If you’re a jam band fanatic, Denver is the place to be this summer, with must-see concerts from Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic and many more. Of course, the scene is nothing new here. Ever since The Grateful Dead (the original jam band) started playing the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the late 1970s, the Denver area has been a hotspot for great music and great times. From homegrown heroes like String Cheese Incident to Furthur (the supergroup featuring the Dead’s Bob Weir and Phil Lesh), this summer in The Mile High City is shaping up to be one long, strange – and fun – trip.

THE DEAD LIVE!

The Grateful Dead may be gone, but there are plenty of chances to keep on truckin' this summer.

Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue, June 21, Fox Theatre
Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue was formed in 2005 from the top players of the foremost Grateful Dead tribute bands in the Rocky Mountain region. The band's forte lies in its faithful rendering of Grateful Dead material, both originals and covers, and the Grateful Dead's trademark style of improvisation.

Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring Warren Haynes and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, July 30, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This groundbreaking orchestral adventure features the late great Jerry Garcia's storied original compositions as well as classic interpretations of timeless standards that were hallmarks of Garcia and the Grateful Dead’s shows. 

Furthur, September 19-22, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Following their successful summer tour, former Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, with their band Furthur, return to Colorado to begin their much anticipated Fall Tour 2013. The legendary group will return to the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, for four magical nights on September 19, 20, 21 & 22.

Shakedown Street, all summer long, various locations
Not as good as the real thing – but close! One of the world’s best Grateful Dead tribute bands calls the Rocky Mountain Front Range home, and you can find them jamming the night away at various venues throughout the area all summer long.

JAM BAND LEGENDS

Catch some of the biggest names in the jam band world under the sun and stars in Denver.

Blues Traveler / moe., July 4, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
A Fourth of July tradition! Blues Traveler has been playing Independence Day concerts at Red Rocks for more than a decade now, bringing their rootsy, harmonica-fueled jams to America’s premier outdoor music venue.

Dave Matthews Band, August 23-24, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Dave is back! The Dave Matthews Band has sold a collective 37 million CDs and DVDs combined and ranked the biggest ticket seller worldwide of the past decade and has sold more than 18 million tickets since its inception. There will be no better place to catch them than Denver this summer during this epic two-night stand.

Phish, August 30-September 1, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Denver’s got one of the most popular jam bands in the world for three nights this summer. Phish have earned a wildly devoted following over the past 20 years, thanks to the guitar heroics of Trey Anastasio, an always-unpredictable live show and unparalleled instrumental interplay.

GREAT MUSIC, GREAT TIMES

Even more fantastic shows to check out this summer.

Umphrey’s McGee, June 7, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Fans who have followed Umphrey's McGee for any period of time know that there are only two guarantees: you never know what you’re going to get and Umphrey’s always delivers. The group returns in 2013 to headline Red Rocks for the fourth consecutive year, in celebration of their 15-year anniversary as a band.

O.A.R., June 22, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Touring powerhouse O.A.R. brings its tight live show back to Red Rocks, where the band recorded their live 2012 CD and DVD, Live on Red Rocks.

Widespread Panic, June 27-30, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
After a year-long hiatus, jam fan favorites Widespread Panic return to the road – and of course, their home away from home, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre for four consecutive nights. Widespread Panic holds the record for sold out performances at Red Rocks with 38 shows (three nights in 2011 sold out in seven minutes).

Railroad Earth with Galactic & Greensky Bluegrass, July 12, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The members of Railroad Earth aren’t losing any sleep about what “kind” of music they play – they just play it. And they play it amazingly well, bringing a bluegrass feel to the jam band style.

Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, July 18, Denver Botanic Gardens
World famous pianist/songwriter Bruce Hornsby is still, blissfully, making joyful noise after more than a quarter century in the limelight. A close collaborator with the Grateful Dead in the early 90s, Hornsby’s live sets are unpredictable, exciting and imaginative. Don’t miss him in the beautiful setting of the Denver Botanic Gardens.

The String Cheese Incident, July 26-27, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Hailing from Telluride and Crested Butte, The String Cheese Incident represent Colorado’s vibrant jam band scene, blending elements of folk, jazz, rock and bluegrass into a thoroughly enjoyable musical stew. The band took a few years off during the last decade, but it’s no coincidence that in 2010 they chose Red Rocks as the site of their triumphant return.

Jam Band Hot Spots to Visit While You’re In Town

If you're visiting Denver for shows this summer, don't miss out on these places to eat, drink, and hang out.

Quixote’s True Blue
2151 Lawrence St, Denver
Sancho’s Broken Arrow
741 E Colfax Ave, Denver
These two sister clubs are ground zero for the city’s jam band scene – warm, friendly spots that feature great live music virtually every night of the week. Check their respective calendars for more info.

Vine Street Tavern
1700 Vine St., Denver
Vine Street Tavern, one of the newest and grooviest additions to Denver's microbrewery scene, is all about the Grateful Dead on the sound system, juicy burgers (or veggie burgers) and a dedication to lovingly crafted beer.

My Brother’s Bar
2376 15th St., Denver
The forefathers of the jam band movement were the Beat Generation and My Brother’s is a Mile High City institution known for its Beat Generation clientele – this was renowned Beats Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady’s watering hole of choice in the 1950s. Today, not much has changed at My Brother’s – you can still get a pint and a burger for under $10 and enjoy one of the city’s coolest spots.