Episode 59 - Steve Szymanski - From Telluride to Lyons: How Planet Bluegrass Built a Legacy
Description
In this special RockyGrass episode, we sit down with Steve Szymanski, co-founder of Planet Bluegrass, the visionary behind Telluride Bluegrass, Folks Fest, and RockyGrass. Steve shares how a chance encounter in the late ’80s led him into the bluegrass world and eventually to shaping the thriving festival culture we know today.
We dive into:
- 🌱 The Origin Story – How a struggling festival and a meeting on the streets of Boulder sparked the creation of Planet Bluegrass.
- 🏔️ Building RockyGrass – From dusty fairgrounds and zoning battles to establishing Lyons, CO as a year-round home for music.
- 🎶 Balancing Tradition & Evolution – The delicate art of honoring bluegrass purists while embracing adventurous sounds and adjacent genres.
- 👥 Community & Family – Why these festivals are more than music—they’re spaces where friendships, collaborations, and lifelong memories are made.
- 🎸 Legends & Innovation – Stories of artists like Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, and new-generation bands carrying the torch forward.
Steve also reflects on the importance of volunteers, fans, and keeping the culture alive for future generations. From “tarp runs” to family jams, this episode captures the heart of what makes Planet Bluegrass a cornerstone of the Americana music scene.
Whether you’re a festival veteran or a first-time listener, this conversation is a reminder of why these gatherings are sacred spaces for artists and fans alike.
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