Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the PAC3

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Marcia Ball at the PAC3

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Marcia Ball at the PAC3

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Great American Taxi at the PAC3

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All the Pretty Horses opening for Elephant Revival at the PAC3

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The always-smiling Aaron Taylor saw me with my camera, and widened his grin even more.

Jerry Joseph and Wally Ingram at the PAC3

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Anders Osborne at the PAC3 - the animated gif

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VibeSquaD at the PAC3

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DJ VibeSquaD enthuses the crowd at the PAC3's first electronica show.

Snowmass 36th Balloon Festival

The nightglow at the 36th annual Snowmass hot-air balloon festival was a lot of fun and a great photo opportunity.  Forgetting my tripod at the PAC3 forced me to hand-hold my camera, but I cranked up the ISO to 800 and made it work. 

Jet Edison, a jam band from Denver, provided some excellent rock and roll, and Mother Nature cooperated by ending the rain and clearing the skies for the evening.

7 Walkers at the PAC3 in Carbondale

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Marble Fest 2011

What an event-packed twelve days that just ended.  Beginning with Rent at the PAC3, followed by Del McCoury, three days of Carbondale's Mountain Fair, Bill Frisell, March Fourth, then three days of Marble Fest.  I'm really thankful for a quiet week.

I was really impressed with the job that Shanti and Meagan did with Marble Fest.  I confess that I've not been to it in a while.  We saw Louie and the Lizards play there about eight or nine years ago, and based on that experience, I ignored all mention of it for a while.  But this year was something else!  Over twenty five bands played during the three days, and while Friday and Saturday saw modest crowds, Saturday was wild.  Almost anyone you wanted to see showed up, and it was a great time.  Thank you ladies!  Looking forward to next year.

March Fourth Marching Band

After seeing them play in Carbondale on Memorial Day, I heard they were doing a show in Paonia, and knew I wouldn't miss it.  A big crowd turned out and everyone was wowed.

Yet another great show at the PAC3

The stage before Steve Earle and the Dukes and Duchesses banged out a high-quality performance:

Before each show, I ask what the photography policy is.  In this case, they said small cameras (e.g. compacts and cell phones) were okay, but "big cameras," like my DSLR required permits and were restricted.  I opted to shoot the stage before the show and leave my camera in the car after that.

I did get some great photos (in my opinion) of the March Fourth Marching Band.  I hope to get more great pics for the coming shows - when allowed.

Visit the PAC3's website to see the great line-up they have planned.  New shows are being added often, so don't get locked out (like many who showed up without tickets last night), visit often and buy early.

The Needles Highway

Needles Highway

Sunset in a South Dakota highway rest stop

I'm eager to spend more time with these in Photoshop, as I think they've got potential to be great images.

The truckstop where my previously loyal car has me stranded

The car started after I took these photos, but didn't start after I pulled across the road to clean the windshield and get a cup of coffee.

It's been great for fourteen years and 158,000 miles.  I guess it'll be great again, after I can find a mechanic to find and fix whatever electrical short is preventing me from photographing the Badlands at sunrise.

Windmill in southern Minnesota

I pulled off the interstate to grab an ice cream sandwich and enjoy the side roads for a while.

Came upon a large group of windmills gracefully turning in the strong breeze. Took a few photos and videos. It's hard to appreciate the size of this one due to the angle at which I'm shooting it. But you begin to get a better idea when I turn around and you see the shadows of the large blades spinning.

Around Lake Minnetonka

Pete, John, and I walked along a trail near the cottage.  Then we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant called Lord Fletchers.  John was disappointed their "marching ducks" weren't around anymore (we were told the duck trainer left their cage unlocked, and a raccoon ate them).  

Tubing on Half Moon Lake

Half Moon Lake - Day 1

After arriving at the Minns' lake house late Friday, I slept very soundly.  Saturday began with a pleasant round of golf.  For the last eleven years, all my golf is played in Luck, Wisconsin.  We kayaked a little bit in the afternoon, and enjoyed a big feast with their friends the Misners.

CraigFest is hitting the road!

Immediately after the Hayes Carll show at PAC3 tonight, CraigFest 2011 hits the road. 

Next stop: Luck, Wisconsin and Half Moon Lake.  I may try wearing the GoPro while waterskiing.  If it doesn't sink to the bottom of the lake, I ought to get some interesting video.

Early next week I'll be in the Twin Cities.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

2011 Food & Wine Classic

Food & Wine Classic - set-up day

Independence Pass

12,095 Independence Pass is about fifteen miles east of Aspen, Colorado.  CDOT opened it for travel on Thursday.  I drove up on Friday and shot these videos.

Cycling on Hwy 133

Seasonal Waterfall

Roping and Branding

McCloyd Canyon Videos

On a recent trip to Cedar Mesa, we visited Moon House ruins in McCloyd Canyon.  I took hundreds of photos and a few videos.

Morning Commute

Dash Cam II

Sopris Skies

I'm ordained (I think)!

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The 2011 Summer Tour is being planned now!

Is your town on the schedule? 

E-mail Craig to arrange a tour date as soon as possible.  Offers of lodging, food, entertainment, and other delights will improve your chances of securing a visit this year.