Artifacts: An Evening of Blues & Storytelling

“Artifacts” is presented by Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch.

On the night of the Autumnal Equinox, Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch welcomes a rare and unforgettable performance: Artifacts, an evening of live music and storytelling featuring Charlie Musselwhite, Craig Childs, and special guest Russ Chapman.

Held outdoors at the foot of Sleeping Ute Mountain, this one-night-only show brings together three master performers for a spellbinding journey through time, sound, and story — where blues and myth meet under the stars.

Craig Childs is an award-winning author, explorer, and storyteller based in southwest Colorado. He has written more than a dozen books on wilderness, science, and ancient peoples, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, NPR, and National Geographic. Known for his captivating performances that blend narrative, place-based history, and poetic insight, Childs brings a deep reverence for the land and its stories. Artifacts is his latest live collaboration, merging spoken word with the raw emotional resonance of the blues.

Find out more about Craig at houseofrain.com

Charlie Musselwhite is a legendary American blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter, and bandleader. Born in 1944 in Mississippi, he played a key role in the blues revival of the 1960s and went on to record over 30 albums. A multiple Grammy winner and nominee, Musselwhite has performed around the world with musicians from Muddy Waters to Ben Harper. Known for his deep, soulful playing and gritty vocals, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest living bluesmen. This stop in McElmo Canyon is part of a very limited 2025 appearance schedule — a one-night-only opportunity.

Russ Chapman, the evening’s special guest, is a folk-blues songwriter and storyteller who brings humor, heart, and a sharp lyrical sensibility to the stage. Winner of the Telluride Emerging Blues Artist Award, Russ weaves clever wordplay with toe-tapping rhythm, delivering a performance that’s equal parts entertaining and uplifting.

This show will not be recorded or streamed — it is designed to be experienced live, in the moment, surrounded by canyon walls and equinox twilight.

Date: Saturday, September 20th, 2025 – Autumnal Equinox

Time (Mountain Time):

5:30 PM – Gate opens for parking & shuttles (or enjoy a 10-minute walk!)

6:45 PM – Last shuttle departs for performance site

7:00 PM – Show begins

Location:

Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch

7950 County Road G, Cortez, CO 81321

McElmo Canyon (between milepost 8 & 9)

Directions:

From Cortez: Take S. Broadway/US-491 south to County Road G (same road as Cortez Airport). Head west ~17 miles. Look for “Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch” signage between mile markers 9 & 8.

From the Utah Border: Ismay Trading Post Rd turns into County Rd G. From the border, drive about 8.5 miles. Entrance will be on your right.

What to Bring:

• Outdoor concert seating (low chairs/blankets)
• Water
• Warm fall weather gear
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Cash if you’d like to purchase food

Food & Drink:

Local gyros and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

Lodging:

Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch still has a couple of guesthouses available and limited dry camping spaces at the ranch for your convenience. There is free camping available on surrounding BLM land, and additional accommodations may be found in Cortez .

🐾 Please, no pets.

Info: Gates will be open at 5:30pm for entry. Please follow the signs for parking.

Info: A shuttle will be provided from 5:30pm-6:45pm. It is approximately a 10-15 minute walk depending on where you park to the stage if you do not take the shuttle.

Info: The show will begin promptly at sunset (approximately 7pm).

Also check out other Music events in Cortez, Entertainment events in Cortez.