Conifer Blues Festival

Earthy, energetic and rocking, this promises to be an afternoon and evening full of Blues delight and surprises.
The opening band, Conifer’s Catfish Kray Blues Band, has played the Blues throughout Colorado since the late 1990‘s. The band has played virtually every major venue along the front range. With the release of its CD, “Splash,” in 2009, they have moved to national attention. The addition of vocalist Michele Steele in 2011 solidified the band’s style into a hard-driving guitar-based blues. “Splash” has received airplay in the US and abroad, featured regularly on Sonny Payne’s classic King Biscuit show, played extensively in Europe and South America, and frequently on Denver’s KUVO. In 2010 it was recognized by the Grammy Foundation as one of 50 entries in the contemporary blues category. The June 2010 issue of America’s music bible, Downbeat Magazine, reviewed “Splash” very favorably. Despite the national attention garnered by the recording, live shows are their forte and reason for being. In 2010 alone, the band played to over 10,000 fans.

Mid-afternoon brings The Once Removed Band from Conifer, CO. The Once Removed Band plays an eclectic mix of music ranging from blues, rock, and pop standards to original music, all performed in the ORB’s unique interpretive style. This gives all of the band’s music a fresh, energetic Colorado Blues sound that guarantees to keep the listener engaged and entertained. The ORB’s performances have included premier clubs, theaters, festivals, fundraisers, and corporate events in and around Denver and the foothills area.

Around 5:00 The Siegel-Schwall band, hailing from Chicago, changes the pace. Instrumental in The Great Blues Revival of the 1960′s, Siegel-Schwall were Chicago-based, serving as the house band at the famed Pepper’s Lounge. They earned their spurs backing greats like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Willie Dixon. From 1966 until they disbanded in 1974, they ranked among the most important forces in reaching the baby boomer audience that sustains the blues to this day. The current band includes two other genuine notables, bassist Rollo Radford and drummer Sam Lay. Radford’s resume stretches from Martha & The Vandellas to Sun Ra, giving him the artistic range to follow wherever Siegel and Schwall want to take the blues. Lay’s stellar work with Muddy Waters, Little Walter and The Paul Butterfield Band earned him entry in both The Blues and The Rock And Roll Halls Of Fame. “The word ‘legendary’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but it seems appropriate to apply to The Siegel-Schwall Band.” – Triple Door, Seattle

These spectacular bands will perform in the meadow behind the historic Midway House at Meyer Ranch in Aspen Park, CO. With Berrian Mountain as a scenic backdrop, the venue provides rare beauty complementing the skilled and talented musicians. This is most certainly a music day for everyone.

Tickets are $20 per person or $35 for two, and may be purchased online at Conifer Blues Fest.com. Proceeds will benefit The I Love U Guys Foundation and The Disaster Recovery Center assisting people affected by The North Fork Wildfire at The Mountain Resource Center.