in Telluride too.  A few years ago Lucinda Williams rocked.  She should have ended the Saturday, she would have brought the place down. 

[landshark]

  :lolHOLLY MARSHMELLOWS BATMAN!!
As I sit here about to cut off my Festival wristband and while all the highlights are fresh in my mind some of the best moments for me where;

When I took a picture of a very serious VP type a guy with his hands in the air and a huge smile on his face, I showed him the photo and he said to me "I must be having a good time for a change, than he looked at me again and smiled, and kept that smile till Sunday.

When Glen Hasard cried out with pain and depth of emotion that filled his lyrics , I could feel and hear his pain, as I was walking away for a dinner break and night clothes. It broke my heart.
But I think it was a beautiful lesson perhaps, we are all connected and need one another, we feed off of everyones energy. I wish I could have stayed for that enire set.

How beautiful Glen and Marketa's voice sounded together.

Sammy, just cause he's Sammy, sweet, funny and a kick butt performer...

When my hubby asked me what I wanted for my birthday on Saturday I told him I just want to meet alot of Festvarians this year. So he arranged a Birthday meet and greet, which was embarrising at first but really sweet of him to arrange and we gave out 120 pices of B Day cake and met 120 new friends(gave the last 20 pieces of cake to the volenteer PBG staff).
My apologies to PBG if this was a tad disruptive,,, sorry.

When approx. 100 people sang Happy Birthday to me. Wow,,, and thank you so very much.

Chris Thile's tweener,, Bach rocks, and so does Chris.

I'm positive we all create some sort of magical energy when we are together, did anyone see the ground tornado? And what about that freaky Slush Ball storm. I mean really, have you ever?

John Cowans set was excellent, but I love the blues.

There is soooooooo much more but it will have to wait....
Sadly it is time to unpack and get back to the everyday routine.

TBF has nurished me once again, restored my faith in this crazy planet.
The world is full of kind and loving people on and off the stage 

[landshark]

Softly singing in Town Park with a small group and feeling like I was at home.

Finally seeing and getting real hugs from a few forum friends.
Jerry you rock and Hope if I ever need a courages fighter and loving soul in my corner, you would be my choice. I love your gusto! You are a let's get'er done kinda gal
Luanna, where are you Are you fer'real and thank you for the great button.

Telluride Tom's movie and John Cowans hair doo. John my friend, someone should of told ya    
John can play a mean Bass that's fer sure but I'm not too sure bout those doo's.   

[jasonhicks]

I've only been to two Telluride Fests so far and I have two favorite memories.
The first one for me was hearing Byron House sing "Whole Lotta Love" last year and the biggest for me is a selfish one, my band the Blue Canyon Boys winning the 2008 band competition.
What a truly incredible experience!
I can't wait for next year.





 Listening to: silence

[SteamboatPaul]

I was discussing, how many TBFs, when was the first, what did you miss, etc. and I suddenly realized that one of my favorite memories of Telluride Bluegrass was in the early 90s. We were staying in a place that had become domestically uncomfortable. I ran into a college buddy on Colorado Avenue and he said come camp with us. So went up to the TP gate (bridge) and for $20 bought a camping upgrade. On Friday!!!!!!!!!

That sure has changed!!

 Listening to: Steely Dan

[mntmama]

TBF is over now
To Planet Bluegrass I must solemnly bow
For another year of musical bliss
That box-canyon valley is certainly missed

Oh Hornsby and Skaggs- I praise thee Jams!
And Yonder you've made me a die-hard fan
But no words can express, my true happiness
At dancing to the Sam Bush Band

The Festivarian Spirit has made its mark
Another year in Old Town Park
Old friends reunited, new friendships thrive
A TOAST: To TBF Thirty Five!

[delirium]

This was my first year going to the TBF.  I wasn't particularly planning on going but decided at the last minute that it was worth checking out.  Drove up Saturday night from Durango and got there around 11 pm and saw Green Mountain Grass play a great set at the Bubble Lounge. 

Thoughts on Sunday:
*Disclaimer: This was pretty much my first exposure to bluegrass and only my second to the festival scene.  I had never heard of any of these guys aside from Bela Fleck.

-We missed most of King Solomon's set.  I caught the end of it and wasn't too impressed with what I heard, though I've never heard of the guy before and I suppose I just didn't get it.  Spent the rest of his set joking with my friend about the ridiculous sight of this guy singing from a throne is.

-The "hail" storm was great.  I liked the Duhks, particularly the fiddle player.

-Punch Brothers was another band I wasn't into.  There were hints of some really good stuff in there, but bogged down by a lot of boring crap (particularly their "movements").

-That young clown on stilts in the little kid parade really creeped me out.  Something about that was just not right.

-We were making fun of Hot Rize before they played because their picture in the book made them look like a bunch of nerds.  I changed my tune after they played.  They really impressed me and, even more, gave me a stronger appreciation of bluegrass.  I plan to buy their albums.

-The Swell Season was great.  The marshmallows - epic. 

-Telluride House Band blew me away completely.  I've never witnessed such incredible musicianship live before.  It was almost difficult to appreciate the band as a whole rather than focus on one guy at a time because everyone was doing such crazy stuff simultaneously.  When I did manage to take in the music as a whole, it was hard to believe how intricate each part was but how amazing it all sounded together. I hope there will be audio or video available from this set.

I'm really glad I went for the day.  I got to see a lot of cool bands I would probably never have heard otherwise.  I expected to hear mostly bluegrass style music, but there was definitely a great mix of other genres and I appreciate that.  And I've of course been turned on to how great bluegrass can be and I love finding appreciation for new genres music.  I will def be trying to go for the whole fest next year.

Also, big shout out to all of you wonderful people.  There was a great crowd vibe throughout the day and everyone I met was super nice. 

[Ron N Deb]

This was my first year going to the TBF.  I wasn't particularly planning on going but decided at the last minute that it was worth checking out.  Drove up Saturday night from Durango and got there around 11 pm and saw Green Mountain Grass play a great set at the Bubble Lounge. 

Thoughts on Sunday:
*Disclaimer: This was pretty much my first exposure to bluegrass and only my second to the festival scene.  I had never heard of any of these guys aside from Bela Fleck.

-We missed most of King Solomon's set.  I caught the end of it and wasn't too impressed with what I heard, though I've never heard of the guy before and I suppose I just didn't get it.  Spent the rest of his set joking with my friend about the ridiculous sight of this guy singing from a throne is.

-The "hail" storm was great.  I liked the Duhks, particularly the fiddle player.

-Punch Brothers was another band I wasn't into.  There were hints of some really good stuff in there, but bogged down by a lot of boring crap (particularly their "movements").

-That young clown on stilts in the little kid parade really creeped me out.  Something about that was just not right.

-We were making fun of Hot Rize before they played because their picture in the book made them look like a bunch of nerds.  I changed my tune after they played.  They really impressed me and, even more, gave me a stronger appreciation of bluegrass.  I plan to buy their albums.

-The Swell Season was great.  The marshmallows - epic. 

-Telluride House Band blew me away completely.  I've never witnessed such incredible musicianship live before.  It was almost difficult to appreciate the band as a whole rather than focus on one guy at a time because everyone was doing such crazy stuff simultaneously.  When I did manage to take in the music as a whole, it was hard to believe how intricate each part was but how amazing it all sounded together. I hope there will be audio or video available from this set.

I'm really glad I went for the day.  I got to see a lot of cool bands I would probably never have heard otherwise.  I expected to hear mostly bluegrass style music, but there was definitely a great mix of other genres and I appreciate that.  And I've of course been turned on to how great bluegrass can be and I love finding appreciation for new genres music.  I will def be trying to go for the whole fest next year.

Also, big shout out to all of you wonderful people.  There was a great crowd vibe throughout the day and everyone I met was super nice. 

Heya Bro
One Day ??
Glad you checked it out Alot of us have been doing this for freaking years
Hence this Forum
next year do the whole week then the next year do the whole
two weeks ....lol , Thats were the Insainty Begins !!

[Auntie Hope]

Jerry you rock and Hope if I ever need a courages fighter and loving soul in my corner, you would be my choice. I love your gusto! You are a let's get'er done kinda gal  

Thanks, Miki   

[melndon]

wow, way too many to mention...

but one that stands out was Solomone Burke looking out over the mountains, clearly seeming overwhelmed by the setting (at least to me), and singing "What a wonderful world".  The king brought a tear to my eye, it was the best rendition I have ever heard.

[Debbiefromtucson]

Of course, there are way too many buttwothat stand out for me right now are:

The love and excitement felt when the Greene's pulled up.

The wonderful Hippie wedding that many of us took part in at  Town Park.

[jvbanjo5]

I have a somewhat unique history with this festival; I attended the festival in 1983 and 1984, and then missed 22 festivals and returned in 2007 and 2008 (I am hoping to keep this new streak going). I would have to say that my favorite memories from the first two festivals were

1. The incredible beauty of Telluride and surrounding area!! It was the first time that a boy who grew up on a farm in Oklahoma had ever seen the Rocky mountains (what a place to start!!!).

2. Having the first drink I had ever had in a bar in the Fly me to the Moon Saloon, and then having a half dozen more for good measure, and then discovering how elevation intensifies the drinking experience. I remember falling a lot on the way back to the festival, and finding that fact extremely funny!

3. Jamming with Bela Fleck!! I had only been playing the banjo for about 3 years and I was there with the now defunct Imerial Banjo Company as a vendor. At one point Bela came by and sat down for a bit and tried out one of the banjos. I was sitting there playing a banjo at the time, so we played a few songs together.

In the new era I would say that my two favorite memories are

1. Seeing my 12-year-old sonTristan fall in love with Telluride the same way I had on his first visit, and seeing him this year onstage playing with Sharon Gilchrist and members of Uncle Earl  and the Duhks, along with other talented young musicians in an Elk's park set called "The Next Generation"!!

2. Competing in and winning the 2008 Telluride Band Competition with my band "The Blue Canyon Boys", especially hearing my original instrumental "Jalapeno Flashback" and our cover of the Cheap Trick song "I Want You To Want Me" bounce off of the canyon walls and come back at us as we played them on the big stage during the band contest finals on Saturday morning! Talk about a cool form of reverb!!!

 Listening to: "The Letter" by Danger in the Air!

[Ron N Deb]

Welcome Back
Jv !