Live In The Vineyard Brings Country Music To Colorado With Elevation Beaver Creek
Country Music reached new heights during a unique three-day experience that’s fittingly titled, Elevation Beaver Creek. Born from the success…
Brett Eldredge; Photo by JetBlack, Ryan Waneka
Country Music reached new heights during a unique three-day experience that’s fittingly titled, Elevation Beaver Creek. Born from the success of Live In The Vineyard and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, this event traded the elegant vineyards of Napa Valley, CA for the rustic scenery of Beaver Creek, Colorado.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by snowy mountainsides, followed by an abundance of colorful forestry that created the most serene fall destination. From Oct. 2 through Oct. 4, the village of Beaver Creek and surrounding areas transformed into the perfect location for an intimate gathering filled with country music, winemaker pours, tasty bites and good company.
Those who were fortunate enough to get their names on the VIP guest list were presented with the opportunity to indulge in the stylings of artists including Drake White, Elle King, Brett Eldredge, Kameron Marlowe, Lainey Wilson and many more.
Radio programmers, label heads and artist teams were among those invited to celebrate the power of country music and hear the unguarded narratives shared directly from the artists being the songs.
Before settling in to hear the first round of talent, guests were presented with a variety of foods and drinks that were carefully selected from the event’s partners, Suerte Tequila, Cakebread Cellars, Nickel & Nickel Single Vineyard Wines and more. The venue backed by stunning landscapes, hosted Ian Flanigan, Danielle Bradbery and Brett Eldredge, who took the stage to deliver their soulful yet energetic performances as the sun slowly set in the distance.
Many of the artists who spend their time on the road and are constantly having to be creative also showed their appreciation for getting the chance to enjoy the simplicity of nature for a moment and refuel their inspiration.
“I think for me, to get to a place where I can kind of feel connected with nature, always helps me mentally,” Eldredge shared with Country Now ahead of his performance. “If I can go get on the river or get out on the water or get out on the trail, it’s like I can kind of step back from all the pressures I put on myself, on a performance or all the things I gotta do that night. There’s thousands of people out there in the crowd waiting for you, and I gotta be on the whole time or I can go stand in the middle of a river and listen to the water flow by me, whether I catch a fish or not, and just feel connected to myself and to others, and to the earth.”
In between sets, guests were drawn in to shop with presenting partner, Lucchese. Not only were boots available for purchase from the sought-after brand, but a real bootmaker was present, showcasing the behind-the-scenes process it takes to make their boots.
To end the night, dinner was served at various locations, treating attendees with a delectable dish paired with live acoustic performances by rising artists such as Chloe Kat, Charley Reynolds, Brandon Ratcliff and the Pretty Wild.
Members of the music industry were selected to start the second day of the trip (Oct. 3) off with a personal brunch that included even more talent eager to share their individual journeys through their music.
“When I think about what we get to do for our living and the fact that we get to be this beautiful location in Colorado…I’ve never been here, I’m from Montana originally, so to be this close to my stomping grounds is really fun,” Stephanie Quayle said before adding, “This is such a reunion for us artists and especially coming off being away from what we love to do for so long, this is like the utopian version between all the great companies that are involved.”
A scenic peak acoustic lunch followed, featuring rustic photo-ops, appetizers, treats and of course, a mix of country music’s finest from Kameron Marlowe and Corey Kent to Nate Smith and Elle King. Later on in the night, the Vilar Performing Arts Center welcomed guests into its inviting theater to enjoy the stripped-back musical stylings of Kolby Cooper, Chayce Beckham, Parmalee and Lainey Wilson, who joined country band King Calaway for the opening song of their set before taking the stage herself and captivating the hearts of the audience members with her new music.
“I feel relaxed here and just like at peace and I don’t know, it’s nice to be out of the city,” Smith shared.
On the final day, before heading to a scenic ranch to finish off the event, guests were offered a slew of activities, which only solidified the pure luxury of this getaway. Several artists also took part in the outdoor pursuits which consisted of fly fishing with George Birge, songwriting workshops with Ian Flanigan and Drake White, hikes accompanied by Jonathan Roy, Skeet shooting, horseback riding and more.
In between warm summer days and the snowy ski season, October is the ideal time to gain some peace and quiet among the beauty of nature within the usually busy mountain cities. The close nit village of Beaver Creek made it an easy stroll from one adventure to the next. Anything that was extended outside of walking distance could be reached by the local shutter service that arrived within minutes with the touch of a button.
Elevation provided a space for artists to collaborate on the stage in an easygoing manner and for guests to exchange thoughts and share their love for music in a secluded environment.
The unique experience of Live In The Vineyard will return to Napa Valley, California on November 1-3 to celebrate its 15th anniversary along with Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, which is set to take place April 25-27, 2023.
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.