Visual and performing arts are flourishing in the upper Roaring Fork Valley this summer.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center kicked off the art festival lineup with its spectacular annual picnic and silent art auction on July 12.We’ve been attending this event for more years than I can remember, but this year was by far the most well-planned and organized event I recall. The quality of art in the silent auction far surpassed anything that we’ve had the opportunity to view and bid on at the center in many years, so much so that my wife and I dug deep in our pockets to acquire one of the many highly sought-after contemporary pieces that will soon occupy a prominent spot in our Santa Monica collection. Kudos to everyone who worked their butts off to put on this fabulous event.
Also, my compliments to those who organized and put on the 22nd annual Aspen Art Festival at Paepcke Park over that same weekend. Although this craft and art fair doesn’t include the same caliber of contemporary art as seen at Anderson Ranch, it does include many attractive pieces that are more accessible to a wider group of arts and crafts collectors than the art that’s valued by more serious collectors and available through Anderson Ranch or Aspen’s high-end art festivals.
It was a great weekend for contemporary art lovers of all stripes, but that was just the beginning. Next week brings the highest level of contemporary art to the valley with the Intersect Aspen Art and Design Fair at the Aspen Ice Garden, the Aspen Art Fair at the Hotel Jerome and the Aspen Art Museum’s annual Art Crush. All three of these annual events bring the highest caliber of domestic and international contemporary art to our valley and for those with much deeper pockets than mine, the opportunity to add one or more premier pieces to their collections.
As to Art Crush specifically, most of the art in its auction as previewed at the museum is well out of my league with many pieces estimated to go for prices well into the six figures. Although not easily obtainable by mere mortals like most of us, the pieces on display are well worth a viewing.
As to the performing arts, the recent presentation of “My Fair Lady in Concert” produced by the Aspen Music Festival and School and Theatre Aspen was exhilarating and breathtaking.
Although this musical classic opened on Broadway 70 years ago, its story and music are timeless. Most of us who’ve been around since the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s grew up humming and singing many of the show’s memorable songs. Once again we were given the opportunity to relive those wonderful memories and that fabulous book, lyrics and music by Lerner and Loewe, performed expertly by a cast of superb musicians — all under the auspices of a polished and professional production team.
Another highlight of the season is the upcoming special event presentation of “Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes,” on Aug. 22 at the Klein Music Tent. For those of you not overly familiar with Broadway lore, Patti is a two-time Tony winner renowned for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. Her Broadway credits span starring roles in “Evita,” “Gypsy,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Sunset Boulevard” and many other notable productions in New York and London. This special event is not only a must-see for those who are already Patti LuPone fans, but for those just seeking a fabulous night of musical theatre and exceptional performance.
Although we weren’t able to fit Theatre Aspen’s production of “Mamma Mia!” into our busy summer schedule, I hear from many friends who were fortunate to attend that it was another enjoyable treat from the talented team that consistently delivers great theatre each summer.
I’m looking forward to their upcoming production of “Million Dollar Quartet,” which is inspired by an extraordinary twist of fate on a night in 1956 that brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for a historic jam session and an electrifying celebration of music, fame and the talent that shaped the early energy of rock ’n’ roll.
Not to be forgotten or ignored are the classical music performances presented by the Aspen Music Festival and School. Although it’s controversial to criticize this institution and its performance slate, I just can’t get over the feeling that so much of what they’ve been performing over the past few seasons is tired and unexciting. From what I hear and see, the audiences appear to be losing interest.
In order to kick start a bit of life into this venerable organization, I’d suggest adding more contemporary presentations, perhaps weaving in some of the music from the Great American Songbook performed by some of the well-known talents renowned for their interpretations of this memorable catalogue of music, which most of us grew up with over the past few decades. It’s just a thought.
My only regret of the season is the lack of new, entertaining and thought-provoking films that used to be a hallmark of Aspen Film’s summer season. Hopefully, we will see the return of their once-popular and expertly curated summer film festival next summer.