It just doesn’t seem fair: Durango has its very own film festival and its very own bluegrass festival? How much coolness can one small mountain town claim?

Well, a lot, as it turns out. The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown will heat up and thaw out the town throughout the weekend of April 11-13.

At last count, the lineup will feature nearly 30 bands, including national acts like the Grammy-nominated contemporary bluegrass band Blue Highway, self-described “hard-drivin’ Carolina string band” Town Mountain, and The Earl Brothers with their own brand of “outlaw hillbilly music.”  Other bands include regional and local acts, such as The Ruined Nation Boys, The Railsplitters, The Scrugglers, Lawn Chair Kings, Chicken Strange and The Six Dollar String Band.

Venues include the Henry Strater Theatre, Durango Arts Center, Durango Discovery Museum, Durango Elks Lodge and the Wild Horse Saloon.

The weekend kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with a free, two-hour concert at the Durango Discovery Museum, followed by live music at various venues Friday night, a band showcase throughout the day Saturday, and a choice of the Meltdown’s Superjam or Old Time Barn Dance on Saturday night. Sunday includes a Songwriters’ Showcase, a gospel set, informal jam sessions and a showing of the film, The Tao of Bluegrass–A Portrait of Peter Rowan.

Passes are available for the entire weekend or for Saturday or Sunday only. Buy your passes online, or for more information, call 970-335-9771 or e-mail info@durangomeltdown.com. Whether you’re in a band or simply a fan, be sure to book your room at the Durango Quality Inn for the rompin’, stompin’, music-filled weekend.