Frequently Asked Questions
These are frequently asked questions we've gathered over the years. If you have a question that isn't posted, please email these to: [email protected]
How will the Academy be structured?
Each day at the Academy is divided into four sessions that run from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, you’ll be treated to instructor jams, and on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, instrument instruction. An elective session follows that includes a daily vocal class and song session groups to work on ensemble material, with coaching by instructor teams. After a lunch break, you will have another instrument instruction session followed by an elective session (10-12 electives) to end your day. Some examples of elective topics are songwriting, harmony vocals, music theory, and specific instrument styles and topics. After a dinner break, there will be evening activities offered including a band scramble, open stage time and campfire jamming.
What does it cost?
The experience is only $450 and most classes generally sell out within days or weeks. Class registration is being handled using a random online lottery in 2007. This lottery will be open until 11:59pm MST on November 27, 2006. A $100 deposit is required to hold your space. The balance is due by April 1st, 2007.
When are full payments due? Can I get a refund?
Full payments for the Academy are due by April 1st. Your $100 deposit is nonrefundable, but your remainder payment is fully refundable before April 28th. There will be no refunds after April 28.
What about ability levels? Which class should I sign up for?
The Academy offers different levels of instruction for various bluegrass instruments. Please note that there are no beginner classes. Do not sign up for a class if you have never played the instrument! You must at least be able to strum, pick or bow and change basic chords in time and play simple melodies to be considered a novice. Intermediate level participants should be able to play lead and rhythm parts and be comfortable with slow jamming. Advanced level participants are expected to play well with others, be competent at faster rhythms and complex lead parts and cover material quickly. Classes with only two levels will divide the intermediate students into upper and lower levels. It is usually not a problem to switch levels within your instrument class once the Academy has started. However, you will not be permitted to switch to a different instrument.
Will any meals be served?
During the Academy, we offer two evening BBQ’s on Monday and Thursday evenings; included in the tuition. Friends and family of participants may attend only if they have purchased a guest pass (see below). Every morning we offer complimentary coffee, tea and muffins to start your day. Additionally, we plan to again have a local vender on site for those wishing to purchase lunch and snacks.
Can I bring friends or family along to the Academy?
One companion may stay with you during the Academy/ Song School under the following conditions:
- You must purchase a guest pass for your guest in advance. Passes are limited. A guest wristband costs $100 and includes camping, evening activities and both Academy BBQ’s.
- Guests must share tent with Academy attendee.
- Guests may not bring vehicles on site.
- Guests are not permitted in "campus" areas during the day and must be respectful with regards to noise.
How do I get to the Planet Bluegrass Ranch?
If you are planning to fly into Denver International Airport, you have several options to get from Denver to Lyons. The Denver metro bus system, RTD, stops about 1/2 mile from the PB Ranch gate. Another private service, the Estes Park Shuttle, makes four daily runs from DIA to Estes Park, dropping you off at the PB Ranch on the way. The North Denver Airport Shuttle and Superior Shuttle both serve Lyons. For more details, contact these services directly:
- RTD 800-366-7433
- Estes Park Shuttle 970-586-5151
- North Denver Airport Shuttle 303-457-4646
- Superior Shuttle 303-399-2812
Directions to Lyons From DIA:
Please keep in mind that this area is continually under construction & these directions may vary slightly this summer. Bear right leaving the airport onto Pena Boulevard. Take E-470 N- Exit 6B (this is a toll road, currently $2 x 3 tools). Take the exit for 120th Avenue. Travel West on 120th. Cross Hwy 76, and take a right onto SR 2 (AKA SR 51) next to large truck stop. Take SR 2 into Brighton toward Lafayette. Take a right on HWY 25 N. Take HWY 25 to the HWY 66 exit (about 24 miles, sign for LYONS) and take a left onto HWY 66. Proceed on HWY 66 through Longmont into Lyons (approximately 20 miles). Once you are in Lyons, drive through town, through light and bear right onto HWY 36 towards Estes Park. The Planet Bluegrass Ranch is just over the river and on the right- you can’t miss it! Look for our sign.
What accommodations should I expect to find?
Planet Bluegrass offers convenient on-site camping during the RockyGrass Academy and during RockyGrass. Our Ranch is situated on 19 beautiful acres of private property. It’s nestled along the St.Vrain River; tucked beneath a rim of 75 foot high red sandstone cliffs. We also have a bathhouse, which offers indoor toilets, sinks and showers.
Can I bring my RV?
You may bring an RV with you to Academy and the Festival, but you may not park your RV in the on-site campground. In order to protect the natural environment of the Planet Bluegrass Ranch, we will not be allowing any RVs on-site during any of our events. We will provide you with an RV space in Meadow Park during the Academy. You will need to purchase a separate RV pass at Meadow Park or Olson during the Festival.
Meadow Park Camping?
We also offer camping at Meadow Park across the street from our Ranch. This campground is operated by the town of Lyons and there is a $12 fee per night until Sunday, July 22nd when Planet Bluegrass takes over. If you display a Meadow Park camping and vehicle pass for the festival, you may stay for the Academy for no additional charge.
What about other vehicles and tents on site?
You may camp in a tent or vehicle free of charge while attending the Academy in the designated Academy camping area. To stay on-site during the festival you will need to purchase a three-day festival pass with on-site camping privileges. Vehicles require additional passes during the festival, separate from the per-person camping pass. On-site camping is being sold through a special random online lottery. You may also choose to purchase an on-site camping pass through the Academy lottery. Festival vehicle passes are expected to sell out through the on-site camping lottery which closes on December 4. If you are not staying for the festival you may have your vehicle with you in the camping area or a tent - NOT BOTH. If you choose to have your tent in the camping area, you will be able to park your vehicle on-site in a designated area as space permits. Overflow vehicles must be parked off site.
Can I set up and stay in the same campsite for the Academy and the Festival? What about my vehicle?
Academy campers who have festival and on-site camping passes can set up and stay in the same campsite once the Academy has ended. Buy your festival, camping and vehicle passes ASAP before they sell out. Camping during the Academy occurs in a designated area on the Festival grounds. If you don’t have a vehicle pass you may have either a vehicle or a tent in the camping area. If you chose to have your tent in the area, you may park your car in the designated Academy parking area on the grounds as space permits. You will be required to move your vehicle and campsite on Friday morning by 9:00 am if you do not have festival camping passes. If are not camping with your vehicle for the festival, you may park it in a secured lot for the weekend.
What can I buy in Lyons?
Lyons is a small town where you can get the basics. Within a mile or less from the Ranch gate, you can get to the post office, a health food store, a quaint little grocery, a pharmacy, an old-timey cafe, 1/2 dozen restaurants, and several coffee shops. Within a two-mile radius you can find a dozen restaurants, several gas stations, two banks, liquor and grocery stores and several antique dealers.
What should I bring with me?
The classrooms are outdoors, under shade tents, so bring raingear and warm clothing as well as shorts, a swimming suit and sunscreen. Also bring picks, rosin, extra strings, watch, tape recorder and plenty of extra batteries and tapes, a flashlight, tarp, folding chairs, camera, and snack food.
Are there phones available? Will my cell phone work?
We have installed a public phone on site in front of the bathhouse. Pay phones can also be found nearby in the town of Lyons. Cell phones users have experienced trouble with reception on the Ranch. Service improves once you are a mile or so away or closer to Boulder and Longmont.
How soon can I set up camp and check in for the Academy?
The Academy campground opens noon on Sunday, July 22, 2007. You may check in and pick up Academy materials from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Sunday and on Monday morning starting at 8:00 AM.
What’s the weather like?
Usually Colorado is sunny and warm with an occasional afternoon thunderstorm - but not always. The phrase “if you don’t like the weather just wait fifteen minutes” is truly appropriate in Colorado. It’s good to be prepared for a little rain, wind, and cool evenings. Daytime temperatures usually are in the 80’s and 90’s and at night you can expect 60’s and 70’s.
When will instrument building classes begin? What do I need to bring?
Mandolin and Mandola building classes will start at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 22nd. The first item of business is to select your instrument kits and receive an overview of the entire building process. Everything will be provided for you, so come on time ready to start! You can set up your camp after class if necessary.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, no pets are allowed on site. Call us for a list of local kennels if necessary.
Hotels and other places to stay
There are a number of lodges and motels in the surrounding area, which offer a wide range of accommodations. Visit our lodging page for more information.
Can I line-up to gain entry on-site?
Because Planet Bluegrass is located on a highway and the line has grown in the past few years beyond what can safely be accommodated by the shoulder, we have relocated the line to the Olson Property, down 2nd Avenue towardds the Lyons Midde-Senior High School. Please stay near your vehicle and have any Festival vehicle passes you have already purchased handy so that our staff can give you the proper credentials to gain entry to the site.
What about the Kids Camp?
If you’ve been thinking about introducing your children to bluegrass, or bringing the family to the Academy this program will provide excellent instruction for ages 7-14. Classes will run at the same time as the Academy. Additional information is available at the Kids Camp page.
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