The mountain will be a buzz with the sounds of soulful music, the taste of crisp hops, and a cool mountain breeze feeling July 25-26 when our annual Blues & Brews Festival returns. Music, beer, and bike races make for a hootenanny of a weekend!
The Music
We’ll have two nights of music this year. Friday night will feature the Alex Lopez Band and Taj Farrant.
Alex Lopez Band creates emotive music that inspires the soul and rocks the blues. His music respects the tradition of the blues and pays homage to original blues architects while expanding the genre to new audiences. Alex Lopez Band delivers the passion, power, and pizazz that keeps fans coming back for more. The band features Alex Lopez on guitar and vocals, Steve Roberts slaps the bass, and Kana Leimbach brings the rhythm on the drums.
Taj Farrant is an Australian guitarist and musician known for his remarkable talent at a young age. He gained recognition through social media platforms, particularly for his impressive guitar covers and original compositions. He has also collaborated with established artists such as Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy and the Hendrix Experience team, showcasing his skills in genres like rock and blues. His unique style and virtuosity have earned him a growing fanbase and accolades within the music community.
Saturday night will feature Jake Walden Band and Robert Jon and the Wreck.
Based in South Florida, the Jake Walden Band is fronted by lead guitarist and vocalist, Jake Walden. Raised on music legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, Jake Walden developed a passion for old-school guitar riffs, slide and soulful vocals. His powerful blues-rock style is represented in a blend of original music and select covers. His debut album, “Carry Me Home,” features Grammy award-winning drummer Tyler Greenwell from the Tedeschi Trucks Band on the title track. Band members include Ed Berrios on guitar, Marc Gagne plays bass, and Brian Baudrit with the drums.
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the classic Southern rock sound and infuse it with a distinctly modern edge. Since their inception in 2011, the band—Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards)—has captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful guitar work, rich vocal harmonies, and genre-blurring songwriting. Robert Jon & The Wreck have built a reputation as one of the hardest-working bands in the business, earning critical acclaim and amassing a loyal global following. Their electrifying live performances have seen them share stages with icons like Joe Bonamassa, Blackberry Smoke, Peter Frampton, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Rival Sons, alongside headlining sold-out shows across the US, Europe, and beyond.
The Beers
We’re proud to bring a selection of local, craft breweries to the Mountain for everyone to try. From Ciders to Stouts, Lagers to IPAs, macros and micros, there’s a brew for everyone.
Friday night will be a celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Miller Lite. Your Friday ticket includes access to the music and two coupons for Miller Lite beer.
How does the Saturday sampling work? When you enter the venue you will present your ticket and your ID. You will be given a wristband with tabs and a glass. Simply go up to the brewer of your choice, pull a tab off, and trade that in for a sample of beer! Drink, enjoy, repeat. Check out just a few of the beers we’ll have available:
- Bud Light
- Kona Big Wave
- Almost Heaven Amber Ale
- Land Shark Lager
- Blue Moon
- Coyote Hole Cider
- Screech Owl
- Coors Light
- Crux Kolsch
- Mountain Momma
- Whitewater Wit
- Harbinger IPA
The Bike Race
As is Blues & Brews tradition, we will be hosting a fun and friendly downhill race Sunday as part of the Hotdogs and Handlebars series. The race will take place on the “Right Side Blues” trails, a collection of blue trails that mix tech and flow.
Racers can look forward to a upper section of track with some medium, rollable, jumps and high speeds. The middle section is largely technical with a few rock gardens, more rollable jumps, tight turns, and a a high speed straight. The course will finish out with another section of small and medium jumps before crossing the line at the bottom of Western Territory.
This race is open to all ages and parents are welcome to ride behind their junior racers.
The Deals
We’ve got a bunch of killer deals out right now and this weekend is the perfect time to take advantage. Check out 1, 2, Free where you can book two nights of lodging with Snowshoe and get your third night for free! This deal is valid on all of our lodging from central Village studios to the large vacation homes on Westridge road. Or, get a round in at the Gary Player designed Raven Golf Club during the weekend and save on your round when you stay at select properties with the Stay and Play deal.
And, anytime you book your lodging through Snowshoe, everyone on your reservation will get free Summer Fun Passes for your stay! These give you access to Scenic Lift Rides, Shavers Lake, and the Climbing Wall.
Spend $100 on items from The North Face at Mountain Kids or Pocahontas Supply Co on Friday or Saturday and you’ll be entered to win a medium Base Camp Duffel bag from The North Face on Sunday morning.
Blues and Brews is always a great weekend on the mountain. See y’all there!