Mile High Revisits the Rockies

© Soren McCarty, Madison House Publicity, March 26, 2009

Mile High Festival

The past few ‘All-Fest Pass’ posts have focused solely on the head honchos, but it’s time to show some love to the underdogs, my music-minded muses. You’ve probably heard through the grapevine that the scene in Colorado, altogether, is a different world. Perhaps it’s the incredible tally of wipeouts in the mountains that make the kids a bit crazy, but cold winters lead to house parties with plenty of music sharing. This, in turn, shapes the rage/jam circle into an entirely different brand of sound appreciation. And, since the snow has subsided with clear skies ahead for summer, music fiends are ready to come out and rep – from Bisco Inferno at Red Rocks, all the way to a growing fest they like to call Mile High.

If you didn’t hike out to the 2008 festival debut, don’t fret. Last year’s lineup featured a super sweet mash of mainstream and Indie artists (Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Jason Mraz, The Black Crowes, O.A.R., Mike Gordon, Lupe Fiasco) and this year’s combo is just as fly. Pack up your necessities and head to the two-day Mile High Music Fest at the Fields Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver July 18 and 19. Relish sounds of TOOL, The Fray, Widespread Panic, Incubus, Ben Harper and Relentless7, India Arie, Ani DiFranco, The Wailers, The Black Keys, Buddy Guy, 30H!3, Railroad Earth, Galactic and Guster under the unparalleled starry Denver skyline with views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range.

The fiery introduction of last year’s Mile High raked in a whopping 90,000 attendees, and here’s to hoping the ’09 return will break 100,000. Colorado is also known for its strong culinary presence and free-spirited art, which only enhances the Mile High fest experience. This year, fest-goers can enjoy the addition of VIP upgrades, 2-Day Passes, Carpool Packages and the Layaway Program, a payment plan that allows ticket holders a double-installment period ending June 12. The folks behind the fest are also introducing a charity component as a thank you to the community for aiding in the creation of the new Colorado summer tradition, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Commerce City’s Quality Community Foundation. “The city is very excited to again be apart of the Mile High Music Festival and to donate money to the city is just music to my ears.” Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale said.

Isn’t it about time you joined the Mile High Club? If you can't make it to the fest, join us here for the Mile High Livestream July 18 and 19.