Picture Show: Weekend at Red Rocks Pt. 2 – Umphrey’s McGee and Mule Deliver in Morrison

Yesterday, we welcomed photographer/journalist Mike Sherry into the Hidden Track Family to add some much needed coverage of the West Coast. For Mike’s first assignment he headed out to Morrison, Colorado for a wonderful weekend at arguably the world’s most beautiful music venue: Red Rocks.

The afternoon of day two saw a thunderstorm roll over just as doors opened, but as is often the case at Red Rocks the front blew through with plenty of time to spare and provided a rainbow payoff. Umphrey's McGee hit the stage and got right down to business with Search 4, a newer tune with great drive and a bright feel that reminds me of Yes' sound. The early crowd was treated to an extended set that showcased some of their strongest newer material, Higgins especially, rolling into a fan-pleasing sandwich of powerful classics: Divisions > Resolution > Divisions > JaJunk with a rowdy Pipeline and dance party Norwegian Wood jam thrown in the mix. By the time night had fallen, the bowl was full and rocking out as Umphrey's closed with authority.

If all the music that had come before set the bar high, Gov't Mule vaulted that light as a feather opening with Soulshine. Drummer Matt Abts was locked tight with Andy Hess, who had several standout moments on bass that kicked things up and kept the crowd's feet moving. Likewise, Danny Louis sounded solid and funky on keys, while other times barnstorming with Warren's soaring guitar. Another warm Red Rocks night was made even warmer by a sweet version of Dear Prudence with Brendan Bayliss from Umphrey's sitting in on guitar, only to turn the amphitheater on its collective head with Black Sabbath's War Pigs to finish the first set. Best of all was opening the second with When the Music's Over. Mule didn't just make the proverbial musical statement, they sent a ferociously fine proclamation into the night, capping off a splendid weekend at the best venue the outdoors has to offer.

• Previously on HT: Weekend at Red Rocks Pt. 1 - ABB and RD

READ ON for more of Mike's incredible pictures from UM/Mule on the Rocks...