Chili Pepper & Brew Fest keeps growing

SNOWMASS VILLAGE This weekends Chili Pepper & Brew Fest is expected to draw a record number of beer, music and chili enthusiasts, according to event organizers. Many chefs will be turning out to put their chili recipes to the test and attempt to claim a variety of appealing prizes, including cash and a vintage Snowmass trophy.Now in its fifth year, the festival has become a staple of Snowmass Village, kicking off a season of summer festivals. The festival began as a local event, growing from 500 visitors in 2003 to one that is a nationally renowned event and attracts crowds of up to 7,000. Each year it gets bigger and bigger in every aspect, said event director Josh Behrman. Aesthetically the festival looks better. The stage gets bigger, and more and more cooks compete each and every year. When Behrman launched the festival in 2003, he had a vision that went beyond conventional. I didnt want just another music and brew fest, he said. There are many attractions and multiple components. There is something for everybody. The festival is attractive to all ages and demographics. The festival has this unbelievably cool vibe. With its relatively low prices and variety in activities, the Chili Pepper & Brew Fest has a reputation for attracting a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. The festival is able to attract so many different people because it is so inexpensive, said Behrman. The cost is only 50 dollars for the whole week. The event reeks of a young festival. It is a great place where you can go and be with your friends. Susan Hamley, Snowmass Village marketing and events director, has high hopes for this weekends festival. There is always a lot of factors going into the weekend, Hamley said. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend. We have a stellar lineup of music for [today] and Saturday. We have double the talent this year than we have had in the past. We have four headliners this year. I think that the event is going to put the town on a whole new level.The Chili Pepper & Brew Fest begins at 1 p.m. Friday on Fanny Hill with activities going on through 6 p.m. Sunday.The music kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday with DJ Harry, followed by Lyrics Born at 5 p.m. Stephen Marley is the headline act, beginning at 7 p.m.Saturday will offer a taste of New Orleans, with the Neville Brothers playing at 5 p.m., followed by Dr. John at 7 p.m. Another Crescent City talent, Henry Butler, will begin the festivities at 3 p.m. On Sunday, local band Jes Grew will hit the stage at 1 p.m.For the complete schedule of music and tasting events, as well as ticket information, go to http://www.aspentimes.com/music.