Denver, the vibrant capital of Colorado, is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. This city is notable for its stunning natural scenery, booming craft beer scene, and thriving cultural landscape. Denver's music scene is particularly vibrant, with an array of music venues that cater to every taste, from indie bands to major headliners.
Venues like Moon Room in Summit Music Hall, Gothic Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, and Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom are central to Denver's reputation as a music hub. Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere, from the intimate settings of Gothic Theatre to the expansive outdoor ambiance of Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, ensuring a diverse concert-going experience.
An interesting fact about Denver is its elevation – it's known as the "Mile High City" because it sits exactly one mile above sea level. This unique trait adds an extra layer of excitement to attending concerts, as some artists claim the altitude enhances their performance energy.
Putting on a concert is about more than just showing up with your instruments ready to jam. After you find the right music venue, there are a whole host of arrangements to make to actually pull off your concert. Finding the right suppliers and amenities in Denver will go a long way to making your concert a success.
Equipment
Chances are, you have your own instruments and gear, but that doesn’t mean you have everything you need at all times for the concert. Depending on the type of concert, you could need everything from backup instruments to sound equipment. Whether you’re playing your first gig or a seasoned pro, you never want to be unprepared when it’s time for a show.
Merchandise
Part of the way that many artists make money is by selling merchandise at their concerts. Having t-shirts, CDs or records, and other products available for fans to buy at the show is an important part of the concert experience not only for the artists but for the fans as well. Even some local bands usually have CDs to sell to make some extra money, but getting merchandise and setting up a place to sell will take some assistance.
Advertising
It’s hard to put on a concert if no one knows you’re holding it. Part of the way you get the word out for a local concert is by advertising through local channels. Sure, social media and other outlets work, but using local media, radio stations and other outlets will draw in the hometown crowd. Paying for advertising in local papers and magazines or even using traditional posters and flyers and word of mouth is a great way to spread the word about your concert.
Staff
The last thing you need to make sure you have enough of is staff at the Denver concert venue. Having a roadie is great, but it takes a lot of people to put a concert together, making sure you have security, equipment managers, sound technicians, and other personnel on hand to handle logistics. Whether you hold electronic music festivals or film festivals, you need staff help for things to run smoothly.
It takes a lot of support to successfully pull off a concert. Here is a look at some of the local amenities that can help you make sure the concert goes off without a hitch.
Sound Town
Billing itself as the “working musician’s equipment store”, Sound Town sells sound equipment, lasers, and gear like amps and instruments. What’s more, they are a full-service business, offering sales, rentals, and even repairs. Whether you need to purchase new gear, rent gear, or just get your old gear fixed up, Sound Town is a great resource to use before your big concert.
Greater Than Entertainment
If you need an equipment supplier that helps with both front-end and back-end supplies for your concert, then Greater Than Entertainment is the place to go. Offering all types of audio equipment, lighting, and sound equipment as well as mixers and back-end gear, you’ll have everything you need for whatever type of concert you put on. Greater Than Entertainment takes it a step further with rental equipment and even helps with installation.
PRG - Denver - Production Resource Group
PRG provides high-quality custom-crafted gear for any concert situation you can think of. Whether you need monitors and production equipment, lighting, or sound, you’ll find it at PRG. One key difference of PRG is that they provide a wider variety of products than other companies and can even custom craft things like rigging to make it possible to put on the show of a lifetime. Finding everything you need in one place is very convenient.
Denver, a vibrant city located in the heart of Colorado, offers an eclectic and exciting music scene that attracts concert-goers from all walks of life. With its unique blend of outdoor venues and historic theaters like the Ogden Theatre and Mission Ballroom, Denver provides an unforgettable concert experience that combines the beauty of its natural landscape with the city's rich cultural offerings. From intimate venues nestled in the bustling streets of downtown Denver to expansive outdoor settings that showcase the city's picturesque backdrop, the diversity of concert locations caters to a wide array of musical tastes and preferences. However, while hosting a concert in Denver comes with advantages, potential organizers should also be mindful of several challenges.
Outdoor Venues
Denver's outdoor venues offer a unique concert experience, allowing audiences to enjoy live music under the stars, surrounded by the breathtaking Colorado landscape.
Variety of Venues
Denver boasts a wide range of venues that can cater to different musical genres and audience sizes. Whether you need an intimate venue like a movie house or a large theater like Globe Hall or Ball Arena, Denver has something to offer.
Vibrant Music Scene
Denver's thriving music scene is supported by a mix of local talent and national acts, making it a dynamic location for concerts. You can visit the Larimer Lounge music venue to find some big names on the music stage.
Proximity to Downtown
Many of Denver's concert venues are located in or near downtown, providing easy access for attendees and connectivity to lower downtown (LoDo) amenities and attractions.
Affordability
Compared to other major cities, some venues in Denver offer relatively cheap beer and other amenities, potentially lowering the overall cost of hosting a concert.
Weather Dependency
Outdoor venues, while offering unique views and experiences, are at the mercy of unpredictable Colorado weather, which can disrupt events.
Limited Parking
Concert venues in Denver and popular areas like LoDo might face challenges with limited parking availability, especially for large-scale events.
Sound Restrictions
Residential areas surrounding intimate venues or historic locations and institutions may have strict sound restrictions, limiting concert hours or volume.
High Demand for Venues
Denver's popularity as a concert destination means high competition and possibly higher rental costs for sought-after venues like the Mission Ballroom or Bluebird Theater.
Regulatory Hurdles
Organizing concerts, especially in outdoor venues, may require navigating through a complex web of city regulations, permits, and insurance requirements, which can be daunting for event planners.
Denver Botanic Gardens
A true Denver institution, the Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the heart of the city. Nestled in the neighborhood of Cheesman Park, this lush paradise showcases plant collections from all over the world, including native plants of Colorado. Its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit for anyone in Denver.
Larimer Square
As Denver's oldest and most historic block, Larimer Square offers a charming glimpse into the city's past, while simultaneously pulsating with modern energy. By day, visitors can explore chic boutiques and dine at gourmet restaurants. By night, the area transforms into a vibrant scene with general admission to dance clubs and bars, offering live music that ranges from jazz to country. The architecture, lights, and ambiance of Larimer Square make it a quintessential Denver experience.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Located just outside Denver, in the nearby town of Greenwood Village, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is not only a geological marvel but also one of the most iconic music venues in the world. The naturally formed amphitheater provides an acoustical experience unlike any other, hosting everything from rock concerts to symphony orchestras. The surrounding park, with its dramatic red sandstone formations, offers hiking trails and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for both music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a capacity for thousands, the general admission policy allows fans to dance and enjoy concerts under the stars, making every event at Red Rocks a memorable one.