July 6-8

The Bluegrass Camp for Kids is a 3 day bluegrass and folk music program for children ages 6-17, organized and taught by members of the band Bearfoot. Children can pick from a wide range of classes, including all levels of guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle and vocals.Campers will also experience band class with their peers, daily jams, sqaure dances, art projects and optional private lessons. Please specify on registration form the class and level your child wishes to attend.

The ultimate Bluegrass in Paradise bike jersey now available! Short sleeve high performance bike shirt with long zipper on the front, and three pockets on the back. Limited number available only.

Now on sale for $59 only (sales tax included)

Sizes available: S (women), M, L, XL.

To order a bike shirt, please call 970.349.0619 or email Crista at our office.

Hosted by the "Master of Strings," Drew Emmitt, this festival will start off with a bluegrass kids camp and Alaskan band Bearfoot (July 6-8), followed by two full days of workshops and performances on July 9 and 10. Bands from all over country include Blue Highway, Bearfoot, Springcreek Bluegrass, Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Emmitt-Nershi Band and Shannon Whitworth.

Red Lady Stage at the Base Area, Mt. Crested Butte

Children 12 and under*: FREE
*Daycare is not provided. Parents must accompany their children at all times. Please read the General Festival Guidelines.

Lodging packages  available through Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

You are a Camper and want to bring your tent? No problem- we have set up one of the most beautiful spots for you to camp in Paradise. Download the Camping Guidelines.

Bluegrass in Paradise is still open for Vendors. Please read the Guidelines and fill out your Vendor Application.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer of Bluegrass in Paradise, then we have more information for you here.

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Bearfoot Bluegrass Band, July 9th, 4pm, Red Lady Stage at the Base Area, Mt. CB

Bluegrass music from Alaska may sound like a bit of a non sequitur, but Telluride Band Contest winner BEARFOOT is proving that the two aren't as unrelated as you might think. Their fresh approach to acoustic music features twin fiddles, fast-picking mandolin and guitar, upright bass, and beautiful harmony vocals. Bearfoot's exuberant stage presence elicits an appeal that bridges generations.

Springcreek Bluegrass Band, July 9th, 6pm

In 2009, Spring Creek joined the ranks of Ralph Stanley, Kenny & Amanda Smith and Steep Canyon Rangers as a Rebel Records recording artist.  Spring Creek’s creative original songs and meticulous harmony vocals caught the attention of the nearly 50 year old Charlottesville, Virginia bluegrass label—which has never signed a Colorado-based band.

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, July 9th, 8pm

Dr. Ralph Stanley is the Godfather of Bluegrass: after 55 years in the business, he's still the best banjo picker and tenor singer in bluegrass music.  As a recording artist, he has performed on more than 170 albums, tapes, and CDs.  He's also written many songs himself and with his brother, the late Carter Stanley.  Ralph's played throughout the United States and in many foreign lands, too, including several tours of Japan.

Shannon Whitworth, July 10th, 2pm, Red Lady Stage at the Base Area, Mt. CB

Shannon Whitworth received national praise for her definitive songwriting and captivating voice as a founding member of The Biscuit Burners. Leading her own group, Ms. Whitworth catches the ear and touches the heart of even the most unsuspecting bystander with her infectious twang and original songs.

"[Shannon Whitworth] has a smoky singing voice that reminds me of a grittier Neko Case or a harder Patsy Cline." -The Pulse, Chattanooga

Blue Highway, July 10th, 4pm

At the 15-year mark, Blue Highway is indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. The band's eight exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994. With a deep bench of virtuosic songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists, Blue Highway's hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble, the “democracy of the band” that makes Blue Highway a powerhouse.

Emmitt-Nershi Band, July 10th, 6pm

Drew Emmitt will be performing together with Billy Nershi, the founding member and acoustic guitarist of The String Cheese Incident, an American jamband from Boulder, Colorado.
The Emmitt-Nershi Band consists of Drew Emmitt on mandolin and vocals (Leftover Salmon), Bill Nershi on acoustic guitar and vocals (String Cheese Incident), Andy Thorn on banjo (Larry Keel, Drew Emmitt Band), and Tyler Grant on bass (Drew Emmitt Band).