The Best Opening Acts at Red Rocks Amphitheater in 2022

Red Rocks Amphitheater is simply the best concert venue in the land.  Artists come from around the globe for the chance to perform at this iconic amphitheater.  Fans flock from near and far for the chance to catch a show at this sacred live music destination.  

It is no surprise that Red Rocks manages to book the best touring talent available.  Everyone wants to play Red Rocks, and everyone wants to see a show here.

It is also no surprise that when a show is booked at Red Rocks, it is typically with a killer lineup, from top to bottom.  Because of this, sometimes a performance at Red Rocks has a band or artist that could easily fill most venues on their own scheduled in the supporting slot of the roster.

The Red Rocks 2022 Calendar is no exception.

With a completely jam-packed schedule in 2022, Red Rocks has some of the best bands in the world passing through.  And many of these don’t have their name at the top of the marquee!

This is why we advise you to always get to Red Rocks with plenty of time to catch the opening act – even if you’ve never heard of them.  Because of they’re playing Red Rocks, they’re worth seeing.

(Check out all of our Red Rocks Advice in our Red Rocks Guide)

So, in an effort to help you get the very best of your trip to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, here is our guide to The Best Opening Acts at Red Rocks in 2022:

Leftover Salmon

July 16, 2022

Opening For The String Cheese Incident

Never miss a Leftover Salmon show.  Trust us.  Especially when these guys get to perform on a stage like Red Rocks.  Leftover Salmon wrote the book on jamgrass, and without them, there wouldn’t be a String Cheese Incident.  Period.

The last time Salmon played Red Rocks they got to headline for the iconic amphitheater first time in their 30+ career, albeit to a covid-reduced crowd size.  Which made it all the better for the fans with the expanded dancing space, but you can bet the band would rather have a packed house!  So get there on time and don’t miss this one! 

Durand Jones & The Indications

May 30, 2022

Opening For Gary Clark, Jr.

Durand Jones & The Indications are creating fresh new funk and soul that you’d swear that you’ve heard before.  You’ll sing and groove to a tune that just feels right, without realizing it’s brand new to you.  Timeless, their music is.

When these guys hit the Red Rocks stage, it’s going to be a dance party, and you won’t want to be sitting in the parking lot when it goes down.

Sierra Ferell

September 5, 2022

Shakey Graves

Sierra Ferell is taking the music world by the reigns and navigating wherever she wants to go.  Popping up on just about every festival lineup this summer, she and her band are quickly moving to the top of every one.  Mark our words, Sierra Ferell will be headlining Red Rocks by next year.  Don’t miss her when you get the opportunity.

Violent Femmes

June 11, 2022

Opening For Big Head Todd & the Monsters

Why this band is opening for anyone is beyond us.   

Violent Femmes have been one of the most influential bands in the world for 40ish years, and they are sure to put on an incredible show at Red Rocks Amphitheater.  They always do. 

As someone once said, “You cannot f**k with the Violent Femmes.  You cannot f**k with this band!” 

Don’t f**k with the Violent Femmes.  Get your ass into Red Rocks and see this show.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

July 4, 2022

Opening For Blues Traveler

Blues Traveler is a Red Rocks July 4th tradition.  It’s always a party on the rocks, and with Robert Randolph & The Family Band supporting, that party will go through the non-existent roof!

Galactic

June 4, 2022

Opening For Michael Franti & Spearhead

“How you feelin’?!!”  Hopefully pretty good, after a Galactic show!

It doesn’t get much funkier than Galactic.  This crew has been moving asses for decades, and you’ve better lace up those dancing shoes when they fire up Red Rocks! 

Kitchen Dwellers

September 17, 2022

Opening For Greensky Bluegrass

Kitchen Dwellers are lighting up the music scene, and are very much deserving of a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater.   

Greensky Bluegrass has made their September Red Rocks shows a new tradition, and has always done a great job of pairing with other amazing bands that their fans will love.  If you haven’t caught a Kitchen Dwellers show yet, be warned – things can get a little greasy in the kitchen!

Mavis Staples

August 11, 2022

Opening For Bonnie Raitt

There aren’t too many venues that could have someone as legendary as Mavis Staples booked as an opening act.  But, this is Red Rocks.  (And this is Bonnie Raitt!!)

Get there early and don’t regret missing out on seeing this living musical icon performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater!

Yonder Mountain String Band

July 15, 2022

Opening For The String Cheese Incident

Yonder Mountian String Band is better than they’ve been in ages.  Working to redefine themselves after the departure (and then passing) of Jeff Austin, but they are on straight fire right now. 

The String Cheese Incident at Red Rocks is not an experience to miss, and this year they are paying homage to their roots by bringing Yonder Mountain String Band (along with Leftover Salmon the following evening) to the party.

This will be a very special show.

Best Opening Bands at Red Rocks in 2022

These are just a few of the amazing opening acts at Red Rocks Amphitheater this year. At a venue as incredible as Red Rocks, there is rarely a bad show.  Our advice is to not miss a thing!

We have countless stories of being unexpectedly blown away by an opener at Red Rocks.  You never know what you’re going to get!   And very often, this year’s opener is next year’s headliner, so catch ’em while you can.

And to ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater, be sure to check out all of the Red Rocks Guides:

Parking at Red Rocks

Transportation to and From Red Rocks

What you can and can’t bring into Red Rocks

Red Rocks Lodging Options

Red Rocks Schedule 2022

See you on the Rocks!