“This past year was very exciting for the Telluride Jazz Festival” said Steve Gumble, Festival Director. “We are proud of the improvements made to the overall festival experience. We are thankful for the community support and are thrilled to continue the growth of the student education programs.”
With its highly successful first year under new management, the Telluride Jazz Festival is returning for its 42nd year on August 2-3, 2018, with a whole new vibe. The annual celebration will include live music, art, yoga, music education and outdoor recreation looking to build on the momentum of the festival.
Tickets and Passes
Patron Passes include a charitable donation to The Telluride Society for Jazz, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), to support music education, student programming and outreach throughout the festival. As such, a portion of the ticket cost ($200 on Early Bird Passes and $400 on Regular Patron Passes) can be deducted on income taxes as a charitable contribution.
The Patron Experience bundles top-of-the-line amenities offering an elevated festival experience that puts luxury first. The Patron-VIP Lounge will be now located on the East end of the Telluride Town Park which will offer a wider and more direct view of the Main Stage entertainment. This experience also offers easy access to a diverse selection of craft and food vendors. Check out below the list of amenities for pass-holders of the Patron Experience is below:
- On-stage viewing with hosted bar – Covered on-stage seating offers the most intimate festival experience possible. Experience a clear view of performers and the beautiful Town Park backdrop with an open bar featuring craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails within arm’s reach.
- Wine and dine with the artists Backstage – Patrons can enjoy special backstage access featuring catered meals by chef Josh Klein, a complimentary bar, covered dining area and upscale, patron restrooms.
- Private opening concert – Kick off the weekend with an intimate live performance at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Thursday, August 3rd before the Festival gets underway in Telluride Town Park.
- Complimentary bar with craft beer, select wine and specialty cocktails – Enjoy an open bar all weekend long showcasing the best in craft beer, select wine and specialty cocktails at stage-view bars in the Patron Area.
- Jazz After Dark entry on Friday and Saturday nights – Jazz After Dark is a series of late night shows on Friday and Saturday nights located in various venues throughout Telluride. Patrons can attend three different shows each night.
- Access to Patron/VIP Area – New location for 2018. Enjoy the music from an exclusive, less crowded Patron/VIP Area inside the festival with uninterrupted stage views, a covered, heated lounge with relaxed seating complete with yard games and fire pits.
- Unobstructed seated viewing area in front of stage – The Patron area offers a clear and up-close view of the stage featuring one of the most intimate concert experiences available.
- Patron restrooms – Dedicated, upscale restrooms will be available in the VIP and Patron Area.
- Patron and VIP priority check-in at box office
- Priority festival entry – Patrons will receive early, priority entry into the Festival and Jazz After Dark shows.
- Free entry to the Telluride Historical Museum
To learn about the full Patron Experience, visit here.
General festival tickets including Early Bird 3-Day passes, Camping Passes, late night shows Jazz After Dark, and Vehicle Passes will go on sale February 1, 2018. Early Bird pricing will be available while supplies last. Tickets start at $145 for the Early Bird 3-Day Pass. Single-Day Passes will go on sale May 23, 2018. For tickets and festival info, visit here.
Telluride Society for Jazz
Aside from just being a music festival, The Telluride Jazz Festival works in collaboration with the Telluride Society for Jazz to help preserve the rich traditions of jazz through music education, outreach and other programs.
“Music education is getting better all the time” said Peter Bell, Executive Director of Telluride Society For Jazz. “The students who apply for our Telluride All-Stars are incredibly talented and many of our alumni have embarked on successful careers as performers, arrangers and composers. Plus, globalization and technology are bringing in new sounds from around the world, adding greater diversity to the gumbo that is jazz.”
Last year, 2017 was a memorable year for the Telluride Society for Jazz. The group restored the “Society Stage” at Elks Park, introduced new scholarships for the new Telluride Jazz Adventure Academy summer program and facilitated the longstanding, flagship educational scholarship program, Telluride Student All-Stars Jazz Ensemble. Read more about the Telluride Society For Jazz and their mission here!
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FestPop Staff Writer, Katy Loesch