The PPMEA was founded in 2011 and is a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to raise money for local kids’ music programs by hosting musical events in the area. Because we also support many Colorado artists by bringing them in to play we not only benefit the kids but help strengthen the overall community of support for music and musicians in Colorado.
We are a local organization in the Colorado mountains along the “Peak to Peak Highway.” The “Peak to Peak” region in Colorado is basically the area stretching from Central City and Black Hawk on the south end, through Nederland and to the town of Allenspark on the north end along CO state highways 119 and 72.
The Peak to Peak Music Education Association was formed after the death of “Michigan Mike” Torpie, the founder of NedFest (below), to continue the festival and support music education programs in the peak to peak region.
Michigan Mike (center) with light shirt) celebrates a successful 2011 NedFest with friends at the late-night Black Forest show. Pictured (left to right) PPMEA President Rob Savoy, Jarod (NedFest parking director), Happy Jack (long-time NedFest volunteer), Michigan Mike Torpie (NedFest Founder), Kristen McFarland (PPMEA Event Coordinator), Lyn Hanna (founding PPMEA Board Member), Ben Griffin (founding PPMEA Board Member), Mark Latiolais (PPMEA Board Member).
Young local musicians perform at NedFest
Grants
Since its inception, the Peak to Peak Music Education Association has awarded over $8000 in grants for music programs and musical instruments to the Nederland Elementary School, the Nederland Middle and Senior High School, the Gilpin County School, and the Nederland TEEN Center, as well as providing private music lessons for select young musicians in need.
Our first grant: April 12, 2013: The Peak to Peak Music Education Association Board of Directors presents a check to Stephen LeFaiver, TEEN Center director, to support an after school music tutor in conjunction with the Mark Vann Foundation.
The NedFest Family Reunion was held August 26-27, 2023 at the Caribou Room property on the hill above Nederland. We had all the wonderful stuff that NedFest is known for, from kids’ activities to artist booths to great local beer sponsors!
INFORMATION:
SATURDAY AUGUST 26
GATES OPEN 1:00
1:30 – 2:00 tweener: Jamie Lammers
2:00 – 3:30 Flash Mountain Flood
3:30 – 4:00 tweener: Kyle Brock
4:00 – 5:30 Smooth Money Gesture
5:30 – 6:00 tweener
6:00 – 7:30 Rocket Parade
7:30 – 8:00 tweener: Blackdog Jazz Trio
8:00 – 9:30 Very Special Super Group:
8 spectacular musicians from all different bands playing together. A one-of-a kind show that you will never see again. Get ready to stay on your feet the entire time because we have a very funky crew in store that will keep you dancing!… On drums and percussion will be NedFest Family royalty, having played at both the very first NedFest and over half of them total, Dave Watts, founder of The Motet, and Scott Messersmith of The California Honeydrops. And who would we pick for keys but Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident who has graced the NedFest stage at least 8 times. Jennifer Hartswick who played NedFest in 2017 with Oteil’s crew (and plays with the Trey Anastasio Band) will be on trumpet and vocals. On bass, from the hottest funk jazz band in the nation, Galactic, we will have the amazing Robert Mercurio. Lettuce guitarist Adam Smirnoff, better known as Schmeeans, will be there (REALLY!!). Big Gigantic will contribute Dominic Lalli’s epic sax playing. And to top it all off, 7-time Grammy-nominated Joan Osborne will be on vocals!
10:00 – 12:00 Fruition late night show inside The Caribou Room
SUNDAY AUGUST 27
GATES OPEN 11:30
12:00 – 1:00 local kids’ music showcase
1:00 – 1:30 tweener
1:30 – 3:00 No Go Gilbillies
3:00 – 3:30 tweener: Eric Stone
3:30 – 5:00 Dango Rose (of Elephant Revival) and Friends featuring Dave Johnston (of Yonder Mountain String Band), Bridget Law (of Elephant Revival), Taylor Sims, and Silas Herman!
5:00 – 5:30 tweener: John McKay
5:30 – 7:00 The Hillbenders
CAMPING: Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we will be able to offer camping, sorry. There are several National Forest areas nearby for camping.
VENDING: We will have a limited number of vendor spots but with no electricity provided. Vendors (except food trucks) must use solar lighting/ power only, no generators will be allowed. Use the contact form page to get vendor registration information.
This show is under roof, so no worries about rain and no need for sun shades. Do bring a camp chair. Small coolers are allowed but NO GLASS and NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL. No pets and PLEASE only real, trained service dogs.
There is plenty of free parking and this event is fully accessible.
Camping:
There is no onsite camping but just across the street is the Base Camp , a private campground. Since it is a holiday weekend we suggest reservations as early as possible!
