It is that time of the year when the season is beginning to hint at a change and you’re asking yourself in a somewhat melancholic tone, ‘where did the summer go?’ The good news for you is that we still have plenty of beautiful days left and most of all, the Aspen Snowmass JAS Fest is right around the corner. This is our big annual music festival that occurs every Labor Day weekend and takes place in the heart of Snowmass Village across from the recreation center and rodeo. Undoubtedly, one of my favorite weekends of the year. This year's headliners include Leon Bridges, Chris Stapleton, Stevie Nicks, and Little Big Town, plus many more. Check out the lineup here.
This is what makes this town and community incredible. Where else in the world do you get to see world-class musicians with a world-class view in an intimate setting with some of your closest friends and family? My parent's home is up the street from the main stage and so naturally this weekend was always circled on our calendar. Some of my fondest memories take place here and I was lucky enough to grow up and have seen Bob Dylan, Michael Franti, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Outkast, Kid Rock, and many more before I graduated high school.
Here Are a Few Tips and Tricks for the Long Weekend:
- Buy blind faith passes every year. As the name of the ticket implies, you don’t know who will be playing, but JAS does an incredible job every year of getting top-tier talent.
- Don’t drive; parking is horrendous, DUIs are plentiful, and RFTA does a great job with extra buses.
- The drink lines can get long so buy more than one; somebody will have it if you don’t.
- Tip your bartenders generously (preferably with cash). Most of them have full-time jobs and are there to enjoy the music and be part of the experience.
- VIP is always nice, but GA is where the action is.
- Get there early and put a blanket down towards the middle of the GA section. If you’re a music lover and will be spending all day at the festival, you’re going to need a home base.
- Drink water.
- Save your appetite. One of the underrated parts of the concert is the local food vendors (another reason to buy GA v. VIP). My two favorite dishes are chicken naan wrap and dumplings. Game over.
- Don’t be afraid to dance. There will be people of all ages, but we’re all there for the same thing: to enjoy good music.
- Bring the kids. This is a family-style festival and there’s no better place to expose your children to world-class music.
- Be a good neighbor; as my mom says, someone is always watching so make sure to pass it on.
