Photo via Billy Strings

Last night, Billy Strings took the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., by storm for the first evening of his upcoming stint in The Centennial State. The crowd gathered in anticipation as the bluegrass virtuoso and his band unleashed a captivating performance that spanned genres and paid homage to both classics and contemporary hits as the sky opened up.

The evening kicked off with a mesmerizing rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Cold on the Shoulder,” setting the tone for an unforgettable night and paying tribute to the late Canadian singer-songwriter. Strings’ impeccable guitar skills and soulful vocals breathed new life into the song, captivating the audience from the first note. The band seamlessly transitioned into their original composition, “On the Line,” delivering a high-energy performance that had the crowd on their feet.

Throughout the first set, Billy Strings showcased his versatility by weaving in traditional covers with his own original works. The hauntingly beautiful “The Two Sisters” transported the audience to another time, while “In the Morning Light” showcased Strings’ introspective and tender inclinations. The pulsating energy of “Highway Hypnosis” kept the momentum going, leading into the infectious groove of “I’ll Be Gone a Long Time” before circling back to a reprise of “Highway Hypnosis.” The band delighted the crowd with a playful cover of Béla Fleck’s “Tentacle Dragon,” infusing their own unique style into the composition. Next came the foot-stomping energy of the traditional favorite “Red Rocking Chair,” which flowed into “Everything’s the Same.” To frame was closed by two songs nodding to the weather with stride: Blaze Foley’s “Cold, Cold World” before Robert Hunter’s “Thunder,” leaving the crowd exhilarated and eager for more.

As the second set unfolded, Strings continued to captivate with their virtuosity and eclectic song choices. “Taking Water” kicked off the set, showcasing his lyrical storytelling and the band’s tight musicianship. The introspective “Ice Bridges” provided a moment of reflection before the crowd was swept away by the spirited rendition of “Make Me a Pallet on the Floor,” a traditional cover that saw the band’s chemistry shine. The infectious energy of “Hellbender” had the crowd dancing in unison, while the soulful “Riding That Midnight Train” paid tribute to the legendary Doc Watson.

The band continued to explore a range of emotions and musical styles with “Hide and Seek” and the heartfelt rendition of “It’s Raining Here This Morning,” originally by The Stanley Brothers. The poignant “The Fire on My Tongue” ignited the stage with its fiery energy before transitioning into the classic Johnny Horton hit “Ole Slew-Foot.” Strings’ recent release with Willie Nelson, “California Sober,” followed before “Away From the Mire,” showcased the band’s dynamic musicianship.

The night reached its climax with the crowd-favorite “Little Maggie,” a traditional cover that had the entire amphitheater singing along. As the audience cheered for more, Strings and his band returned for an encore that left an indelible mark on the night. They closed the show with a heartfelt rendition of “Uncle Pen,” originally by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, further showcasing their deep respect for the roots of bluegrass music.

Strings’ performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre was a testament to his exceptional talent and his ability to transcend genres, which is sure to continue during his performance again tonight. At the time of publishing, the chance for precipitation in Morrison is 50%.

Watch Billy Strings on nugs.net May 11-13, LIVE from Red Rocks and The Mission Ballroom. Stream the shows LIVE or on-demand when you can here.

Billy Strings
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colo.
May 11, 2023

Set I: Cold on the Shoulder (Gordon Lightfoot cover) (>) On the Line, The Two Sisters ([traditional] cover), In the Morning Light, Highway Hypnosis (>) I’ll Be Gone a Long Time (> ‘Highway Hypnosis’ reprise), Tentacle Dragon (Béla Fleck cover), Red Rocking Chair ([traditional] cover) (>) Everything’s the Same, Cold, Cold World (Blaze Foley cover), Thunder (Robert Hunter cover)

Set II: Taking Water (>) Ice Bridges, Make Me a Pallet on the Floor ([traditional] cover), Hellbender, Riding That Midnight Train (Doc Watson cover), Hide and Seek, It’s Raining Here This Morning (The Stanley Brothers cover), The Fire on My Tongue (>) Ole Slew-Foot (Johnny Horton cover), California Sober, Away From the Mire, Little Maggie ([traditional] cover)

Enc.: Uncle Pen (Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys cover)