Jazz Aspen Snowmass always has booked strong lineups, but this year looks to be among the festivals’ most diverse.
As in past years, the June festival is heavy on jazz performers, and the end-of-summer party leans more toward rock and pop.
Headlining the June festival in Aspen’s Rio Grande Town Park are Herbie Hancock (with guests Terence Blanchard and Larry Coryell) and Madeleine Peyroux on June 21; Earth, Wind and Fire on June 22; Steve Winwood and Angelique Kidjo on June 23; and the Black Crowes and Marcus Miller on June 24.
Among the artists playing Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ Labor Day festival in Snowmass Town Park are Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals and Nickel Creek on Aug. 31; Joss Stone and an unannounced headliner on Sept. 1; the Allman Brothers Band and an unannounced opener on Sept. 2; and Gov’t Mule and the Derek Trucks Band featuring Susan Tedeschi on Sept. 3.
More performers will be announced in coming months. The festivals plan on continuing the excellent JAS After Dark shows, which are late-night club performances featuring festival and non-festival bands alike.
Tickets for both festivals go on sale on April 2 at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen or via 866-527-8499 or jazzaspen.org.
Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.
