Monday, August 18, 2008

Red Rocks and Sun

As the day started, the weather at Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver looked threatening. 60-70% chance of thunderstorms which meant high winds and rain. But despite this, the day went from cool and cloudy to light winds, then full sun and windless beautiful night, with a full moon peaking through the high clouds. If you have never been to Red Rocks, it is a unique venue, with stone ledge seats set into into a steep natural rock canyon. The venue is the smallest on the tour, seating only 9,500. It sold out in 3 1/2 minutes. Our Village Green was at the very very top, on a flat terrace with views of the valley and Denver in the distance, but the climb up and down the stairs to get there, then to the bottom where the buses were (in altitude no less), was a day long workout.




Above: Red Rocks and the Village Green

I had 3 great volunteers, all Surfrider members living in the Denver area (2 are transplants from California). They were enthusiastic about being able to do something for Surfrider, since there are not many opportunities to get involved there. Jack came around to meet the volunteers (we had 9 non-profits represented!) and an hour after doors opened came and played a short set with Zach Gill and Adam Topol on a small stage in the Village Green. Visitors to the VG were rewarded! They are promoting Zach's solo album, but also trying to draw concert goers to the VG with the mini-concert.


Above: Me, Brendan, Shannon, Bart and Jack

After the show we boarded the bus bound for Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, because of the steepness of Red Rocks, all of the 6 semi trucks had to be unloaded and loaded by shuttle since they could not back up to the stage. It made for a late load out, and we are facing a late load in at SLC, which compresses the whole day. Looking forward to the day off in Portland tomorrow!

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