In March, when the Pagosa Folk N’ Bluegrass Festival, scheduled for the beginning of June, was canceled because of public health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, KSUT Festival Director Jill Davis was still optimistic that the entire summer wasn’t lost.
“We are 100% holding out hope that we will see a return to live music in 2021,” she said at the time.
And she was right.
KSUT has announced that, while it’s still no dice for Folk N’ Bluegrass, the annual Party in the Park and Four Corners Folk Festival will still be held this summer.
“As vaccination distribution continues around the country, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has advised we should be able to have live music events this summer with modified capacities and safety protocols,” it said in a news release, adding that barring any new developments or restrictions because of the pandemic, Party In The Park will be held July 30 in Buckley Park in Durango, and July 31 in Town Park in Pagosa Springs. Tickets will be available for the two Party in the Park starting in May at www.ksutpresents.org.
The 25th annual Four Corners Folk Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend – Sept. 3 to 5 – on Reservoir Hill in Pagosa. The lineup will be announced in May, the release said, and it is expected to be similar to the previously announced lineup for 2020. Four Corners Folk Festival tickets are still on sale at the advanced price point, with prices increasing May 15.
“Though these events won’t look exactly the same, we’re thrilled to be bringing live music back to our parks and Reservoir Hill,” the release said. “KSUT will continue to work closely with state and local government and health officials to ensure we set a benchmark for safety and transparency through our protocols and communication. We intend to adhere to all applicable safety protocols including masks, social distancing and capacity restrictions where applicable in order to insure a safe and healthy experience for all of our artists, staff and the community.”
Davis added: “We are just so thankful for the patience and understanding of our community while we all weathered the pandemic. We are looking forward to creating a safe and healthy environment for the return to live music in the Four Corners.”
katie@durangoherald.com