Frequently Asked Questions
2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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: schools@bluegrass.com.

How will the Song School be structured?

The Song School program is an intensive workshop experience that focuses on songwriting and its building blocks. The week is designed to allow participants maximum flexibility in choosing their songwriting interests. Each day, from 9:00 am to 6:00pm, there are elective topics in the areas of songwriting, performance, business, guitar and vocals. The evenings consist of BBQs, open stage time, and campfire song sharing.

When are full payments due? Can I get a refund?

Before checking out you can select to pay in full or a payment plan. Your deposit and remainder payments are non-refundable. Your non-refundable payment of $150 reserves your space in The Song School. You must pay the remaining non-refundable fee prior to May 15th.

What is the expertise level of these classes?

Most participants write songs regularly, but the program is open to all levels of songwriters. A large dose of inspiration will be had by all, even if you have never written a song before.

Can I bring friends or family along to the Song School?

Because we have limited space and aim to provide an intimate learning environment for all Song School students, we have to put limits on the number of non-students who are on our property during The Song School.

Guest passes are required for anyone on the property who is not enrolled in The Song School and must be purchased in advance. We only sell guest passes to immediate family members of students. Since we limit the total number of guest passes available, each student can purchase a maximum of one guest pass until we are sold out. Guest passes are not available until after registration. A guest wristband includes camping, evening activities and both Song School BBQs.


Guests must observe the following rules during The Song School:
  1. Guests must share tent with Song School attendee.
  2. Guests may not bring vehicles on site.
  3. Guests must avoid classroom areas during the day and be respectful with regard to noise.

To purchase a guest pass (once you have confirmed your Song School registration), please contact schools@bluegrass.com.

The Lavern Johnson (Meadow) Park Campground is an excellent alternative for groups or families who are not attending The Song School. Lavern Johnson (Meadow) Park is easy walking distance the Festival grounds. Your family can reserve a campsite through the Town of Lyons by following the link above.

How do I get to the Planet Bluegrass Ranch?

Check out our interactive map of Lyons and Planet Bluegrass for driving directions. 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
What accommodations should I expect to find?

Planet Bluegrass offers convenient on-site camping during the Song School and during The Folks Festival. Our Ranch is situated on 15 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?

We do not allow any vehicles over 18 feet in our on-site campground. If you would like to bring a vehicle larger than that, the nearest RV parking area is LaVern Johnson Park and reservations must be made through the Town of Lyons here.

What if it rains?

The Song School goes on rain or shine.

Can I record classes?

Audio taping the classes at the Song School is permitted (and often encourged). Recording devices must be self-contained (we do not provide AC outlets)

What about other vehicles and tents on site?

You may camp in a tent or vehicle free of charge while attending the Song School in the designated Song School 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 and RVs require additional passes during the festival, separate from the per-person camping pass. If you are not staying for the festival you will be asked to move your vehicle out of the campground Thursday to accommodate festival campers moving in.

Can I set up and stay in the same campsite for the Song School and the Festival? What about my vehicle?

Song School campers who have festival and on-site camping passes can set up and stay in the same campsite once the Song School has ended. Buy your festival, camping and vehicle passes ASAP before they sell out. You will be required to move your vehicle on Thursday and move your campsite on Friday morning by 9:00am if you do not have festival camping passes. If you do not need to camp with your vehicle for the festival, you may park it in a secured lot for the weekend.

Are there hotels and other places to stay nearby?
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.
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 music store, a health food store, a small grocery, a pharmacy, a half 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 rain gear and warm clothing as well as shorts, a swimming suit, a hat, and sunscreen. Also bring picks, extra strings, watch, tape recorder and plenty of extra batteries and tapes, a flashlight, tarp, folding chairs, camera, snack food, and a reusable water bottle.
Is there cell reception?
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.
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 80s and 90s and at night you can expect 60s and 70s.
Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are permitted at The Song School. Each service animal must remain with its owner and be restrained. Emotional support animals, comfort animals and therapy dogs are NOT service animals as defined by the ADA Guidelines, and therefore are NOT allowed.

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, no pets are allowed anywhere on the grounds, campgrounds, or parking lots and cars. Here is a list of some local kennels:

  • Camp Bow Wow Boulder (3631 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80301-2423) - (303) 442-2261
  • Arapahoe Animal Hospital & Boarding Kennels (5585 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303-1334) -
    (303) 442-7033 / www.arapahoeanimalhospital.com
  • Cottonwood Kennels (7275 Valmont, Boulder, CO 80301-4715) - (303) 442-2602 / www.cottonwoodkennels.com
  • Whispering Pines Pet Resort (14360 N 83rd St, Longmont, CO 80503-9215) - (303) 776-3907 /
    www.whisperingpinespetresort.net
  • Windstar Kennels (14077 Weld County Road 5, Longmont, CO 80504-9642) - (303) 485-2176 /
    www.windstar-kennels.com
  • Longs Peak Animal Hospital - (303) 776-6666
  • Canine Campovers LLC (Boulder County) - (303) 998-1111 / www.caninecampovers.com
Festival Partners