1. WORDS SUZANNE CHEAVENS | IMAGES BARTON GLASSER AND JACOB BOMERSBACK
Steve Gumble, the man with the unique vision
of marrying his two loves – fine craft beers and
blues music – continues to nurture his vision by
making thoughtful additions like “glamping” and
a second stage, to further enhance the festival
experience. Now in its 22nd year, the festival has
knocked it out of the park with the announce-
ment that Texas blues-rockers ZZ Top, Gregg All-
man, and Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings will
headline the three-day event. That’s the blues.
The brews aspect of the festival takes place on
Saturday, when the brewers array themselves
on the festival grounds and pour samplers of
their wares. As the afternoon wears on, the
enthusiasm of the crowd peaks. Group hollers
reverberate, sometimes drawing notice of the
performers onstage, who can’t help but note the
joy. And know you this – nothing can dampen the
spirits of this festival crowd. Rain or shine, snow
or sleet, lovers of fine suds and stinging guitar
licks just dress for the weather and dance all the
same. They are a hardy bunch.
In 2014, Gumble added a second music stage in
the Town Park Pavilion, and luxurious, on-site
camping called “glamping.” He also scheduled
comedy acts on the second stage (The Blues
Stage in the Hanley Pavilion), and this year has
added new elements to his successful blend.
“We have comedians again at The Blues Stage
but new this year will be an “adults only” show
Friday and Saturday nights at Arroyo,” Gumble
said. “This will be a part of our Juke Joint ticket.
Also, our curfew for the Blues Stage Juke shows
has been extended from 1midnight to 1 a.m.
both Friday and Saturday night.”
The Juke Joint shows take place at night, perfect
for night owls who like their blues hot and their
mornings for sleeping in.
Gumble is in constant motion during the festival
but still takes time to partake in the festivities.
“My favorite part of the festival is dancing up
front and observing smiles!” he said. “I also
enjoy seeing Telluride businesses thriving.”
While doesn’t mind tinkering from time to time
with his successful formula, his philosophy is
grounded in making the weekend the best it
can be.
“We just work hard each year to provide the best
festival experience possible. I hope we are doing
a good job.”
The festival is September 18-20. For more infor-
mation, a complete schedule and tickets, please
visit: www.tellurideblues.com. n
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Courtney McClary brims with
energy. She talks rapid-fire and
moves quickly and with purpose.
Her job as Telluride Blues and Brews’
Director of Operations means her desk
is full at all times. Come September,
when the festival gates open, she and
her top-notch crew have ensured that
everything is ready for the blues and
beer-loving crowds. Don’t let this petite
dynamo fool you – she’s way pro.
Courtney started working with Steve Gumble in
2003 as an intern and has been full-time since
2007. While it is true she seems to be able to
move mountains by herself, she begs to differ.
“My favorite part of this job is the people I get
to work with,” she said. “We are a family and I
could not do my job without them!”
Every festival has its highlights for Courtney --
it’s not all tool belts, radios and the hard, dirty
work of creating a festival from soccer fields.
There was the time she lingered with a king. As
in BB King. She and a couple other lucky staffers
joined the blues legend on his bus in 2010.
“It was one of the hottest experiences of my life.
I think he had the heat on at 85+plus degrees,
and 2010 was a warm year for the festival,”
she recalled. “When we got up to leave Mr.
King asked us why we were leaving and if we
had somewhere to be? Of course not! I will sit
back down and chat with BB King, even though I
might overheat!! And sit down we did with him
for almost an hour, we talked about family and
playing the blues.” n
Courtney
McClary
HANGING WITH A KING
WORDS SUZANNE CHEAVENS
IMAGE COURTESY COURTNEY MCCLARY
THE TELLURIDE BLUES AND BREWS FESTIVAL, LIKE MOST GOOD THINGS, STARTED SMALL. THE FIRST FESTIVAL
– THEN CALLED THE TELLURIDE BREWERS FESTIVAL - WAS LITTLE MORE THAN A ROW OF TENTS ERECTED ON
COLORADO AVENUE, A HANDFUL OF BREWERS POURING THEIR BEERS AND THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT PLAYING
ON A SMALL PLATFORM. FROM THERE, THE FESTIVAL HAS GROWN INTO A MAJOR EVENT, FILLING TELLURIDE TOWN
PARK WITH 56 BREWERIES POURING 170 DIFFERENT BEERS, THREE FULL DAYS OF TOP MUSICAL ACTS PERFORMING
ON THE MAIN STAGE, AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, MANY WHO HAVE BEEN COMING FOR YEARS. CRAFT AND FOOD
VENDORS PROVIDE A DIVERSE SHOPPING AND EATING EXPERIENCE AND THE ACOUSTIC BLUES COMPETITION ATTRACTS
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY.
BOOGIE, BEER AND BLISS IN SEPTEMBER
TELLURIDE
Blues& BrewsFESTIVAL
“We just work hard each year to provide the best
festival experience possible.”
–SteveGumble