The Scene
Denver Connections
You didn’t have to be in the Bay Area to hear the San Francisco Sound in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Denver Family Dog
By September 1967, the San Francisco Sound was becoming a national phenomenon, and promoter Chet Helms decided to open a Denver branch of his Family Dog Productions. The venue, at 1601 West Evans Avenue (now PT’s Showclub), hosted San Francisco bands like the Grateful Dead, Blue Cheer, and the Mothers of Invention.
Denver police were not keen on welcoming the psychedelic movement, and after three months of consistent harassment, the Denver Dog closed its doors.
Several bands from the San Francisco scene have played at the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Located just west of Denver, Red Rocks has hosted the Grateful Dead, Santana, the Steve Miller Blues Band, and other legends of the psychedelic era. Watch video clips of your favorite bands at the Red Rocks website.
Dead at Red Rocks
The Grateful Dead performed at Red Rocks many times over the years and remain a fan favorite with Colorado music lovers. This image was recorded at the iconic, natural amphitheatre in 1978. Photo by Michael Goldman. Courtesy of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Steve Miller Band at Red Rocks
Formed in San Francisco in 1966, the Steve Miller Band has rocked Red Rocks crowds as recently as the summer of 2008. This image was captured during the band’s gig at the venue in 2005. Photo by Michael Goldman. Courtesy of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Santana at Red Rocks
Santana’s fusion of rock, salsa, and jazz sounds has kept the band and its front man, Carlos Santana, in headlines for decades. In 2003, the guitarist was named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone. The legend is pictured here engaging the packed crowd at Red Rocks. Photo by Michael Goldman. Courtesy of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
