Propeller & Red Rocks Amphitheatre Announce Partnership

Propeller is excited to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO for its 2022 & 2023 seasons. The iconic open-air amphitheatre located in the Metro Denver area is set to host a record number of events during its 2022 season, and Propeller will have a presence at each and every one of them. Read more via Pollstar. 

True to its focus on creating a sustainable impact economy, Propeller will continue its work in helping to build movements for change by enabling opportunities for concertgoers to engage and take action at the show with leading local and national nonprofits. By taking action at the show, fans will have the chance to win prizes like upgraded seats, artist meet & greets, exclusive merchandise and more.

In addition to onsite activations, fans everywhere can take action with various partner organizations via the Propeller website – from volunteering to signing petitions, donating and more. Fans can then enter for a chance to win various sweepstakes throughout the year, including all expense paid trips to the venue for select events while exploring Propeller’s local Denver-area hospitality partners. 

“The Red Rocks team is excited to partner with Propeller for the next two seasons, enabling our audiences to learn more about these important and impactful organizations,” notes Brian Kitts, Red Rocks spokesman. “To be able drive activism while helping us engage with new concertgoers and promote our events makes this a great and truly unique partnership”   

“It’s a dream for Propeller to have this level of integration with one of the most iconic venues in the world,” notes Propeller founder Brandon Deroche. “We’re excited to get to engage Red Rocks’ audiences through 2023, making it easy for them to take action for causes they care about, while also getting to help promote so many events from artists we love. We’ve got some really fun plans in the works and are looking forward to making a huge impact.” 

See Red Rocks current lineup HERE and learn more about Propeller HERE.

The first Red Rocks sweepstakes is now live, featuring a flyaway to see Grammy-nominated Icelandic rock band KALEO. The winner will get roundtrip travel to Denver, be put up in a four star hotel, receive a pair of premium tickets to see KALEO perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, take home a Gibson guitar signed by the band, receive an autographed Red Rocks show poster and more.

Mumford and Sons: Lovers of the Light

By John Hill

There are certain artists that seem custom-made for certain live venues. Watching U2's Live at RedRocks: Under a Blood Red Sky, you would be forgiven for thinking the red rocks that frame the amphitheater were visualized by a brilliant set designer if you didn't know that Red Rocks is nature at its finest. While Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado was already a popular venue well before 1983, the concert film announcing U2 to the world assisted the venue in becoming legendary not only for spectators but for bands as well.

Such was the case with Mumford and Sons on August 28th as they hit the stage for their first of two nights at Red Rocks. Natives to Colorado who frequent Red Rocks concerts are used to artists expressing gratitude just being able to play at such a legendary venue, and Marcus Mumford and company were no exceptions. While simply playing a show at Red Rocks is humbling to most, for Mumford and Sons it was also added pressure as both nights were filmed for inclusion in a documentary/concert film documenting their journey to this acoustic landmark. In fact, the projection screen on the right side of the stage showed some of the best footage you have ever seen at a concert, giving a good indication of the quality of what is to come with their film.
 

Besides putting on a lively, well-paced show, Mumford and Sons also previewed music from their just-released sophomore release Babel. Footage from the August 28^th performance of their new single “I Will Wait” was released as the official video less than two weeks later (see above video). In fact, the Mumford boys played about half of Babel at Red Rocks almost a month prior to the album’s release, and yet the new songs fit right in with the familiar tracks that the crowd knew very well.

For me, the familiarity of new songs to a listener who has never heard them can be a blessing and a curse. The blessing comes from an instantaneous acceptance of the new material, but the curse comes in casual listeners not necessarily being able to discern one song from another. However, when listening to Babel, it is a small complaint for an otherwise stellar album.

When “I Will Wait” was released, many fans felt that the Mumfords were lightening up a bit, but the main themes of dealing with the struggles of life both in outward and inward interactions are still intact. While “I Will Wait” sounds like an upbeat song, the theme of asking forgiveness for some transgression and waiting for that forgiveness is not exactly uplifting.  In fact, asking for forgiveness appears a few times on Babel, most notably on highlight “Lover of the Light,” where Marcus states “I have done wrong, so build your tower,” and “Ghosts That We Knew,” with its shameful “and close my eyes from my recent disgrace.”

If you want to pay a few more dollars and pick up the Deluxe Edition of Babel, you will be rewarded with what I believe is the best cover version of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” that I’ve ever heard. With original singer Paul Simon on the track and renowned steel guitarist Jerry Douglas providing a haunting accompaniment, Marcus Mumford proves he is just as adept at singing a straight-ahead story as he is in a song shrouded in metaphors. The world-weariness of Mumford’s vocals adds a grittiness to the boxer’s tale, making this remake a great companion to the shiny delivery of Simon and Garfunkel’s original.

Mumford and Sons have picked right up where they left off with debut disc Sigh No More and now have a rabid fan following that will embrace Babel and sing along with every track. From the rollicking title cut to the touching closer “Not with Haste,” both existing fans and newcomers will find something to embrace and love.

While his full-time job is in education, John Hill also writes a successful music blog titled Pop Music Notes. He is also active on Twitter @popmusicnotes and lives in Denver with his partners in crime James and Bruiser.

BEATLES "1964" The Tribute at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

It was in August of 1964 when the British invasion first came to Colorado with the group that started it all...the Beatles. If you love the Beatles you won’t want to miss the most unique, fun and affordable concert event of this summer at Red Rocks with The #1 Beatles Show in the World, “1964” The Tribute.

This group is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and enduring Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, “1964” recreates an early 60s live Beatles concert with period instruments, vintage costumes, hairstyles, onstage mannerisms, speaking voices, and unmistakable harmonies of the lads from Liverpool. Over twenty-five years of researching and performing at major concert venues on four different continents has made the “1964” group masters of their craft in capturing the essence of the Beatles live on stage.

This 46th Anniversary celebrates Red Rocks Amphitheatre as one of four original concert sites still remaining from the Beatles first American tour in 1964. Come experience the magic and see what it was like at the beginning.

The Wailers come to Red Rocks this Saturday

The Wailers bring one love and summer vibes to Red Rocks this Saturday, July 3 with all proceeds to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme.

ABBA - The Concert

This summer, come to Red Rocks and have the time of your life with ABBA – The Concert Arrival from Sweden performing the chart-topping hits of ABBA, including 'Dancing Queen', 'Waterloo', 'Fernando', 'S.O.S.', 'Mamma Mia', 'Take a Chance on Me', 'The Winner Takes It All', 'Knowing Me, Knowing You', 'Ring Ring', 'The Name of the Game', 'Money Money Money', and many more.

This concert benefits KBDI and is sponsored by DenverPost.com, KOSI 101, Out Front Colorado, Marriott West, Presidential Worldwide Transportation, and Brothers BBQ.

Tickets available online at www.kbdi.org/abba_concert.

Beatles - 1964 at Red Rocks

It was in August of 1964 when the British invasion first came to Colorado with the group that started it all ... the Beatles. If you love the Beatles you won’t want to miss the most unique, fun and affordable concert event of this summer at Red Rocks with The #1 Beatles Show in the World, “1964” The Tribute.

This group is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and enduring Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, “1964” recreates an early 60s live Beatles concert with period instruments, vintage costumes, hairstyles, onstage mannerisms, speaking voices, and unmistakable harmonies of the lads from Liverpool. Over twenty-five years of researching and performing at major concert venues on four different continents has made the “1964” group masters of their craft in capturing the essence of the Beatles live on stage.

This 45th Anniversary celebrates Red Rocks Amphitheatre as one of four original concert sites still remaining from the Beatles first American tour in 1964. Come experience the magic and see what it was like at the beginning.

This concert benefits KBDI-TV 12 and is sponsored by KOOL 105, Marriott West, DenverPost.com, Presidential Worldwide Transportation, and Brothers BBQ.

Check out what's on tap for Film on the Rocks

Ok, now that my beloved Cinderella Twin Drive-In is gone forever I'm going to be taking myself and my love of seeing movies outdoors to Film on the Rocks.

The series celebrates its 10th Anniversary with ten films over ten weeks beginning June 16.

Each week this summer, a classic film and band will appear at Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosted by hilarious comedians, which will provide a thoroughly entertaining evening for all. The Denver Film Society encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the natural Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Tickets are only $10 and parking is free.

The season starts with the Coen Brother's hilarious bowling-crime-caper, The Big Lebowski, and a very special performance by Denver's own folk/indie sensation The Wheel, will get things going on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m.


Check out the full schedule after the jump.


Tuesday, June 16
Film: Big Lebowski
Band: The Wheel

Tuesday, June 23
Film: South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut
Band: Ben Lee

Tuesday, June 30
Film: The Princess Bride
Band: Carbon Leaf

Tuesday, July 7
Film: Jaws
Band: The Rouge

Monday, July 13
Film: Office Space
Band: Gregory Alan Isakov

Wednesday, July 22
Film: Talladega Nights
Band: Back Door Slam

Tuesday, July 28
Film: Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade
Band: World's Largest Music Lesson

Tuesday, August 4
Film: Ghostbusters
Band: Opie Gone Bad

Wednesday, August 12
Film: Donnie Darko
Band: Bad Luck City

Tuesday, August 18
Film: Top Gun
Band: Paperbird

Film on the Rocks is a collaborative production of the Denver Film Society and Theatres & Arenas, a division of the City & County of Denver's Department of General Services. The summer series was created through this partnership to provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy films and live entertainment at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the Red Rocks Park.

Time: Band starts around 7 p.m. and movies start at dusk (approx. 9 p.m.)
Location: Red Rocks Amphitheatre located in Red Rocks Park near Morrison, Colorado
Tickets: $10 General Admission and FREE parking

Tickets are available this Friday, June 5, at Ticketswest.com and at all King Soopers locations.

For more information check out www.denverfilm.org or www.redrocksonline.com.




John Denver - The Tribute

Before his death in 1997, Colorado’s favorite transplant, John Denver, was one of the top recording artists in history, selling more than 60 million albums.

John Denver first performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 21, 1972 – four months before 'Rocky Mountain High' blew onto the charts. Throughout the years he gave 16 more concerts at Red Rocks, the last show being in the summer of 1989.

This coming summer, 20 years later, the songs of John Denver will rise again at Red Rocks Amphitheatre through the music, spirit and talent of singer/songwriter Roy Rivers and his band as they perform John Denver - The Tribute.

Bisco Inferno at Red Rocks

The Disco Biscuits will make their first headlining appearance at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 30 for an event that is being billed as Bisco Inferno.

This is the first time Red Rocks will host the reincarnation of the band's epic "Bisco Inferno" series of Colorado concerts, which will also feature a May 29 performance at Denver's Ogden Theatre. Tickets to The Disco Biscuits' May 29 Bisco Inferno kickoff at Denver's Ogden Theatre are only available as part of a limited quantity 2-day Bisco Inferno pass now available through BiscoTix. Tickets for the May 30 Red Rocks engagement are now available through Ticketmaster.

Red Rocks is beautiful

I'm no photographer but I was so awed by the beauty of Red Rocks today that I thought I'd share some pictures.

Lots and lots more after the jump.




























Monolith Festival at Red Rocks: Snowden performs 'Lemon Peel'

Snowden performs their brand new song, 'Lemon Peel', at Monolith Festival at Red Rocks. It'll be on their next album. They kicked all sorts of ass. Especially guitar player and drummer Corinne Lee.

Todders' Monolith Mixtape #1

MileHighGayGuy's Monolith Mixtape #1

Monolith Festival at Red Rocks: Pomegranates and Snowden

The rain has evaporated and it's now a gorgeous day here at Red Rocks.

Just caught an awesome set by Pomegranates downstairs, had a couple of drinks in the VIP area and am now blogging live from the Del Dome and listening to Snowden. After this song is over I think the plan is gonna be a couple more drinks in the VIP.

Did a quick Q&A with artist Mike Ming who designed the art for the new line of Dell computers and will post that up later tonight or first thing tomorrow.

In the meantime check out his work at www.MikeMing.com.

Monolith at Red Rocks: Band of Horses

Band of Horses' 'Is There a Ghost' was one of my favorite songs of the last year or so.

I'm really looking forward to interviewing them today and hearing them play.

Monolith at Red Rocks: Tokyo Police Club

Heading out to the Monolith Festival shortly and I just can't wait for this show. There's a great line-up and there's no place in the world better for a music festival than good old Red Rocks.

Among the acts performing today are Tokyo Police Club. I saw them at the Bluebird Theatre just a couple of months ago. They were awesome.

Check out the video for their song 'Nature of the Experiment'.

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Hal Sparks, Boulder PrideFest, Monolith Festival, and more

There's plenty going on and lots to do this weekend so here's all the news you can use in a nutshell:

1. Hal Sparks tonight and tomorrow at Comedy Works.
2. Nuclia Waste hosts Boulder PrideFest in Boulder (makes sense) on Saturday.
3. CGRA's Bryan Williams and Aspen Vail host a live underwear auction with 32 sexy underwear models at Charlie's.
4. Monolith Festival at Red Rocks on Saturday and Sunday.
5. Avenue Q - wherein puppets grow and learn about porn, racism and homosexuality and a wonderful time is had by all.
6. The Eyes of Babylon (one-man show by out gay Marine Jeff Key at Theatre Off Broadway.

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails looking sexy

Don't miss his upcoming Red Rocks concert.

Nine Inch Nails at Red Rocks

Nine Inch Nails is coming to Red Rocks on Tuesday, September 2. Get your tickets here.

Cinemocracy Rocks

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, the Denver Film Society, producers of the Starz Denver Film Festival, and the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee will celebrate the Cinemocracy Film Festival’s top 10 films at Cinemocracy Rocks! Open to the public, the event will be held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Monday, August 25, beginning at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature a diverse and exciting line-up of musical entertainment, a screening of the top 10 Cinemocracy films, an announcement of the top vote-getting film, a screening of Cinemocracy special award winners and the feature film 'Election'.

Get all the facts and figures after the jump.


Musical entertainment will kick off the Cinemocracy Rocks! event. Beginning at 6 p.m., performers include The Apples in Stereo, Okkerville River, Murs, Jill Sobule and Peter Buffett and the Native American Sacred Wind Dancers.

Many directors of the top 10 Cinemocracy films will be in attendance to introduce their work, beginning at sundown. The top 10 Cinemocracy films, as chosen by online viewers are:
· CINEMA+(DEM)OCRACY=CINEMOCRACY – Directed by Alan Dominquez, Denver, CO
· DEMOCRACY: A MARRIAGE – Directed by Isha Aran, Lakewood, CO
· DEMOCRACY: A STEADY LOVING CONFRONTATION – Directed by Jen Saffron, Pittsburgh, PA
· DEMOCRACY IS A SPECTACLE – Directed by Joseph Le Sac, Tacoma, WA
· DEMOKRATIA – Directed by Josh Massaro, Isaac J. Ramos, Melissa Lane & John Knauf, Highlands Ranch, CO
· IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME – Directed by Betsy Leighton, Denver, CO
· SUNRISE (an original music video) – Directed by Robert Florescu & Sylvia Florescu, Denver, CO
· THE RIGHT TO HAVE A VOICE – Directed by Jessica Rosenberger & Austin Tally, Chicago, IL
· WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? – Directed by Skelly Aggett-Carosella, Ivar Cloudshadow, Trevor Green, Gabe Greenberg, Noah Greenwald, Jade Hunter, Aidan McGinnis, Izaiah Read, Sienna Richert & Emma Wilson (all 5th Graders), Boulder, CO
· YOU CAN’T EAT FREEDOM – Directed by Martin Higgins, Lonetree, CO

The top vote-getting film, to be announced at the event, will be screened as an official entry to the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival (November 13-23, 2008) and eligible for the Starz People's Choice Award for Best Short, which carries a $2,500 cash prize. In addition, the top film director will receive a credential to the Democratic National Convention for one night at the Pespi Center, courtesy of Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Additionally, Cinemocracy chose three special award winners, which will also screen at the event:
· Cinemocracy Local Awareness Award: A VISION OF DEMOCRACY – Directed by Jennifer R.S. McDaniel, Denver, CO
· Cinemocracy Special Jury Selection: THE SHORT END OF THE SPAGHETTI – Directed by Ryan Charmatz, Greenwood Village, CO
· Cinemocracy Best International Submission: EVERDAY DEMOCRACY - Directed by Charlie Timms, Gospel Oak, UK

Election, starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick, will be shown at the end of the evening as part of Film on the Rocks, sponsored by Denver’s Division of Theatres & Arenas.

Sponsored by Starz, Aquafina, and GOOD Magazine, special tickets for the event are $20. Each special ticket comes with a one-year subscription (6 issues) to GOOD Magazine and a reserved “GOOD Seat” at the event. All proceeds from the sale of tickets will be donated to the Denver Film Society. “GOOD Tickets” are available at all King Soopers locations or online at www.denverfilm.org and www.ticketswest.com.

There are also free tickets available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may be picked up at the Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St., Suite 350. The public may also pick up tickets at two Dialog: City events: The Karaoke Convention ’08, Thursday, August 21, 8 p.m., Supreme Court Café & Nightclub, 1550 Court Pl. and Terra Nova: The Antarctica Suite, Sunday, August 24, 7 p.m., Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th St. & Curtis St. Additionally, free tickets are available to nonprofit organizations; please e-mail ann@denverfilm.org to request nonprofit tickets.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Parking is $10 per car and carpooling is strongly encouraged to support the greening efforts of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee.

About the Cinemocracy Film Festival:
The Cinemocracy Film Festival is an open source film festival to coincide with the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As an official event of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, Cinemocracy addresses the topic of “How do you define democracy?”

During a year of monumental change, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Denver Film Society invited citizens of the world to speak out and share ideas on the definition of democracy through the creation of short films. All films submitted were five minutes in length and judged by the online public. Submissions closed on August 1; voting closed on August 15.