So, we survived the holidays once again. We had a bit of brutal weather thrown in there, but that always turns it into more of an adventure. At least it does once you can look back at them. When you are trying to dig your car out of the driveway to get somewhere, it seems more of a pain than anything else. 

My wife gave me a new little mini chainsaw for Christmas. I was like “Wow, this will be cool to use in the Spring,” then two days later I was already putting it to the test chopping up the branches that the snow storm brought down from my trees. Turns out it was a pretty timely gift!

At this time of year, I usually turn my attention to some of our more traditional Western events that surround the National Western Stock Show. One that always happens is the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, but unfortunately this year’s event has been canceled. It’s supposed to be back next year though, so we’ll look for that in 2024.

Truthfully, almost all of the exciting events in Golden for January are going to be happening on the weekend of January 27- 29. Those include the Foothills Art Center opening of the annual Member’s Show, Miners Playhouse’s new show “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and the annual Ullrgrass music and beer festival.

I’ll give you some more information on the first two in the coming weeks, but for today I’m going to take a sneak peak at Ullrgrass as there is something attached to it that’s happening a week before the actual festival.

So, for those of you who aren’t familiar with UllrGrass, it’s our annual winter outdoor music festival. It’s going to be happening from Jan. 27 through Jan. 29 in Golden’s Parfet Park.

UllrGrass is named for the Norse God of Winter, Ullr. That’s  pronounced “oo-ler,” if your Norwegian is a little rusty. In some ways it’s kind of like a mini Viking themed Ren Fair sincefestival-goers dress in Viking regalia and gather to celebrate community, live music, performing arts and craft beer. And snow.

This event has been consistently named one of the Top Ten Outdoor Festivals in Colorado and always features a diverse lineup of bluegrass, newgrass, funk and jamband artists. 

The UllrGrass Beer Festival takes place on Jan. 28 from 12-4p.m.  You can enjoy live music on two alternating stages while sampling craft brews and ciders from 30+ breweries from across Colorado . The evening shows on Jan. 27 and 28 will take place in Parfet Park under heated big top tents. Jan. 29 is “FREE Family Day” featuring an UllrEgg Hunt, craft activities and games.  Food trucks will be there to provide a variety of tasty treats all weekend long. 

Now, aside from the Free Family Day, you are going to need tickets to attend the rest, and those have a huge range of prices, going from $25 all the way up to a $450 Platinum Pass that includes catering and everything except the kitchen sink, so you are going to have to go to the website and see which tickets fill your needs.

But the reason I’m getting a bit of a jump on writing about this event is because on Jan. 19, there’s going to be an UllrGrass Band Contest at the New Terrain Brewing Company. The Band Contest is an additional free event and open to the public, so you can head on down to the brewery and enjoy an evening of live music and sample the UllrGrass Pale Ale. The winner of the UllrGrass Band Contest will be offered a set at the UllrGrass Music Festival 2023 and a Main Stage set at UllrGrass 2024. Plus, they are holding Fireside Sets for runners up and participating bands as well. That’s going to be happening from 4-7 p.m. and they are located at 6401 Table Mountain Pkwy in Golden.

For all the information you will need, plus to order tickets, visit ullrgrass.com. Then go in the closet and find your trusty viking helmet! Doesn’t everybody have one?

John Akal is a well-known jazz artist/drummer and leader of the 20-piece Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra. He also is president of John Akal Imaging, professional commercial photography and multimedia production. He can be reached at jaimaging@aol.com.