Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, members of the dynamite duo Sugarland, hit the stage at Red Rocks on Saturday night for the first show of the amphitheater’s season.
KYGO, Denver country radio station, threw the “Spring Fling” event, hosting Sugarland and openers Pat Green and The Flap ‘N” Jacks.
Fans packed Red Rocks for the spring opener and were more than enthusiastic to hear the music.
An energetic Pat Green hopped on stage around 8:30p.m. and remarked on the cold weather and his fulfilled dream of finally playing Red Rocks. Playing hits such as “Dixie Lullaby,” “Wave on Wave,” and “Feels Just Like it Should,” Green surprised the audience with his delightful stage presence. His words of gratitude at the opportunity to play Red Rocks followed at the end of every song. Like an eager kid at a toy store, Green rocked with his band members and preceded the infamous country duo well.
Sugarland belted behind a white curtain as silhouettes only to catapult into the air when the curtain fell to start the explosive concert. High energy tunes ran the show; lead singer Nettles never stopped moving to the beat. Choreographed and rhythmic body motions between Nettles and band member Bush provided entertainment value.
Vivid, high resolution backdrops matched each song with ease and ranged from clips from their personal music videos to home video recorded from Morrison, CO and Denver. The shout-out tribute displayed Denver sports teams and hot spots in the city, receiving uncontrollably proud arm raises and squeaky screams from Colorado natives.
Sugarland performed songs off of their two multi-platinum albums such as “Baby Girl,” “Stay,” “Everyday America,” and “Settlin.'” Crowd members eagerly swayed and danced in their rows, singing along to each word and note as Nettles sang countless number one hits. Nettles thrived in the category of versatility through her and Bush’s cover performances of Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Def Leopard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” The band also humbly performed a song from a newcomer to the country/rock scene, Matt Nathanson. His inspirational ballad “Come on Get Higher” resonated shivers throughout the packed crowd. The band said they greatly wanted to support and promote Nathanson and his music.
Also performing three songs off an upcoming new album, Sugarland received positive feedback from an excited audience on their delightfully catchy and no doubt future hit anthems.
Stopping the show to pose for a picture on stage with thousands of fans behind them, Sugarland exposed their humble roots intertwined with remarkable talent and stage character.
Only a sweet ride is ahead for this successful duo.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 Boones
