10th edition of Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival set for May 24-27 at Beaver Creek

Celebrate 10 years of music, barbecue and beer at Beaver Creek Resort over Memorial Day weekend with the 10th annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival May 24-27.

As the unofficial launch of summertime in the mountains, top barbecue chefs from around the state join local chefs in serving up mouth-watering barbecue complemented by thirst-quenching microbrews at one of the largest Colorado Microbrewery beer tastings. To make the 10th anniversary one to remember, this year’s event will feature a kickoff concert at the Vilar Performing Arts Center featuring the high-energy Chicago soul blues of Big James and the Chicago Playboys.

Other musical highlights include Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band Featuring Erica Brown, Too Slim and the Taildraggers and John Németh who will perform live at scheduled times during the weekend. Barbecue masters will be competing for bragging rights and $10,000 in cash prizes. On Saturday a panel of professional judges will rate pork, beef and side dishes according to appearance, taste and tenderness.

This year, attendees will have the chance to text their vote on Saturday and Sunday to determine the People’s Choice winner for Best Barbecue Vendor. Selected winners will be crowned Saturday and Sunday at 4:10 p.m. on the main stage in Beaver Creek Plaza.

A Kids Zone will be open from 12-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday providing activities and arts and crafts designed for kids 12 and under. At noon on Saturday, Beaver Creek’s signature Culinary Demonstration Series kick off for the summer season, providing complimentary barbecue demonstrations from guest and local chefs.

The Blues, Brews and BBQ event offers free admission to the plaza and food and beverage are available for purchase. Ticketed events include the following.

10th Anniversary Kickoff Concert

On Friday, May 24, don’t miss the energetic, bluesy sounds of Big James and the Chicago Playboys at the Vilar Performing Arts Center beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person at the door and include one beverage of your choice – beer, wine or soda. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Microbrew Festival

Enjoy one of the largest exclusively Colorado Microbrewery Beer Tastings in the state from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Featuring more than 80 special concoctions from 35 Colorado-based breweries, participants also receive a commemorative tasting mug. Advance tickets are $35 per person and will be $45 per person at the door. The event also will be held outdoors again this year on the back lawn, near the Centennial Express Chairlift (#6).

2nd Annual Cut and Slice Golf Event benefiting Can Do Multiple Sclerosis

Back for its second year, the Cut and Slice Golf Event takes place on Monday, May 27 at the Beaver Creek Golf Club from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A shotgun start opens the day and golfers also will enjoy barbecue and craft beers from Crazy Mountain Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery around the course.

Tickets are $100 per person which includes greens fee, golf cart, practice balls, tee gift and barbecue and beer on the course. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to Can Do Multiple Sclerosis’ lifestyle empowerment programs for people living with MS and their support partners. Reservations can be made by calling the Beaver Creek Golf Club at (970) 754-6212, emailing dlopez@vailresorts.com or purchase tickets online at www.beavercreek.com.

Lodging

Book two nights of lodging May 24-27, 2013 at participating properties and receive two custom Beaver Creek beer mugs and $20 worth of “Beaver Bucks” coupons valid toward food and beverage at the event. Book online at www.beavercreek.com or call 877.204.7883.

For more information about Blues, Brews and BBQ at Beaver Creek, visit www.beavercreek.com.