The final bash of the season is getting underway this week in Vail! The annual Spring Back to Vail event, a cherished tradition of amazing headlining concerts, parties, costumes and silly spring fun, begins Wednesday April 10 and runs through Vail’s closing day, April 14. This is the last and biggest nod to Vail’s fabulous 50th season, so don’t miss this final chance to give a half-century toast to our beloved home resort!
The weekend kicks off on Wednesday, April 10 with an Opening Party at Vendetta’s in Vail Village from 5-7pm. This is the first of several daily après-ski parties; The Red Lion, Pazzo’s Pizzeria, Los Amigos and Vendetta’s will take turns hosting après on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons anywhere from 3:30pm-6pm. In addition, gear up to continue the fun into the evening on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 10, with after dark parties at venues Vail Ale House, Whiskey Jack’s and Samana. These late night fetes cap off the signature events of Spring Back to Vail- unbelievable free live concerts from artists O.A.R., Sublime and Jimmy Cliff.
The first show in the lineup is Friday night at Ford Park, where O.A.R. will perform with opener Patrick Dethelfs. Dethelfs, a Denver artist with a smooth sweet sound that has gathered quite a following on the Front range, will warm up the audience with his folksy mixed with country style. Then hang tight for the big show with O.A.R. This pop culture favorite who got their start in the fraternities and sororities of Ohio State in the late 90’s have become radio icons with hits “This Town”, “Shattered” and “Love and Memories”. Vail is excited to welcome back these Spring Back to Vail alums who knocked it out of the park when they played their 2010 closing weekend show.
Saturday night, Sublime With Rome, the reincarnation of 90’s ska-punk band Sublime, promises to pack Ford Park’s venue with a high energy dance groove that will have the crowd on its toes! Still famous for their 1996 hit single “What I Got”, this band has firm roots in the pop music genre that will be recognized by fans of all ages. After a 10+ year hiatus, the remaining members of the band decided to come together again to form a new band with new energy that gives a firm nod to the beloved ska groove of the original Sublime sound. This music is made for live performances…you won’t be able to resist the dance-ready vibe this fun California band gives off in a live concert! Setting the stage for the evening’s fun on Saturday is opening band Air Dubai. They spin a unique alternative hip-hop sound, and the signature of this Denver-based band is live performances, where they truly shine.
On Sunday, after the Pond Skimming Festivities (more about that in a minute) Grammy-winning legend Jimmy Cliff graces the streets of Vail Village at an in-town concert at 4pm at Solaris Plaza. Jimmy Cliff’s iconic music spans a half-century, which makes his appearance a perfect final musical send off to Vail’s 50th anniversary season! Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, and is best known for such timeless reggae hits as “Many Rivers to Cross” and “The Harder They Come”, as well as his infamous reggae cover of “I Can See Clearly Now”. This promises to be an incredible musical treat on closing day, perfect for all ages to celebrate Vail’s final ski day of 2013!
Leading up to Jimmy Cliff is Closing Day- a silly fete celebrating a great ski season, great friends and great fun. Locals come out in their best and brightest costumes, on-mountain decks are full of revelers and festivities abound on and off the mountain. The culminating event of these on-mountain raging festivities is the annual World Pond Skimming Championships. Finish up your last day of skiing by heading down the mountain to the Golden Peak venue of Vail’s beloved rites of passage from winter to spring. Competitors clad in every costume imaginable will compete to skim an icy pond on skis in search of the World Pond Skimming Champion title. You don’t want to miss the hilarious sights at this fun-filled Spring Back event! For more information and a detailed schedule, visit the Vail website.
