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Jazz Aspen Snowmass Experience crowds surpass 24,600 for three days

Andre Salvail
The Aspen Times
Lynn Goldsmith Special to The Aspen Times

More than 24,600 people attended the three-day Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, event founder Jim Horowitz said Sunday evening.

The 19th annual weekend event at Snowmass Town Park started late Friday afternoon with reggae stalwart Ziggy Marley and ended Sunday night with mainstream country superstar Carrie Underwood. In between, there were many popular acts, including last-minute addition Grace Potter and the Nocturnals on Friday night, genre-busters Earth, Wind & Fire early Saturday evening and jammy rock-soul hybrid The Revivalists on Sunday afternoon.

Horowitz said the three-day total of at least 24,600 is similar to last year’s combined attendance. Friday’s crowd hit 5,500, Saturday was a sold-out day with 10,600, and Sunday’s lineup drew at least 8,500. He said the Sunday figure was an early estimate.



In addition, Horowitz said, a three-day record was set for VIP sales, where music lovers have faster access to food and beverages and more room to move about compared with the general-admission area. A new element to the festival, a covered and elevated deck, proved to be popular, as well, he said.

Horowitz said he couldn’t say which artist or band put on the best show because that would be like a parent picking one child over another. However, he singled out praise for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, high-energy rockers who stepped into the lineup when indie-pop band Fun. canceled because of a “personal family issue,” the group said in a prepared statement.




“I have to go with Grace for getting us the save,” Horowitz said. “I’m very grateful.”

Potter was recording in Los Angeles with the Nocturnals when recently contacted by Jazz Aspen Snowmass to fill in for Fun., so not only was she available for Friday, but she had her band together.

With Fun. out of the lineup, Jazz Aspen Snowmass offered refunds or exchanges to any ticket holders who choose not to attend Friday’s concerts by Potter and Marley.

andre@aspentimes.com