The Lyle Lovettconcert fell on one of those perfect Red Rocks nights. Warm breeze. Flashes of lightning to the north. Just a couple drops of rain. Our seats ( row 15, seats 42 and 43) just a few feet from the soundboard. Amazing talent on the stage.

The Subdudes opened, performing about 10 songs including their popular Papa Dukie and the Mud People.

Shortly after The Subdudes set ended, Lyle came to the stage, with a few more bandmates taking their places as they progressed on the set list.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band are a collection of 18 musicians. Some on horns, some on drums, some on strings, one on piano, four with amazing voices. And one with a thoughtful voice, guitar and cool hair.

Early in the July 23 concert, Lyle humbly thanked the audience for attending and commented on Red Rocks' and the state's beauty. He also gave the crowd a good laugh when he hinted at the dislike some Coloradans have for his fellow Texans. He said he defends us to the Lone Star State residents, telling them Coloradans are always nice to him, so he doesn't know what their problem is.

Another funny moment came later when Lyle talked about a collaboration he'd done with The Chieftains. As he and some of the band gathered around the center mic to perform the song, someone shouted, " Freebirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd."

"I'll have to get back to you on that one," Lovett subtly responded.

What a show. I didn't know some of the songs, but I liked them all. Some highlights were If I Had a Boat, Family Reserve, Church and In My Own Mind. I'll leave the concert review mastery to John Zwick.

The experience was just about perfect. I told Mr. G. walking in that it would be cool if Mayor Hickenlooper had seats next to us (as far as I know, he didn't have tickets), but it was a quiet, serious, motionless couple instead. But they were easy to ignore.