Now Opening - Some of the opening acts of the Arvada Center 2023 Summer Concert Series

By Leslie Simon 

We know you love the headliners of our 2023 Summer Concert Series, but the opening acts are every bit as dynamic and talented. Armed with the job of getting our audiences warmed up for the night, we hope you arrive early to see these great artists perform. Keep reading and get to know some of the openers that will be rocking our Outdoor Amphitheatre stage this summer!

July 3 Cracker (opening for Toad the Wet Sprocket)

Cracker are big stars in their own right, with sleeper hit “Low” off their 1993 album “Kerosene Hat” hitting #64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. Starting out band-life as college radio favorite Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker won over both the Alternative Rock and Jam Band crowds with their jangly rock guitar sound that’s a little bit punk, a little bit country, and a whole lot rocking.

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July 7 Garrison Starr (opening for the Indigo Girls)

Based in Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Garrison Starr’s star-studded career seemed like just a dream for someone who grew up in a fundamentalist Christian household. She’s since gone on to work with strong women such as Melissa Etheridge and Lilith Fair, even working with Margaret Cho on her comedy album. With her music played in the soundtracks of popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, even if you don’t think you are familiar with Starr - you probably are.

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July 21 Hamish Anderson (opening for George Thorogood and the Destroyers)

With influences from Harry Nilsson to Tom Petty, Melbourne, Australia blues-guitarist Hamish Anderson has received accolades for his clever songwriting skills as well as his scorching guitar hooks. Big fans of George Thorogood will be wowed by his authentic rock and roll talent, so make sure to come early.

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July 29 6 Million Dollar Band (opening for Face Vocal Band)

We can dance if we want to when Denver’s premier 80s-dance favorite 6 Million Dollar Band opens for Face Vocal Band on July 29. Armed with a high-energy repertoire of 80s New Wave, 80s Synth Pop and 80s Rock and Roll, 6 Million Dollar Band creates a party atmosphere with 80s tracks performed just like the originals.

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August 11 The Barlow (opening for Lucero)

Denver band The Barlow create mountain-high country for folks who like music like the outlaw country of Texas and the Red Dirt country of Oklahoma. Their third full-length album “New Year, Old Me” was released June 24, 2022, with the promise that “you’ll hear a fresh spin on a familiar sawdust-floor old friend.” Their show is sure to fill our Outdoor Amphitheatre with honky-tonk vibes and good time sounds.

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August 13 Tall Heights (opening for Ben Folds)

The electrofolk duo Tall Heights consists of singer/guitarist Tim Harrington and singer/cellist Paul Wright, who started out busking the streets of Boston. With their sound compared to bands like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, Tall Heights worked with Ben Folds on his new album “What Matters Most” (released June 2, 2023) last summer in Nashville, and are featured in the song “Moments.”

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September 7 Dragondeer (opening for Collective Soul)

Denver’s Dragondeer creates psychedelic blues for people who like to dance. Blending retro funk and soul, Mississippi Delta blues, and psychedelic rock and roll, Dragondeer’s mission is to “speak to souls and keep the body moving.” Harmonica and pedal steel guitar add to their complex wall of sound, creating an energy that is impossible to ignore.