A GospelGrass festival made its first appearance on the eastern plains June 29 through July 1. Calhan hosted The Rocky Mountain Summer GospelGrass Festival at the El Paso County Fairgrounds, and Suzie Solomon, festival organizer, said she hopes Calhan will be a permanent venue for the three-day event.”I love the venue here, and our hope is to one day fill the arena,” Solomon said. The bands rotated among three areas on the fairgrounds: Swink Hall, the Whittemore building and an outdoor area that houses a log cabin in the background.Solomon started the GospelGrass festivals seven years ago to provide an opportunity for children and teens to perform, meet new friends and learn bluegrass and folk music, which she wants to carry on to future generations. The GospelGrass festivals are family oriented, focusing on bluegrass gospel music and other forms of acoustic music.Of the 27 bands participating in Calhan, more than half were children and teens. The bands traveled to Calhan from as far away as California, New Mexico, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Arizona.One band from Albuquerque, N.M., “Jubal’s Kids,” is comprised of talented youngsters from four different families, including an 8-year-old boy, who played bass, and a lively 8-year-old harpist, who also sang with the lead vocals.Hailing from Peyton, the family band, “For That Blessed Hope,” also performed at the Calhan event. The Brouillette family – eight children total – all home schooled – is from Peyton, and this was their first appearance at a GospelGrass festival this year. Band members include Al (dad and guitarist), Nancy (mom and vocalist) and sons 16-year old Albert – guitar, banjo and mandolin; 12-year-old Timmy – slide guitar; his twin brother, Tommy – percussion; and 14-year-old daughter Elise – fiddle.Solomon said other Colorado towns hosting GospelGrass festivals this summer include Lamar, Leadville, Burlington and Northglenn.The Rocky Mountain Summer GospelGrass Festival will be back in Calhan next year – on the fairgrounds from June 27 through June 29.For more information about GospelGrass Productions and the festivals, call 866-PSALM33 or visit www.GospelGrass.com.
