Estes Park Jazz Fest
Estes Park Jazz Fest is at noon May 13 and 14 in the Performance Park amphitheater, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave. Estes Park Big Band, Mambotet, Ellyn Rucker and Laura Newman and AOA will perform May 13. The Max Wagner Quartet, Queen City Jazz Band, Benny Golson of New York and Nelson Rangel will perform May 14. The Jazz Fest coincides with Art Walk Weekend, a self- guided tour of galleries, artist studios and special exhibitions throughout the Estes Park area. The Art Walk begins each day at 10 a.m. and continues to 5 p.m. Art Walk maps are available at participating galleries or at Performance Park. For information on Art Walk, call 970-586- 9203. For information on Jazz Fest, call the Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau at 970-577-9900 or 800-443-7837.
Bluegrass celebration
The North Fork Valley Bluegrass Festival will be June 9, 10 and 11 in Hotchkiss. This year’s festival features a “Colorado Showcase” stage, a “Honky Tonk” dance and a downtown art exhibit with wine tasting and tours. Advance cost of a three-
day pass is $50 per person. Single-day advance prices are $18 for June 9, $27 for June 10 and $20 for June 11. Weekend camping is $15 (must purchase festival pass). Kids under 12 free. For information about the festival, visit northforkbluegrass.com or call 970-872-8000. To purchase advance tickets online, visit swallowhill.com/festivals/northforkblue grassfest/2006.htm. To purchase advance tickets by phone, call 970-872-8000.
Aspen Saturday Market
Aspen’s Saturday Market, open June 17 through Oct. 28, features fruits, vegetables, cheese, Colorado wines, and artisans selling wares such as pottery, clothing and toys. Aspen-area chefs will give cooking demonstrations. Visit aspensaturdaymarket.com.
Birthday in Aspen
The Aspen Music Festival and School celebrates its 57th season, June 21-Aug. 20, and features more than 350 performances and concerts. Visit aspenmusicfestival.com.
Vail Farmers Market
Vail Farmers Market, located in Vail Village on East Meadow Drive, is open Sundays June 18 through Sept. 24. In 2005, the Vail Farmer’s Market grew to more than 80 tents each week and drew more than 75,000 visitors. In addition to fruits and vegetables, local arts and crafts vendors sell their wares and there are live music performances. Visit vailfarmers market.com or call 970-479- 6088.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass
The Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival will be June 22-25 in Rio Grande Park, near the center of downtown Aspen. Free concerts will be on the stage at the end of the Cooper Avenue pedestrian mall and at locations around town such as Belly Up and the Hotel Jerome Ballroom. Visit jazzaspen.org.
Stories of the West
The Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival, June 25-29, will explore the stories of the North American West as told by some of the legendary writers who crafted them. Speakers include Gretel Ehrlich, William Kitteredge, N. Scott
Momaday, Ted Conover and Pam Houston. The festival features workshops, symposia, readings, talks, discussions, professional consultations and social gatherings with authors, editors, agents and publishing insiders. Visit aspenwriters.org or call 970-925-3122.
Theater in the Park
Aspen Theater in the Park, a year-round professional theater and school, produces contemporary, classical and new works, integrating local and national talent, and also offers educational programs June 29 to Sept. 9. Call 970-925-9313.
– Compiled by Andrea Labak and Dane Strom
