Telluride Blues and Brews Festival VIP Review & Photos - 2007

The VIP pass at the Blues and Brews Festival was not as as exclusive as the Telluride Jazz Festival last month, but was over 1/2 the cost at $325 and here is what was included in the price.

• VIP Main Tent – Tent location was same as the Jazz Festival with a great location in front of the Main Stage about 25 yards away. The table and chairs under the tent were usually claimed early in the day but there were several tables outside and a ton of chairs. The VIP tent was open from when the grounds opened till it closed. Fortunately it did not rain near as much as at the Jazz Festival but was used for cover a few times on Sunday. I would suggest another tent next year for people who just want to hang out and chat.

• Food – We had a VIP reception on the afternoon of the Opening Day with a ton of food and free booze and a brunch on Sunday morning with plenty of pastries, quiches and fruit as well as Bloody Marys and a variety of champagne cocktails.

• Drinks - Beer was going for $6 a glass with a $5 refill if you brought back the same glass (part of the going green effort). Margaritas were $7 with $6 refill and a variety of wines going for $7. The microbrewery tasting on Saturday afternoon for 3 hours was included in the price and included 14 breweries with tents in the VIP area for easy access and short lines.

• Viewing of the Stage – The best photo taking spot of any festival I have been to. 6-8 feet from the stage and could work your way through the crowd fairly easily to get a better angle.

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival Photos Day 1

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival Photos Day 2

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival Photos Day 3

• Music at night - VIP passes had priority access to several venues in town and I was able to get in 15 minutes before everybody else. Nice to get in and pick a spot before the masses showed up.

• Camping – It was $40 for a camping spot and $50 for a vehicle permit and the campground was less than a five minute walk from the festival grounds. It was crowded but if you got up early you could hit the hot showers that were $2 for five minutes and bathrooms were cleaned 3 times daily.