On my cross-country bike trip in 1983, I stopped in Morrison, CO. A local suggested I check out the Red Rocks Amphitheatre – a natural outdoor theatre that had been enhanced and turned into a performance venue. Although there was no show there that day/evening, it sounded like it might be a cool place to see, so I biked up to the entrance. I was in awe of this performance space tucked in between giant red rocks, surrounded by such stunning views! I spent the rest of the day hiking in and around the theatre.
Had there been a show, it would likely not have fit into my bike-bum’s budget. Sigh. Coming back someday to see a show was one of the first official items on my shiny new bucket list. It only took me 42 years to check it off!
Since the theatre seats nearly 10,000 people who would be driving up a narrow mountain road to one of 5 parking lots, we were advised to arrive early. We are very happy that we took that advice! We got to poke around the area, hiked to an outcrop called the Geological Overlook with awe-inspiring views of the Amphitheatre, the surrounding park, and areas well beyond. Red Rocks is situated at a point where geological features of the great plains crashed into those of the Rocky Mountains, uplifting the softer sandstone and creating the landscape of Red Rocks.
In addition to the faraway views, our hike took us past the Red Rocks Trading Post. We could buy a t-shirt or 2, maybe a coffee mug. Instead, we gawked at the pair of rock-star buses parked next to the building along with a couple of semi trucks that brought the gear. With some help from a park staff member, we found another trail to take us back to our parking lot (number two of the five), just in time for a fun yet simple tailgate dinner (ok, it was PBJ’s). And then, time for the show!
The setting of the outdoor theatre seating area, tucked between two giant red rocks with wide-open views over the Front Range corridor, was just as I’d remembered. So were the hiking trails amongst more red rocks. Almost everything else was different! Major upgrades completed in 1988 and 2018 resulted in some significant changes, mostly to the stage and concession areas. The venue continues to host about 200 shows each year between April and October.
Of course, the biggest difference this time is that I (we) had tickets! As soon as we knew we’d be in the area for the October blues guitar jam, we looked to see what shows would be at Red Rocks within a week or so of the jam. Bonnie Raitt is going to be there with Jimmie Vaughan on Sept 25! Two blues and rock legends who’ve both been performing for over 50 years – let’s go!
Jimmie and his Tilt-A-Whirl Band opened the show, ripping through classic roadhouse blues and Texas blues tunes with horns and a great rhythm section. A lot of fun, great enthusiasm and energy which was very good to see (especially since he’s had a couple of health scares in the recent past).
Bonnie Raitt told us this was the last night of her current tour, that she’s been on the road with this band for four years, and that her intention was to “kick some ass!” True to her word, she gave it her all and she did not disappoint! She is pithy, confident, and hilarious, respectful and appreciative of her band and her audience, as well as the musicians she’s known and worked with over the years. Her vocals are still awesome, same for her guitar playing – especially her powerful slide solos – and what a treat it was to watch her trading licks with her guitarist Duke Levine. She mixed soulful ballads with her promised, self-described badass ripping blues-rock, then came back out for a couple of songs where she played solo acoustic guitar. Glad she included some of her crowd (including us!)-pleasing favorites: songs like Something to Talk About, I Can’t Make You Love Me, and Angel From Montgomery.
Anyway… What a great show, and what a great venue. And it only took 42 years. So glad!
For anyone who’s interested, more Red Rocks pix…
