If there is one thing Madison House has perfected, its creating magical experiences for its attendees. Laid out on a large vista set amongst Buena Vistas Collegiate peaks, the backdrop alone created a unique experience. It was clear from the minute one stepped through the entrance gates that this was a well crafted, detail oriented, experience driven festival. From the highly detailed stage decorations, to the metal fire breathing giant art Installation, and the tiny themed houses set along the wooded path, the creators of Vertex Festival spared no detail in creating a magical music filled universe.

Upon arrival on Saturday we set up our campsite in a large open field and just as we finished compiling our campsite we were greeted by the typical Colorado Rocky’s mid-afternoon rainstorm. Everyone calmly watched the rainstorm roll in and hunkered down for the quick downpour. The rain left as quickly as it came, and there was a sense in the air it was time for the show to begin. We quickly wandered into the festival, along the wooded path to the main stage to catch the Revivalists. The electric mix of funk, rock, and brass really got the crowd moving. Next up was the Drunken Hearts. Greeted by a fully wood paneled stage in the middle of a forest clearing Drunken Hearts played a soulful, rock set, followed by the multi genre bluegrass rock band Fruition from Portland Oregon. Joined on stage by folk singer/songwriter Nathan Moore, Fruition played an excellent uniquely folksy set.

By the time Fruition ended their set, the sun was down and the light shows started to project into the starry night sky. Duke Dumont turned up the heat on the main stage with his incredible light show and entrancing dance beats. You could really feel the energy in the air on the warm Colorado summers night.

Back at the La Hacienda stage, Head for the Hills played an energetic set, with Joe Lessard ripping on the fiddle. The Head for the Hills set ended with the crowd swigging their heels and do-si-doing around the forest clearing.

Energy in the air swelled as one crossed over the river and through the woods to the Cottonwood Parlor Stage, where Lettuce enchanted the crowd with their funky, psychedelic rhythms. The crowd was memorized by the brassy textured notes, the jam rhythms, and the funk blends exploding from the stage. Combined with an electrifying light show, Lettuce played a brilliant set.

Rounding out the night over on the main stage was ODEZA. I had never seen ODEZA live before their Saturday night performance and I walked away impressed. The electronic beats filled the night air and left the crowd wanting more. Everything from the extraordinary light show, to the energy build up of songs left the crowd in a dancing frenzy.

Overall Vertex was an exceptional experience. The inaugural festival was filled with great music, friendly festival goers, and magical details. Set amongst some of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes, I think this festival should have no problem attracting large crowds in the years to come.

On September 15^th The Lil Smokies graced the world with their sophomore studio album, "Changing Shades."  For anyone unfamiliar with the Lil Smokies, they are certainly a band on the move. Winners or the 2015 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition, they have catapulted themselves into the spotlight amongst some of the bluegrass greats. Hailing from Missoula, MT, the Lil Smokies played over 175 shows in 2016 alone. Their hard work and passion for the music is truly undeniable and is outright reflected in their latest album “Changing Shades.”

Shortly after the Telluride Band competition win, the Lil Smokies hit the road, traded out their guitar and mandolin players, and released a live album in 2014. Their hard work is present in every lyric, rift, and melody on their new album. The album is a mix between well thought out lyrics, raw energy, and undeniable fiddle rifts.

The album starts out slow and builds into their signature sound. From the sweet melody of “Need a Minute” to the I need to get out of my seat and dance, of “Winded” the album truly reflects their range. The track “Might As Well” is a powerhouse of a hit, highlighting the raw talent of every band member.

One of the differentiating factors of the Lil Smokies is the ever present vocals. The tracks “Ms. Marie, Feathers, and Winded” highlight their ability to captivate listeners though vocals. It provides an excellent chance to pull the audience in, before ripping on the strings. The Lil Smokies have done a great job over the past two years captivating their live audiences with tracks the crowd can sing to before jumping into high energy rifts.

The final track on “Changing Shades” reflects a mix of a hauntingly perfect fiddle melody, mixed with sweet lyrics, that crescendo into moments of high energy intensity. “The Gallery” is a fantastic track to end on, it truly leaves the listener wanting more.

On Thursday, October 12th, the Campfire Caravan rolled into the Ogden Theatre, in Denver, Colorado and kicked up the energy in what was truly a full-on collaboration. Stop number fourteen, on a thirty plus city tour, the Campfire Caravan is a fifteen-musician crew featuring Mipso, The Brothers Comatose, and The Lil' Smokies. Each with their own specific sound, bringing a perfect balance to the stage, every step of the tour.

The tour is a perfect mix between the sweet melodic rhythms of Mispo, the string quartet hailing from North Carolina, known for their strong harmonies and their ability to combine various genres of music, from folk to gospel, to bluegrass. A great addition to the tour, Mipso is truly easy on the ears, and brings you back to the good times around the campfire with friends.

Switching gears to the San Francisco, five-piece bluegrass string band Brother Comatose, known for their energetic twang. With Ben Morrison, Alex Morrison, and Gio Benedetti on vocals, Brothers Comatose represents more of a bass sound and feel. Their live show puts you in the mood to get your feet stomping, with a notable down-home country feel.

Rounding of the mix was The Lil Smokies. One key highlight of the show included the Lil Smokies playing the likes of “Miss Marie” and “The City” off their freshly minted sophomore album “Changing Shades.” It was a treat hearing them play some of their new tracks. Overall The Lil Smokies were definitely well received.

It is safe to say; the most entertaining aspect of this show was the true collaboration that took place between all 15 musicians. At any given time, members from all three bands could be found on stage. It was great to see the different musicians jump in and play each other’s songs as well as some fantastic known classics that brought an undeniable energy to the packed audience.

Another key highlight came at the end of the show, when The Campfire Caravan closed the show with a series of popular songs that encouraged every member of the audience to sing along to. Featuring classics such as “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, the audience couldn't get enough. One of the most notable moments was when Libby Rodenbough, hailing from the quartet Mipso, took the vocals on the popular Macy Gray song “I Try.”

The last few songs of the show felt like a true campfire sing along, leaving the audience feeling great and wanting more. It almost felt like it was all just a bunch of great friends hanging out, singing, and playing/listening to some truly exceptional music.