Aspen Jazz Festival

Aspen Jazz Festival – The Ultimate JAS Event Guide

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The band performing jazz music in Aspen festival

Aspen, Colorado is home to the most prestigious Labor Day experience in the country: the Aspen Jazz Festival. Under the Elk Mountain Range, world-class acts like Jade Jackson, James, Bay, Billy Idol, The Foo Fighters, Grace Potter, and The Lumineers take over Snowmass for an epic concert weekend. 

WHAT IS ASPEN JAZZ FESTIVAL? 

Aspen Jazz Fest, also called JAS (Jazz Aspen Snowmass)  is an annual 3 day concert series that happens every Labor Day weekend. The mission of JAS is to present, preserve, and appreciate different forms of jazz music through events, education programs, and performances. Every year, the event takes place outdoors at Snowmass Town Park against the backdrop of the Elk Mountain Range. In addition to the star-studded concert lineup, JAS Aspen also puts on musical education events, such as JAS Café artist talks, where performers discuss the history of the music they perform. 

Jazz Fest Aspen is a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert experience. Tickets and accommodations can go fast, so be sure to start planning this year’s jazz experience early. Aspen Luxury Concierge is the premier concierge service in the Roaring Fork Valley, who specializes in providing luxury experiences during Aspen music festival season. Read on to learn how ALC can help with your JAS experience. 

People enjoying the Aspen Jazz Festival

WHAT ARE THE BEST ASPEN JAZZ FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES & EVENTS?

In addition to the headliner performances, there are a few different types of events that happen during JAS. While most visitors prioritize the headliner acts, the ALC team recommends that visitors try to catch smaller events as well for a well-rounded JAS experience. 

HEADLINER PERFORMANCES 

Every year, JAS has a star-studded line up with a wide range of well-known musicians who play a variety of different jazz compositions. Past and present headliners include:

  • Jade Jackson
  • James Bay
  • Grace Potter
  • The Lumineers
  • Billy Idol
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Old Dominion
  • Foo Fighters

The headliners typically start their set around 11pm or 12am and the party continues until the early hours of the morning. When you get tickets for the JAS mainstage, expect to dance until dawn! 

Every year, tickets for the headliners at the Aspen Jazz Festival sell out extremely fast. Sometimes, general admission 3-day pass tickets sell out several months before the event and VIP tickets become a hot commodity. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team specializes at securing tickets to exclusive events in Aspen, whether for JAS or any other Aspen music festival. As a full service concierge, we go far beyond just booking tickets. Your concierge can also book your luxury accommodations, make restaurant reservations, arrange private transportation to and around Aspen, recommend daily activities around Snowmass, and take care of any odds and ends that you may need. 

Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to begin planning your Aspen Jazz Festival experience! 

country band at the aspen jazz festival

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS

If you can’t get enough live music, there are many more performances happening over Labor Day weekend. A long-standing summer tradition is the Snowmass Free Concert Series. Every Thursday evening, from mid-June through the end of August, local and national bands perform at Fanny Hill. These concerts are completely free to attend and attendees are encouraged to pack an Aspen picnic or get takeout from one of the best restaurants in Aspen to enjoy during the concert.

Compared to the JAS mainstage, the free concerts feature a wider range of musical genres. You can expect to hear everything from traditional jazz music to rock, funk, bluegrass, chicha, zydeco, and bayou Americana music. 

These free concerts are extremely popular, so parking and picnic spots can be hard to get. ALC has a few tips for navigating this event and getting a good spot: 

ARRIVE EARLY

Concerts start at 6:30, so attendees start arriving as early as 5:30. If necessary, your concierge can help reserve a good spot for your party. ALC also recommends that visitors check out some of the nearby pre-game options. The Stew Pot, Limelight, and Venga Venga all offer pre-concert dining and drinks on their patios.

AVOID PARKING IF POSSIBLE

The Base Village parking garage has limited parking for the event, but it usually fills up very fast. ALC recommends having your concierge arrange for a private car to drop your party off at the concert venue and pick you up after. This allows your party to enjoy themselves without having to worry about how to get home. 

Jazz music fans are enjoying the concert in Aspen thanks to the excellent temperatures

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

The Roaring Fork Valley normally has beautiful, moderate weather during the summer months, ideal for the Aspen Jazz Festival. However, it can get a little chilly once the sun goes down. ALC recommends that concert attendees bring extra layers and an emergency umbrella. If you forgot to pack a jacket for your Aspen adventure, you have many choices for great shopping in Aspen. Perhaps you’ll discover your new signature style while shopping for a new jacket. 

THE JUNE EXPERIENCE – AFTER-HOURS JAZZ & JAM SESSIONS

Leading up to Labor Day weekend and the headliner performances is what locals call the June Experience. Built into Jazz Fest Aspen are educational programs that bring talented, young musicians to Aspen to learn and perform. Starting in early June and running through August, these music students perform all over Aspen in small, intimate venues. 

Nearly every night you can catch after-hours jazz performances and student jam sessions at the Wheeler Opera House, the Aspen Art Museum, The Gant, Limelight, The Sterling, Hotel Jerome, Bon Bon, Belly Up, and more. Some events are free to attend, while others require pre-purchased tickets. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to get tickets for your desired music festival events.

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, AND JAS CAFÉ

For the duration of festival season in Aspen, visitors have the opportunity to attend classes, lectures, and masterclasses on different topics related to art and music. Some events are free, while others require advanced tickets. 

One big draw of the Aspen Jazz Fest are the JAS Café events. At 7pm and 9:15pm, musical artists perform intimate concerts while attendees enjoy gourmet candle lit dinners. Before the 7pm performance is the Pre-Concert Listen Up Artist Interviews where musical artists take audience questions, discuss their personal histories with music, and shed light on the evolution of the jazz musical genre. 

The musician from Aspen placed the saxophone on the chair just before starting the concert

ASPEN LUXURY CONCIERGE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ASPEN JAZZ FESTIVAL

There are so many things to do in Aspen in the summer. From outdoor adventures to the Aspen Music Festival for classical music, visitors flock to Aspen during the summer months. This means that hotels and vacation rentals can book up very quickly. No one wants to commute into Aspen every time they want to shop, try a new restaurant, or see a show. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team helps manage vacation rentals all over Aspen; we also have relationships with all the major luxury hotels in the area, so we are experts at matching visitors with accommodations that meet all their needs. 

Generally, the ALC team recommends either a hotel or a vacation rental for your Aspen experience. Depending on the size of your party, the events you want to attend, your budget, and your desired amenities, your concierge will suggest a certain hotel or vacation rental home. 

BENEFITS OF STAYING AT A HOTEL DURING THE ASPEN JAZZ FESTIVAL:

  • Most hotels are located close to the center of Aspen, so you will be within walking distance of stores, restaurants, clubs, and other activities.
  • Hotels often offer special deals and packages for visitors who are in town for music festivals. (Ask your concierge about the best hotel festival packages).
  • If you are a solo traveler, staying in a hotel offers a more social experience. You may meet people with similar interests at your hotel and find a buddy to explore Aspen with.
  • Some hotels have complimentary shuttle services that may run to and from certain music events, including the Aspen Jazz Festival.
Luxury accommodation for the aspen jazz festival

BENEFITS OF STAYING AT A LUXURY VACATION RENTAL

  • Luxury vacation rentals offer more privacy because you have the entire home, condo, or villa to yourself.
  • They are better for large groups, families, and parties who are traveling together. In a vacation rental, everyone can stay together in the same home and share common areas.
  • Some luxury vacation rentals come with amenities and services, such as private chefs, private pools, personal spa areas, courts or sporting areas, home theaters, large professional-level kitchens, or ergonomic beds.
  • You get better service in a luxury vacation rental because some rentals come with concierge services.
  • Vacation rentals are often farther away from the center of town, so they are quieter and more peaceful. 

For more information about available vacation rentals, jazz fest Aspen special deals, and planning your trip, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge. 

EXPERIENCE JAS WITH ALC!

Come to Aspen for the biggest and best Labor Day party! Aspen Jazz Festival is the premier music festival in the US and it takes place in the most beautiful venue. Whether you’re only coming to see your favorite band headline or you’re here to soak up the jazz atmosphere, ALC can make your trip effortless. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today to start planning your Aspen Labor Day experience! 

Aspen Music Festival

Aspen Music Festival – A Musical Journey Through Aspen

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A large crowd gathers in a spacious auditorium during the Aspen Music Festival event.

It isn’t an Aspen, Colorado summer without classical music drifting through the air from the Aspen Music Festival. Every summer, our mountain town becomes the venue for one of the largest classical music festivals in the country. 

WHAT IS THE ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL?

Aspen Music Festival and School is an 8 week summer music program and concert series that begins late-June and ends mid-August. Each year, there are over 400 classical music performances that feature both music students in the summer program and members of the artist-faculty. Music events include orchestral, choral, soloist, and chamber music performances. Every year there are also multiple staged opera productions, as well as lectures, music lessons, children’s events, and a master class for different topics within classical music. 

Needless to say, Aspen is bustling with visitors during the 8 week summer season. Luxury accommodations, restaurant reservations, and tickets to certain performances can go quick. But fear not, here’s how to navigate the AMFS like a pro (or a local)!

The musicians are performing at the Aspen Music Festival

ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL: AN OVERVIEW

When the sun comes out in Aspen, so do the violins. AMFS is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Aspen in summer. There’s something for everyone at the music festival with programming for kids and adults.

THE HISTORY OF CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVALS IN ASPEN

The AMFS can trace its roots back to the 1949 Goethe Bicentennial Convocation and Music Festival. To celebrate the bicentennial, the Minneapolis Symphony and several solo musicians performed 8 concerts in Aspen.

In 1950, musicians flocked back to Aspen, bringing their students with them to perform the works of Bach and Richard Wagner. At the time, the only other classical music festival was in Massachusetts, so mid-western musicians embraced Aspen, Colorado as a festival venue. 

By 1951, the festival had been formalized as a yearly event and the school was created to train students. Over 70 years later, musicians and classical music aficionados flock to Aspen to enjoy the music of composers past and present. 

AMFS & THE ASPEN MUSIC COMMUNITY

Anyone who summers in Aspen, you know that AMFS is intertwined with the Aspen community – even if you don’t play an instrument. Every season’s setlist features music with themes that are relevant to all Aspenites and visitors. For the 2023 season, performances centered around the natural world as a way of appreciating the natural beauty of Aspen. 

Throughout the year, AMFS offers activities, performances, and classes to help young people get excited about classical music. During the summer, AMFS offers private lessons, free family concerts, early childhood music games, and even a free mariachi workshop. 

A top orchestra is performing at the Aspen Music Festival
Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

YEAR-ROUND LIVE MUSIC IN ASPEN, COLORADO

If you just can’t get enough of live music in Aspen after attending AMFS music events, Aspen has music festivals and performances year-round! 

During the summer season, Aspen has:

  • Bluegrass Sundays – Mid-June through early-September from 12 to 3 pm.
  • Aspen Jazz Festival (JAS) – Last week of June.
  • Music on the Mountain – 1pm on Saturdays in July through mid-August.

During the winter season, there are on-going performances, concerts, and events at:

  • Belly Up – A fixture of Aspen nightlife that hosts big name performers
  • The Limelight Lounge – Where the mellow music is almost as good as the wine and cocktail menu.
  • The X Games in Aspen – After the sun goes down, the party comes out.

3 MUST-SEE MUSIC EVENTS AT THE ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL

With over 400 performances during the Aspen Music Festival, it can be hard for visitors to figure out what to see first.The best way to approach AMFS is to make a list of which genres of music you are most interested in seeing. Most of the 400 classical music performances fall into one of these categories:

1. ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES 

Orchestras are one of the most exciting groups to listen to. Unlike chamber music, there are multiple musicians playing each instrument, so you can experience more layers of sound. Orchestral music often tells an epic story about love, survival, and good vs. evil. The Rite of Spring composed by Igor Stravinsky is a favorite at AMFS because it is ultimately a beautiful tragedy about a chosen girl sentenced to dance to death. 

Audience members usually have 2 opportunities to catch the larger orchestral performances. During the music festival, orchestras will play a rehearsal performance and then an official performance. Tickets range in price depending on your seat and the type of performance. Contact your concierge to secure tickets to your favorite orchestra event.

The conductor is coordinating all musicians to perform the performance at the Aspen Music Festival
Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES 

Unlike orchestral music, chamber music is performed with one musician on each instrument. Although chamber music groups can play some orchestral compositions, chamber music is often far more intimate and spontaneous. During AMFS, you have many opportunities to attend a chamber music performance. In recent years, the schedule has been such that orchestral and recital performances were scheduled for the first half of each week and chamber music performances were at the end of the week. 

Every year, there is a pre-concert chamber performance, which is free to all. Like the orchestras, the chamber ensembles also do a rehearsal performance and a professional performance. Ticket prices for these events range from $20 to $95 or more per ticket. If you or your party would like to attend a chamber music performance, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to plan your itinerary. 

3. OPERA PRODUCTIONS

As you know, Aspen is home to the historic Wheeler Opera House, which puts on full productions throughout the year. During AMFS, you can enjoy a variety of condensed opera performances. On Fridays during the festival, the Wheeler hosts Opera Encounters where VocalARTS coaches work with students to perform an assortment of arrangements from different operas. 

The Hotel Jerome hosts an intimate Opera House Music performance, featuring talented music students. During the recital, audience members are served light drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Afterwards, you can engage in discussion with other art connoisseurs and meet the performers. The most romantic and elegant opera event of the season is the annual Opera Benefit. This exclusive event is cabaret-style with catering by the award winning chefs of the members-only Caribou Club. Each year, it is the who’s-who event that separates the true art benefactors from the casual listeners. 

If your interest has been piqued by the AMSF opera offerings, contact your concierge to get you tickets. Depending on your other travel plans in Aspen, your concierge can also arrange for luxury transportation in a private car to take you to your show in style. 

The musician is playing saxophone during the aspen music festival

4 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL VACATION

Now that you’ve picked out which performances you simply must see, it’s time to see to the other travel details of your trip. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team is here to make your Aspen adventures as joyful, relaxing, and luxurious as possible. Here are 4 travel considerations that our team can take off your plate:

1. ACCOMMODATIONS 

Depending on the size of your party, ALC may recommend an Aspen luxury vacation rental instead of a hotel. In general, vacation rentals have more space, greater privacy, and a wider range of amenities. Some hotels also offer special rates and experiences to AMFS attendees. When you plan your trip with ALC, we will get you the best rooms with all the amenities you could ever need. 

2. TRANSPORTATION 

One of the best ways to get to Aspen is by flying into ASE Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Alternatively, guests frequently charter private planes to one of the nearby air strips. From there, ALC can arrange for transportation into Aspen. It is important to note that Uber is not reliable in Aspen, so your concierge may recommend utilizing private car services for the duration of your trip. 

3. WHAT TO WEAR

No matter the season, it’s always a fashion show here in Aspen. Attending classical music performances is the perfect time to debut your newest summer fashions. From June through August, it is normally sunny with temperatures in the 70s. Aspen locals recommend wearing hats, light layers, and walkable sandals during their trip. You should be sure to reapply sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. Certain performances are black tie-optional or cocktail attire, so pack accordingly.

Of course, if you forget an outfit, the shopping in Aspen is unparalleled and your concierge is always happy to run errands for you. 

4. FOOD AND DINING DURING THE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Some performances are catered, so you can expect to be fed during the performance. However, if you would like to experience all that Aspen has to offer, there are so many restaurants that you simply must try. Whether you want classic alpine, Asian fusion, authentic Italian, soul food, or Mexican cuisine, there is an amazing restaurant in Aspen just waiting for you.

Your concierge is happy to recommend the best restaurants in Aspen and get you reservations. As for your other meals, your concierge can stock your vacation rental’s kitchen with organic Whole Foods groceries or hire a personal chef for the duration of your trip. 

The violinist is reading the musical notes on the sheet music

START PLANNING YOUR ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL VACATION TODAY!

You don’t have to be a fan of classical music to enjoy the AMFS’s 400+ performances, but by the time you leave Aspen, you’re sure to have a new favorite composer. Aspen Luxury Concierge specializes in helping visitors experience all the best parts of our little mountain town. Our team will handle all the travel arrangements while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to start planning your trip! 

Featured image credits: Lovethearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons