2010 MELTDOWN EVENTS


RAILROAD BLUEGRASS EXPRESS

Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., D&SNG Train, 5th & Main.

In conjunction with Durango’s 15th Bluegrass Meltdown, we are offering “The Bluegrass Express!” Ride in the comfort of one of our Premium-class cars behind a steam locomotive on the train to Cascade Canyon while listening to live bluegrass music! Six entertainers will rotate among the 3 cars reserved just for Bluegrass Express guests. They will also play for all passengers during the 45-minute layover at Cascade Canyon. Once you get back to Durango there will be a FREE concert in the D&SNG Museum from 5pm-7pm to officially kick off the start of the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.

 

 

RAILROAD MUSEUM CONCERT

Friday, 5 - 7 p.m., Railroad Museum, 5th & Main.

The warm-up for the Meltdown has become one of our festival's more popular traditions. This free, two hour concert is held at the Durango and Silverton Railroad Museum on Friday afternoon, when the festival opens. Durango's history is intertwined with that of the railroad and that history is on display in this unique and interesting venue. Stroll through this converted section of the Round House maintenance facility, explore the many exhibits from a bygone era, enjoy exceptional bluegrass music and help us kick off the festival for the weekend.

 

 

BAND SHOWCASE

Saturday, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 9th St. & East 2nd Ave.

Since it's inception in the second year of the Meltdown, the Band Showcase has provided a stage for bands that want to participate but for whatever reason aren't ready or willing to play the "main stage". "Bluegrass Band Criteria" are severely bent for the Band Showcase. Where else could you see drums, accordion and even belly dancers in a bluegrass festival setting, with crowd pleasing favorites like The Swamp Thangs, Whistle Stop, Hot Club of Santa Fe, Carute Roma and much more? The Band Showcase never lacks for entertainment, not to mention the most entertaining Band Showcase MC in the four corners area. In 2006, this free to the public event found a permanent home at the Elks Lodge dance hall.

SUPER JAM

Saturday, 7 - 10 p.m., Henry Strater Theater, 7th St. & Main Ave.

Join the spontaneous fun of the Meltdown's Superjam. The event has become a festival tradition and no two are ever the same. Local, regional and national talent come together to collaborate and inspire on the stage of the Henry Strater Theater. The bluegrass community is a small circle of incredibly talented musicians. It's often amazing to witness how individuals from different bands are sometimes old friends, past band mates, or just like-minded individuals. It's impromptu magic, so sit back and see what happens!

OLD TIME BARN DANCE

Saturday, 7:30 - 10 p.m.,Elks Lodge, 9th St. & East 2nd Ave.

Do you know how to tell the difference between old time fiddle tunes? They have different titles.

In 2006, after recognizing the popularity of the old timey music scare with bands such as Reeltime Travelers and Sweet Sunny South, the Meltdown introduced the Old Time Barn Dance, at the Elks Lodge dance hall. With the perfect setting of the Elks Lodge and it's hardwood dance floor and great old timey bands like the Stairwell Sisters and Chance McCoy with the Appalachian String Band, this has evolved into a "don't miss" event. Nobody has more fun during the entire Meltdown weekend than the kids of all ages that pack the Elks' dance floor.

SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Saturday afternoon, see program guide for location

The singer/songwriter event consists of a group of talented performers who are invited to join together on stage to present their own original songs, poems or stories. Historically there are at least six songwriters. The event usually lasts for two hours plus with each songwriter getting at least two opportunities to perform, sometimes more when time allows. Audiences have found the time to be fun and exciting as they hear the different songs and how each songwriter presents their own finely honed material.

GOSPEL SET

Sunday morning, see program guide for location

You don’t want to miss the gospel set on Sunday morning. This set highlights the versatility of at least three of the bands performing at the festival. There’s no reason to fret about missing church during the Meltdown, the a cappella vocals bring out heavenly harmonies. God is definitely present on Sunday mornings!

 

 

 

 

 

CELTDOWN AT THE MELTDOWN

Saturday, 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center (Admission free with Meltdown wristband or $10 at the door)

The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown presents an evening of traditional Irish and Scottish music. As always, highland bagpipes will open the 7:00 pm concert at the Durango Arts Center followed by an assortment of talented performers. Our featured band will be Giants Dance who combine stunning vocal renditions of traditional Irish songs with energetic instrumentals featuring fiddle, flute, penny whistle, bodhran and guitar.

The concert will be followed by a jam session, 9:30 pm until exhaustion, at the Irish Embassy. Open to all musicians who wish to join in. 

JAMMING

The Meltdown features many indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) locations for informal jamming. The management of the Strater and Rochester Hotels welcome musicians to gather and play for their own enjoyment as well as that of the hotel guests. Numerous downtown bars and restaurants also encourage musicians to play at their discretion, and may offer complementary food and drink. Spring afternoons in Durango are often very pleasant and jamming on the sidewalks and at outdoor cafes can be a pleasant way to make new friends and expose the general public to the joys of bluegrass. Look for the Meltdown Flyer in the windows of participating establishments.

 

BAR GIGS

Friday & Saturday nights, see program guide for location

Part of the fun during the Meltdown is enjoying live bluegrass music while sampling great food and drink at some of Durango’s finest downtown bars and restaurants. Many of the same bands that play the main stages will also provide late night entertainment with no cover charge for those with Meltdown wristbands. For locations and times, download the Special Events Map and Event Schedule (schedule coming soon!)