Music Fest 2009: So Much Fun I Broke My Rib
So the Band of Heathens has just finished their second year playing the Music Fest at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In case you aren’t in the know, this is an amazing winter festival in which thousands of people invade Steamboat Springs and party like there’s no tomorrow. If you haven’t been, I would book my tickets for next year well in advance. It just gets more and more popular every year.
With tons of Texas bands like Ray Wyllie Hubbard, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly, Ryan Bingham, Randy Rogers, Paula Nelson and the Gougers (the list goes on), its easy to see why people flock there every year. Day and night the bands play on at multiple venues, while fans decide who they want to see most. The booze is flowing and the snow just keeps coming. But on top of that, you get to ski/snowboard all week long as part of the package.
This brings me to my broken rib. The one day I decide to try my hand at snowboarding (remember that its been over a decade since I’ve tried it), I take a major spill and instantly realize that my rib is broken. As far as I know, I’m the only one from any of the bands that actually got hurt. How lame do I feel?
Truth is, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Not sure if you’ve ever been at the top of a snowy mountain, but there is nothing more breathtaking. That particular day, the sun was out and the powder was fresh (except for the place my rib hit). You could see for miles, and it reminded me of growing up near the mountains in Washington State.
The week was so much fun, and the bands and fans alike were such a pleasure to party with, that I really can’t complain about a stupid broken rib. In fact, after a few gigs around Colorado, we will be returning to Steamboat Springs for another festival that is going on right now called “Ski Jam”. Bands like The Wailers, Todd Snider, Sam Bush, The Greencards and The South Austin Jug Band will grace the stages of Steamboat for another raucous good time.
And who do we have to thank for all this…John and Robin Dickson, and the incredible staff that they have acquired over the years. Some of the nicest people you could ever meet, and man oh man, can they put on a good time. Thanks John and Robin…we’ll be there next year for sure.
Until next time…
Seth
