The Road to Wondergrass: Top 6 Bands Battle for Glory, Community, and Dreams

By: Sawyer Matz

Six bands, one winner, one festival, $1,000, and one night—jam-packed with thrilling and good-natured rivalry. BandWagon Magazine Presents The Road to Wondergrass: Battle of the Bands. Held for the second year at the wonderful Mercury Cafe, a Colorado staple, this is a night sure to excite, entertain, and hopefully introduce some fresh artists to your playlist.

On Friday, Jan. 31, six bands will go head-to-head, fighting for their chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, an opening spot at the WonderGrass festival, festival passes for the whole band, and a bounty of festival swag. Grab your tickets now to witness this epic skirmish. The contestants? Graham Good & the Painters, Bear Hat, Dealer Takes Four, Ridgeliners, Clare Elich, and Bottlerocket Hurricane. These talented warriors will take the stage and face off to make a name for themselves, claim their rightful spot on the Winter Wondergrass opening stage, and have their share of the fun. These noble competitors need the crowd’s support to gain the winning edge.

The prospect of attending the revered WonderGrass Festival with their bandmates—and some extra cash in their pockets—is thrilling enough, but the opportunity to perform on the opening stage is something else entirely. This chance will have each band firing on all cylinders, ready to crush it. These worthy six have already savored a small taste of victory after being selected to compete. Now, they must dive in, armed and ready with their picks and sticks, to become the true champions. Who will it be?

 

Each competing band answered two questions for us:

    1. What do you hope to get out of the competition?

    2. What is your favorite part about being a local group?

  1.  


Bottlerocket Hurricane

1. We are excited about the competition and hope to gain new followers and recognition for our music. We are busting out some newer (& a never-played) tunes. We are competing with many close friends, so that’s always fun. I want us all to win, and believe there is enough success for all of us as artists. It’s an honor to have been invited.
2. My favorite part of being a local group is getting to play for people I love who have known me a long time and watched me “come up,” as they say. I personally came to music late in the game, and it has let me meet so many creative people I may not have met otherwise and given me amazing experiences. I’ve gone through many evolutions in my band lineup, and I feel this is the strongest supporting team of musicians I’ve ever played with. I am very blessed for that.


Dealer Takes Four

1. We’re excited to gain valuable feedback from the Winter Wondergrass industry professionals and use it to elevate our performance. The chance to play one of our favorite festivals, Winter Wondergrass, in one of our favorite towns, Steamboat, is truly a dream come true. We’re also greatly looking forward to connecting with new bands in the Denver music scene and strengthening our community ties.
2. Without a doubt, it’s the local Denver music community. Despite its size and competitiveness, the scene remains supportive, welcoming, and refreshingly free of toxicity. We’re constantly inspired by the incredible talent here and cherish the friendships and connections we’ve built both on and off the stage.


Graham Good & the Painters

1. We are hoping to connect with some new bands, make new friends, and play a kick-ass show that leaves people feeling hopeful. Playing Winter Wondergrass would also be super cool.
2. There seems to be a never-ending supply of talented musicians and songwriters here in Colorado. We’re happy to be in the middle of such great art. My favorite part is everyone’s willingness to support and be supported. It’s like a massage train—we’ll come see your band play, you’ll come see our band play. Let’s climb the ladder together.


Ridgeliners

1. We’re excited to have this opportunity to perform for a new audience and showcase our blend of Americana-country. We’re looking forward to connecting with other great musicians, gaining some valuable experience, and sharing some of our new music!
2. We love being part of the local scene and having such a vibrant community right in our backyard. Being able to support local venues and businesses means a lot.


Clare Elich

1. You know, I’d obviously love to play at Winter Wondergrass, but the people that have come out of the woodwork in excitement for the battle itself has been so cool to see. Folks I haven’t connected with in years are planning to come out, and that’s such a big part of why I play music—to welcome folks into a space where they feel safe, silly, and seen. So hopefully, we will see that at the show and after.
2. Denver’s music scene, as I’ve experienced it—especially the folk and bluegrass scene—is a truly wholesome group of people. So it’s quite a treat to share creative space with inspiring artists and not necessarily have to live in Nashville or New York, etc.


Bear Hat

1. We are honored to have been selected for the contest, and that in and of itself is a small victory for us. Bear Hat’s main objective is always to have an ass-kickin’ time playing our unique blend of original acoustics. We also hope to make some cool new friends and hear some great music along the way.
2. Just like in this contest, we are grateful to be surrounded by incredibly talented musicians in our local community. This drives us to a higher level of excellence in composing original material, thoughtful and productive rehearsals, and inherent professionalism in ALL of our performances.


This battle of the bands promises to be an unforgettable night of music, camaraderie, and electrifying performances. Don’t miss it tonight!

Tickets are now on sale for the 12th annual WinterWonderGrass Colorado at Steamboat Resort, happening February 28 – March 2, 2025. This year’s festival celebrates the bluegrass and jam bands that have paved the way while introducing ten new acts from Scotland to Asheville. Join us slope-side for an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and winter adventure. Early bird tickets are available now for a limited time at WinterWonderGrass.com.