Country music here this winter belongs to the old-timers, with legendary singer-songwriters Jerry Jeff Walker and Kris Kristofferson, along with one of the best-selling groups of all, the Oak Ridge Boys, on tap to visit Denver.
Walker kicks things off Tuesday at the Grizzly Rose. The Lone Star legend is part of the roadhouse’s special concert series it produces each year during the National Western Stock Show, which opened Saturday.
Walker’s musical career has lasted more than 40 years thanks to his roots-country sound. Casual listeners likely know him best for penning “Mr. Bojangles,” a pop classic. But Walker’s legion of fans know that he has written scores of songs that have earned him a place among country’s best songwriters.
Kristofferson, who also sits at that table, comes to the Paramount Theatre on Jan. 20. One of the finest songwriters of his generation, he landed in the Country Music Hall of fame in 2004 thanks to such songs as as “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again).”
While certainly not blessed with a great – or even average – voice, Kristofferson recorded country and pop hits of many of his songs. Johnny Cash, Ray Price and Janis Joplin scored even bigger hits with Kristofferson tunes than he himself did.
Still, there is always something special about hearing a live performance of a songwriter singing his own works.
Other highlights during the winter season:
Tracy Byrd, Jan. 14, Grizzly Rose
Byrd has charted singles and albums through his willingness to move back and forth between contemporary and traditional country. He released another greatest-hits album last year, which showed up on some critics’ Christmas gift lists.
Robert Earl Keen, Jan. 19-20, Grizzly Rose
Here’s your annual advisory about Keen’s two-concert run during the stock show: Get your tickets early because sellouts are in the forecast. Keen has a wide following and is an absolute idol in his home state of Texas. And it always appears like all those Texas fans come to our stock show. Keen is one of the best ever at writing story-songs.
The Oak Ridge Boys, Feb. 17, Paramount Theatre
This harmony vocal group boasts a history going back to 1945, starting as the gospel group Oak Ridge Quartet. The group began its long journey on the country charts in the early 1970s under the name of the Oak Ridge Boys. Today, they are considered one of country’s seminal vocal groups.
Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival, Feb. 17-19, Northglenn Ramada Plaza
Roni Stoneman, billed as “The First Lady of Banjo,” and BlueRidge are among the acts booked for this popular festival. Others include Hickory Project, The Special Consensus, Frank Ray & Cedar Hill, Hit and Run Bluegrass, and Art Sevenson & Highwater.
Kathy Mattea, March 21, Boulder Theater
Over the years Mattea has blended folk, country and Celtic music to create a signature sound. She is not only a great singer but also a terrific entertainer who wants her concerts to have the spontaneity of jam sessions on the back porch.
Remember that the Denver area is home to a talented roots country scene with acts performing rockabilly, honky-tonk and traditional country. Scout these shows at denverbarn or, already lists some 40 shows in January and February.
Staff writer Ed Will can be reached at 303-820-1694 or ewill@denverpost.com.
