Today is the winter solstice. The shortest day of the year. The moment when the sun traces its lowest arc in the sky. A day to come together with family and friends (and St. Festivarius) to celebrate the year to come.

And on this first day of winter, it has long been a custom on Planet Bluegrass for us to offer a gift to our Festivarian Family.

As we reflect on the musical magic we shared together in Telluride and Lyons in 2009, our hearts keep returning to the emotional Yonder Mountain String Band kickoff show in Telluride; the YMSB "TBA" surprise on the RockyGrass stage; and our autumnal Mabon gathering in the Wildflower Pavilion with Ben & Adam.

So we would like you to join us in closing our year with Yonder Mountain String Band: December 30th & 31st at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver (featuring Darol Anger on Dec. 30 and 31; The Wood Brothers and the Travelin' McCoury's on Dec. 30th; and The Lee Boys on Dec. 31st).

In addition, YMSB is playing an intimate show at the Boulder Theater on December 29 - available only with a special 3-day pass.

We are giving away two pairs of VIP tickets to your choice of one of the Fillmore shows to 2 lucky Festivarians. To enter this random drawing, send an email to YMSBnewyears@bluegrass.com (one entry per person, please). To be eligible to win, in your email be sure to include: your name, your phone number, and which show you would like to attend (12/30 or 12/31). We will select two winners on the evening of December 23 and post those winners on the Festivarian Forum.

The band has also waived service fees for Festivarians to any of these shows (including the 2 and 3-day passes) between now and December 26. These special prices are available (using the links below only) thru December 26, so don't wait long.

All of us on Planet Bluegrass wish you a safe and joyous holiday season. We can't wait to see you in 2010.

Happy Holidays,
The Folks on Planet Bluegrass