BBQ, Blues and Beauty at Gateway Canyons

The Perfect Setting: Gateway’s Outdoor Amphitheater

There’s nothing like great music in a spectacular place.

That’s exactly what we had this past weekend in Telluride during the thirty-fifth annual Telluride Jazz Celebration, a three-day celebration that puts our whole town in a silky mood every year during the first weekend of August. And after this year’s love fest, this eclectic event appears to be stronger than ever.

It’s even more enticing to have good food added to great music and ambiance. You can count on a trifecta of those ingredients to a good time at the third annual BBQ Blues event on Saturday, September 3 at Gateway Canyons Resort. This year’s lineup features Denver-based diva Hazel Miller and her band. Known for infusing her songs with a primal dose of genuine soul, whether she’s singing the blues, jazz, pop or gospel, Ms. Miller has been called a “force of nature.” Miller has opened for Mel Tormé, James Brown, the Temptations, Earl Klugh, Bob James and many more. I’ve seen her in Telluride and I can tell you she puts on a show bursting with heart and soul.

Other notable blues artists will also be appearing at this special Labor Day weekend event that kicks off at noon at one of the most stunning resorts of the West. (Read my story  Gateway Canyons: One Big Discovery) A craft and food fair will also be set up on the resort’s resplendent grounds and as the name suggests, there will be heaps of delicious BBQ for all to enjoy.

Though lodging at Gateway Canyons is sold out, camping is still available in the nearby meadows for festival attendees. Or if you’re lucky enough to be in and around western Colorado at that time, you can just plan an excursion to this fun event that promises to be well worth the trip. Barbecue and blues amidst the red rocks—summer fun doesn’t get much more sultry than that!

Click to see the full program of activities for Gateway’s BBQ Blues Festival and to reserve. You may also call 970-931-2458 for more information.