All Photos by: Trey Karson
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Still Have It After 40 Years | Review and Photos
All smiles from Tom Petty (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Mike Campbell and Tom Petty (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Only a few bands can lay claim to longevity and consistency throughout their careers. Bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith have all had long and successful careers with core members that have laid the foundation for many other bands. Then we have Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers who are currently celebrating 40 years of being a band. Not a small feat considering the ever changing landscape and challenges of bands today. For Petty who by the way played back to back sold out shows at Red Rocks this week (their 18th time playing the majestic venue), change has never been much of a challenge. Tuesday nights show was a touring rendition of every major hit the band has recorded. Wearing his customary beard and adorned in cowhide fringe Petty and company managed to entertain the 9,000 plus in attendance with hit after hit after hit. It was clear judging by the crowds participation that their catalog extends far and wide.
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Celebrating 40 Years (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The little band from Gainesville, Florida came up from humble beginnings back in 1976 to become one of the most iconic bands in the world today. Seeing them play in a historic venue such as Red Rocks adds a heightened sense of mystique along the way. Flanked by guitarist Mike Campbell and bassist Ron Blair the band reached from their vast amount of decades worth of hits to entertain the crowd for a solid two hours. The 21 song setlist started with "Rockin' Around (With You)" from their 1976 self titled debut, followed by the commercialy successful "Mary Jane's Last Dance", whose lyrics couldn't have been more proper for our weed loving state. The band played all the notable sing-alongs (too many to name) with the same passion that they originally recorded them in.
The crowd was definitely favoring the older generation who would probably put them right around my parents age, at one point I even pondered if any of these songs were ones that may have sparked that twinkle in my parents eyes if you know what I mean. Rest assured Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers played an exceptional two nights that was worth every penny and more (scalpers were asking for almost $400 a ticket) to the tune of 9,000 plus in attendance each night. I hadn't seen Petty since 2008 and can safely say that this time was more magical. Opening the night was the quirky ex-member of The Eagles Joe Walsh who entertained the crowd with playful jabs in between his own setlist of classics including "Take It To The Limit" and "Rocky Mountain Way", which seemed fitting amongst those in attendance that managed to partake in smoking of the Devil's Lettuce.
-Words and Images Robert Castr
Bonobo and Nick Murphy (Chet Faker) Shined At Red Rocks Despite Some Spring Showers
Bonobo (Photo Credit: Austin Voldseth)
Rain or shine, Red Rocks is an ideal venue for any performance. This was especially true on Friday when Nick Murphy and Bonobo co-lined with special guests Marcus Marr and Innov Gnawa, and audience members were surprised with a spring storm a 1/3rd of the way through the show. Warm summer breezes, a glowing full moon, dazzling laser exhibitions, and the music of course, made for a really wonderful beginning to my own Red Rocks season.
While at Red Rocks for this particular event, I was highly discouraged when I met a handful of people that had a) never heard of Bonobo b) weren’t intending on staying past Nick Murphy’s set. I made my frustration apparent and hopefully convinced those humans otherwise, because man, would they miss out. A redeeming experience however was that this was truly an all-ages show, including the cutest five year old I had the pleasure of running into, who had wonderful things to say about her own fun dancing with mom and the lights!
Nick Murphy is the latest project of artist previously known as Chet Faker, who’s newest EP, Missing Link came out earlier this year. Maybe biased because I was fond of his music as Chet Faker, I was surprised at the energy level of Murphy’s set, which was simply slow for what I knew was to come from Bonobo. Dave Chappelle said it best when he said, “White people love electric guitar.”, but this was a little too much for my taste. Despite being a more stand and sway set, Murphy played fan favorites such as “Your Time” ft. Kaytranada and “Forget About Me”, which threw a few more high energy numbers into the mix. Murphy also invited Marcus Marr on stage with him for multiple collaborative performances, which was a nice addition to the overall fluidity of the show.
Incorporating the openers was a reoccurring theme apparently, as Bonobo followed suit by bringing traditional Moroccan gnawa band, Innov Gnawa on stage for Migration’s banger, “Bambro Koyo Ganda”. Their lively, wordly sounds were mixed with heavy drops of bass and sultry dance music. The crowd vibrated along while being immersed in a visual experience consisting of organic nature visuals on split panels behind the band and a psychedelic light show. Other special guests included angelic singer, Szjerdene and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Both were incredible additions to the live show that allow Simon Green’s (Bonobo) vision to come to life through magnificently talented people.
Crowd pleaser that he is, Simon Green played favorites from previous albums, and danced them the hell up. “Cirrus” and “Kiara” were my favorites to come up, and fans would agree that this set was the perfect blend of old and new. “Break Apart”, “Kerala”, and “No Reason” ft. Nick Murphy were highlights from the newest album, Migration, and all contributed to the dancefloor dreamland Green creates every time he performs.
Dreamland created, Murphy and Green were a dynamic duo with a humble presence to their display. 9/10.
Words: Lina Skrzypczak
Images: Austin Voldseth
Music | Illegal Pete's 20th Anniversary Celebration | Red Rocks Amphitheater | September 6
Colorado is known for many things, its lush landscapes, its majestic mountains, beautiful sunsets, and just about any other nature related connotation you can add. Then there are burritos, now Denver has its fair share of burrito joints (some we won't dare to mention). But Illegal Pete's has always held a special place in our hearts (we even penned them a love letter last year). From our late night post-show hunger induced cravings, to sipping and getting tipsy on Dulce Vida Tequila in Austin, we have shared many moments together throughout our history. When we were asked to come celebrate their 20th Anniversary Celebration at Red Rocks this past weekend, we didn't hesitate to answer with a resounding yes. With a killer lineup and packed house we had a chance to capture some of the most memorable images from a wonderful night. Thank you to Illegal Pete's for welcoming us to your family and making Denver a great way to enjoy music and burritos together in perfect harmony. Here's to another 20 years of celebrating the best Denver has to offer.
John Gourley of Portugal. The Man (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)
Honda Civic Tour feat. STRFKR, Grouplove, and Portugal. The Man
STRFKR (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)
This years Honda Civic Tour made it's way to Red Rocks, the traveling caravan sponsored by Honda gave us an opportunity to check out the likes of STRFKR, Grouplove and Portugal. The Man (Who btw played a pretty epic secret show the night before at Larimer Lounge). Getting things started was indie-electro darlings from Portland, Oregon STRFKR. Their dance friendly grooves has the early crowd dancing to their trademark hits "Rawnald Gregory Erikson The Second", "While I'm Alive", and their signature cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
The always fun and energetic Grouplove (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)
Next up was Grouplove who came out swinging as A$AP Rocky's/Skrillex's "Wild For The Night" blared in the background revealing only drummer Ryan Rabin. Soon after the band came out with an energy that lasted up to the very last note. The duo of Hannah Hooper and Chris Zucconi played of each others energy dancing around the vast stage. Their radio hit "Tongue Tied" had the whole venue singing in unison as the band managed to feed off their energetic participation. They saved their best for last as they were joined on stage by members of Portugal. The Man for The Who's cover of "Teenage Wasteland".
Portugal. The Man mesmerizing the crowd. (Photo Credit: Matt Smith)
Finally the co-headliners Portugal. The Man took the stage to the mash up intro of "Another Brick In The Wall/ Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue". The band was in great spirits seeing as they finally had a chance to be top billing at the majestic venue, they have always been openers in their previous shows at Red Rocks, and this year they had the stage all to themselves. Reaching from their extended catalog of hits they managed to include a few covers, most interestingly It's Always Sunny "Dayman" who had the crowd chuckling. The band played a rather tight set and left us wanting for more. They have truly created a loyal following in Colorado. We can't wait to see them return once again.
-Castro
Photo Credit: Matt Smith
Global Dance Festival 2013 | July 19-21 | Red Rocks Amphitheater
With Denver hosting one of the year's biggest music weekends Global Dance Festival will invade the majestic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Fans will get to enjoy a some of EDM's biggest and brightest.
We are thrilled to announce that Sunday, July 21st of Global Dance Festival will feature both solo sets from Griz and Gramatik, PLUS a rare collaborative set from Grizmatik. One of the most exciting artist collaborations of the past year, these giants of funk have united their soulful yet bass-laden unique styles for one infectious sound that is taking the world by storm.
Frontman of the record label "Lowtemp," Gramatik is know for his lush, big beats, breaking through all boundaries and sampling classic hip hop beats and live instrumentation for a funky, downtempo feel. A master of production, Griz infuses hip hop, electro soul and future funk, often incorporating live performance or recording of his Alto Saxophone, creating a ground-breaking sound that absolutely smashes dance floors. Prepare to be blown away by their artful combination of funk, soul and gritty electronic synths as they dominate Red Rocks with bass thumping energy and an undeniable groove. Their live performances emphasize the idea that good music is felt, not heard, and we can't wait to experience it beneath the Colorado night sky.
The 11th annual Global Dance Festival will take place on July 19 through July 21, 2013 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colo. Gates will be open at 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are available now from www.ticketmaster.com.
For ongoing updates, and complete lineup information:
www.globaldancefestival.comFacebook: facebook.com/globaldancefestival
Twitter: @GlobalDanceFest
You Tube: youtube.com/user/GlobalDanceUS
