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03/23/2018

Grandoozy – Denver’s First Superfly Festival

03/23/2018

Grandoozy Music Festival Denver

If you have been following BMB for a while you know how much I love music and going to see live music. Which is why I am so stoked to now have a major music festival in Denver this Fall (and for the next 4 years). Grandoozy announced their line up earlier this week and I’m really excited to see so many of these acts! Florence & The Machine, Poolside, Phoenix, St. Vincent and I mean STURGILL SIMPSON! Hell yea!

But I really have a deeper connection to Superfly, the production company, who creates the amazing festivals Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. The summer after I graduated high school my best friend Emily got a job at Bonnaroo, she fell in love with the festival and working in the entertainment industry. She was lucky enough to make the right connections and talented enough to make an impression and continued working for Superfly and other companies throughout college.

After graduation, she moved to San Fran to work for Superfly but unfortunately, her life was cut short. In her memory, her family and work-family created the Well Dunn. Through Well Dunn, we place kids in once in a lifetime internships in the music and entertainment industry. Our board meetings are held at Bonnaroo every year so I have gotten to see the behind the scenes of how Superfly produces festivals. The thought, care, and love that goes into creating an amazing community of love and light to celebrate art and music is incredible. I am so excited for them to bring this caliber of a festival to Denver and what it will do for our community.

To be honest, I only know a few acts on the bill so far so I have been listening to this playlist all week to get myself acquainted with all of them! Who are you most excited to see!

Tickets are on sale now!

Stoked to be partnering with Superfly for Grandoozy, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own

· Labels: Music Tagged: Concert Calendar, Concerts, Denver, Festivals, Sponsored

04/26/2017

The Ultimate Guide to Red Rocks

04/26/2017

How to plan a trip to red rocks amphitheater in Morrison Colorado On my first trip to Red Rocks in 2009 we had no clue what we are doing. We stayed in a dinky hotel near Red Rocks and took turns staying sober to drive to Red Rocks every night. Silly!

First Red Rocks Show in 2009 – Phish

After five(+) years in Denver and too many trips to Red Rocks to count, I am now an expert on how to get to and from the show, what to bring and how to get around the venue like a pro. If you are making the pilgrimage across the country for a show or even if you live nearby, this guide is for you!

To and From the Show:

how to plan a party bus to red rocks

Bus To Show – These converted school buses have been taking concertgoers to shows for years. Round trip is super cheap at $25 a head. Buses pick up in Denver, Ft. Collins, and Boulder.

CID Shuttle to Red Rocks – When purchasing your tickets you may see the option to buy a shuttle pass from CID. These buses pick up from Boulder, Downtown, and Capitol Hill. They also have a good option for a smaller, private 14-passenger van.

J2G Bus – J2G buses only run for specific shows so you will have to check their websites for information. Buses include beer from a local brewery and other special discounts at bars and dispensaries around town. Some shows may include a before and after party as well.

303 Party Bus – Wanna rent your own? We always rent from 303 Party Bus!

Uber/Lyft

It is super easy to get Uber or Lyft to Red Rocks. towards the end of the show, I would suggest starting checking your app.  Service can sometimes suck inside of Red Rocks so it may take a while to schedule a pickup up. There will be plenty of Ubers and Lyfts in the area so it may just take some time. The designated pickup area for ride shares is in the Bus Lot, you cant miss it.

Cab

You can cab and there is a cab line near the post office for those who want to take one… but this is probably your most expensive option.

Drive

If you are driving to the show, go early to park in the Upper North Lot. This is my favorite spot to park because you can enter the venue at the top or bottom. Top being the easiest on your legs and lungs. Plus, you get to drive through a tunnel that is super awesome.

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

Lots

Act like a local and know the names of the various parking lots so you can find your way around.

Upper North: This lot does fill up fast so it’s for the early birds. Why is this lot so awesome? One, you get to drive through a tunnel. Two, you can access the venue from the top or bottom. It’s WAY easier to enter from the top, then walk down to your seat. This is also where you will find limousine parking.

Tunnel going to Upper North – 2009

Upper South: Been to this lot once in my entire life. Entering the venue from here will rap you around the venue on a raised walkway and funnel you in and out like cows. Be sure to moo!

Lower North: If Upper North is full, you will be directed to this lot. You can easily walk to Upper North from the north side of the lot or walk downhill and you will see a cut through to Upper North. This used to be a super steep hill that people would scale up and down until a few years ago when they added stairs. Continue walking and you will see a stairway on your right leading into the venue. This is my preferred entrance and exit.

Old Trail Between Upper North and Upper South Lot

Lower South: This lot is also one of the first to fill up and home to Shakedown Street. Find beer, water, grilled cheese, posters and heady crystals here. Aka this is where vendors set up.

Bus Lot/Lower South Lot 2: South of Lower South is where you will find the buses.

Can’t find a spot? Totally cool to park on the road! Best to flip around and park facing the opposite way for an easy exit.

Box Office/Will Call: Will call can be easily accessed by the first two entrances from I70 (1 & 2 on the map) not so easy from Morrison (3 & 4 on map). Most buses enter from I70 and will stop at Will Call for riders to grab their tickets. If you come from the Morrison entrance, unfortunately, you may have a walk to the Box Office.

How to plan a trip to red rocks in colorado In the Venue

If you are coming from the Bus Lots, Lower South/Shakedown, I highly suggest entering from the Lower South entrance (the dotted line next to Upper South lot on the above map). Walk up the road, passing the Trading Post on your left, until you see a big staircase. This is the easiest way in and out of the venue. Seriously. Always enter and exit this way. The exit is larger than the other, therefore it moves faster. So when you are in the venue looking at the stage, exit bottom left!

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

From top to bottom, Red Rocks is a 100-foot elevation gain and you’re already at 6,450 feet above sea level so you will feel it walking up and down the stairs. Take your time!

Finding Your Seat

If the show is general admission, it’s a complete free for all. You can go early and get in line to claim your spot. If the show has reserved seating, typically the very bottom and top are GA and the middle reserved.
A few choice words on the standing room: If you are in the lower part of the venue, you will most likely be two deep to a row. One person on the wooden ledge, one person back. This is totally normal. The higher up you are, the more room you will have. If you need space and want to be up close, get VIP. If it’s a reserved show, you will find people in your seats. Just kindly ask them to move. They probably have no clue it’s reserved seating.

Reserved seating is typically rows 10 to 60-ish. So the middle sections with GA are at the very top or very bottom.

The higher up you go the windier it can potentially be which sometimes really affects the sound. But damn! Your view will be good. If you’re only going one night I suggest watching part of the show from down low and going up at least once to take in the view from the top.

How to Plan A Trip To Red RocksThe Museum

At the top of the venue is an amazing museum on the history of the venue and a must do! The museum gives a history of Red Rocks from its geological formation to present day. Did you know the very steps you sit on were first built in by a New Deal Project? Pretty Crazy. The museum also features a musical history of the venue with a plaque for every show played. The Southwest Heart of the Rock Theatre room contains memorabilia’s from some of Red Rocks most famous performers. This room often has a rotating exhibit of either artwork or maybe a movie. This is a great place to escape the rain and cold too. You will also find two concession stands and two sets of bathrooms.

Bathrooms

There are bathrooms in all four corners of the venue. At the very top of the venue is two handicapped single stall bathrooms. There are large bathrooms with hardly any lines behind you in the museum. Walk to the back and look for the staircases.

If you are looking at the venue and close to the left side (Mike side), there are actually two sets of bathrooms. Walk all the way down to the stage then right to the concession stands. Looking to your left you will see a small staircase with a restroom signing pointing down. You have now found the secret bathroom. Congratulations! There is almost never a line here.

Concessions

Red Rocks food is actually dynamite. You can find delicious pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs and more. This year, 2018, Red Rocks are adding even more great food vendors by partnering with local restaurants – read more here. The top of the venue has the largest variety of food to choose from.

VIP Red Rocks

So you shelled out the big bucks for VIP? Congrats! You get some pretty cool perks. You will get to dance the night away in a roped off area typically next to “Front of House”. And you will get to enjoy the VIP room in the tower. Looking at the stage, on your left, will be the door to side stage, waltz through here to the very top of the tower and enjoy! You really can’t enjoy the show from here but it’s a great escape from the rain and has a private bathroom.How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks Now for the very special, with an all-access pass and probably a bestie running lights or sound, you may get the chance to walk the tunnel. Underneath the stage is where all the crew and artists reside. For the crew to get from backstage to front of house, there is a very special tunnel. Every artist who has ever played Red Rocks signs the walls of the tunnel!

The Tunnel at Red Rocks - How to Plan A Trip To Red RocksPhish signature on the tunnel at Red Rocks - How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

The Weather

It will 90 percent of the time rain at Red Rocks. BRING YOUR JACKET!

When checking the weather for Red Rocks, check the weather for Morrison, not Denver. Denver is a good 25 minutes drive and since Red Rocks are in the foothills, it has completely different weather patterns. The sun will set and you will get a chill so bring a jacket. Actually, bring a rain jacket.

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

I cannot stress this enough, bring a rain jacket! Ninety percent of the time it’s going to rain and if it doesn’t rain it will probably be windy and you will wish you had a jacket. If you forget a rain jacket and there is a monsoon, they do sell ponchos at the concession stands. However, if it’s super stormy they will shut down the venue and there is basically no shelter so you won’t be able to get a poncho until it clears up. So bring your jacket!

My first Red Rocks show in ’09 had a two-hour rain delay. I have twice been on my way into a show and the venue has closed due to bad weather. Both times we were closer to the entrance than our bus so we rode out the rain in line. I have bought multiple long sleeve shirts at shows to stay warm when I have forgotten a jacket, so just bring it. You can stuff it under your seat during the show!

What to bring to Red Rocks

  • Rain Jacket
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Rain Jacket
  • Sweater
  • Camera
  • Rain Jacket
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Extra Charger
  • Rain Jacket

Not sure what to wear – layers! But check out my What to Wear to festival and concert guides for ideas

How to Plan a trip to red rocks amphitheater outside denver

PS. Even though it will inevitably rain – you will get to see a beautiful rainbow!

Where to Stay

Denver

You can really stay anywhere but I recommend Downtown Denver. You will be steps away from all the food, shopping and drinking you need. I prefer to Airbnb but for hotels check out the Teatro, Monaco or Crawford Hotel (in Union Station)

If you have friends in the Wash Park Area, the closest hotel to them is The Marriott Cherry Creek.

Boulder

The St. Julien Boulder is amazing if you can swing the price. Otherwise, your best bet again is Airbnb.

Now what we have gotten the logistics nailed down its time to plan the rest of your trip!

Denver Drinking Guide
Top 10 Things to Do in Denver
Where to Eat
Nearby Adventures

Red Rocks adventures  – as you can see – always bring your rain jacket

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

My Morning Jacket 2017

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

Infamous Stringdusters 2016

How to Plan A Trip To Red Rocks

WSP 2016

· Labels: Colorado, Denver, Guides, Music, Travel Tagged: Colorado, Concerts, Denver, Travel Guide

11/04/2016

Phish Fall Tour 2016

11/04/2016

Phish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleI can’t even believe it’s over… 6 shows in 3 states in just over a week. Wow, what an amazing adventure. Saturday in Atlanta was one of the the best Phish shows I have ever seen. A funky dance party that went all night. Plus 46 Days>Sneaking>46 days! Heater!

Dallas was 2 nights of bust outs and rarities a real I thought Sunday Vegas was a heater and so fun to take one of my dear friends to her 2nd show ever.

As always Halloween in Vegas is such hands down the best. Phish’s musical costume was David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. was perfect. It really showed how incredibly talented they are and the range of music they can play. I also loved guitarless Trey up there singing his heart out.

Check out the setlist and listen to the shows on phish.in

Atlanta

Phish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain Belle
Phish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain BellePhish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain BellePhish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain BellePhish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain Belle

Dallas

Phish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain BellePhish Fall Tour 2016 | Blue Mountain Belle


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· Labels: Music Tagged: Concerts, Phish

08/17/2016

WSP Red Rocks 2016

08/17/2016

Widespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain Belle
The last weekend of June means 3 rowdy nights of Widespread Panic at Red Rocks. This year was the first time in 4 years that I was actually here for the entire run. Clay and I both had friends in from all over the country so it was fun to play tour guide at Red Rocks and around Denver during the day. Of the three shows 2nd set Saturday was my favorite. You can check out the setlist and stream the shows on PanicStream.
Widespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain Belle


Widespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain BelleWidespread Panic Red Rocks 2016 | Blue Mountain Bellethumb_IMG_9967_1024

PS. Follow me on Snapchat and Instagram to catch all the shows I go to in real-time!

· Labels: Music Tagged: Concerts

06/07/2016

My Festival and Concert Purse Essentials

06/07/2016


When it comes to packing your purse for a show I have a few essentials that no matter how small the bag they are coming with me. If there are no size restrictions on bag sizes I will bring my Patagonia Sling bag then I’ll throw in a few extras.

Bag

I prefer a sling bag to basically anything. The bag stays up close against your back, while only covering a small part of your back so its doesn’t get too hot. You can swing the bag around and easily access everything too.  I prefer sling bags to the backpacks because packs can get very heavy on  your shoulders and cause more sweaty back. Unfortunately, Sling bag selection is thin… if I would love to design sling bags I could make a killing!


Crossbody bags are great but only if you keep packing to a minimum. The heavier the bag the more annoying on your shoulders and hips when your dancing. When shopping for the good cross body show bag pay close attention to the construction. Zipper or fold over closure to prevent sticky fingers, inside zipper pocket and ideally a structured bottom are a must. A saggy or loose bottom can cause it to feel heavier with everything weighing it down.

  1. Hair Ties, Clips, Bobby Pins – seriously you will always want one and so will someone else. I connect the hair ties to my bag and I could cry if I don’t have a clip. My hair half up half down is my happy place.
  2. Chapstick with SPF – Keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun too
  3. Wallet = ID, Credit Card, Insurance, Card with emergency info
  4. Phone + Phone Charger + Multi cord charger– this multi-cord will keep you and a friend charged or even your camera
  5. Tissue – True Life I have a constant runny nose. Also for the porta potties!
  6. Sunglasses – not only for the look but protect your eyes from the sun and dust. If you have room in your bag toss in a hat – or one with a drawstring to keep with you.
  7. Sunscreen – If I can a big bottle of spray sunscreen that I apply constantly. If not a stick for your face or a powder sunscreen like this keep you protected and feeling clean.
  8. Makeup – If my bag has room for makeup a little cover up and eyeliner can go a long way to make you feel fresh after 8 hours in the sun. Cream blush can do double duty as color for your lips and cheeks. Waterproof mascara that lactually last all day – this is my favorite. A little bottle of deodorant can be a life saver. Just found these Deodorant wipes, haven’t tried them yet but these are cool.
  9. Kimono or Sweater – During the day I pack a light kimono to keep the sun off my shoulders


I use a little green wallet I bought from Express in college. I have scoured the internet and have yet to find another one like it. I love it because  of the side zipper. I transfer only the essential to a little wallet like this. The side zipper holds a Tile that tracks my stuff just in case I lose it or it’s stolen.

Also in the side zipper is Pepto and Advil. If the lot food doesn’t sit right you will be happy you have Pepto on hand. Headache or achey feet – Advil. Remember that drinking and Advil do not mix. So if you’re taking the Advil stick to water. Also, if you are having an upset stomach – hydrate!

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· Labels: Music, Style Tagged: Concerts, Festivals

08/10/2015

Grateful Dead 50 – Chicago

08/10/2015

Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain BelleGrateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle
Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain BelleGrateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle IMG_7665_Fotor1 IMG_7666_Fotor Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Chicago |Blue Mountain Belle

· Labels: Music Tagged: Concerts

07/31/2015

Texas Phish

07/31/2015

Austin – Temperature stayed around 95-degrees all night making it unbelievably hot in the pit. Austin360 is very cool venue – all of the vendors are local food trucks. The show was fun but not as on point or high energy as the past shows of this tour have been. Highlights for me were Run Like an Antelope and Tweezer Reprise.

Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Austin 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle

Dallas – The indoor venue holds a little over 6,000 and kept the AC blasting all night! A much-needed break from the 105-degree weather outside. Dallas was a homecoming of sorts. I made a lot of friends in college going to shows and it was so great to see all of them again. I also took 3 of my very best friends to their first show and they absolutely loved it. My proudest moment was watching them rock out to Feugo knowing every single note. Highlights for me were I Didn’t Know, Divided Sky, Squirming Coil, First Tube. I love the Line but thought it was poor placement in the set. Otherwise, the show was on point from start to end, with lots of crowd interactions and phishy-ness, making it an amazing thirty-third show!

Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle Phish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain BellePhish in Dallas 2015 | Blue Mountain Belle

 

 

· Labels: Music Tagged: Concerts, Phish

07/28/2015

Christmas in July – Phish Tour Starts!

07/28/2015

Packing for Phish Tour | Blue Mountain Belle

OMG it’s here!!! This afternoon I hope a flight to Austin to see Phish at Austin 360. I can not control my excitement! Excluding the ACL show a few years back, Phish has not toured Texas since the late 90’s. Saturday’s show in LA was NUTS, only 4 shows into tour and everyone’s raving about how strong the boys are playing. After Austin, I head to Dallas to take my 3 best friends to their first show. Dallas will be like homecoming and Christmas at the same time!!! Then I am off to Atlanta to take my brothers to Phish! My older brother will see his first show since Coventry and it will be the first show for my middle brother. Plus I will reunite with my BFF Kristina! Each show is going to be so special!

Phish will be webcasting the Texas shows – you can couch tour here. On Saturday,  I followed along on twitter and even watched YEM with periscope – pretty cool. Follow me on Instagram, snapchat and twitter for live pictures and updates! I will be updating with photos and videos on the blog as well!

P.S. How amazing is this LET TREY SING shirt?? You can get your official shit here

· Labels: Music Tagged: Concerts, Phish

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