Jess Nelson Whew, what a time with Walker Hayes putting on one heck of a show at the infamous Red Rocks Amphitheater. This took place on May 5, 2023 and he brought some fiyah openers to get things going: Chris Lane & Nicolle Galyon.
Nicolle Galyon
So, I’m all about honesty and transparency…I was a lil late for Nicolle’s set due to a few set backs. But, excuses aside. I still got to be up close for one song (and let me tell you I sprinted in!). For that song, she brought out her husband to sing along with her. I just thought it was the cutest lil thang. Due to my tardiness though, I didn’t catch a whole lot of Nicolle but did like what I got to see!
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2023 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC.
Chris Lane
I was stoked about getting to shoot this set since I wasn’t able to when he came through Denver last year on his headline tour. Chris has always been a fave of mine in the country music world, being a fan of his since his first #1 song “Fix.” A couple highlights from his set:
He brought out a girl on stage to serenade during one of his songs (I don’t remember which, sue me). I love love love when artists do this because it is a moment she will remember forever.
Next was when his twin bro bro, Cory (who is his dummer), got off his drum kit to sing alongside Chris. Chris was egging him on and Cory was acting like he didn’t want to, being all sheepish and shy. The crowd was rooting for him (Tyra on ANTM, anyone?). I’m not sure if this is a bit or at every show, but it felt like such a triumphant win when Cory decided to get on the mic. And let me tell you, he has a beautimous voice. I’m glad he graced the rocks with that magnificence.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2023 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC.
Walker Hayes
Wow, I shot Walker Hayes last summer for a radio gig and seeing him headline is a whole different ballgame. The first unexpected part was that he had dancers. DANCERS. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a country show that had backup dancers. But like, that’s his whole appeal right? Like cute dancing dad? All of this to say, I absolutely loved it. It added an element to the show I would not have guessed.
If my assumption is correct, I believe this was Walker’s first time playing Red Rocks. You know when people ask what their favorite part of a wedding is and people say watching the groom as the bride is coming down the aisle? Well, in a similar sense, my favorite part of seeing a show at Red Rocks is seeing the artists face when they look up and see all the bodies that are there to see them. It is ONE. OF. A. KIND. You could see the joy on Walker’s face when he had that moment. WHAT A TIME!
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2023 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC.
Tips to get over your Post Concert Depression here.
[…] was all the rage. It’s been so fun seeing him blossom over the years, and playing his first show this year at Red Rocks. There was a pre show meet & greet, so we got to reminisce over those times & snap a pic, […]