Dave Gibson, Gilpin County. When the decision was made to discontinue NedFest, its organizers (Peak Music) knew that somehow the beat must go on. Event Coordinator Kristen McFarland had envisioned the Gilpin County Fairground’s CSU Extension Building, otherwise known as “the barn,” as an ideal venue for concerts ever since it was built. With merely two months to line up music acts, obtain necessary permits and licenses, advertise, secure volunteers and vendors and purchase/install a $12,000 temporary floor to cover the dirt arena, last Thursday’s Fourth of July Barn Dance, by all accounts, was an unbridled success. Kristen’s contented smile and relaxed demeanor halfway through the afternoon, when most of her work was done and the pressure was off, attested to that end. The inaugural event drew a respectable crowd of Independence Day celebrants whose ranks are sure to swell in the coming years.

Some of the musicians that performed were familiar to attendees from previous NedFests. Bridget Law was on hand with Trout Steak Revival. The Sweet Lillies put on a good show, as usual, featuring Becca Bisque on viola, Melly Francis’ strong lead vocals, and Julie Gussaroff’s frantic upright bass playing. Guitarist/songwriter/singer Miles Perry, of Caribou Mountain Collective, led the “tweeners” with Adam Pause, of the NoGo Gillbillies, picking on banjo. RockyGrass band competition winner, The Railsplitters, wrapped up the day delivering their unique brand of progressive Appalachian bluegrass with time left for concertgoers to attend the fireworks display in Black Hawk. Profits from the Barn Dance were donated to the Gilpin County School Music Department. 

Rob Savoye, member of the Peak to Peak Music Education Association said it was great to see over 150 kids under age 12 participating, as well as seniors getting out on the dance floor and taking a turn. Savoye offers thanks to Gilpin County, the Commissioners, and the Rec Center staff for their support. He says they couldn’t have done this without them.

Originally published in the July 11, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear. You can buy a low resolution, downloadable pdf of this paper at https://themtnear.com/product/2019-07-11/