2013 BLUES & BREWS WAS...

         

Story and Photos by Chris Duthie

Amazing. That's the first word that comes to mind when describing the eighth running of the Animas River Blues & Brews Fest, held Saturday, July 13, at Riverside Park in Aztec. In most every category, the B&B was an all-out success, starting with the staging of six dynamic blues bands, coordinating an expansive location that gave just about every patron unhindered views of and unfettered access to the musicians, serving up delicious and affordable food and beverages, offering checkbook-enticing vendors, and arranging for smile-inducing distractions for huge numbers of youngsters and young adults.

B&B is fun for everyone!

Michael Lee went solo.

New this year was a Blues & Brews kick-off party, staged the previous night at Crash Music's stylish new digs, the historic Aztec Theater. Approximately 150 patrons danced and reveled until midnight to the soulful, Delta-blues tunes of C.W. Ayon, as well as the toe-tapping, get-funky rhythms of The Michael Lee Band. Both gave ovation-worthy performances, which were reprised the following day on the grassy surrounds of Riverside Park. "It was a great first-time kick off for the Blue & Brews," said Crash Music Manager Sue Rys, "and we think it brought a lot of people to Saturday's event."

Did it ever. Animas River Blues & Brews organizers reported a record attendance that followed 2012's big gains. "Ticket sales were up again this year, and we went over the 1,550 mark," said Katie McClure, president of Animas River Arts & Entertainment, the event's organizer. "Those are very respectable numbers, and we couldn't be happier with the turnout, or the stage performances."

Big crowds enjoyed perfect weather and awesome entertainment.

An informal, post-concert poll proved there wasn't a weak act on the lineup. In fact, organizers were very aggressive about staging top-shelf entertainment for 2013. In addition to the crowd-pleasing performances of C.W. Ayon and Michael Lee Band, the all-inclusive ticket included dynamo deliveries from Shari Puerto, Daddy Mae Blues Band, Todd Wolfe Band and headliner The Avey Brothers.

Congratulations, B&B. We can't wait for next year.

[Editor's note: Animas River Entertainment is launching a second event in 2013 that promises to be even more memorable. On Sept. 7, Riverside Park will play host to the new Boots & Brews Country Music Fest. Like the Blues & Brews, the Boots & Brews will follow a model of top entertainment, affordable tickets and a gracious, family oriented atmosphere. For information, click here.]