While the history of the site dates back to prehistoric times, the transition to the amphitheater it is today began in 1906. When John Brisben Walker bought the property, he envisioned an outdoor music venue and laid the foundation for a stage -- a stage that would one day hold world renowned musical talents like the Beatles, Sting and U2. Well before these household names came the performance of Pietro Satriano’s 25 Piece Brass Band. Ok, so maybe you’ve never heard of Pietro Satriano’s 25 Piece Brass Band, but that shouldn’t belittle its importance.

Pietro Satriano’s band was the first documented performance held on May 31, 1906 at what was then called the Garden of the Titans. An immigrant from Italy, Pietro moved to Colorado in the 1880s, and played Ragtime and classical music throughout Denver. He eventually started his own band, and would end up directing a 40-piece orchestra by 1913. He died in 1946, and is buried in Denver.

John Brisben Walker sold Red Rocks to the city of Denver in 1927. The city had plans of renovating and to further build upon the foundation laid by Walker. But the stock market crash of 1929 halted further progress. Decades later, with the financial assistance generated by President Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and Denver architect Burnham Hoyt were able to finish the Red Rocks construction in 1941.

It was 74 years ago this week on June 15, that Red Rocks was officially dedicated, and in 1990 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Red Rocks continues to be the world’s only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheatre.

History Colorado also houses a wide collection of images and artifacts relating to the historic site. For more information visit www.h-co.org/collection.