Browse: September 2007

If you're anything like us, you're counting down the days until you'll be knee-deep in powder. But Thanksgiving is still weeks away which means we have some time before we need our skis waxed and our legs in shape. Lucky for us, Aspen Skiing Co.'s third annual The Meeting—a snow-sports film celebration—arrives in Aspen October 4-7 just in time to distract us from our countdown and get us psyched for the snow to fall.

Aspen Skiing Co. hosted The Meeting, a film festival presenting the latest in ski and snowboard movies from the best action-sports filmmakers in the biz. Take a look at highlights from last year's event.

Aspen Film presented Filmfest 2006, bringing some of the most-buzzed-about films and documentaries from around the world to the Roaring Fork Valley. Take a look at some of the highlights from last year's big event.

Angela Konop, Plum's shopping correspondent, talked to Sari Tuschman about all the tailgating essentials for the upcoming football season.

Jon Bastian, sports editor for Aspen Daily News, stopped by the morning show to talk about the paper's new sports section and the Denver Broncos' upcoming season.

Carol and Ken Adelman are part-time Aspenites and Shakespeare experts who share their passion for the bard with others through The Aspen Institute's leadership training program Movers & Shakespeares. Carol is the current president of the program in addition to her work as senior fellow and director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Global Prosperity. Ken's illustrious career has included being assistant to the Secretary of Defense during the Ford Administration, acting as the director of Arms Control during the Reagan administration, and serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. It's a wonder either Ken or Carol have had time in their busy lives to study the works of Shakespeare, but they have, and Aspen has undoubtedly benefitted from their expertise. Carol and Ken's enthusiasm for Shakespeare and The Aspen Institute is infectious, which is why we wanted to honor them as two of our Plum 98.

This five bedroom mountain-chic home boasts elegant decor with 270 degree views of Ajax, Highlands, and Buttermilk. An extravagant home with ski in/ski out access to Buttermilk, this property also offers a media room, an exercise room, an elevator, top-of-the-line appliances, and expansive deck and patio space.

With the Oscars more than six months away, film fanatics still have plenty of time to catch up on the latest celluloid action. While the 29th annual Aspen Filmfest is still around the corner (September 26-30), another film festival is fast approaching in one of our sister stations, Martha's Vineyard. The Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is back for its second year and brings with it a plethora of international movie magic, parties, and live musical performances. Be sure to check out Plum Martha's Vineyard's in-depth coverage of this celebration of motion picture.

In the gray area between summer and winter (also known as fall), we find ourselves torn between missing the warm nights and craving snow-covered mountains. But the best part about this in-between time is the calm that falls over our beautiful mountain town, letting us recharge our batteries before another nonstop season begins. Here are our picks for fall must-dos before the snow starts falling.

Visit Maroon Bells
Nestled in a thicket of National Forest woodlands, the Maroon Bells are a national treasure not to be missed in all their autumnal glory. Catch a bus to the Bells outside Pro Mountain Sports at the base of Aspen Highlands (they run from 9:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends only through September 30), which will take you on a guided tour up Maroon Creek Road. The road is also open to motorized vehicles daily (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for a $10 fee until approximately the first week in November. Don't forget to bring a camera—you'll want to nab shots of the stunning fall foliage.

Drive Independence Pass
Time is running out to drive up one of the most beautiful regions in all of Colorado—Independence Pass. Climbing 5,700 vertical ft., the Pass (as it is known to Aspen locals) boasts magnificent views that are not to be missed. For an authentic dose of driving drama, gather your friends, gas up your ride, put on your favorite CD, and go for a drive on this stunning stretch of windy road. Spend the day zigzagging past Aspen groves, towering cliffs, and babbling streams. Remember to take a minute to soak in the views because before you know it, winter will be here, and Independence Pass will be closed for the season.

Powerhouse music couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks talked to Plum before their band, Soul Stew Revival, took the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival stage.

Our live programming may be done for the season but there is never a lack of things going on in Aspen and on our TV. Check out the Best of The MorningNoon&Night Show every morning at 8 a.m. to see some of our favorite interviews from the summer season. Also, stay tuned this fall for our coverage of Aspen Filmfest, Aspen Institute events, and Aspen Skiing Co's The Meeting. We will be back with our live morning shows once the lifts start running and the mountains are once again covered with snow. Until then, have a great off-season!

With the rich fall foliage in full effect, autumn in Aspen is truly a photographers' paradise. But what about those of us not blessed with an eye for photography? If you're like us, you want to take great shots but just don't have the time to enroll in a photography class. Thankfully, Colorado Mountain College photography instructor Stu Huck shared some essential tips on how to take a great picture when he stopped by the set of The MorningNoon&Night Show. According to Stu, it's all about the light.

Grammy-award winning artist John Legend sat down with Plum after his
showstopping performance at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival.

Cameron Wlliams and Richard Proctor of the Southern rock band Tishamingo sat down with Plum while they were in town to perform at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival.

Aspen Historical Society’s Tom Egan sat down with Torre to talk about the Tom Benton Retrospective Opening on the set of MN&N.

If you've ever attended a ski race or major event in Aspen, you've probably heard Tom Egan's booming voice. Egan has taken the time to offer his memorable vocals to countless events over the years as the announcer, auctioneer, or MC. Today, he's also doing his part to preserve Aspen's rich history and bring attention to the importance of the Aspen Historical Society in his role as the nonprofit's communications director. Egan is truly one of those Aspen citizens who epitomizes the ideals this town was built on--body, mind, and spirit. We can't imagine Aspen without his enthusiasm, warm smile, great personality, and, of course, that voice.

What is Plum 98? It¹s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Aspen community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, click HERE.

Our quaint little Valley will be buzzing with movie mayhem September 26-30. Now in its 29th year, Aspen Filmfest is known for screening top-notch movies from around the world, and this year's festival promises to be no exception.

Aspen has definitely hit a slower stride now that Labor Day has come and gone, but there are still plenty of don't-miss happenings taking place this off-season. Here are three of our favorite events sure to keep your September both busy and fun, and they just may leave you thinking, "What happened to off-season?"

Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure
Komen Aspen brings the 4th annual Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure to town Saturday, September 8. More than 400 riders will show their strength on the 100-mile route (there is also a 30-mile option). The event raises money for breast-cancer awareness and research. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds remain in the Roaring Fork Valley, providing women with free breast exams and breast-cancer education. For more information on the Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure and registration, please visit www.komenaspen.org.

Aspen Film's Terry Rigney talked to Plum about Aspen Filmfest 2007, which takes place September 26-30.

Clayton Day, chairman of Aspen Rugby Club, and Match Murphy, vice chairman of Ruggerfest, came by The MorningNoon&Night Show to talk about the 40th annual Aspen Ruggerfest taking place in September 13-16.

Jarrod Hollinger of Aspen Outfitting Co. stopped by the morning show to talk about the upcoming hunting season.

Leon Fell and Jon Lee talked to Torre about the 35th Annual Crocs MotherLode Volleyball Classic.

David Cook publisher of the Aspen Daily News stopped by The
MorningNooon&Night Show to talk about the paper's new website and new sports section.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of the critically acclaimed Half of a Yellow Sun, and Kenyan novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie sat down with Plum to talk about the art of storytelling and their experience in Aspen as part of the Aspen Writers' Foundation Summer Words Festival.

The 2007 Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival kicked off with a bang when bluegrass trio Nickel Creek and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals opened the four-day festival in Snowmass.