Last Saturday night, the Fillmore Auditorium was as full as I’d seen it in years as droves of tireless revelers showed up to support two bands who have both previously played sold-out headlining shows in Denver. It was St. Patrick’s Day, and although most of this crowd had been drinking all day under the bright Colorado sky, they definitely weren’t slowing down.
Last Friday night, Anders Osborne stopped into The Bluebird Theater on historic Colfax Avenue for an intimate solo acoustic show. Typically accompanied by a bold backing band, an Anders Osborne show is usually loud. This show from Anders would be different – with no drums, no bass, and no one except Anders Osborne. He looked strong and happy to be playing, so hopefully we’ll keep getting the opportunity to join Anders in this solo acoustic setting, as it really suits his music, his spirit, and his fans.
The skies cleared last Thursday as they always seem to when Michael Franti & Spearhead comes to town. Dozens of yogis made their way to Red Rocks early to practice some pre-concert yoga with live music by Michael Franti and Vinyasa teachings by Gina Caputo. After the hour-long class, music lovers made their march up the rocks to kick the night off with HIRIE. HIRIE was followed by Trevor Hall and finally Franti himself. From start to finish, his energy was high and he continued to find ways to delight even the most jaded in attendance.
Although he’s been receiving industry recognition for almost a decade (Stapleton was first nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009), , the humble family man who has quickly rose to the top of the charts in country music, is loved not only by country music fans but by fans of all genres. His deep voice is full of soul and has roots that are reminiscent of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and the current Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band. Stapleton quickly sold-out two nights at Red Rocks this summer, which was certain to be recognized nationwide.
To call it “Hot in Herre” was an understatement last Thursday night when Nelly hit the stage at Cervantes’ for a sold-out show. Labeled “An Intimate Performance by Nelly,” the pre-show conversation had people wondering what type of performance this would be. Would Nelly be pumping out slow jams, or did “intimate” simply mean we’d be up close and personal with one of our favorite rappers from the early ‘00s? Luckily it was the latter, and nearly every song that shot Nelly to the top of the charts over ten years ago was performed.
More than an hour before the Fillmore opened its doors for the night, a long line of fans leaned against the brick building waiting to get inside and lock down a spot close to the stage. Phantogram’s haunting beats have generated a cult following of fans who not only adore their music, but also their mysterious presence onstage that would be perfect for a mid-October night.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones, the Alabama-bred group gaining popularity fast among retro-soul music fans, faced a crowd full of excited fans at the Fillmore Auditorium last week in Denver. Wasting no time before getting straight to the theatrics that make this band stand apart from others in the same genre, lead vocalist Paul Janeway practically floated onstage behind his bandmates, donning a long cloak and a solemn expression. His dramatic start to the show was greeted with loud applause, as this is what fans expect from Janeway.
The annual Tedeschi-Trucks Band headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is marked on many calendar’s months in advance and, with openers including North Mississippi Allstars and Los Lobos, there was no way this night would disappoint. The only thing weighing down the good vibes among the crowd were the looming clouds and forecast for a rainy night. Fortunately, the clouds were soon forgotten and the good vibes sent any chance of rain far away.
A plethora of cowboy boots, glittery hats, denim on denim, and even Dolly Parton look-a-likes dotted the stairs leading into the infamous Red Rocks Amphitheater on Wednesday night. It was one of the longest lines of cars I’d seen making the trek up through the park, as Dolly Parton’s fans had been waiting their whole lives to see her take the stage in Colorado. Tonight’s sold-out show was just one stop on Parton’s Pure & Simple Tour, which is being billed as her largest North American tour in 20+ years.
A show at Red Rocks in May can be chilly, but what better way to welcome summer than with bluegrass, rockabilly, and blues from The Wood Brothers, Shakey Graves, and The Devil Makes Three? It was easy to spot those traveling through as they were the first to hit the road when the temperature dropped. Let it be known – a May show at Red Rocks does not mean sundresses and shorts!
