A Newer Generation Of Athletes Ushered In The Latest Installment of The Winter X-Games in 2017
Another edition of the Winter X Games descended upon Aspen, Colorado this past weekend. With record crowds and an abundance of some of the best musical acts around. Aspen/Snowmass was the place to be seen and heard. This edition of the games will be known for the youth movement taking over. Hailey Langland all of 16 years old became the first woman to land a cab double cork 1080 in competition. Others such as 17 year old Marcus Kleveland landed the first-ever quadruple cork in competition on the big air course. Kelly Sildaru who last year at the age of 13 became the youngest athlete to win a Gold medal was at it again as she captured her second Gold in Women's ski Slopestyle.
Some of music's best know artist also took residency as Bassnectar, Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals, and The Chainsmokers played unforgettable sets in between competitions.
All images courtesy of Austin Voldseth (All Rights Reserved)
Labor Day Weekend | Music in the Mountains
Still deciding on Labor Day Weekend plans? Want to do something epic and unforgettable that doesn't require too much planning or budgeting. . . How about a long weekend in awe-inspiring Aspen/Snowmass watching performances by The Killers, Stevie Wonder, Duran Duran and Thievery Corporation?!
This year’s JAS Labor Day Experience lineup is one of the most diverse in JAS’ 25-year history (probably why this music festival hasn’t been on many of our radars yet). Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances, and education programs. Their Labor Day Experience is an open air, dance oriented festival of popular, R&B, rock, funk, blues, and soul music, in Snowmass Town Park with the (epic) Elk Mountain Range as the backdrop.
The festival kicks off Friday Sept. 2 with Train and Andy Grammer, Saturday evening you’ll see The Killers, Thievery Corporation and Black Pistol Fire, to name a few. These first two nights’ end with an “After Dark Silent Disco Party” for an added $25 featuring a dance party with dueling DJs until 11:30pm. On Sunday, Sept. 4th, iconic singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Stevie Wonder will grace the crowds with his headlining performance. Stevie is one of the most celebrated figures in popular music, with 49 Top Forty singles, 32 #1 singles and worldwide sales over 100 million. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. What makes this music festival even more enticing, this will be the only Colorado appearance this year for many of the artists.
Given the collection of talent, spanning multiple genres and eras, along with a spectacular setting and array of food, drinks, VIP options, and vendors, JAS Experience ensures everybody has an exceptional Labor Day weekend. Keeping the crowds content is crucial during day-long festivals, and even though JAS Experience's days aren't as long as some of the big name music festivals, there will be a good lineup of food and booze options. These include Bangkok Happy Bowl, Cowgirl Lemonade, Francesca's, Havana Cabana, Hickory House Ribs and Windy City Eats, to name a few. There are also beer, water and cocktail stations throughout.
Tickets to the JAS Labor Day Experience are still available, individual or 3-day passes, as well as JAS Deck tickets. Deck tickets include complimentary beer, wine, water, afternoon grille fare, private restrooms and an elevated viewing platform. This year’s festival will offer an added opportunity to meet, drink and take photos with Broncos players past and present during the “Broncos Experience at JAS” Saturday Sept. 3rd for an additional cost. If you are looking for a low-cost way to experience the festival, you can still sign up to become a volunteer via their website.
To purchase tickets visit www.jazzaspensnowmass.org or call 866-JAS-TIXX (527-8499). Tickets are also available at the Belly Up Box Office in Aspen.
Lifestyle | Wanderlusting in Aspen-Snowmass | Review
Wanderlust Festival (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)
Wanderlust Festival bestowed the gift of positive energy, music, healthy eats, and, of course, delicious yoga over July 4th weekend. Aspen, Colorado is one mountain town that needs no introduction. The sweeping landscape, the sunshine, the fresh air, and the plethora of outdoor sports is a haven for a mindful festival like Wanderlust Festival.
The layout of the festival was vaster than in past years at Copper Mountain. It forced you to unintentionally explore Snowmass Village, either by gondola or hike, from one end to the other. The festival staff did a tremendous job of turning conference room spaces into a pseudo yoga studio with different lighting, rugs, and geometric altars donned with organic trinkets. The space felt intentional and inviting. This is something that in past years was not given any attention so it felt like you were doing yoga in, well, a conference room. Not the most grounding experience.
Wanderlusting in Aspen (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)
The festival has evolved and seen improvements, much like the yoga spaces, in other areas as well. The music scene had more variety, which catered to a wider crowd. Of course, the resident dj’s, Moby and DJ Drez, were both present. Singer-songwriter Nikki Lane offered a style different from the eclectic, electronic beats we’re used to hearing at Wanderlust. The folk-rock vocals were the perfect pair to a cloudless afternoon. High and Mighty Brass Band had a lively, party-like way of having a presence. Throughout the festival they would stop, drop, and get down. It could be mid-afternoon amongst a sea of people hustling from class to class and they were shaking Snowmass Village with their buoyant sound, reminding attendees that it’s okay to slow down and shimmy and shake with a stranger! Sometimes yoga can be so serious and personal that we forget the community aspect. Live music brings out the creativity and movement that is a delicious compliment to an inward practice.
Wanderlust Festival Aspen-Snowmass (Photo Credit: Ali Kaukas)
The festival was a beautiful success, per usual. We can’t say enough of the venue, the people, the teachers, and the vendors. It’s a weekend well worth the dollar spent as you leave feeling fulfilled and rejuvenated. As a teacher, I left feeling inspired by my fellow yogis who consistently push themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. This festival has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, spanning the world, and I can’t wait to find out where they will go next. I am appreciative that they allowed us to capture the journey and share it with you.
-Amanda Spilos