Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
Durango, CO – The Meltdown has something for everyone – including young folks! From our Bluegrass in the Schools program, to children’s workshops and the Old Time Barn Dance, there’s a lot for the younger set to do.
During the Meltdown, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to jam with other musicians – in hallways, on sidewalks, and many other locations. Don’t play? Relax and enjoy the scene!
The historic Henry Strater Theater, Durango Arts Center, Wildhorse Saloon, and Discovery Museum all provide outstanding venues to listen to bluegrass artists from across the country.
The events being held are as follows:
POWERHOUSE SCIENCE CENTER CONCERT
FRIDAY, 5 – 7 P.M., POWERHOUSE SCIENCE CENTER,
1333 CAMINO DEL RIO, ALONG THE ANIMAS RIVER
The warm-up for the Meltdown has become one of our festival’s more popular traditions. This free, two hour concert is held at the Powerhouse Science Center on Friday afternoon, when the festival opens. Powerhouse Science Center is the Four Corner’s hands-on, interactive science center, providing innovative learning and unleashing human potential. Located on the banks of the Animas River in a historic coal-fired, steam-generated AC powerplant, Powerhouse Science Center presents a wide range of programs, exhibits, and activities for curious minds of all ages. They are committed to developing a science center that is welcoming and engaging to all communities in the Four Corners and beyond. They strive to be inclusive because we believe science and technology are for everyone.
Enjoy exceptional bluegrass music and help us kick off the festival for the weekend with Sugar Creek and The Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble. Please use the crosswalk at 12th street and Camino Del Rio.
BAND SHOWCASE
SATURDAY, 12:00 – 6:00 P.M., ELKS LODGE, 9TH ST. & EAST 2ND AVE.
Since it’s inception in the second year of the Meltdown, the Band Showcase has provided a stage for bands that want to participate but for whatever reason aren’t ready or willing to play the “main stage”. “Bluegrass Band Criteria” are severely bent for the Band Showcase. The Stillwater Foundation and Escalante String Club will bring two great performances by the young aspiring musicians, The Slackers are a local favorite, Paw Coal and the Clinkers will bring their style from New Mexico, Tristan Scroggins and Anam Cara make a unique duo, Colorado College has a second band and Tom Klema and Family will wrap things up. The Band Showcase never lacks for entertainment, not to mention the most entertaining Band Showcase MC in the four corners area. In 2006, this free to the public event found a permanent home at the Elks Lodge dance hall.
SUPER JAM
SATURDAY, 7 – 10 P.M., HENRY STRATER THEATER, 7TH ST. & MAIN AVE.
Join the spontaneous fun of the Meltdown’s Superjam. The event has become a festival tradition and no two are ever the same. Local, regional and national talents come together to collaborate and inspire on the stage of the Henry Strater Theatre. The bluegrass community is a small circle of incredibly talented musicians. It’s often amazing to witness how individuals from different bands are sometimes old friends, past band mates, or just like-minded individuals. It’s impromptu magic, so sit back and see what happens! Benny “Burle” Galloway and Jordan Ramsey will be hosting the event and are sure to throw together some incredible collaborations for the stage.
OLD TIME BARN DANCE
SATURDAY, 7:30 – 10 P.M., ELKS LODGE, 9TH ST. & EAST 2ND AVE.
Do you know how to tell the difference between old time fiddle tunes? They have different titles.
In 2006, after recognizing the popularity of the old timey music scare with bands such as Reeltime Travelers and Sweet Sunny South, the Meltdown introduced the Old Time Barn Dance, at the Elks Lodge dance hall. With the perfect setting of the Elks Lodge and it’s hardwood dance floor and great old timey band, Six Dollar String Band, this has evolved into a “don’t miss” event. Nobody has more fun during the entire Meltdown weekend than the kids of all ages that pack the Elks’ dance floor.
LATE NIGHT SHOW WITH THE JON STICKLEY TRIO
SATURDAY, 8:00 – 10 P.M., DURANGO ART CENTER, 8TH ST. & EAST 2ND AVE.
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown presents an evening with the Jon Stickley Trio. Admission free with Saturday or Weekend Meltdown Wristband or $10 at the Door)
Jon Stickley Trio plays a style of music that defies description. Jon’s guitar style has evolved from bluegrass flatpicking into his own sound that spans from soft harmonic chimes to straight-up shredding. The band features Lyndsay Pruett (Futureman) on violin, who conjures up bewildering sounds reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli, yet not unlike the modern dubstep of Lindsey Stirling. On percussion, Patrick Armitage (Atmosphere) brings the heat with a hiphop groove that is unstoppable. The band comes together to create their own sound that can get big enough to shake the walls or intimate enough to draw tears. After a busy year of touring and playing alongside groups such as The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, Leon Russell, and Leftover Salmon, the Jon Stickley Trio is primed and ready to go. Don’t miss this mindblowing musical experience.
GOSPEL SET
SUNDAY MORNING, DURANGO ART CENTER, 10A.M.-1P.M.
You don’t want to miss the gospel set on Sunday morning. This set highlights the versatility of at least three of the bands performing at the festival. There’s no reason to fret about missing church during the Meltdown, the a cappella vocals bring out heavenly harmonies. God is definitely present on Sunday mornings!
JAMMING
The Meltdown features many indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) locations for informal jamming. The management of the Strater and Rochester Hotels welcome musicians to gather and play for their own enjoyment as well as that of the hotel guests. Numerous downtown bars and restaurants also encourage musicians to play at their discretion, and may offer complementary food and drink. Spring afternoons in Durango are often very pleasant and jamming on the sidewalks and at outdoor cafes can be a pleasant way to make new friends and expose the general public to the joys of bluegrass. Look for the Meltdown Flyer in the windows of participating establishments.
The Strater Hotel lobby is open for jamming until midnight, late night jamming is open in the Pulman room in the basement of the Strater Hotel into the wee hours.
BAR GIGS
FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS, SEE PROGRAM GUIDE FOR LOCATION
Part of the fun during the Meltdown is enjoying live bluegrass music while sampling great food and drink at some of Durango’s finest downtown bars and restaurants. Many of the same bands that play the main stages will also provide late night entertainment with no cover charge for those with Meltdown wristbands. See schedules on side bar for locations and times.
For additional information visit: http://www.durangomeltdown.com/
