The Red Rocks Amphitheatre welcomed its own Derek Vincent Smith aka Pretty Lights back home with two nights of all out dance electronic-hip-hop-bass music during his customary two night residency at the venue. With his new album dropping not too long ago it was a chance for Pretty Lights to once again set the bar for his live show. This year in conjunction with his customary mind-blowing light production, he incorporated a live band to his arsenal. A perfect way to compliment his recently released album A Color Map of The Sun.  The albums organic sound was brought perfectly to life with the inclusion of horns and drums and even Smith holding his own on bass. Each section stood out as they performed on elevated glowing platforms that would change colors. The first night saw openers Blue Sky Black Death and recent collaborator Talib Kweli who is featured on the albums first single "Around The Block". The second night was a chance for the PL label to shine as label mates Supervision, Paul Basic, and Michal Menert got the crowd hyped before the headliner. Here is what he had to say after the two nights...

Playing at Red Rocks is an amazing experience. I've now done it multiple times and I've learned to slow down and cherish every moment because it's always over too quick. 

I wanted to do something different and create a show that was a new evolution of Pretty Lights Music. The band that came together to do that with me are all amazing musicians and people and they as well as the whole PL crew worked relentlessly to make it possible. Red Rocks was the first step. I have a vision for a different kind of approach to live music based on my style of beat production. It will continue to evolve very quickly and become more & more beautiful, bangin, and engaging for every person at a PL show. Thank you to everyone who came out to the shows and experienced the first step with us. All Love. -Pretty Lights

David Iwane is a Denver based photographer, freelance graphic designer and illustrator. Check out some of his work here.