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Aspen and live music are nearly synonymous, with a music scene that draws artists from all over the world. From classical music to jazz, alternative and everything in between, Aspen has a community of support and venues devoted to each style and genre of music. Fans and musicians of all kinds love coming to Aspen for that very reason.
Whether you are looking for intimate JAS Café performances to warm your soul during our cold winter months, casual Bluegrass at the top of Aspen Mountain during the summer, or world-class classical music at the Michael Klein Music Tent, Aspen has a music venue and a genre to suit your fancy.
The Aspen Music Festival & School (AMFS) was founded in 1949, as part of Aspen's cultural renaissance following WWII. It is one of the top classical music festivals in the United States and utilizes the Michael Klein Music Tent on the Aspen Institute Campus as its primary venue. Its signature eight-week summer season includes more than 300 classical music events ranging from orchestra and chamber music performances to fully staged opera productions. A favorite summer pastime is packing a picnic and enjoying the 4pm Sunday afternoon concert for free on the listening lawn outside the tent. You are also likely to see the music students playing on the walking mall in the summer evenings. In the winter, AMFS presents the beloved Winter Music Series as well as the Metropolitan Opera's acclaimed "The Met: Live in HD" series.
Belly Up Aspen is a 450-person music venue that hosts over 100 live concerts annually and features top musical talents such as Thievery Corporation, B.B. King, Jane's Addition, Widespread Panic, and many many more.
Free performances are held on Saturdays and Sundays atop Aspen Mountain. On Saturdays enjoy classical music on the mountain in the concert meadow performed by students of the Aspen Music Festival & School. Located just a short walk out on Richmond Ridge from the top of the gondola.
On Sundays you can see a variety of bluegrass musicians from around Colorado. Bluegrass Sunday concerts are located just outside the Sundeck. Purchase of gondola ticket required for both events.
The mission of JAS is to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances and education programs. Their signature events, JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience and the JAS June Experience showcase headliners such as Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and more.
Since 1889, The Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen's favorite year-round performance venue. The space underwent a renovation in 2015 and features more than 300 events per year, from local performers to international stars.
A series of free winter outdoor concerts which are held during key events and peak weekends throughout the ski season. The Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series are all held in unique locations throughout Aspen and Snowmass and typically in conjunction with Bud Light Spring Jam. Past performers include Umphrey's Mcgee, Vampire Weekend, Ghostland Observatory, and more.
For over 30 years Snowmass has been offering a free music series during summers on Fanny Hill for the Snowmass Free Concert Series. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the venue.
Live music is also available at the Aspen Saturday Market and many restaurants and hotels around town. Here are a few suggestions to check out: Limelight Hotel, St. Regis Aspen, and Living Room Bar at the Hotel Jerome.
