Aspen Day 3

 

We had some extra time this morning so, as we do nearly every year, we headed up to the Grottos.   It was a pretty 20 minute drive past Kevin Costner's ranch (which is still up for sale).  Again, we had a clear blue sky, and the color of the aspen trees was fabulous.  

The highlight of the day was lunch with Mack Bailey.  We had a great visit as we caught up with news about his family, his Music Therapy of the Rockies non-profit and more.   He even gave us a heads up about two Christmas concerts he'll be doing with Chris Nole.   

Another JD fan was in the restaurant when we arrived so when Mack came in and Mary introduced him to her, it was a very cute moment since she did not recognize him at first. 

This afternoon we enjoyed a very interesting folk concert by Ellen Stapenhorst and her brother, Steve. They sang a wide range of their own songs which turned out to be very enjoyable!   Little known to us, Steve was very active in the music community in Los Angeles.  In 1964 his band was playing at the famous Troubadour Club in LA when a new artist came on the scene and opened for them - John Denver! Steve had an on and off acquaintance with John over the years and he told a few tales of their interactions. 

All I can say is "WOW! What a Concert!"  Mack and Chris put on a great show at the Wheeler Opera House!  You could clearly see they were having fun on stage.  Of course, Mack sang most of the songs, with Chris at his usual spot at the piano, but Chris did sing 3 of them.  As always, the concert went way too fast.  For the encores, they sang Calypso, then Chris brought out Mack's son, Hayden, so Mack brought his wife, Rachel, on stage along with musician Chris Collins to sing "Country Roads". 

Tomorrow we have a concert in the afternoon, then back to the Wheeler for Chris Collins' concert.