Music, art and Oktoberfest celebrations in the Vail Valley this weekend
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Get ready to head down the memory lane of classic rock with Bachman-Turner Overdrive on Saturday at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. The 1970s rockers will take you back in time with hits like “Takin’ Care of Business,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” and “Let it Ride” and some new songs from the band’s album that came out in March titled, “60 Years Ago.”
Bachman-Turner Overdrive formed over 50 years ago when guitarist Randy Bachman teamed up with bassist Fred Turner. Bachman had already had success with The Guess Who with hits like “These Eyes,” “No Time,” and “American Woman.” Both The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive achieved critical success along with fellow Canadian band, Rush. Randy Bachman is still touring and now his son, Tal, is a part of the band playing lead guitar. Other members have been with the band since 2009.
At press time, tickets were limited in supply and the Vilar Center expects it to be a packed show and even opened up the orchestra pit just to allow for more people to be a part of it. For more information and to get tickets, go to VilarPAC.org or call 970-845-8497.
Wilco
Jeff Tweedy returns with Wilco to perform at the valley’s premiere outdoor venue, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Sunday. The founder of the band that started out more of an alt-country group to indie rock with a wide variety of tracks that have evolved since the band’s debut album in 1995.
This summer the band has been touring all over North and South America and Europe and it winding down it’s stops. After that, Tweedy will be hitting the road in support of “Twilight Overdrive,” his first triple album.
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A limited amount of tickets are still available at The Amp. Go to GRFAVail.com to learn more and to get tickets.
Vail Fine Arts Festival
Art on the Rockies is back. Earlier this summer, you may recall that this event was hosted at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards. The art show moves east with Vail Fine Arts Festival, and it will host over 60 talented artists and craftspeople from across the country during this open-air gallery stroll through the streets of Lionshead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Mediums will range from sculpture and painting to photography and mixed media, jewelry, glassworks, woodworking and more. This year’s featured artist is Tyler Wagner of West Texas. Wagner says he is inspired by his surroundings in what he calls the beautiful and mythical western part of the Lone Star state, bringing out over arching themes of fear, death and the unknown. He balances the dark side of his art with a light and whimsical style. The images truly have a story to tell, but you can ask Wagner about the stories himself at this year’s festival.
Vail Fine Arts is free and open to the public. Just a reminder that the Town of Vail is charging for parking, which is new this summer. Parking is free after 3 p.m. For more information about the art show, go to ArtOnTheRockies.org.
Oktoberfest at Sonnenalp Vail
Most of the valley’s Oktoberfest celebrations happen in September. Beaver Creek will host its event over Labor Day Weekend, followed by Vail Oktoberfest in Lionshead Sept. 12-14 and in Vail Village Sept. 19-21. With the Sonnenalp’s Bavarian roots, this Vail hotel is allowed to host Oktoberfest anytime and has brought in this beloved event at various times throughout the years. Dust of the dirndl and get the lederhosen ready for the Sonnenalp’s one-day Oktoberfest from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday.
This free event is family friendly and traditional wear is encouraged. There will be games and activities, polka dancing to authentic Bavarian music and contests. Traditional German fare such as bratwurst, pretzels and sauerkraut will be served alongside traditional beer.
You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Bavaria with the setting of the Sonnenalp Hotel as a backdrop. For more information, go to Sonnenalp.com/Oktoberfest.
Swingin’ at the 6
The Vail Valley has a ton of musical offerings, especially during the summer, but get ready for a genre change this Sunday and travel back to the 1930s and 40s courtesy of the Fabulous Femmes. The popular trio will be dressed the part and will invite you in early to learn a few dance moves. Who knows, maybe you’ll become an expert at the lindy hop, the Charleston, West Coast swing or the jive before the night is through.
The evening starts at 7 p.m. and a $20 cover at the door will get you swing dance lessons, your first drink and an evening of entertainment with this powerful vocal trio. Check out The Fabulous Femmes on Instagram for more details.
