A big turnout: Headliner Bill Nershi didn’t disappoint. PHOTO BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

In Norse mythology, it is believed that Ullr was second in importance to Odin to Germanic pagans that would eventually populate Scandinavia. Strong and handsome, he was an adept archer who dispensed justice even-handedly and used his shield as a sled. Modern skiers and snowboarders have adopted Ullr as their patron saint of snow.

At a time of year when you’d be hard pressed finding any other outdoor music venues, UllrGrass in Golden, Colorado, stands alone. Local musicians Chris and Susannah Thompson hatched the notion of holding a bluegrass concert at Parfet Park to give people an excuse to get out of the house in the dead of winter, sample craft beers, and bring the community closer together. Local businesses, scores of volunteers, and talented performers have made it a reality the past nine years in January. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Coral Creek Kids Music Project at www.coralcreekmusic.com.

First on the main stage Saturday, January 28, by virtue of winning last year’s UllrGrass Band Contest was Madeline Hawthorne. Originally from the northeast then spending her college years in Bozeman, Montana, Hawthorne’s strong vocals and energy are undeniable. Her stage presence and skillfully executed blend of outlaw country, roots, and Americana bring maturity well beyond her years. In a touching tribute to the recently deceased David Crosby, she closed her set with “Helplessly Hoping.” Nobody in the history of rock ‘n’ roll had a sweeter three-part harmony than Crosby, Stills, & Nash, but an inspired Hawthorne and vocalists came amazingly close.

They are one person

They are two alone

They are three together

They are for each other

Nederland music royal Bill Nershi, his wife Jilian, and band were next to perform. Widely known as the founder of jam band The String Cheese Incident, his music is hard to pin down, but fits like an old comfortable shoe. Nershi has covered bluegrass, rock, electronica, calypso, country, funk, jazz, Latin, progressive rock, reggae, and psychedelia. In whichever genre he engages, it rocks. A large contingent of his fans were present to experience his virtuoso acoustic guitar playing. Many of them sang along to the original songs. Nershi was joined by his String Cheese bandmate Keith Moseley on bass guitar, Rapidgrass mandolinist Alex Johnstone, and Allie Kral of Yonder Mountain String Band acclaim on fiddle.

Ullr was more than sufficiently impressed by their offerings, as an Arctic cold front slid into Golden and the snow started falling. Good music, merriment, and dancing lasted far into the night under the big tent.