Photos by Tim Dwenger
The Scene: The first show of the Denver Botanic Gardens summer season is always an event, but with one of last year’s favorites, Ziggy Marley, on the bill, the faithful were out early and in force. With a line stretching far around the block well before 5pm, the atmosphere was festive as I hauled my family’s gear over the Gardens last week. People were chatting, re-connecting with old friends, getting their chairs measured, and picnic spreads were abundant along York St and 9th Ave. It’s a sure sign of summer when the Gardens concert season starts, and I love it!
Opener: Rob Drabkin. While Ziggy Marley was the headliner, the true opener of the Gardens’ season this year was local boy Rob Drabkin. Under his signature afro, Drabkin has been on the scene in this town for years bringing his brand of Pop infused acoustic Rock to fans of all ages and on Wednesday he proved why he is so loved. He delivered a six song set that showcased originals alongside a couple of the covers he is best known for including Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s (very appropriate) “Almost Cut My Hair” and Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.” There’s no doubt Drabkin won over a few new fans with this performance.
Ziggy Marley: The second Ziggy Marley and his band took the stage at the Gardens last week, fans were on their feet and moving close to the stage to ensure they staked a claim on dancing space. Many of the Garden faithful had caught Marley’s performance last summer and knew they were in for a long night of upbeat songs that were guaranteed to keep feet moving and hearts smiling.
With a large band that included two beaming background vocalists, Marley delivered hits like “Wild & Free,” “Reggae In My Head” and more as he bounded around the stage strumming a guitar and swinging a curtain of dreadlocks that hung well below his waist. While the Marley name most often conjures images and sounds of Ziggy’s father Bob, I have been impressed over the two years by the powerful and well-rounded catalog that Ziggy has produced over his career. If not for the shadow of his late father, Ziggy could well be one of the giants of the genre.
Though he would nod to his father later in the evening, the middle of Marley’s set concentrated on noteworthy tunes like “I Don’t Wanna Live On Mars,” “Beach In Hawaii,” and the seminal anthem, “Love Is My Religion.” I soaked in the music as children danced with giant grins on their faces, grandparents threw their grey hair back and smiled at the sunset, and it was clear that everyone was truly enjoying the late spring night.
When the first notes of “One Love” rang out, every eye turned toward the stage as even casual reggae fans perked up their ears and warmed up their singing voices. It wasn’t long before every voice in the bowl was chanting along with the classic as love filled the air. Just a little later, Marley revisited the love theme with another of his father’s hits, “Is This Love,” and again the crowd reacted joyfully.
There is something about reggae and a summer night and The Gardens has turned out to be a great place to celebrate with Ziggy Marley these last two years.
Energy: A
Musicianship: A
Sound: B
Stage Presence: A
Set/Light Show: B-
Overall: B+
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