Get into the 90s Throwback Vibe with the Arvada Center 2023 Summer Concert Series
by Leslie Simon
The Arvada Center recently announced our 2023 Summer Concert Series lineup, and it’s going to be a totally rad, throwback 90s summer! It’s hard to believe it’s been over twenty years since some of these acts broke out big on the scene - they still sound fresh with lyrics that remain pertinent today. In fact, with so many 90s-inspired bands out there now, they have come full circle and sound modern again.
Get into the 90s mood with some videos below from musical acts that will be gracing our Outdoor Amphitheatre stage, then get out your 90s fashion (which really were just a rehash of 70s fashions) and join the Arvada Center this summer by purchasing your concert tickets below.
July 3: Toad the Wet Sprocket and Cracker
A heck of a double bill to kick off the celebration of America’s birthday a little early. Fans of headlining alternative pop band Toad the Wet Sprocket will be happy to see the band back at the Arvada Center after a several-year pause. This band got together in high school, and it’s great to see everyone still friends and creating beautiful music together.
Opening band Cracker takes a dash of country rock, a big splash of alternative, a little Grateful Dead influence, and some down and dirty blues guitar to create a sound that is all America.
July 7: Indigo Girls with full band, with Garrison Starr
The folk-rock duo Indigo Girls that made a big splash in the 80s continued creating giant hits through the 90s and carved a world out for themselves that uplifted women. Their roots-rock sound stood out from the heavy grunge sound that had taken over pop radio and made them giant stars. They continue to remain strong today, using their power for good as activists.
While FACE hit the pop music scene after the 90s, that doesn’t stop them from covering big 90s classics. Not everything in the 90s was flannel and grunge rock - we also loved big ballads from blockbuster movies. Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” was released in 1994 but became inescapable as the hit song from the Batman Forever soundtrack. Maybe FACE will cover one of your favorite big 90s belting ballads!
Ben Folds (born Benjamin Scott Folds) spent the 90s in the power-piano trio Ben Folds Five (yes, there were just three in the Five) creating monster hits that combined catchy piano riffs, contemplative lyrics, and a little bit of a punk attitude. Next thing you know his music was all over movie soundtracks and TV commercials. Known for his high-energy shows, Ben Folds bridges that elusive gap between classical music lover and rock-and-roller.
Collective Soul seemed to speak the thoughts of Generation X when they exploded onto the music scene in the 90s. Their lyrics went deep and raw, discussing topics like suicide and depression that you don’t always see in hit pop-rock songs. Orchestral scores to go with their rock band stylings elevated their music to the top.
Keb’ Mo’ (born Kevin Roosevelt Moore) emerged onto the 90s blues scene with an authentic Delta blues flair straight from his Deep South roots. Born in South Los Angeles, Keb’ Mo’ took the sounds he heard growing up with southern parents and created his own post-modern blues style that brought in elements of pop and went on to win him multiple Grammy awards.
