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Lucius: Field Recordings x Aspen Ideas Festival

Known for its panoramic views of Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley, Smuggler Mountain was conveniently a couple of miles from the Aspen Ideas Festival campus. The band Lucius and our crew took a short trek up a dirt road to arrive at the historic Smugger Mine. Once inside, we walked through the cold and damp Clark Tunnel and arrived at a man-made cavern. There Lucius played "Dusty Trails," perhaps appropriate for the fossilized surroundings.

The subsequent songs come from its latest self-titled album. Performed just outside of the mine entrance, the audience had the good fortune to take in catchy tunes and a gorgeous background overlooking the town. "Final Days" is a reminder that the human experience is filled with unknowns. The sugary "Gold Rush" highlights lead singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig's solid vocal connection. The set ends with "Mad Love," a beautiful ballad that inspired some grasshoppers to sing along.

SET LIST 

  • "Dusty Trails"
  • "Final Days"
  • "Gold Rush"
  • "Mad Love"

MUSICIANS 

  • Jess Wolfe: vocals
  • Holly Laessig: vocals
  • Dan Molad: percussion, background vocals
  • Peter Lalish: guitar
  • Jacob Peters: bass

PRODUCTION TEAM

  • Director: Mito Habe-Evans
  • Editor: Nickolai Hammar
  • Videographers: Mito Habe-Evans, Nickolai Hammar, Ryan Lohr, Will Sardinsky
  • Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
  • Post-Production Coordinator: Tsering Bista
  • Senior Producer, Aspen Institute: Ava Hartmann 
  • Program Associate, Aspen Institute: Jacqueline Olivas-Sison
  • Festival Director: Graham Veysey
  • Supervising Editor: Becky Lettenberger
  • Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed

SPECIAL THANKS

  • Sean Duty
  • Ben James
  • Samuel Lasater
  • Jay Parker
  • Chris Preusch
  • Smuggler Consolidated Mines, LLC. 
  • Fred Wilson
  • Matt Windholz
  • Keith Jenkins

Copyright 2025 NPR

Suraya Mohamed
Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer for NPR Music. In this role, Mohamed leads development and production of content across NPR Music's podcasts, programs and shows including Tiny Desk, Alt.Latino, Jazz Night in America, All Songs Considered and NPR Music's acquired shows.

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