Boulder’s Colorado Chautauqua is one of the only remaining chautauquas that has been in continuous use since its inception in 1898. 2023 marks 125 years of the iconic Chautauqua and its 40+ miles of hiking trails, where both tourists and Boulderites gather for community events and recreation at the rate of more than a million visitors a year. Here are a few highlights from the upcoming Chautauqua Summer Concert Series presented by Z2 Entertainment.
6/1 The Wailers with Zivanai Masango
Nothing sounds quite like the start of summer more than the timeless songs of Bob Marley. The Wailers continue to deliver reggae through an indelible live experience and persistent and perpetual touring. Aston Barrett Jr. leads the band from behind the drum kit and carries on the mission of bringing the people classic reggae music from the 70s and 80s, as well as their own modern takes on newer tracks, which include a 2021 Grammy nomination for their latest album, One World. The sizable and talented band of phenomenal musicians and vocalists brings the vibe to get you ready for the outdoor season in Colorado.
7/8 Los Lobos + Ozomatli (Chautauqua's 125th Birthday Bash Concert)
Chautauqua’s 125th Anniversary Celebration promises to be an unforgettable one with Los Lobos and Ozomatli. Both veteran acts have proven to be melting pots of sound over their careers; Los Lobos spanning more than 50 years and Ozomatli nearing three decades. Eclectic blends of musical genres are present in both bands in different ways. Los Lobos leans toward Tejano, folk, rock ‘n roll and R&B and Ozomatli blends a wide range of musical viewpoints with salsa, hip-hop and reggae. Come and celebrate the one-and-a-quarter century anniversary at Boulder’s National Historical Landmark and take in the music, along with the inspiring history.
7/22 The Wood Brothers
The acoustic-driven sound of The Wood Brothers’ take on American roots music is truly heartening in the age of endless technology. On their latest album, Heart Is the Hero, they limit themselves to taping on 16-track, instead of using a computer for endless tracking options and the result is a record rife with traditionalism and off-beat creativity. Drawing acclaim from both NPR and Rolling Stone, The Wood Brothers will be bringing their take on Americana and countrified soul to Chautauqua this July.
8/4-8/5 Andrew Bird with Uwade
Andrew Bird’s impressive list of 17 studio albums, including his latest, Inside Problems, will show up in songs over two nights of the Chautauqua Summer Concert Series this August. The enigmatic whistler, vocalist and talented multi-instrumentalist brings his chamber folk to Boulder’s historic venue. Bird’s previous work includes a 2022 Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album and a visually magnificent series of short films called Echolocations, in which he brings his instrument to acoustically riveting spaces including a stone aqueduct in Lisbon, the Los Angeles River and a remote Utah canyon.
8/8 Amos Lee
Hailing from Philadelphia, Amos Lee has been making albums since 2004 with his signature folk/blues sound. His latest, My Ideal (A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings), is, of course, a salute to the legendary vocalist and trumpeter Chet Baker. Amos Lee's milk-and-honey singing voice and subtle funk on the guitar liken him to artists like Bill Withers and John Prine.
8/9 Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
Nicolas Reyes has been the leader of Gipsy Kings for the past 30 years. Founded in Southern France in 1978, Gipsy Kings musical focus is bringing rumba, flamenco and salsa to a worldwide audience and blending those styles with pop and Latin rhythms. Their success and popularity ramped up in the late 1980s with their self-titled third album and their hit “Bamboleo.” Their music has been featured in films such as Toy Story 3 and The Big Lebowski, has earned a Grammy nomination and has sold over 14 million copies worldwide.
Z2Ent.com