Located in the rugged San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Purgatory Resort is only 25 miles north of historic downtown Durango. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Purgatory provides stunning views of a high alpine landscape. Purgatory Resort’s base is more than 8,000 feet above sea level, and the summit is nearly 11,000 feet.  As people arrived for the Summer Fest they were greeted by a bustling summer scene of hikers, mountain bikers, and other people enjoying the Inferno Mountain Coaster and an Alpine Slide.

State 38 appeared to be right at home performing at the Purgatory Summer Brew Fest.  Surrounded by mountains, endless sunshine, and happy beer drinkers, the band opened their set with a beautiful bluesy rendition of The Grateful Dead’s “Deep Elem Blues.”  Later, Nancy Young’s soulful voice was highlighted in the band’s rendition of “Anyhow“ (Tedeschi Trucks Band).  This eclectic band continued to entertain with an upbeat tune titled, “So Right,” an original song written by guitarist Eric Johnson.  Jim North’s gravelly vocals performing Big Boss Man added to the diverse first set.  Throughout the afternoon, State 38 masterly covered songs from The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones and Talking Heads enhancing the mood of a beautiful summer afternoon in the mountains.  Ahhh, summer!

Delaney