7908: The Songs That Made Me Cry.

7908, The Aspen Songwriters Festival is a labor of love.  John Oates and The Wheeler Opera House have put together another first-class line-up for the 3rd installment of the fest.  7908 is Awesome.

AspenSpin is more of a hard rocker...but we do appreciate a well-written, beautifully played country ballad as much as anyone.  5 days of the singer / songwriter genre is enough to make anyone get drunk, get pregnant, get a divorce, mourn the loss of a friend and sit in the rain reminiscing about days gone by. Despite that, we've enjoyed the shows immensely. The Wheeler is an incredible venue.  The sound is unbelievable, the setting is phenomenal, the history is daunting and now you can even take your beer into the theatre. The artists have displayed talent to burn, a fierce attention to detail and an obvious love for their craft, as well as a strong camaraderie and a bond with the audience.

John Oates hosted 7908. Clcik 4 pix.See the pix.  7908

The Highlights have been plentiful:

Darrell Scott opened the fest with a very strong set of Americana.  

J.D. Souther shared stories about Aspen in the 70's and 80's and his heartfelt rendition of his tunes, New Kid in Town and Best of My Love were sweet and soulful.  Both songs were partially written in Aspen.

The Blue Sky Riders:  Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr played a great set.  But when Loggins layed down Danny's Song ( and even though we ain't got money...i'm still in love with ya honey) which he wrote in 1971....I have to admit...I started crying.  Call it a tear of joy.  It was a great moment in 7908 history.

Harley Ellis, an Aspen native topped a very talented field of songwriters from around the State of Colorado to win the Colorado Songwriters Contest

Marc Broussard brought his Bayou-style funk, rhythm and blues to the Wheeler with a kick a$$ set.

Matt Nathanson closed out 7908 with sold out show that had the ladies dancing in the aisles.  He engaged the SRO audience with tales of sex, love and Detroit.

Click 4 pix:   7908

Matt Nathanson closed out 7908 with a sold out jam fest. Click for more pix.

Aspen Native Harley Ellis won the first Colorado Songwriters contest. Click 4 more pix.

The Blue Sky Riders. Georgia Middleman, Kenny Loggins and Gary Burr in Aspen. click 4 pix.Kenny Loggins sang Danny's Song....price less. Click 4 more pix.J.D Souther and Carrie Rodriguez lit up the stage at The Wheeler. Click for pix.A. Party's Favorite.