Sunny Skies, Cold Beer Greet Inaugural Mammoth Fest

Mammoth Fest made its debut in Snowmass Town Park this weekend, welcoming fans to loads of live music and cupfuls of chili and beer. Formerly the Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, this year the festival got a makeover and the crow reception was positive. The venue moved Snowmass’ Fanny Hill to the Town Park, full of lush grass and expected concert amenities: food stands, beer tents and booty-shakin’ crowds.

The weekend featured two beer grand tastings, at which patrons were given the opportunity to sample more than 25 microbrews from around the country. Several Colorado breweries made the trek, including Carbondale Beer Works, Kannah Creek (Grand Junction), and Telluride Brewery Co. But, the People’s Choice Award went to Kona Brewing Co.; its Wave Ale was light and with hints of grapefruit and citrus made for the perfect day-drinking beer in the summer sun.

On Friday, You, Me & Apollo, JJ Grey and Mofro performed before a variety of artists played a “Return to the Dark Side of the Moon” to headline the evening. On Saturday, a full day of music kicked off at 1 p.m. with Lord Huron, followed by Twenty One Pilots, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Joy Formidable and AWOLnation.

Crowds were consistent throughout the day, and cloudless skies kept people around to the high-energy closing show. Chili Brew Fest may be a thing of the past, but Mammoth Fest is here to stay.