Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
Blues from the Top
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Photos by WinterParkTimes.com

 

Blues from the Top 15: Year of the Catt

Last weekends, Blues from the Top festival, coined the “Year of the Catt” by promoters, was one of the best lineups ever to hit the stage for the nationally renown blues festival.  Grand CountyBlues Society, (GCBS) brought a mix of musical talents, styles and genre to the traditionally blues centric festival in Hideaway park.

Saturdays show included a set by CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, a New Orleans band with accordion melodies and washboard grooves.  For those that made it out for the after festival party Saturday night, they ripped the roof off the Smokin’ Moes Stage. Saturday also featured,   Jimmy Vivino of late night talk show fame was joined by Andy Irvine and Kate Moss for a great afternoon set. Then to close, Kim Wilson, front man and harmonica legend for The Thunderbirds rolled on stage with a collection of new music and old favorites featuring sizzling guitar licks and harmonica lines.  

Sunday morning kicked off with a harmony filled spiritual set featuring the High Mountain Gospel Choir.  Alvin Youngblood Hart brought back the roots of the blues with a set of stories and soulfull old school blues melodies and rhythms. The festival wrapped with a powerfully energetic performance by Anders Osborne featuring Eric Mcfadden on guitar.

John Catt, the founder of the GCBS was there in spirit represented by a directors chair on stage with a cigar box guitar and his favorite festival hat.

Tim Hubbard, board member said, “We are changing it up a bit”  before John passed he told us “This is your festival now, I am done and If you ain’t changing you’re dyin’.”  Hubbard referred to Catt, founder of the Grand County blues Society and the Blues from the Top Festival as inspiration for the society today.  Hubbard said, “The GCBS board, worked hard to bring a variety of new talent to the stage.”  Mix of blues, rock and gospel. “We are going to do more in the coming year to grow this thing.”  

Mountain temps and sun were the order of the day.  The crowds were as expected.  According to Hubbard, We spent a little more and want to continue to grow the Society.  We want to help other venues in the area bring talent to the mountains. “  

“You couldn’t ask for a better weekend.”  The weather was nearly perfect with temps in the low 80s and not a cloud in he sky.  The first weekend on the new stage was incredible.”  Perfect Colorado mountain weekend” according to Catherine Ross, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.