Red Rocks Amphitheatre
“It is like being in the palm of God’s hands. You’re looking at these natural rock foundations, and it feels like a cradle, a safe, sacred space where you’re held by God.”
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an internationally acclaimed iconic concert venue in the foothills of Morrison, Colorado. It is known as the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. Red Rocks is a stunning setting where natural beauty and human creativity combine to create lifelong memories for millions of people. Before any notable musical artists performed on the stage at Red Rocks, a tradition began that has lasted for over seven decades—the Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks.
The Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks dates back to 1947 when the Denver Council of Churches, now the Colorado Council of Churches, organized the first event. "Backstage at Red Rocks there is a montage listing every single act that performed. We are the first year, and really the first act," shared Adrian Miller, who has served as the President of the Colorado Council of Churches since 2013. Before U2, the Beatles, Blues Traveler, or any other act performed on stage, the Easter Sunrise Service invited people to hear a message of faith in this spectacular setting.
The Easter Sunrise Service is a careful construction of different expressions and over a dozen denominations within the Christian tradition. It is one of the largest Easter Sunday gatherings in the state of Colorado with thousands of people attending in person and an additional 5,000 watching online.
Easter is the only day each year when entry to Red Rocks is open before dawn. "People start arriving at 4:00 am to get in line, and we start worship music at 5:30 am,” Adrian shared. Unlike most concerts at Red Rocks where the aim of the audience is to sit as close to the stage as possible, the seats at the top, with a view of the sunrise over the city and the awe-inspiring venue, are filled first.
The Easter Sunrise Service concludes with two beloved traditions. The service closes with singing "Amazing Grace." During the final stanza, which is sung acapella, there is a release of doves. "People look forward to that moment every year," but there have been years where it did not occur. "One year we didn’t do the doves because there were hawks nesting nearby. We didn’t want these doves to become Easter brunch," Adrian said with a smile.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a historic venue that has become legendary for musical performances. For many artists, performing at Red Rocks is a marker of their professional success. When asked what makes Red Rocks a special place, Adrian shared his perspective of what makes it such a profound experience. "It is like being in the palm of God’s hands. You're looking at these natural rock foundations, and it feels like a cradle, a safe, sacred space where you're held by God."
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a beloved place of profound beauty. It is where millions of people have experienced the miraculous overlap of creation and musical creativity. And, each year on Easter Sunday, it is where the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated as the sun rises over our city. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a sacred place.
Thank you to Adrian Miller, who serves as President of the Colorado Council of Churches, for his contribution to this article and his 12+ years of leadership of the Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
