Aspen Skiing Co. will host the first annual Après Music Festival on Buttermilk Ski Area in early April, Skico announced Monday.
Promoted in collaboration with the downtown music club Belly Up, the festival on Buttermilk’s Panda Peak will host Umphrey’s McGee on April 5 followed by two nights of performances by The String Cheese Incident playing two-set shows on both April 6 and 7.
Both bands also will play shows at Belly Up: Umphrey’s on April 3 and 4; String Cheese on April 5.
The new Skico festival is programed against Aspen Film’s Aspen Shortsfest. The 28th outing of that short film festival is scheduled to run in Aspen April 2 through 7.
“We have a long history of incorporating live music into our events and are thrilled to unveil The Après which will be built around performances by bands that love skiing and riding in the mountains,” Skico event director Deric Gunshor said in the announcement. “There’s no better place to host this event than Buttermilk Mountain where we recently hosted X Games and the stage will be set for an incredible experience of skiing, riding and fun at The Après.”
Both jam bands are local favorites. Umphrey’s has played a popular multi-night run at Belly Up for several years. String Cheese, founded in Colorado, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Its keyboard player, Kyle Hollingsworth, headlined Belly Up early this month.
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Umphrey’s will play an 8 p.m. set on the opening night, preceded by two yet-to-be-announced opening acts. String Cheese will play 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. sets on Saturday and Sunday, preceded by another yet-to-be-announced opener at 4:30 p.m.
Ticket options are a $79.99 three-day music pass or a $199.99 three-day music pass with two lift tickets. They go on sale Friday, Feb. 1 at aspensnowmass.com and Bumps restaurant at Buttermilk. Belly Up tickets go on-sale Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Belly Up box office and bellyupaspen.com.