The July heat (both musical and meteorological) seemed so far away for so long. Fortunately, many Festivarians heeded our warnings of record ticket sales, for tickets to the 36th Annual RockyGrass are now completely gone. Yes, 3-day passes and all single-day tickets are sold-out. If you're among the lucky 3,500 check out the single-day festival lineup. If not, check out our Festivarian Forum to trade tickts with fellow Festivarians or consider joining us in August for the 18th Annual Folks Festival - Tim O'Brien, KT Tunstall, Greg Brown, Nanci Griffith, Amos Lee, and much more.

Jesse McReynolds at RockyGrass 2007 (photo: Russell Bramlett)
Jesse McReynolds at
RockyGrass 2007

The Scene

The 2008 RockyGrass lineup explores the many roots and branches of bluegrass music - from Celtic (Natalie MacMaster) to newgrass (Psychograss; Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Edgar Meyer, Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile) to classic (JD Crowe & The New South, Dan Tyminski Band, Peter Rowan) to old-time fusion (Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet featuring Béla Fleck) to brilliant younger bands (Infamous Stringdusters, Chatham County Line, Bearfoot, The Steeldrivers) to the only-at-RockyGrass (Sam Bush Bluegrass Band) to much, much more.

RockyGrass is held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado - located along the wooded banks of the beautiful St. Vrain River. The historic quarry town of Lyons is just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The town is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians.

Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds, under the cliffs at Meadow Park (a quick five-minute walk from the festival), or at the Olson Campground (a 10-minute walk or via the free shuttle buses).

Non-musical activities in and around Lyons include single-track mountain biking at Hall Ranch, river sports in the Meadow Park whitewater course, touring through Rocky Mountain National Park (40 minutes up the hill from Lyons), and hiking in the nearby National Forest lands.

A Day at RockyGrass

A day at RockyGrass starts with a campground breakfast or a quick walk to downtown Lyons to relax at one of the fine coffee shops. Whether walking the campgrounds or Main Street in Lyons, live bluegrass music already fills the air. Soon the sound of bagpipes echoes off the canyon walls, signaling the opening of the festival grounds and the morning tarp rush.

DGBX at RockyGrass 2007 (photo: Russell Bramlett)
DGBX at RockyGrass 2007

As the afternoon heats up, kids of all ages flock to the sandy beach - beach toys, inner tubes, and all. Meanwhile older folks make new friends with tarp dwellers close to the main stage or under the shady trees. Away from the stage, kids work on crafts in the family tent, while musicians form jam circles in the woods along the river or listen to an instrument contest or workshop in the Wildflower Tent.

All day the audience is treated to headliner after headliner on the main stage. Then when the final headliner finishes their set on the main stage, the campgrounds come alive with jam sessions. A walk through the campground is a vital part of the RockyGrass experience - hearing pickers of all ages and backgrounds sharing in the common language of bluegrass music.

Tickets for the 2008 RockyGrass are now completely sold-out. If you still need tickets have a look at the Festivarian Forum or consider joining us one month earlier in Telluride.