The John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen - Contemplation in Context

Even in a small town like Aspen CO, there are secret places that you may only discover by chance. Such is the John Denver Sanctuary, located just north of Rio Grande Park, and next to the Aspen Theater in the Park, in downtown Aspen CO.

At first, it looks like a grassy clearing with large white boulders scattered around. Then you notice that each boulder has a smooth, flat face, obviously not naturally acquired. Step closer, and the emotion builds, as you realize that the pristine surface on every rock is incised with the lyrics to a different John Denver song.

Stand there, with the azure Aspen skies and puffy white clouds above you, the sun warming your skin, and the breeze grazing your hair, and you can feel the presence of the popular singer/songwriter who derived much of his inspiration from Aspen CO.

Great Video about the Aspen Music Festival

What a wonderful pictorial and musical overview of the Aspen Music Festival in Aspen CO. Sent to me by a sharp reader. Check out the video: Aspen Music Festival.

Having spent many summers enjoying the festival, and even working there one year, I can attest to the incredible beauty of the scenery, the music, and the laid-back gathering of tourists, afficionados, and locals, all enjoying the Aspen Music Festival together.

Heaven on Earth - Aspen Music Festival, Aspen CO

Nothing beats the magic of music under the giant skies of the Rockies, inside or outside the big tent at the Aspen Music Festival in Aspen CO. Here's a recent performance. Don't you want to be there? Flights are quite affordable this summer.

Snowmass Summer of Free Music 2009 in Aspen CO

Some of the music in Aspen CO in the summer is classical, but the town also rocks regularly! Just a short bus ride out of town is Snowmass Summer of Free Music. Fresh air, gorgeous mountains, and a whole lotta dancin' to the beat. Such as Cyril Neville and his band. Rock on in Aspen CO.

"Yee Haa", fun at the Aspen Saturday Market in Aspen CO

Every Saturday from mid-June through October, the Aspen Saturday Market in Aspen CO is the place to be for food, flowers, juried arts and crafts, dogs, everyone you'd want to bump into, and music, from classical to blues and rock 'n roll. Here's a snippet.

The market takes place on E. Hopkins and Hunter Streets in downtown Aspen CO.