Sierra Hull in Breckenridge
Some things in life seem to happen by chance. It was early December when I decided to go skiing in Breckenridge. The conditions were early season, so I got my turns in and made my way into town for some food and a beer or two (strictly for medical purposes). As I was strolling down Main St. when I passed by the River Walk Center and saw a poster with the name Sierra Hull on it, and it stood out like a Texan on the ski slopes. “Hey! I know that name”, I said to myself. Hull, who is an exceptional mandolin player, some would even say a former child prodigy of the craft, has been making music since she was as big as a mandolin. Discovered by bluegrass legend Alison Krauss at age 11, she began what has been now considered a successful music career. Gracing the stage of the Grand ole’ Opry at age 11, she has not slowed down by including other prestigious venues such as the White House and Carnegie Hall.
The International Bluegrass Music Association has named her mandolin player of the year 6 times now and has also been nominated for two Grammys throughout her career. For her to play the River Walk Center was truly a great experience to witness, and I feel privileged to have been able to document the night. It is always a little nerve racking going into an event when you know the artist has such an impressive resume. After the show, I was fortunate enough to spend a little time with her and do a post concert photo shoot. For someone with such success starting at a young age, she is extremely humbled, polite, and just down right down to Earth. It’s hard to think that if I had not gone skiing that day or took the chance of reaching out to ask for this opportunity, that I not only would have missed out on capturing these photos, but also meeting such an amazing and accomplished human being.
