photos by Todd Newcomer

Downtown Durango was inundated with cowboy hats, Birkenstocks, tie dye, and mandolins last weekend as music fans of all types came together to celebrate Durango's own Bluegrass Meltdown. The festivities began Friday night with a free performance at the train museum, where kids climbed on locomotives while their parents soaked up the atmosphere. Saturday found the stages of the Diamond Circle Theatre, the Durango Arts Center and the Abbey Theatre all jam-packed with national talent on the bluegrass scene. After a full day of jaw-dropping bluegrass, musicians gathered together at the Diamond Circle Theatre and the Durango Arts Center for serious jam sessions that left no fan wanting more. The festival came to a close Sunday afternoon as the Foghorn String Band, one of the Meltdown's most popular acts, exited the stage at the Diamond Circle Theatre.

From left, Kevin Yost, Dylan Yost and Brad Smith, of Black Dog Crossing, crowd around the microphone Saturday at the DAC. Dave Wilson, of the Steep Canyon Rangers, was one of many musicians to gather on stage at DAC for the Super Jam on Saturday night. Mark Brissenden, of Skean Dubh, captivates the Abbey Theatre crowd Saturday. Chandler Holt, of the Steep Canyon Rangers, takes the mic as the Super Jam got under way at DAC Saturday night. The Foghorn Stringband performs one last tune before ending their set at the Diamond Circle Theatre Saturday. Philip Douglas plays guitar and sings alongside his Skean Dubh bandmates Saturday. Keith Frankel, of Black Dog Crossing, picks his banjo Saturday afternoon at DAC.