Aspen in the summertime offers outdoor activities and plenty of fun in the sun, but when the sun goes down is often times when things begin to heat up, with a variety music filling the cool mountain air. With a playlist ranging from street performers to major music industry headliners, Aspen is gaining a reputation as the place to be for summer music and concerts.
The annual Jazz Aspen Snowmass events, coupled with the Benedict Music Tent, historic Wheeler Opera House and the popular Belly Up Aspen, offer a spectacular array of musical talent. From classical music upstarts and legends to Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Skrillex, Aspen has hosted them all at one venue or another. Planning to come to Aspen for any of the summer music festivals can be tricky, if you don't know what you're doing. Many of the concerts sell out way in advance due to the demand for the artist performing, as well as the size of the venue. Most of the venues in and around Aspen are very intimate. The Belly Up Aspen only holds 450 persons, so tickets go fast when a big name comes to town. Outdoor events such as the Jazz Aspen Snowmass concerts can accommodate many more concertgoers. This week, our blog team sits down with Frias Properties Group Sales Manager Lisa Jennings to talk about all the great summer music concerts and festivals, and what you need to know. Lisa is a big music fan and loves going to all types of concerts in and around Aspen, and beyond. She's perfect to give us all the need-to-know info. Let's pick her brain!
Q: How would you describe the Aspen music scene? A: "Huge variety! You can find all different types."
Q: Why do you think Aspen is such a musical town? A: "The exposure that talent receives after playing in Aspen whether through the Aspen Music Festival or the Belly Up Aspen."
Q: What kind of music is played during the summer in and around Aspen? A: "All different types ranging from the Aspen Music Festival to late-night shows at the Belly Up Aspen."
Q: When does summer music begin in Aspen? A: "You can find music year round in Aspen, but June is usually the kickoff."
Q: What music in Aspen are you looking forward to this summer? A: "I always love the free Thursday night concerts."
Q: What are some of the key points of the summer not to miss music in Aspen? A: "The Jazz Aspen Snowmass June and Labor Day festivals, and the Aspen Music Festival."
Q: What’s your favorite summer music event? A: "I love the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day festival."
Q: What’s your favorite Aspen summer music memory? A: "Mumford & Sons at Jazz Aspen on Labor Day!"
Q: Tell me a little more about the music students playing for free around Aspen. What’s their deal? A: "They are an extremely talented group and visit Aspen every summer and participate in the Aspen Music School."
Q: How early should I plan for these events (lodging and tickets)? A: "As soon as your group is confirmed, they usually sell out."
Q: For a concert at the Belly Up, where do you recommend I stay? A: "The Independence Square bed and breakfast is right next door and has a rooftop hot tub."
Q: For Jazz Aspen Snowmass events, where’s the best place to stay? A: "Frias Properties has a wide variety of lodging choices and excellent customer service."
Q: What if we have a group of concertgoers coming to Aspen? A: "I would plan in advance as many of these shows will sell out."
Q: If I’m going to an outdoor concert, what should I bring? What should I wear? A: "Nights in Aspen can be cold. I definitely recommend a jacket, and a blanket is always nice to have when you need to take a break from dancing."
Q: If I’m going to a concert inside - like the Belly Up or the Benedict Music Tent - what should I bring? A: "Your best dance moves!"
Q: Do they serve alcohol at these things? A: "Yes!"