Because of its size, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre typically books wide-armed concerts that would otherwise pack a pair of nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Greenwood Village venue has an 18,000-seat capacity, nearly twice that of Red Rocks (and about the same as Ball Arena).
While its calendar is still coming together, Fiddler’s has already announced a few huge, must-see shows — plus some fun ones, if you’ve got the wherewithal.
Here are our picks.
Goose
This two-night stand proves the growing draw of Goose’s modern-day jams, with the Connecticut band having made its name opening for titans of the genre such as Dead & Co. and Phish leader Trey Anastasio. These will be long sets — just the way fans like it. June 6-7
Earth, Wind & Fire
Soul-funk legend Earth, Wind & Fire has, to our knowledge, not delivered anything less than a vigorously sweaty, crowd-pleasing set in Denver in recent years, so its upcoming concert — featuring Denver’s own Philip Bailey on vocals — will no doubt live up to the band’s many great performances. June 14
The Music of John Williams with the Colorado Symphony
Live orchestral scores set to film (or films) are old hat, but the choice of venue here shows the enduring power of John Williams’ music. The composer for “Jaws,” “Superman,” “Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T.,” “Home Alone” and dozens more is perfect for a soaring, outdoor concert on a summer night. No nostalgia required. June 29
Wu-Tang Clan
This influential hip hop group’s shows can sometimes feel chaotic, given all the cooks in the kitchen, but they’re never less than thrilling. A night of rap-along hits will be preceded by opener Run the Jewels, a headliner in its own right whose lacerating songs and social justice yen dovetails nicely with Wu-Tang’s sharp aesthetic. July 4
Koe Wetzel
This Birthday Bash concert from 98.5 KYGO-FM is going appropriately big with Wetzel, the powerhouse country-rock star and Texas native whose songs recall a grittier time in Americana music, despite his smooth voice and the odd genre-crossing experiment (grunge? Hip hop? Why not?). With Kip Moore, Corey Kent, The Castellows, and Bayker Blankenship. July 6
Santa Fe Klan and Shoreline Mafia
Although huge Spanish-language acts aren’t hard to find at Ball Arena, this joint tour is the rare Spanish-leaning show at Fiddler’s. Mexican rapper and songwriter Santa Fe Klan (Ángel Jair Quezada Jasso) and revived L.A. duo Shoreline Mafia make great bedfellows, along with the stacked opening lineup of Tornillo, Peysoh, and Bravo the Bagchaser. July 11
Excision
Without Broomfield’s FirstBank Center to fill (that EDM-favorite venue was recently torn down), this electronic-music heavyweight is turning to a pair of nights at Fiddler’s — with a potential 36,000 fans in attendance across both shows. That’s not quite enough to fill, say, Coors Field, but certainly enough to warrant applause for this Canadian DJ’s rabid fan base. Aug. 1-2
Cyndi Lauper
This newly inducted Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is on the final leg of her farewell tour, so don’t miss this chance to see (and hear) “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors” in concert. Trust us: she’s wonderful live. With opener Jake Wesley Rogers. Aug. 12
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts
Neil Young’s tireless sonic exploration extends to his road jaunts, as his globe-spanning Love Earth Tour this year demonstrates. Expect songs from across his massive solo-and-band catalog of folk and rock hits, including extended jams that test the limits of both the venue’s volume and his own, constantly tortured guitar strings. Sept. 1
Haim
A melody-drenched new album from this California-reared sister act is due out June 2, making the I Quit Tour (named for the album) well-timed for a summer send-off. As with Red Rocks, however, keep an eye on the weather for this time of year and dress appropriately. With opener Dora Jar. Oct. 3
Shows are all-ages unless otherwise noted. See more at fiddlersgreenamp.com and buy tickets at axs.com.