Spring Breakers invade Aspen

Guitar Hero with Steve Stevens. Click 4 pix.The last 48 hours are still a blur.  Yes, skiing and partying are my milieu but things spun out of control in Aspen this past weekend.  The Spring Breakers are here and dat sh*t got turned up to 11. The Spring Breakers were out in force this week as Easter and Passover coincided in a perfect-storm in Aspen.  Bluebird days and late, late rowdy nights have finally caught up with A.Party.  I'm taking today off.

Click for pix:  SPRING BREAKERS

     and   SPRING BREAKERS (part 2)

Let me say it out loud.  I love "corn snow".   For the uninitiated...corn snow is the soft, partially melted snow we get on the mountain when Spring gets sprung and temps rise above 40 during the day, but fall below freezing at night.  If your timing is right...and you guage your aspects properly, and you know where to go... the corn can be almost as much fun as the POW. On Friday, The Dumps "went off" around 1 o'clock and we got some great Spring skiing.

The music was off the charts this weekend.  Aspen / Snowmass and Bud Light threw their annual Spring Jam Core Party, so we got two free concerts in the center of town...and free kettle corn.  On Friday night the super-entertaining March Fourth Marching Band (M4) took over the core of Aspen.  While M4 has played in Aspen several times previously (see our  first take here) they shared their "kalidescope of musical and visual energy" with a whole new crowd. The all-ages show was spectacular. The streets of Aspen were packed with thousands of white affluent people jamming to sounds of M4's 7 piece brass section and 5 piece percussion corps guided by a funky electric guitar and bass.  The visual spectacular includes fire jugglers and stilt walkers.  The show was extremely well receiveds and may have been the best Core Party show ever.  A-Spin after-partied at the famous "Rabbit Lodge" into the early morning.

Keg stands w/ the Easter Bunny. Click 4 pix.Saturday required a second wind.  We enjoyed another beautiful Spring day on Ajax skiing with the spring breakers. We had 2 celebrity encounters at the Sun Deck, actor Luke Wilson and Congressman Paul Ryan (R, Wisc) were spotted (not together).  A not-to-miss event is the on-mountain party's on Bonnie's Deck.... the 13th year in a row.  We capped that off with a super-rowdy apres session at Ajax Tavern and Sky. 

Saturday's  Core Party music kicked in again around 8.45.  A last minute cancellation caused the Ski Co. to bring in an emergency replacement act from L. A.   The Magnificent 7...a hard rock super group conglomeration featuring guys from Jane's Addiction, Billy Idol and Skid Row.  Lead singer SEBASTIAN BACH has aged well and the set list was filled with classic 80's and 90's hard driving rock and roll.   After all the EDM and hip hop around here...it was good to hear some solid guitar based rock songs...all covers. The highlight for me was when CHAD SMITH, drummer from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers sat in for an awesome version of Led Zeppelin's  Whole Lotta Love.  It was great to hear Bach's honesty when he explained to the rowdy crowd, "we were contracted for a certain amount of time....but *bleep that*...we're here to play this *motherbleeper*...consider this a bonus track".  The Magnificent 7 kicked out a stellar version of G n R's rock anthem Paradise City to the delighted crowd in front of Paradise Bakery.

Chad Smith was in Aspen to ski and to play a gig with his side band at Belly Up, Aspen.  Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats is a funky rock fusion instrumental group that blew the roof off Belly Up.  Chad's distinctive style on the skins got him inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Peppers and won him a Grammy.  Smith is from my neighborhood back in suburban Detroit and is well known for being one of the coolest guys in rock.  In addition to being a great guy he bears a striking resemblance to Will Ferrell.  According to Will, "Chad is a very handsome guy".

Furrys at Apres. Click 4 pix.A late night bon voyage party for 7 year local, Erin Robinson capped it all off. 

So forgive me. I couldn't keep up with the Spring Breakers.  I took Easter Sunday off. Andy Party does get tired. After I walked my dog,  I got back in bed, I read the NY Times, I ate chips, I watched hoops & the season premier of Game of Thrones. Gotta rest up.  Gotta be ready to shred on Monday.

Click for pix:  SPRING BREAKERS

 and SPRING BREAKERS (part 2)

March Fourth Marching Band. Killer show in the streets of Aspen. Click 4 pix.Sebastian Bach and the hard rocking Magnificent Seven were a last minute addtion to the street party. Click 4 pix.Chad Smith sat in on Whole Lotta Love and led his own band The Bombastic Meatbats. They rocked Aspen. Click 4 pix.

13th Annual Party at Bonnie's. click 4 pix. Spring Skiing with On Mountain VIPs. Click SPRING BREAKERS for more photos.

Freeskier and the Shred Testers

#FreeskierFest in Aspen. Click 4 siiiiick pix.Aspen Mountain is normally the home mountain to plenty of ripping skiers.  During Freeskier Magazine's annual #Freeskierfest, Aspen Mountain becomes the absolute center of the free-riding shredder universe.  Every March, a rotating crew of about 40 testers, some of the most talented free skiers in the Rocky Mountain Region, ride & rate every ski in the world.   The testers get to try out and critque the full quiver  of next year's skis. 

FREESKIERFEST: SHRED TESTNG: Click 4 pix.

Jacuzzi action @FreeskierFest in Aspen. Click 4 pix.So for the 3rd year in a row there's an extra-large posse of super-gnarly, big mountain two-plankers on Ajax for #freeskierfest.  Those guys and gals you see straight lining in The Dumps or sending back flips on Walsh's or negotiating the Ridge of Bell at very, very high rates of speed are probably Freeskier testers.

Freeskier's visit to Aspen culminated with a full on Fash Bash at Sky Hotel's 39 Degrees, the #1 après ski spot in Aspen.  Spyder and Carlsberg Beer joined forces to present next year's outerwear collections with a poolside fashion show at the Sky.  A huge crowd gathered at 39 Degrees in anticipation of the show. The weather was perfect.  Lucky wrist banders drank for free in the VIP as local models did what they do...they modeled.  The skiers strutted their stuff on the catwalk, the brand managers iced each other repeatedly.  The pool deck at the Sky Hotel took on a life of its own.  

Several fully dressed models ended up in the pool...so obviously the event was a tremendous success.

FREESKIERFEST: SHRED TESTNG: Click 4 pix.

Fashion is the passion at #FreeskierFest at The Sky Hotel. Click 4 pix.Models doing what they do...they model. At #FreeskierFest. in Aspen. Click 4 pix.Full on Modeling at FreeskierFest in Aspen. Click 4 more siiiiiiiiiick pix.Jamie from Spyder got iced in front of 300 of his closest aquaintances in Aspen.All the Models into the pool. Freeskier Fest in Aspen was a HUGE success. Click 4 pix.

The Temptations Crush Aspen

I've got so much honey...the bees envy me. Click 4 Pix.The old school served notice last night in Aspen. The Mighty, Mighty Temptations brought their precision dance moves, soulful harmonies and catchy lyrics to the stage at The Wheeler Opera House...where they CRUSHED.

Click 4 pix.  The Temptations

Formed in Detroit in 1960, The Temps were a crucial part of the Motown Sound which eventually led them to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Otis Williams, the last remaining member of the original Temptations and his new band mates delivered a show that was equal parts nostalgia, musical talent and fun. The Wheeler was rocking as the Standing Room Only crowd was dancing in the aisles to classic tunes like, My Girl, Ball of Confusion, Get Ready, Can't Get Next to You, Papa was a Rolling Stone and Just My Imagination (running away with me)and more.

The Temptations displayed their tightly choreographed and highly energized professional show to Aspen.  Performed as a Las Vegas style review The Temps sang all their hits form the 60' & 70's.   The Temptations rhythm section was groovin' all night and they added in a horn section comprised of local players to complete their big band sound.

The Temps showed us how its done last night in Aspen.  Their show brought back memories and created new ones.   These guys are professional entertainers...and the crowd loved them.

Click the vids. below for a taste of the action.

Or Click 4 pix: THE TEMPTATIONS CRUSH ASPEN

Otis Williams brings it in Aspen. Big Daddy is the last original Temp. still living. Click 4 pix.

The Mighty, Mighty Temptations in Aspen at The Wheeler Opera House. Click 4 Pix.

97% of Scientists Believe in Climate Change: Infographic

It's been snowing in Aspen recently... thank Ullr (G-D). Great POW days... but Winter has become a more precious commodity.  

This inforgraphic provides some perspective. The infographic was created by Learnstuff.com.

Check the references below: Legit.

BIG Pow / HUGE Laughs: One Day in Aspen

Aspen Laff Fest. Click 4 tix.It was one of those days that is quintessentially Aspen. Non stop action. We experienced the best POW Day of the season (without question) followed by the opening night of The 2013 ASPEN LAFF FESTIVAL.

Click 4 pix:  ASPEN LAFF FEST.

Overnight...it snowed like a mofo, like the old days in Aspen (before climate change).  Fat, fluffy, powdery snow flakes fell in abundance to the tune of 10+ inches on Aspen Mountain.   All the usual suspects were lined up at the Gondola for an early opening.   First car took off at about 8.45 (15 minutes early).Pent up demand at the Gondy

Those of us that "got some"  got it good.  Fat skis were recommended.  It was a BIG day for AspenSpin, as we found some new spots on Ajax...after 1000 ski days. Face to 6, first tracks down Bear Paw, first one's in on Silver Queen and Perry's, but that was not enough.  We finally found our way into Spar Dumps...new terrain that opened last year...but due to a dirth of snow...is not open very often.  It was open today...and it was siiiiiiiiiick. "Nipple deep" in spots.  Then A. Party got a guided tour of Pandora's Box...an infamous run off the backside of Aspen Mountain.  Honestly...I usually skip Pandy's...mainly because of it's history of death, destruction and avalanche danger...today I went for it.  Of course...I crushed it...and no humans were injured in the pursuit of POW.

After an exhilarating, challenging and tiring POW Day I was fully spent.  My usual inclination is to curl up on the couch and veg.  Not tonight.  At 4.30 The Wheeler Opera House was throwing a kick-off party for the 3rd annual Aspen Laff Festival.  How could I miss that?  I love The Wheeler and Aspen Laff Fest. is one of my favorite events of the year.  I peeled off my ski clothes, took a long hot shower, cowboy-ed up to eat, drink and laugh my a$$ off.  

Aspen Laff Fest. continues Friday & Saturday Night. 

Click for Info and tix.  ASPEN LAFF FESTIVAL.

Marion Grodin...dates outside her species.The kick-off party at The Limelight was sweeeet.  Several of the Big-time comics were on hand to supply laughs as a warm-up for the actual opening night shows.  MARION GRODIN..."I get a very Jew-ie vibe from you" led off with a very funny set.  She picked on everyone in sight including Aspen, rich people etc and then she started burning individual audience members.  She asked one lady, "do you own a place in Aspen?".  The ancient woman replied "we rent".  Without missing a beat...Marion frowned and zinged "i'm sorry" and went on a diatribe about how rich and beautiful everyone is in Aspen. Marion also admitted to "dating outside her species".

BOBBY SLAYTON who headlines the Friday night show did a quick intro & warm-up for COLIN QUINN. Slayton explained how his wife's vagina accepts American Express..."thats why its shaped like an ATM" he shared. Quinn who is famous for his stint on SNL and other TV shows is currently doing a one-man show that premiered on Broadway, Long Story Short directed by Jerry Seinfeld.  His "brainy,acerbic political scourgings" had the audience in an uproar.  His takes on bullying and the U.S. Constitution were hilarious.

After that...A. Party hit the rack...hard.

More comedy is on tap at the ASPEN LAFF FESTIVAL.  Click 4 Pix.

Tommy O. & Robby Rob leading the Pandy's PowPow Posse.                                               Colin Quinn of SNL Fame held court at the 2013 Aspen Laff Fest Make Me Laugh. The 2013 Aspen Laff Festival. Click 4 pix..