Musicians and music lovers have been hit hard by the pandemic. Zoom concerts alleviated some of what we’re missing, but they are a tinny substitute for the sound and excitement of seeing artists live at your favorite small venue or festival grounds. Those days of sticky floors, ringing ears, and a new shirt from the merch table are on the horizon, however. Last month, Boulder’s Bluebird Music Festival announced it was back and put tickets on sale for two days of music September 25 and 26 with Jeff Tweedy headlining a lineup that includes Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass, Jade Bird, Rayland Baxter, and Trout Steak Revival. Beyond slaking your personal thirst for live music, the festival serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Future Arts Foundation, which provides musical instruments to students across Colorado. Hopeful that vaccinations will help put the pandemic in the rearview mirror by fall, Bluebird has released 8,000 tickets for the festival, which was originally scheduled for April. The event will follow all current COVID-19 protocols. “We’ve taken all the information from the scientific community to select a time when things look to be safe for fans, while also committing to anything and everything that will ensure the event is safe at that time,” says Travis Albright, Future Arts Foundation executive director. “If this cannot take place safely, as deemed by ourselves, the state, and university, the event will be held at a reduced capacity—or canceled if need be. But in the meantime, let’s get excited and happy about getting together again.”
