Day One: Arrivals and Close Encounters

My first day in Telluride was an exciting one!

I got in to town about 2:30, just in time to miss Crooked Still, but in time to listen to the Avett Brothers while I set up my tent!

A little bit about the place I'm staying:

I'm camping in the yard of the neighbor of station manager of KOTO fm in Telluride. Carole hooked me up with his name and number and he's been graciously letting me mooch off his neighbors for the whole festival. I'm in a very small tent that my mother loaned me, and my car is park quiet precariously in the driveway. Without a permit, you're not allowed to park anywhere in the city on the street. Luckily, there was just enough room in the drive for me to squeeze in. The house is about a block away from the festival entrance as well. I can hear the main stage audio quiet clearly from my tent.

I got my press pass at the "special" will call tent and made my way inside. The festival grounds are beautiful! Beer is plentiful and not too expensive (if you keep your cup) and most people are friendly. The press pass allows me access not only to the backstage press area, but also to the prime seating right in front of the stage. That's why I'm able to take such close up pictures.

I've been rubbing elbows with artists and their families. I sat next to Abigail Washburn for a few hours yesterday and didn't realize it was her till after she'd left. I almost ran into Casey Driessen, and saw half of the members of Crooked Still a few rows over.

The best set I've seen so far was the Telluride House band, but it was fun to catch Emmilou and the Counting Crows. I left their set early, but I listened to them from the comfort of my tent as a fell asleep. It got pretty cold last night. Good thing my sleeping bag is rated for cold weather!

Internet service is spottier than expected, but it looks like I've got power close by to keep the posts coming! Expect more soon!