While there are many aspects of the festival, music plays a large part, both as a featured event (the Friday night Pub Crawl and the Saturday Night concerts) and as an adjunct to other events.

The musicians, many of whom are seasoned professionals who regularly command large fees, come together on this weekend in the spirit of giving back to the community.  Everyone participates in an egalitarian spirit where there are no “headliners” or “stars” and all artists are encouraged to shine.  At Paonia’s community-oriented event, all agree to participate at a similar pay rate in order to keep the ticket prices affordable so that everyone can enjoy the party.

A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL HARVESTS

Festival goers are encouraged to visit farms and wineries, shop at the big Farmers Market, purchase local wine and beer at the beverage tent, enjoy the Rotary Club’s brunch made from local produce, visit local arts venues, listen to recitations of our local poetry and prose, and make purchases at the arts and crafts booths.

There are also numerous agriculture and music related workshops to engage the interest of visitors.

Finally, and very importantly, the festival provides a fine venue or platform for other local non-profit organizations to raise funds for their charitable works.  More of them take advantage of the opportunity each year.

This festival is different from other festivals in Colorado.

It is much more than a music festival. Instead, we showcase local (“western slope”) performers in all areas of performance art who are enthusiastic about giving something to our community.  We ensure that food, arts and crafts are almost strictly local.  Our uniqueness draws many local and out of town visitors, all of whom thoroughly enjoy themselves.