Telluride Bluegrass: “Music Festival of the Year”

23 Feb Telluride Bluegrass: “Music Festival of the Year”

Last Saturday night, February 21, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival was awarded “Music Festival of the Year” at the 26th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This marks the first time a Colorado festival, or any bluegrass festival, has ever won this prestigious award.  

Craig Ferguson giving his acceptance speech

The award was presented by comedian Ralphie May, who exclaimed: “I love bluegrass music! I love Telluride! Love Colorado!,” after announcing the winner.

In his acceptance speech, Planet Bluegrass president Craig Ferguson said he was “kinda stunned.”  

“Awhile back someone called me and said that the Telluride Bluegrass Festival had been nominated for Pollstar Music Festival of the Year. I, of course said, ‘who the hell is this?’  …  It’s such an honor to be recognized by the industry for what we do. …  One of the things about our festival that is so important is the artists who have played there — in some cases for 40 straight years. So thanks to Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer and Tim O’Brien.  ..  I’m pretty amazed and I really appreciate it.  Some of you out there must be mandolin players!  Thank you very much.”

Planet Bluegrass spokesman Brian Eyster adds,

“This award recognizes the community spirit of Telluride Bluegrass — from the artists, to the crew, to the volunteers, to the thousands of Festivarians — who have come together to create uniquely-Colorado festival magic every summer solstice weekend for the past 41 years. We’re deeply honored and humbled to receive this award.”

Nominees for the Pollstar Awards are selected by international music business professionals. Winners are then determined by votes from the international readership of Pollstar, the trade publication that covers the professional concert industry.

Overview of awards, here.

Award categories and nominees, here.

Award winners, here.

Note: Nominees in “Music Festival of the Year” also included Electric Forest, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Newport Folk Festival, Wakarusa Music & Camping Festival.