America’s Music Festival Gets Rave Reviews; Gears Up for Return Celebration in WP
Correction: A “Cowboy’s Legacy” was scheduled to perform but was unable to make it.
Trevor Phipps
The Independence-weekend festivities boomed in Woodland Park, with a number of standout events, such as Symphony Above the Clouds and the 59th annual Old Fashioned July 4th gathering in Memorial Park, not to mention an impressive fireworks display.
But the local gala that stole the show as part of a belated birthday celebration for our nation was the America’s Music Festival (AMF), featuring a full day of top country performers in a huge area downtown known as Woodland Station (now the site of the Tava House development venture). In fact, based on initial reviews, plans are already underway for a repeat festival, with the promoters of the event signaling a definite hands-up signal.
After months of planning a giant music festival in the heart of the City Above the Clouds, the festival attracted hundreds locally and throughout the region and country. The event’s VIP tickets were sold out days ahead of time as ticketholders enjoyed a special seating/party area and the chance to meet local race car driver Clint Vahsholtz.
Overall, more than 1,500 tickets were sold for the event. The doors opened for the festivities at noon on July 5 and people started to fill the festival grounds. Music started at 1:30 p.m., and many participants got a chance enjoy the day-long concert that didn’t end until nearly 9:30 p.m.
The only downer occurred with a thunderstorm that forced a slight delay of the main headliner act, Ned Ledoux. But many fans weathered the tough conditions and withstood about 30 minutes of rain without giving up their spots.
Throughout the day, the crowd enjoyed the event’s Emcee, featuring TMJ’s own John “Double J” Jones who brought a southern flare to the mountain festival. Jones used his Oklahoma roots to get people in mood to jam out to various artists including “Red Dirt Country” music which originated in Jones’ home state.
The event opened with Curtis Grimes who won the “Christian Country Artist of the Year” award in 2024.
Fans of old folk music then closely watched Michael Martin Murphey who is known as one of the founding artists of progressive country music. Jon Wolfe played a set before headliner Ned LeDoux rocked the stage.
And to go along with the day filled with music from country artists, the festival featured a large number of food, refreshment and adult beverage vendors. Concert goers could choose from a large variety of food/beverage trucks and carts as well as a plethora of merchandise.
Promoters Thrilled with Event’s Success
Overall, the event’s promoters were happy with how the festival turned out. “As you know, this kind of event requires a talented team to execute,” AMF Communications Director Mike Perini said, following the event. “The credit goes to everyone on the committee. Everyone worked extremely hard and put in long hours to bring this bold vision to life. The four nationally recognized performers gave positive reviews and truly appreciated the hospitality extended to them by Woodland Park. In my opinion, America’s Mountain Festival ranks alongside other well-planned and well-executed community-supported events like the USA Pro Challenge, Vino & Notes, Symphony Above the Clouds, Moose is Loose, and the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. We aimed to go beyond the usual musical festival experience, and we believe we succeeded.”
A number of AMF participants enjoyed the day of festivities. In fact, many were excited that the inaugural event meant that there would be more similar events in the future.
Although exact ticket numbers were not yet available at press time, Perini said that he was happy with the crowd attendance and gave credit to the hefty crew of volunteers and sponsors that helped promote the show. “The volunteers were incredible, and without them, we could not have pulled AMF together,” Perini said. “As a result of the first event, ticket holders traveled from Texas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Kansas. The crowd included many visitors from all over Colorado, along with our local Woodland Park music fans who enjoy Country Western/Red Dirt and have had to go elsewhere to experience this piece of Americana. We heard from several festival attendees who considered moving here because of the AMF.”
For the most part, Mother Nature cooperated, giving the town a good day of weather. Despite questionable weather reports at the outset, the rain stayed away until the very end of the show, just prior to Ledoux’s performance. Although this forced some to take shelter, many returned to witness a score of the country artist’s favorite songs, including a great encore, after Jones riled up the crowd at the close of the show.
“The double rainbow left a lasting impression, and even with the brief rain shower, people stayed under their umbrellas and tarps,” AMF’s communications director said. “Although it was a bit chilly, they listened to the final performer, clapping enthusiastically multiple times. This display of hospitality meant a lot to us as organizers and to the artists and band members who also had to contend with the storm.”
According to Perini, the event is slated to occur in the same location next year. Over the next few months, the AMF committee plans to review everything that occurred at the event and figure out ways to make it better for next year
Currently, the musical lineup is not yet set for next year and Perini said he is not sure if the festival will always incorporate country music. But for next year, the Tava House business, featuring a variety of multi-uses, including an events center and culinary school, is slated to be open by next summer.
Next year’s VIP ticket holders will have the chance to sit on the Tava House’s rooftop patio and enjoy the concert.
