chrisThere are few kinds of music that marry more perfectly with an outdoor picnic than classical or bluegrass. The old-timey, instrumental sounds bring the whimsical meal back to its roots–and days when apple pie contests, three-legged races, and homemade lemonade abounded.

Given that, the customary pre-concert Chautauqua picnic is particularly fitting tonight before the Punch Brothers play. On the lawn of the auditorium, raise your glasses of wine and wrap your wedges of cheese in a crusty baguette before the show. Then head in to hear the quintet, led by Chris Thile (formerly of Nickel Creek and pictured here), weave the plucky mandolin, banjo, and fiddle with the deeper, classical sound of the bass.

Tue, June 30. 7:30 p.m. $40

Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303-442-3282