Elevation Beaver Creek 2024 Brings Intimate Acoustic Performances to the Colorado Mountains
Riley Green, Erin Kinsey, and others took the stage against the stunning backdrop of Beaver Creek, CO.
Riley Green, Erin Kinsey; Photos by Ryan Waneka
Where can you find exquisite wines, gourmet cuisine, and live country music all in perfect harmony? Elevation!
Born from the success of Live In The Vineyard (LITV) and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC), Elevation brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups, and more for an exclusive three-day event set amongst the scenic backdrops of Beaver Creek, CO.
The third installation of the highly anticipated event took place from September 23-25 and featured an abundance of talented singer/songwriters. Rising stars Erin Kinsey and Ty Myers kicked things off at the pre-welcome reception, where they took turns showcasing original tunes that have either made an impact on their careers already or are soon to be released.
Ty Myers Shares His Favorite Moments From Elevation 2024
Myers was enthusiastic about previewing his next musical chapter with his brand-new single, “Worry Is A Sickness” while Kinsey chose to highlight tracks from her upcoming EP, Gettin’ Away With It, set to drop October 11. As Myers told Country Now, this event is truly special because of the attendees who listen to the music with such admiration and intention in order to fully grasp the stories at hand.
“It’s always great to play events where people really listen, are true music fans and they have all their attention on you, that’s probably my favorite part. My second favorite part is this view. How do you beat that?” he asked. “I’m just so glad I get to be a part of it.”
Shortly after, guests were ushered inside the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, CO, where the party continued with performances from Ashley Anne, The Voice’s Morgan Myles, Maggie Rose and three-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist, Grace Potter.
The night capped off with a premier dining experience at the rustic SaddleRidge restaurant where guests enjoyed a plated meal under the glow of bright chandeliers while being entertained by the sentimental stories and raw deliveries from Randall Fowler, Olivia Wolf, and Bradley Gaskin. Tyler Braden was the final artist to step up to the mic and ended on a high note with several unreleased tracks off his forthcoming project.
Scenic Luncheon
Seeing artists perform with epic production and a full band is always exciting, but there’s something special about getting to experience their talent up close in an intimate setting. It gives the artists the chance to showcase their best original songs and outside cuts acoustically and allows members of the industry to take in the incredible songwriting at play. Plus, the serene environment has proven to invoke creativity and good conversation among all those in attendance. This is exactly the environment that was created during Tuesday’s Scenic Peak Luncheon.
Harper Grace was the first to take the stage, using her four-song set as an opportunity to open up about the backlash and bullying she faced at a young age and how she found power in music to persevere through those tough times. That same resilience and dedication was found in tunes sung by the remaining lineup, Bryce Leatherwood, Vincent Mason, Tucker Wetmore, and Jonah Kagen. Each of these emerging artists made a strong impact for their first Elevation experience as they had listeners boasting about their performances all week long.
A Valuable Experience For Up-And-Coming Artists
For many of the artists who took the stage this week, this is the first time they have gotten the chance to experience the magic of Elevation, and it’s clear that none of them are taking the opportunity for granted. Moments before taking the stage, Leatherwood emphasized how valuable it is to gain new listeners and fans in this kind of setting, especially as an emerging artist with dreams of building out a lasting career.
Leatherwood shared, “Everyone here loves country music, everyone here is passionate, so it makes it that much more special to be around people who know you and some that don’t, to get new fans and to get people behind you. Especially as an up-and-coming artist, it’s a really big opportunity to be out here.”
This evening came to a close with a final round of performances at The Vilar. Big Loud Records energized the Black Diamond Stage with must-see performances by artists from its roster, including Stephen Wilson Jr., Kashus Culpepper, and Liam St. John.
Lighthearted Narratives And Tearful Moments
The first two days set a high standard for the week, but the excitement only continued to build into the final day. Attendees fueled up with a Mexican-style brunch at the Minturn Saloon, where Nashville’s Jet Jurgensmeyer showcased his talents as a singer/songwriter and actor with “Found You” and “Midwest Sunset.” Charly Reynolds brought tears to the audience with her poignant song “Visiting Hours,” inspired by her late brother, while Owen Riegling and Abraham Alexander shared deeply personal stories through their music.
Riegling highlighted his roots with the hilarious story inspired by a well-known local in his small town named, “Dan” while Alexander expressed true vulnerability as he recounted his story of being put into foster care and finding a new family through adoption in the moving track, “Blood Under The Bridge.”
The next stop on the tour of beautiful mountainside views was the Vail Brewing Co. where members of the industry gathered for light bites, locally brewed refreshments, and performances from Jason Scott & The High Heat, Noah Hicks, and Taylor Holder.
BBQ, Bonfires & Acoustic Performances
A trip to Elevation wouldn’t be complete without an evening at 4 Eagle Ranch. Guests got the quintessential Colorado experience at the picturesque venue, where the art of country music blended perfectly with the offerings of a cowboy BBQ cookout, bonfires, fine wines, and Garrison Brothers cocktails. The night under the stars was soundtracked by the sounds of Wesley Dean, Meghan Patrick, Caroline Jones, Drake White and Riley Green, who each lit up the stage as the sun slowly set behind them.
The energy was high as Green delivered the final and one of the longest sets of Elevation 2024. He appeared to be in an especially relaxed state while taking in the calmness around him and showcasing tracks off his upcoming album, Don’t Mind If I Do, including the title track along with “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves,” “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Plus, Morgan Myles returned to the stage to help sing Ella Langley’s part in the fan-favorite duet, “You Look Like You Love Me,” before Green wrapped things up with “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”
While Green is certainly used to a rowdier crowd, he admitted it’s “nice” to get to perform in a more relaxed setting every now and then.
“I’m looking forward to getting up there and telling stories about songs. Playing acoustic like that is always something I’ve really liked so it will be fun to have a change of pace,” he shared.
Thanks to the extraordinary vision of Live in The Vineyard founder and President of FF Entertainment, Bobbii Jacobs, Elevation 2024 proved once again why it is a standout event for all involved. Elevation continues to grow year after year, bringing more intimate performances, stunning views, and valuable conversations with each event. There’s nothing quite like this experience, and it’s clear that it will only continue to thrive with future installments.
Written by
Madeleine O’Connell
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.