A folk singer booted from an Aspen Skiing Co. tavern for performing his critique of big money’s effects on the mountain resort of Aspen has been invited back.
Aspen Skiing spokesman Jeff Hanle said Friday that firing musician Dan Sheridan from his weekly performance at a Snowmass Village bar was an overreaction.
A ski company vice president, whom Hanle didn’t name, heard the song “Big Money” performed on New Year’s Day at the ski resort 9 miles from Aspen and complained that it was inappropriate for the venue and the crowd. Another company official then directed that Sheridan be fired this week.
That was a mistake, Hanle said.
“It reminded us to think before we act, to sit down and talk things through,” he said.
Hanle told the Aspen newspapers Thursday that Sheridan likely would be asked not to perform the disputed song at ski company bars, restaurants and events. But Hanle said Friday such a request will be up for discussion.
The company vice president was the only person to complain about the song, Hanle added. He blamed some of the touchiness on the delicate economic climate.
Sheridan’s song laments the passing of a more freewheeling Aspen, home to ski bums and artists, to one defined by “trophy people leading trophy lives.”
