For most large festivals and opening slots at clubs in the city, Chris Daniels & the Kings will get to play for about 45 minutes before getting cut off — if they’re lucky. But when the Denver horn-driven rock act plays at community events this summer, it will get the chance to stretch out and build a lengthy set that can last up to two hours.
“You go in to do an hour- to three-hour show and you go full tilt,” said Daniels, the bandleader of the local act. “For us to be able to construct a two-hour show for a family and really take them somewhere, that’s a treat.”
He compares that length of a show to a Bruce Springsteen concert, and that’s why Daniels and his band dedicated a good chunk of their 55 shows this summer to playing family friendly events across the Denver area.
They also take pride in being a family band.
“These aren’t a targeted audience. You’ve got to be able to do all of it,” he said, adding that the crowd is everyone from infants to people who are “fairly geriatric.”
In the past 10 to 15 years, Daniels — whose group is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — has watched these local summer concert series pop up across Colorado. Aurora, Northglenn, Niwot, Lakewood, Littleton and other areas all have their own individual takes on outdoor concerts.
“The communities all around the front range have realized that this is fun, it brings our families together and they have a good time,” Daniels said.
While these aren’t the Red Rocks or Denver Botanic Gardens shows that bring in major national acts, families can get together and enjoy music outdoors at a variety of venues around the metro area. Here are a few:
Bands on the Bricks
Where: Pearl Street, Boulder
Cost: Free
Dates: June 11-Aug. 13
Website:
Highlights: Mountain Standard Time, the Samples, the Tripping Griswolds
Concerts at the Crescent
Where: Crescent Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village
Cost: Free
Dates: June 3-July 29
Website:
Highlights: Chris Daniels & the Kings, Triple Nickel, Tunisia, Forever in Blue Jeans, Jersey Shore
Sounds Exciting Summer Concert Series
Where: Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater, Lakewood
Cost: $4-$7
Dates: June 25-July 30
Website:
Highlights: Rebecca Frazier with Hit & Run, Todo Mundo, the Ballroom Thieves
Foothills Summer Concerts
Where: Grant Family Amphitheater in Clement Park, Littleton
Cost: Free
Dates: June 5-Aug. 7
Website:
Highlights: My Blue Sky, Mom’s Kitchen, Moors & McCumber
Aurora Summer Concerts
Where: Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, Bicentennial Park, Meadowood Park, Utah Park
Cost: Free
Dates: June 19-Aug. 7
Website:
Highlights: Phat Daddy, Dean Bushnell Orchestra, Buckstein, Hazel Miller, Raising Cain
Northglenn Summer Concert Series
Where: E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11801 Community Center Drive, Northglenn
Cost: Free
Dates: June 18-July 30
Website:
Highlights: Wendy Woo, the Fab 4, Zeppephilia, Dotsero
Rock & Rails
Where: Whistle Stop Park, Niwot
Cost: Free
Dates: June 5-Aug. 28
Website:
Highlights: The Sweetback Sisters, the Long Run (The Eagles tribute), Regi Wooten
Tunes on the Terrace
Where: Lone Tree Arts Center
Cost: $20-$25
Dates: June 20-Aug. 1
Website:
Highlights: Groove Nation Orchestra, Chased, Motown Party
Music in the Meadows
Where: Butterfield Park, Castle Rock
Cost: Free
Dates: June 19-July 31
Website:
Highlights: Exit 02, Justin Lane Band, Vintage Highway
Matt Miller: 303-954-1785, mrmiller@denverpost.com
