Festival hits record admission

TELLURIDE — A record number of voices echoed off the mountains of Telluride this weekend. Their shouts rumbled alongside the tunes of an eclectic lineup of artists.

The 15th annual Telluride Blues and Brews festival saw a record crowd of 9,000 people, as Saturday’s show was sold out. Entertaining the masses were about 20 different bands and an array of microbrews providing an unlimited tranquility for one’s palate.

Friday got under way with Mama’s Cookin, jamming the sounds of hip-hop and “dirty Delta blues.”

Mid-afternoon, Susan Tedeschi came out with vigor; hands reached toward the clear blue sky and dust stirred under the feet of thousands.

After John Hiatt and the Ageless Beauties wrapped up the evening, festival goers left knowing they would return Saturday for another great lineup and for the three-hour free Grand Tasting from 53 microbreweries.

By noon Saturday, the festival grounds were packed. Beer tasting booths were woven through the crowds of people. For three hours, participants savored about 150 different beers from San Francisco to Boston.

During the tasting, the 2008 International Blues Challenge winner Trampled Under Foot played. The blaring funk of trombone player Big Sam in Big Sam’s Funky Nation followed.

However, it was G. Love & Special Sauce that packed the music enthusiasts to the front of the stage. G. Love moved the crowd with harmonic melodies, while Special Sauce drummed away on his base. Big Sam got into the groove and joined the band on stage with his trombone, as did John Butler of The John Butler Trio.

Govt’ Mule closed the evening after playing more than two hours. The crowd’s cheers made it evident they weren’t ready to let the show end. Joining the band on stage was Tedeschi, whose voice blared over the dancing mob.

Though the show came to an end, Saturday’s night life in Telluride rang out. Bars were packed and sidewalks were crowded.

Those who didn’t get their feel of handcrafted brews, were back Sunday enjoying more music and sunny weather. Many VIP ticket holders traded their beer glass for one with a celery stick.

Others pulled up their chairs and sun umbrellas to soak in the sounds of blues bouncing off the mountains.

A weekend of blues and brews wrapped up Sunday evening. The Derek Trucks Band took the stage, followed by Etta James & The Roots Band. Participants listened to the tunes, knowing Monday would be just another day, but they danced like there was no tomorrow.