Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will host John McEuen and the String Wizards for a special ticketed event concert on Friday, Aug. 30.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fans have good reason to head to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, later this month when founding member John McEuen and the String Wizards perform at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The concert on Friday, Aug. 30, is the mountaintop theme park’s first ticketed event. McEuen brings with him more than 50 years of worldwide performing with his banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin. Often referred to as the string wizard, he weaves stories of his travels and family life—he has raised 7 kids—taking his audiences through where his musical path has taken him.
McEuen a Legendary Performer
“We’re beyond excited to bring this caliber of entertainment not just to Glenwood Springs, but to our venue on top of Iron Mountain,” said Bob Stepniewski, food and entertainment manager for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “John McEuen is a legend whose music is woven into the history of our country. This is going to be a very special night at the park.”
McEuen has assembled a uniquely talented group with The String Wizards, each one a stellar musician in his own right. Les Thompson, an original founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, performs bass, vocals and bouzouki. On guitar and vocals, John Cable toured Russia as a Dirt Band member. Matt Cartsonis, on vocals, mandola and guitar, has been McEuen’s music partner for 25 years. Together, they’ll perform Nitty Gritty Dirt Band favorites, hot bluegrass and other timeless classics.
A First for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Stepniewski added, “The park has been hosting local and regional bands through our Music on the Mountain concert series since 2009. Earlier this year, we tested the waters for our 20th anniversary celebration with Paizley Park, a costumed and choreographed Prince tribute act. That went so well that we decided to host our first ticketed event with an internationally recognized performer.”
A limited number of tickets are available for $25 each at MtnTopPark.com. The gondola opens at 7 p.m., and the band takes the stage at 8 p.m. No outside food or drink is allowed. The park’s rides and attractions will be closed during the event, but food and drinks will be available at the Lookout Grille and Snack Shack. No discounts will be given for annual pass holders or cans of food. This is a rain-or-shine event.
Musical Notes: NGDB & John McEuen
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded 30 albums, including three platinum and five gold; has 20 Top 20 hits; and won a Grammy Award, six Grammy nominations, one Country Music Award, five Country Music Award nominations and one International Bluegrass Music Award. McEuen has performed or recorded with many of music’s greats including: David Bromberg, Dolly Parton, Doobie Bros., Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, Jackson Browne, John Prine, John Denver, Jimmy Buffet, Steve Goodman, Bob Dylan, Andy Williams, Gregg Allman, Marty Stuart, Linda Ronstadt, Jennifer Warnes, Kris Kristofferson, The Doors, Willie Nelson, Bill Wyman, Johnny Cash, Little River Band, Tommy Lee Jones, Leon Russell, Marshall Tucker Band, Michael Murphey, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Kevin Nealon, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Maybelle Carter, Tom Petty, The Smothers Brothers, Allman Brothers, Everly Bros., Jerry Garcia, Roy Acuff, Dizzy Gillespie, The Band, Crystal Gayle, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Jimmy Martin, Mark O’Connor, Lester Flatt, Chris Thile, Vassar Clements, David Amram, Sissy Spacek, Albert Gore and Phish.
