Taylor Swift Brings Her " The Eras Tour" To Denver

Taylor Swift performs in Denver during The Eras Tour (Photo: Robert Castro)

We had the pleasure of attending Taylor Swift's highly anticipated Eras Tour this weekend at Empower Field (night one of two) in Denver, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience. Swift's ability to transform her performances into a captivating visual and auditory journey is nothing short of remarkable.

As the lights dimmed and the display screen showed a countdown, the crowd erupted with deafening cheers. Swift emerged on stage in a blaze of light and energy, ready to take us all on a nostalgic trip through her most iconic eras.

The stage setup was an absolute work of art, flawlessly designed to reflect the essence of each era she would take us through. From dreamy forrest, to colorful clouds and more.

The concert kicked off with tracks from Swift's country-pop era, reminding us of her humble beginnings. From her heartfelt ballads to her lively anthems, she effortlessly transported us back in time. The crowd eagerly sang along to beloved hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong with Me," their energy filling the arena.

Theatrics abound as Taylor Swift belts out the hits. (Photo: Robert Castro)

Then came the transition into Swift's pop era, and the atmosphere shifted with the stunning visual effects and vibrant stage designs. The choreography was on point, and Swift's vocals were as impeccable as ever. She brought a fresh twist to her familiar tunes, leaving the audience in awe. Highlights of the pop era included electrifying performances of "Shake It Off," "Bad Blood," and "Blank Space." The energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to dance along.

But the true standout of the evening was Swift's latest era, marked by her fearless exploration of diverse musical styles. The stage transformed into a spectacle of colors and theatrical elements, bringing her hits like "Lover," "Cardigan," and "Willow" to life. The crowd was captivated by Swift's raw emotion and vulnerable performances. It felt as though we were witnessing an artist in her prime, confidently embracing her growth and evolution.

Throughout the concert, Taylor Swift didn't simply perform her songs; she told a story. She shared anecdotes about her journey, offering insight into the creative process behind her music. This personal touch created a deep connection between Swift and her audience, making the experience even more intimate.

In addition to the incredible visuals and flawless vocals, Swift's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the show, from the carefully chosen set. As the sequin dressed crowd exited the stadium, you could feel a buzz that continued with sing-a-longs as the masses exited into the night knowing they had got a chance to experience one of the best tours to ever come to Denver.

Words and Images: Robert Castro

The Weeknd Lights Up Denver

The Weeknd performs in front of a sold out Denver crowd. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The Weeknd, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, FINALLY made it to Denver's Empower Stadium, August 18th after COVID caused his 2020 After Hours to be cancelled. Instead of disappointing concert goers with a performance based solely on his newest album, Dawn FM, Abel did what any smart artist would do and combined these two beautiful albums into a worldwide stadium tour for the masses!

Mike Dean and Kaytranada opened up for The Weeknd in place of Doja Cat who was on the original lineup, and really set the tone for the party we were in for. After maybe the longest set change of my life, Abel rose initially from a partially destroyed skyline set that morphed throughout the production, telling a story between the first two parts of his Trilogy through pyrotechnics, flashing lights and a giant luminescent moon that made the stadium feel otherworldly. Red fabric clad backup dancers moved in synchronicity and gave off eerie Handmaid's Tale vibes while The Weeknd performed hit after hit in front of the changing post apocalyptic scene. The sold out show audience got to enjoy bangers like "Or Na"Can't Feel My Face", "Crew Love",Or Nah", "Starboy", "Blinding Lights" and by the sound of it, enjoyed every moment of it.

Wrist bracelets equipped with lights were given out upon entry (but not collected, WASTEFUL) and added to the ambience through color coordination with the set, and allowed guests to not have to mess with their phone flashlights in the middle of the show. Although stadium sound isn't the ideal way to experience one of your favorite artists, the production definitely made up for anything that the sound was lacking. If you weren't there, you should be feeling pretty square because this tour was one for the books.

Words: Lina Skrkydczak | Photos: Robert Castro

Setlist:

  1. Alone Again

  2. Gasoline

  3. Sacrifice

  4. How Do I Make You Love Me?

  5. Can’t Feel My Face

  6. Take My Breath

  7. Hurricane (Kaye West Cover)

  8. The Hils

  9. Often

  10. Crew Love (Drake Cover)

  11. Starboy

  12. Heartless

  13. Low Life (Future Cover)

  14. Or Nah (Ty Dolla $ign Cover)

  15. Kiss Land

  16. Party Monster

  17. Faith

  18. After Hours

  19. Out of Time

  20. I Feel It Coming

  21. Die For You

  22. Is There Someone Else?

  23. I Was Never There

  24. Wicked Games

  25. Call Out My Name

  26. The Morning

  27. Save Your Tears

  28. Less Than Zero

  29. Blinding Lights