John Butler Trio – June 10th – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Photos by Kit Chalberg

The heat was no match for fans as they made their way into Red Rocks for John Butler Trio’s fourth headlining show at the historic amphitheater. The evening’s lineup was made up of some of Australia’s best artists and, according to Bulter, it was “the first time an all-Australian lineup has played the Red Rocks stage,” which generated a roaring response from the sold-out crowd. Mamma Kin Spender took to the stage first with their Shovels and Rope-like bluesy rock. Then came multi-instrumentalist and looping wizard Tash Sultana, simply known as “Tash” to her fans. It’s a rare occasion when a solo act truly owns the Red Rocks stage and draws in a packed house, but Tash did just that. By the end of her set, the entire venue was dancing and then offered up a much deserved extended standing ovation. After a long delay because of technical issues, John Butler Trio – comprised of singer-songwriter-guitarist John Butler, bassist Byron Luiters and drummer Grant Gerathy – took the stage. The set included a mix of recently record tunes from their yet-to-be-released studio album and some old favorites like “Pickapart,” “Revolution” and “Zebra.” In customary fashion, Butler also sat down to play the ever-evolving and epic instrumental “Ocean.”