Mark's hotel room and the crowd screamed out their love to him as loud as we could. It was great to see so many great musicians, artists, and fans come out to support Mark and show some love. I don't think I've ever felt such great energy at a show in Denver before.
That night just about everyone went somewhere to watch the Leonoids meteor shower. I have to say, I saw more shooting stars then I've ever seen. Some trails lasting up to 5-6 seconds. We watched from about 2:00-3:00 in the morning and saw about 50 amazing stars and trails (mmmmm trails...)
Ahhhhh Colorado.
Sutch
JamBase | Colorado
Go See Live Music
Wednesday | Fox Theater | Boulder, CO
After leaving Atlanta at 5am and getting to the Boulder show at 8:00 mtn. time I was already a little road-air weary. I just had to shake off the cobwebs when they started with the traditional bluegrass ho-down.
It was a short first set but it became apparent very quickly that this was to
be a Sam Bush show. He worked the stage all evening! I especially enjoyed when he got into Drew's face and dared him to out pick him. But Drew lived up to the challenge. I can't truly say anyone out picked anybody.
At one point we counted 14 people on stage at which point Jersey said he wanted to throw a penalty flag for too many players on the field. It was really nice
to finally see Robert Randolph. I have heard so much hype around him and now I understand why. He has sooooo much emotion when he plays.
The third set started with Paul, Sally, Sam, Drew and Robert doing a slide mayhem. All of them were just sliding away... By the later part of the 3rd set I was getting very tired from staying up for 24 hours without one drop of sleep. After the show it was back to the condo for some much needed rest.
Thursday night | Fox Theater | Boulder, CO
I forgot to mention that the crew were shaving heads in respect to Mark for $10, all proceeds went to the fund. I was really surprised at all the heads that were shaved. Eric (LoS Batik maker) made 8 special shirts for the shows they went for $40 a piece (all money to Mark) and all were gone about 10 minutes
after the door opened. I know we bought 3 of them. They are SWEET!
A sure highlight was Rowan's "Mexican Air Force" (someone threw Vince a HOG-LEG which he lit and passed to Rowan but Rowan passed on it and threw it back in the crowd). "Whole Lotta Love" to close the show was also a treat. Both shows at the Fox were complete sell-outs.
Friday night | Aggie Theater | Ft. Fun, CO
This show got out of control real early. Highlights included the monster "RAILROAD" and "DOWN ON THE FARM!!!" I have seen Widespread Panic play this but goddamn Leftover Salmon blew it right through the roof and knocked the walls off the building. Don't forget the closer when Vince got everyone but Greg to lay on the stage and they played "WE WANT THE FUNK!!!" It was a treat to see even Peter Rowan laying down doing a pick.
Saturday | Fillmore Auditorium | Denver, CO
This place was mayhem. The band sold 3600 tickets and there had to be at least 1000 outside with their fingers in the air. There was a buzz on the front
range about the heat that went down the previous 3 nights and the place was crazy outside. Scalpers were getting 75-80 bones per ticket! When have you ever seen that at a Salmon show?
Inside, the venue was overflowing with heads. We had set up base camp in front of the soundboard and had to abandon it during the second song due to shear mayhem. You couldn't stand, much less boogie. So off to the VIP we went. VIP was on a raised platform to the left of the stage. Up there you could see just how packed it was. From the stage to the very back wall was standing room only. I had a chance to chat with Kyle of SCI and he was just as amazed at how packed it was. His quote was, "We have sold this place out, but it has NEVER been this packed."
Bela performed a solo of a Bach piece which was SWEET. And then Johnny called Mark who was at home and led the crowd in a get well soon chant. As the night progressed we heard "Panama Red" and "Oh Atlanta" in beautiful fashion.
I was blown away by all the support for Mark, especially that last night. Much love and praise goes out to Johnny Pfarr and the crew. You are truly a master of the party and I respect all the hard work you put into your job. As Vince once told me "that guy is too dedicated." Throughout the evening good times and love prevailed as the overwhelming crowd and amazing musicians were dedicated to positive energy in the name of Mark Vann.
- Sam
