I'm no good at thinking ahead. Normally, I don't know what I'll be doing past tomorrow afternoon. But every now and then my internal calendar kicks in and schedules me for the next big thing. This year, the next big thing is the Mile High Music Fest, Denver's first and only major music festival. If your internal calendar functions as poorly as mine, make sure to write this down, because you'll be kicking yourself in the ass all summer if you miss this one.
On July 19 and 20, the Outer Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, just minutes from downtown Denver, will fill up with music fans, big name acts, indie rockers and local bands alike, spread out across five stages and acres upon acres of green grass. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Dave Matthews Band are headlining the two-day event, and are supported by a veritable cornucopia of musicians from John Meyer and the Black Crowes, to Michael Franti and Spearhead, Steve Winwood, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Flogging Molly, Spoon and moe. Also included in the billing are a bevy of local favorites including Leftover Salmon, Rose Hill Drive, Meese, the Railbenders and Born in the Flood, with more bands being added all the time. Visit Mile High's line-up for a more comprehensive artist lineup.
For as long as I can remember, Bluegrass has been the flavor of choice for Colorado's outdoor summer festivals, with major events in Teluride and Lyons, and there is no doubt that Coloradans have been blessed with an abundance of all things folksy. But those of us hankering for a rock 'n' roll blowout have always been forced to travels to such exotic locales as Manchester, TN (Bonnaroo), Detroit Lakes, MN (10,000 Lakes), or Indio, CA (Coachella) to get our fix. Now, with a rock festival in our own backyard, connoisseurs of the genre will finally have to come to us. So whoever you are, and wherever you come from, don't miss your chance to stand up and say, "Hey, I was at Mile High for year 1." Welcome to Denver rock fans!
The Mile High Music Festival is sponsored by AEG Live, SanDisk, Starr Hill Presents, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, KBCO, and AT&T. A full list of performers, as well as complete event details can be found at www.milehighmusicfestival.com.
Stay tuned to the Grateful Web for continuing coverage of this historic event.
