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Streets are stage for Spring Jam ‘Core Party’

Janet Urquhart
Aspen Times Staff Writer

With a successful rock concert on the streets of Aspen during the X Games under its belt, the Aspen Skiing Company’s plan for a Saturday night “Core Party” during this year’s Spring Jam won easy approval from the City Council on Monday.

The Skico has moved its annual Spring Jam from April to March, when more guests are in town. The first day of spring ” March 20 ” will coincide with the Core Party, featuring a hip-hop band and other entertainment until midnight on the mall.

The party will bring a stage to the pedestrian mall at the corner of Galena and Cooper, facing the streets. Two blocks will be shut down for the nighttime event.



The 14-member Wylde Bunch, a California hip-hop group, will perform. DJs, break dancers, go-go girls and special effects are all part of the party, from 9 p.m. to midnight, according to event director Nancy Scheinkman of Telos Productions.

“We’re trying to create a nightclub and very artistic cultural event for the downtown core,” she said. “I like to tell people, I want to put the life back into Aspen’s nightlife.”




Residents and businesses in the vicinity have signed off on the plan; their concerns have been addressed, according to Scheinkman.

There will be a beer garden on Cooper Avenue, though Mayor Helen Klanderud suggested somebody sell hot chocolate, recalling the chilling temperatures during The Offspring concert in late January.

Large panels will also be set up around the venue, some to reflect light shows and some to feature the work of graffiti artists, Scheinkman said.

The council raised few qualms with the plan, though Councilwoman Rachel Richards urged security forces to establish a clear zone some 40 feet out from the stage for anyone who feels they’re about to be crushed, noting the mosh pit that formed in front of The Offspring stage.

“I think anyone’s greatest fear in a large-event venue is, is there a crush potential in the crowd?” she said.

“This is a hip-hop band ” you’re not going to see moshing,” Scheinkman responded. “It’s not going to be full-on, contact body crushing.”

Concert organizers, however, agreed to look into such an accommodation.

Spring Jam, a four-day party that begins March 18, will feature various events, including the KickAspen Big Air contest and the amateur and pro Dash for Cash competitions.

[Janet Urquhart’s e-mail address is janet@aspentimes.com]