Show Review: The Head and the Heart at Red Rocks 06.29.23

There are certain artists that seem as if they were meant to perform at Red Rocks. Artists that possess a creative energy and live vibes that amplify the beauty of the sand stone monoliths that surround the stage and crowd at this literally ancient venue. The Head and The Heart are one of those bands.

A year past the release of their most recent album ‘Every Shade Of Blue’, The Head and The Heart returned to Morrison, joined by Rayland Baxter and Sera Cahoone for an unforgettable performance.

A massive hail storm swept through Denver only a couple hours prior to doors opening and it was questionable if the night’s performance would be able to start without delay. With luck the sky cleared and the night was able to go as planned with only a few minutes of light drizzle spread through the night.

The crowd anticipation grew as the stage fog grew thicker and thicker following the enthralling performances of Cahoone and Baxter. The venue lights were cut and a blasting red glow engulfed the venue. The crowd deafeningly roared as the band hit the stage, starting the night with ‘Living Mirage’. The perfect slow build to high energy track to get the crowd entranced with the performance to come. As the songs progressed so did the beautiful light show, the stage adorned in blazing blue light as the band cut into ‘Don’t Show Your Weakness’.

The onstage connection between Charity Rose Thielen, Jonathan Russel and Matt Russell was on full display. When artists play at Red Rocks you often see a glimmer of awe in their eyes as the look up the mountainside toward the crowd of ten thousand fans towering above them. But this glimmer was apparent as the band looked toward each other as they performed, often with smiles plastered on their faces. This unspoken communication of pure joy was communicated to the crowd through their performance. You could feel the joy and emotion radiating from the stage.

This emotion was also brought to the fans themselves with Johnathan and Matt running into the crowd during multiple songs. Creating life long memories for the fans getting high fives and the chance of singing along directly with their favorite musicians.

The crowd energy remained high throughout the night from the first notes all the way to the end of the bands 23 song set list. The bands amazing three part harmonies only sounding so much better paired with the acoustics of the ancient cliffs and the deafening crowd sing-alongs.

The Head and The Heart are no strangers to Red Rocks and their performances here are always ones that should not be missed. Prior to the performance a few fans were overheard talking about their memories of the groups performance here last fall, with the band playing a handful of songs from the middle of the crowd high in the amphitheaters stands. Just as those memories were deeply engrained into the minds of adoring fans, this amazing concert experience will be just as unforgettable.

The Head and The Heart will continue the summer with tons of US and Canada tour dates with The Revivalists and Father John Misty. Be sure to catch them when they are in a city near you!