Good Music A Mile Up In Colorado
Way back in cold, rainy, depressing February, the Mile High Music Festival was announced. With DMB and Tom Petty headlining, Teresa and I couldn’t resist. Just the thought of such a concert lifted our spirits and helped us forget the tough time we were having in Portland. It probably wasn’t the best idea, our summer was already filling up with honeymoon plans, but we tossed aside any hesitation by purchasing tickets to the show and a flight to Denver. It was the most excitement we’d felt the whole winter.
Was it worth all the hype? I emphatically say yes. The inaugural two day festival satisfied my need for good music and good times. Portland has a music scene, but its just not my scene. I prefer pure rock ‘n roll or a good singer song writer to the loud, no talent whining that passes for alternative rock in today’s hipper than thou crowd.
Before I get into some reviews, lets discuss a few cool people. Teresa and I went to CO by ourselves and hoped to meet a few new friends. We didn’t have to look much further than our hotel parking lot. On the morning of the first day, we were walking to our rental car when greeted by Jeff, Mark, Craig and his wife. They were all originally from Wyoming. Jeff was now living in Denver, but the rest had drove south for the festival. We quickly joined their hotel parking lot tailgate and subsequent cab ride to the outdoor venue.
The show took place on the grounds around Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Basically, the festival grounds were spread out across multiple soccer fields. There were five stages name Lizard, Bullsnake, Bison, Elk and Main. In order to beat the soaring 100 degree temperatures, plenty of water stations were available. The organizers even provided tents and goofy artwork for shade.
As with most two day concert adventures, the first day was a huge party. We had high aspirations of stage hoping to see a multitude of artists. I had diligently listened to many a new to me musicians MySpace page. All this went out the window with the introduction of large Vodka Lemonades to my afternoon. There was even passing of sizzling contraband pineapple rum. Before I could grasp what was happening, someone was using the recycling tent as a commode. Somehow, I did get to enjoy the smooth and rocking blues of Hill Country Revue and a bit of Mraz. I kinda came to for JJ Grey & Mofro. They rocked the Elk tent. In order to re-embrace reality, I ate a large burrito. I remember the glorious tasting heavy helping of avocados. With a new lease on life, we danced to Michael Franti & Spearhead. They know how to throw a party. Finally, the entire festival congregated for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. We didn’t push to far forward to leave room for dancing. The setlist included favorites like “Last Dance with Mary Jane”, “American Girl” and “Don’t Come Around Here Know More.” A highlight for me was “Gimme Some Lovin’” with Steve Winwood, but no “Dear Mr. Fantasy!”
Wow, it was an awesome day from what I could remember. Unfortunately, the line for cabs was a mile long, so Teresa and I tried to walk back to the hotel. It was just about two miles. It was the worst idea of the entire weekend. Craig describe the experience as a “death camp march.” At one point, Teresa refused to go further and tried to hide at a close Mexican restaurant near a truck stop. I finally hailed a cab to drive us the last mile. Horrible.
The second day brought the same heat but less alcohol. We decided to drive from the hotel to skip a second “death camp march.” Because we slept until way past noon, we didn’t get into the show until Rodrigo Y Gabriela. I really enjoy their sound, and its a treat to see them bang on guitars. Teresa and I definitly caught Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. I didn’t dance up a storm, but the show was very enjoyable due to its shady location in the Elk Tent. My feet finally woke up for The Black Crowes. I danced without shoes for almost the entire set. It was a magical scene. The sun was setting over the rockies and Chris Robinson was holding Rock ‘n Roll church. It doesn’t get much better. Well, I guess it did with DMB closing down the festival. We pushed our way close to the front of the main stage. The show opened with a heart pumping “Don’t Drink The Water.” The band really tore up Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.” For me, it was an excellent mix of old and new tunes. I didn’t stop dancing the entire show. I mean come on! From “#41” to “Thank You,” each song had the energy of a closer. It was sick.
What a set to close the weekend. So much good music and not enough time to enjoy it all—that is my only gripe with the entire festival. It was run very well. There was a good vibe from all. I’m extremely grateful for my new friends from Wyoming! We hope to cya all at another show in the Mountain West. This was the perfect escape from subpar music back Portland. I can’t wait for next year’s lineup to be announced.
