The sun. The vistas. The beer. And of course, the music.Since 2008, the MeadowGrass Music Festival has virtually defined the early days of summer for Pikes Peak music lovers — and increasingly every year, those far beyond the region.

Want to see what’s happening right now at MeadGrass? Check out our livestream.“The first MeadowGrass was just 100 to 150 people a day,” says Steve Harris, event organizer and voice of KRCC’s Grass Roots Revival. “The next year was 400 to 600. Last year was over a 1,000 each day. All indications look like it will be bigger than ever this year.”

More than 20 bands are featured this year. Headliners include national acts — Son Volt, Elizabeth Cook, the Barr Brothers, Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, and others — as well as bands that have made their bones in the area — Grass It Up, The Flumps, Mango Fan Django, Edith Makes a Paperchain and others.

“Some people come to me and say, ‘I don’t like bluegrass,’” Harris says. “But we’ve tried very hard to make it clear that it’s a diverse offering, all loosely grouped under Americana.“We’ve been very successful at bringing acts that you may not heard up of but are on the cutting edge and up-and-coming.”And in an interesting riff on the usual suspects, the Chamber Singers of the Colorado Springs Chorale will perform composer Carol Barnett’s “A World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” with Jake Schepps & the Expedition Quartet.Cook takes the stage on Friday. A Grand Ole Opry alum who has released five albums to date, she talks here about her family, the role of storytelling in her work and her first time on the Grand Ole Opry stage.The Gazette: I’ve read that you came to an age and your parents decided to “make a little project out of you.” Why do you think that is?Elizabeth Cook: They were older by the time I came along. Mama was 42, Daddy 48. They were more settled, and decidedly lower upper-middle class, so at a less stressful time in life. It freed them up to play with their kid more, I think. They were way into playing music and none of the other kids before me had shown any interest.Gazette: With 11 siblings, you probably have the opportunity to play with a full band. Do your sisters and brothers play?Cook: Not really. They are all much older the me — the youngest being 10 years (older). It wasn’t like a Jackson 5 type scene. They all had their own thing.Gazette: Storytelling is a huge part in any music, but especially in yours. With your family and upbringing being such a prominent feature in your songs, what is your story? Who is Elizabeth Cook now?Cook: I see things in minute details, so I can’t really tell it in a few lines. But it will unfold on future albums. These days I’m touring musician with my trio, host of a radio show and having fun dabbling in Hollywood showbiz stuff. I have two ungrateful cats. My favorite color is aqua and I like gluten-free pizza when I can get it.Gazette: Can you tell us a little behind your inspiration for “Sometimes it Takes Balls?”Cook: I wrote the song with country star from Australia. She was on a tough roll — divorce, record company issues, all tangled up. She had to make some bold moves. I just said the line to her in response to the story she was telling me. We knew it was a song soon as I said it, and wrote really fast after that.Gazette: Can you describe what you mean when you refer to something as hillbilly music and what would you define as your genre?Cook: I don’t know really how to define genre. It’s too limiting. I feel I write and sing for common people and families and it sifts through my filter.Gazette: You’ve had more than 300 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Can you tell us about your first appearance or some of your favorite moments on stage?Cook: There’s this picture of me walking off stage after that first appearance. I’m white as a ghost. My favorite moments are standing there waiting to be introduced after plugging my guitar in, and just soaking up the room and the legends standing there in front of me. It’s an awesome space.Gazette: “Welder” offers a unique look into a father-daughter relationship. How does your dad continue to influence your musical direction today?Cook: Well, he passed away on March 15th and I’m finding it’s like it was with my mom. Even though they are gone, your relationship shifts and continues to grow and new things dawn on you. What I get from him doesn’t come out in the form of a guitar lick or show business tip. It’s more like how he showed me to be as a human.

YOU CAN WIN PASSES TO MEADOWGRASS HERE

THE LINE-UP

Friday, May 25Grant Sabin2 p.m.Colorado Springs blues prodigy Grant Sabin will open the festival this year on Friday afternoon.  Sabin is unquestionably one of the hardest working musicians around, playing with abandon at large and small venues throughout Colorado and beyond.  As a solo artist Sabin has captivated audiences for years with his raw voice, intense stage presence, and one-man band approach to creating music with slide guitar, harmonica, and stomp box.  As a bandleader, Grant turns the volume up to 11.  The Grant Sabin Band includes 75% of The Flumps – Alex Koshak, Dino Bell, and Eric Hatfield – along with guests Clare Hammond and Neil Fenton on trombone.  Sabin’s musical delivery comes from the heart and has earned him the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike.

Edith Makes a Paperchain3:15 p.m.Local songstress Sarah Hope formed Edith Makes A Paperchain roughly five years ago and this year will mark the band’s second time at MeadowGrass.  Named ‘Best Folk Band’ by readers of the Colorado Springs Independent in 2011, Edith combines unforgettable indie folk melodies with unique instrumentation including trumpet and trombone by Jeremy Van Hoy of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.  The talented lineup also features the talents of bassist Mike Kimlico (from Burn the Maps), guitarist Matt Chmielarczyk, drummer Aimee Spillane, and the newest member of the band, Miette Hope, an amazing young musician who contributes beautiful harmonies to complement Sarah’s vocals and also performs with the Colorado Springs Conservatory and several other local bands in her own right.

Jake Schepps & the Expedition Quartet4:45 p.m.Hailing from Boulder, the Expedition Quartet has made a name as an ensemble with not only an adroit touch on their instruments but an intrepid, imaginative vision for contemporary stringband music.  Virtuoso five-string banjoist Jake Schepps has produced three critically acclaimed albums, including last year’s “An Evening in the Village” – an adventuresome exploration of the music of Béla Bartók.  The Quartet features two performers from past years – guitarist Grant Gordy (who also performs with the David Grisman Quintet) and bassist Ian Hutchinson (returning for a third consecutive year after backing Sandra Wong in 2011).  Gifted fiddler Enion Pelta-Tiller from Taarka rounds out this outstanding lineup.  The Expedition Quartet will be accompanying the Chamber Singers for “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” on Sunday morning, along with mandolinist David Tiller of Taarka.

Elizabeth Cook6:30 p.m.Elizabeth Cook made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry more than a decade ago, but her songwriting skills and honky tonk attitude set her apart from mainstream commercial country.  She draws upon diverse musical influences including Merle Haggard, the White Stripes and the Beastie Boys, crafting emotionally charged songs that cover a wide range of territory from tender love ballads to alt-country anthems.  Her most recent album “Welder” was produced by the legendary Don Was and features guest appearances by Rodney Crowell, Dwight Yoakam and Buddy Miller, among others.  In 2011 Elizabeth was nominated for three Americana Music Association awards – tying her for first place with Robert Plant.  Elizabeth will perform with her husband Tim Carroll and bassist Bones Hillman (formerly of Midnight Oil).

Nathaniel Rateliff8:30 p.m.Since releasing his widely-praised debut album “In Memory of Loss” on Rounder Records in 2010, Nathaniel Rateliff has steadily increased his international fanbase through relentless touring.  Rateliff is originally from Missouri but now makes his home in Colorado.  Over the past three years he has shared the stage at festivals and concerts with some of the biggest names in music including Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, Tallest Man on Earth and Jessica Lea Mayfield, among many others.  Rateliff’s many admirers include Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, who called his music “fragmented and poignant.”  For this not-to-be-missed headlining performance Rateliff Friday night will be backed up by Joseph Pope III (guitar), Julie Davis (bass), James Han (keyboards) and Alex Hebert (of A Tom Collins) filling in on drums in place of regular drummer Pat Meese who is currently on tour with Tennis.”  J. Miller Band10 p.m., at the Campfire JamJason Miller has long been a fixture in the local music scene, first performing at MeadowGrass in 2010 with his band The Genuwines.  Last month the J. Miller band released their second album, ‘The Road to Elvado,’ an exceptional set of ten original songs written by Miller, who is a skillful storyteller and a keen observer of the human experience.  The timeless tunes on the new recording draw inspiration from bluegrass, Americana and western swing traditions.  In addition to Miller on guitar and lead vocals, the band includes Jason Gilmore on mandolin and lead guitar, Hans Schopen on drums, and Andrew Koken on bass.  The J. Miller Band will perform a special late night set Friday at the campfire amphitheater after Nathaniel Rateliff closes the mainstage.

Saturday, May 26The Hopeful Heroines11 a.m.Chamber folk duo The Hopeful Heroines will kick start a phenomenal day of music on Saturday.  Comprised of singers Xanthe Alexis (guitar) and Harriet Landrum (violin), the Hopeful Heroines fuse together an intoxicating and inimitable blend of folk, gypsy, and classical music.  The Heroines encourage and celebrate the HERO in all beings.

The Flumps12:15 p.m.The Flumps have proved to be the most exciting new regional band to enter the Colorado Springs music scene since The Haunted Windchimes.   Originally from Florence, Colorado, the band consists of Dino Belli (keyboards), Eric Hatfield (bass), Mitch Macura (guitar) and Alex Koshak (drums) – and a broad range of other instruments, too.  Last year saw the release of their first recorded music – the self-produced double album “Scattered Light” – which has become a staple of DJs at KRCC.  While the band has an affinity for the folk music tradition and even self-describes its music as “indie dirt folk,” this is not your grandparents’ folk.  Be prepared to rock – The Flumps pour a tsunami-sized heaping of emotional intensity and musical power into every live performance.  You will not be disappointed.

Baywood1:30 p.m.Californians Joe Ginsberg and Jarrad Kritzstein formed Baywood.in 2010 after spending time backing up Audra Mae as part of the Almighty Sound.  The duo’s catchy song “I Can Breathe Again” – which was written in just a few hours – became an instant hit on alternative radio.  More than just “two dudes sharing a bromance and making folk music,” as the band modestly claims, Baywood is doing its part to reinvigorate the music industry with quirky lyrics, sweet harmonies, infections melodies and truly entertaining live performances that are undeniably original.

Grass It Up2:45 p.m.After moving out to Colorado Springs from Alabama, lead songwriters David Jeffrey (mandolin) and Shannon Carr (mandolin) quickly set about establishing Grass It Up as one of the premier indie grass bands in the West.  The core band, which also includes Jon Bross on bass and Jim Marsh on banjo, was voted “Best Bluegrass Band” by readers of the Colorado Springs Independent in 2011.  Grass It Up has released four full-length albums including last year’s live recording from the Western Jubilee Warehouse that amply showcases the musical chops and high-altitude energy that the band brings to every live performance.  Grass It Up last played MeadowGrass in 2010 and for this performance they will reunite with former bandmates Ben Lewis (on fiddle) and Danny Karpel (keyboards).

Alela Diane4:30 p.m.Since self-releasing her first album at the age of 20, Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter Alela Diane has been winning over critics and enchanting audiences with her poetic sensibility and compelling vocals.  Since 2003 Diane has produced three more albums to widespread critical acclaim, including last year’s ‘Alela Diane & Wild Divine’ on the Rough Trade label.  She is currently working on a fourth solo record which is set for release early next year.  MeadowGrass is thrilled to present Alela Diane previewing some of her new material in an intimate solo performance at this year’s festival.   Big Daddy Love6:15 p.m.Big Daddy Love is a quintet from North Carolina that plays a rough and tumble blend of countrified southern rock and bluegrass styles that has been dubbed “Appalachian Rock.” BDL’s intense, high-energy live performances are fueled by a combination of fiery vocals, sweet-sugary harmonies and impeccable musicianship.  The band has released two well-received CDs including 2011’s Let It Grow, which was partly funded by fans through a Kickstarter campaign.  The band is made up of principal songwriter Scott Moss (guitar, vocals), Joey Recchio (lead guitar), Brian Swenk (banjo), Ashley Sutton (bass) and Chasper Horton (drums).  BDL has earned a strong, passionate following throughout their home region, and MeadowGrass is excited to welcome the band to Colorado for the first of hopefully many Rocky Mountain tours.

Son Volt8:15 p.m.MeadowGrass is honored to host Son Volt as the festival headliner this year.  Principal songwriter Jay Farrar formed Son Volt in 1994 following the break up of his influential alt-country band Uncle Tupelo.  Son Volt has released seven full-length albums of original material since 1995, including 2009’s American Central Dust on Rounder Records, which was one of the five most played CDs on KRCC’s Grass Roots Revival that year.  In addition to an accomplished solo career, Farrar has collaborated with top American talent including Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie (“One Fast Move or I’m Gone,” a collection of music from Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur) and, earlier this year, Jim James, Anders Parker and Will Johnson (“New Multitudes,” interpreting unrecorded Woody Guthrie lyrics).  Joining Farrar for Meadowgrass are Dave Bryson (drums), Andrew Duplantis (bass), Gary Hunt (lead guitar), and J Kardong (pedal steel).  Son Volt will release a new album in Spring 2013.Jack Ten High10 p.m., at the Campfire JamDurango’s Jack Ten High first came to our attention due to a Facebook campaign by fans intent on landing the band a spot at this year’s festival.  However, JTH earned their late night set based on the strength of their musicianship and original songwriting.  Each performance is a new adventure for JTH, which features Russ Crossland on lead guitar and vocals, Pat Dressen on drums and mandolin, Hap Purcell on banjo, Jimmy Largent on bass, and Billy Adams on lap steel and dobro. Before joining forces, the musicians in JTH racked up years of experience in other leading Durango bands such as The Badly Bent, BoXcar, Outta Hand String Band, Sourmash and Lonesome Stew.  Stop by the campfire immediately after Son Volt on Saturday night for an imaginative and unpredictable genre-bending cocktail of bluegrass, rock ‘n roll, blues, reggae and more.

Sunday May 27Chamber Singers of the Colorado Springs Chorale -Accompanied by Jake Schepps & the Expedition Quartet11 a.m.The Chamber Singers of the Colorado Springs Chorale is an auditioned group of singers that act as the educational and community outreach arm of the 150-voice Chorale.  They have delighted in preparing Carol Barnett’s “A World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.”  This piece is a poignant example of how unlikely pairs can become seamless counterparts.  The writing for both band and chorus is challenging and effective, weaving the two distinct groups together to create a powerful modern-day prayer for peace and unity.  The Chamber Singers will be accompanied by the talented musicians who make up Jake Schepps and the Expedition Quartet.Mango fan DjangonoonThis year MeadowGrass is thrilled to introduce the gypsy jazz stylings of Mango Fan Django to our audience for the first time.  Voted “Best Jazz Band” by readers of the Colorado Springs Independent in 2011, Mango Fan Django will be familiar to most music fans in Colorado due to their constant touring since 1998.  The band delivers a contemporary take on music inspired by guitarist Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France.  The band consists of Archtop Eddy on lead guitar and vocals, Stefan Doucette on rhythm guitar, and Brian Hofflander on bass (who returns to the mainstage after playing last year’s festival with The Mitguards).

Moors & McCumber1:15 p.m.Songwriters James Moors (from Wisconsin) and Kort McCumber (from Colorado) each developed successful solo music careers before joining forces in 2005 after meeting at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado.  James plays the guitar and is an official recipient of a prestigious McKnight Foundation Emerging Artists Grant.  Kort plays a variety of instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and piano and last year  won the Flat Rock Festival Songwriting Competition in North Carolina.  Moors and McCumber have released two albums together, including the new album ‘Gravity’ which was recorded last in fall in Vermont.  Together, the duo’s music is much more than the sum of its the parts, drawing upon country, folk,  blues, and celtic influences to create a refreshingly original Americana sound.

Lo Fi Cowboys2:30 p.m.The Lo Fi Cowboys combine classic country and roots rock with a garage band vibe for a modern take on Americana music. The band was formed in early 2009 by local music veteran Chuck Snow, an original founding member of one of Colorado’s most celebrated bands, The Autono.  Snow’s songwriting skills, gritty vocals and guitar chops are supported by Kevin Waybright on bass, Ric Carney on drums, and Collin Estes on guitar and piano. In 2010 and 2011, the group was voted “Best Original Band” by the Colorado Springs Gazette and its readers.  The Lo Fi Cowboys are not afraid to turn up the volume and MeadowGrass is eagerly anticipating the band’s innovative brand of ersatz rock n’ roll.

The Barr Brothers4 p.m.Brad (guitar) and Andrew (drums) Barr first came to international attention in the late 1990s as founding members (with Marc Friedman) of the Boston avant-improvisational rock trio The Slip.  After the brothers relocated to Montreal they launched a new project – The Barr Brothers – which also features Sarah Page on concert harp and Andres Vial on keys, vibes, bass and percussion.   Their much anticipated, self-titled debut release finally came out last fall and the band has been taking the music world by storm this year with notable performances on Late Night with David Letterman and at South by Southwest.  With haunting vocals, moving lyrics and beautiful arrangements, The Barr Brothers weave a richly layered sound tapestry that proves irresistible to the ear. Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks5:30 p.m.Since first forming in 1968, Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks quickly developed a fan base drawn to their eclectic mixture of jazz, swing, pop, bluegrass, western folk, and country. After recording four albums, Hicks decided to disband the Hot Licks in 1973. With interest in his music never really fading, a 1992 reunion on Austin City Limits brought him back into the spotlight and recording studio once more. Today, Dan and the Hot Licks tour internationally and still reflect Hicks’ original vision.  Backing up Dan Hicks for his headlining performance at MeadowGrass are Benito Cortez (violin and mandolin), Darla (vocals and percussion), Roberta Donnay (vocals and percussion) and Paul Smith (bass).Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band7:30 p.m.The 2011 Cajun/Zydeco Grammy winner for his album Zydeco Junkie, Chubby Carrier is known for bringing a surplus of infectious energy to the stage for every single show as witnessed at last year’s MeadowGrass Music Festival. Over the past 22 years Carrier has spent a career perfecting his party package live shows.  In addition to Carrier on lead vocals and accordion, the Bayou Swamp Band consists of Earl Sally (washboard), Randy Ellis (guitar), Dave “Papa Puff” Nezat (drums), and Mark M. Metoyer (bass).  Combining elements of funk with R&B into the Cajun/Zydeco mix, there is rarely a person not up on their feet dancing from the time the first note is sounded.