Last night, the stars aligned for what would be a milestone performance and moment in the career of Brooklyn-based funk rockers, Lettuce. A perfect night of weather combined with a musically diverse lineup led to a unique and fun dance party, dubbed Rage Rocks, at the most adored venue in the country, Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The night took off with hip-hop DJ sets and a throw back performance from beat boxing legend Rhazel. It was a fun way to start the night, especially when mixed with a little bit of hip-hop nostalgia. Manic Focus took the stage next for a full band set that was both different and fun. As the sun set, it was The Wailers turn to take the stage and it served as a perfect appetizer for Lettuce’s headlining set. Playing Exodus in full, they sounded very tight and spirited. The Rasta spirit was quickly filling up the venue with laid back vibes that contagiously led to a professionally executed performance from Lettuce.

Lettuce took the stage around 10, and the crowd was eager to get started after the lengthy opening bill. The set started with a heavy dose of The Shady Horns as they worked through “Silverdome.” Next up was “E Pedal” which saw a lengthy sax groove from Ryan Zoidis, working the crowd up into a frenzy and building energy for the set ahead.

Lettuce brought out the traditional heavy hitting lineup, complete with Eric Krasno, and it proved fruitful from the start as he played a bluesy, undeniably electric piece of improv in fan-favorite “Get Greazy.” True to the spirit of Lettuce, every member of the band shared the spotlight and each had a chance to let their talent shine.

A scintillating segment of funk was put down during the couplet of “Mr. Yancy” > “Purple Cabbage,” before a full dance party ensued and the band began to find their stride. It’s a credit to the relentless approach to the funk and exploration, that music like this is continually being laid down by this band of late.

But the fun didn’t stop there. It wouldn’t have been a full Lettuce celebration without Nigel Hall and his soulful vocals. The excitement was palpable as Nigel strut out onto stage, and he did not disappoint as they played an excellent and energetic “Lettsanity,” immediately followed up by “Sounds Like A Party.” The name speaks for itself and fit the theme of the night perfectly.

Other standout moments included a yet to be named Neal Evans (keys) track and “Madison Square.”

The night was closed out with more Nigel, as he played another Lettuce staple “Do It Like You Do.” Encoring with perhaps their most intricate song in “Phyllis,” Lettuce ended on a wonderful high note. Incredible night for what is becoming one of the most enduring powerhouses of the funk scene.

Relive some of the greatness in these photos and videos:

“Friend Of Mine” (Bill Withers cover) with Nigel Hall

Phyllis

Lettuce @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre 6/11/16 Setlist:

SILVERDOME
E PEDAL
GET GREAZY
SUPPIT
NEW REEL
CHIEF
MR. YANCY->
PURPLE CABBAGE
LETTSANITY (Nigel)
SOUNDS LIKE A PARTY->
REMEMBER THE CHILDREN
ELEPHANT WALK->
MADISON SQUARE
NEAL UNTITLED
THE FORCE
STILL A FRIEND OF MINE (Nigel)
DO IT LIKE YOU DO

ENCORE: PHYLLIS

[Photos via Michael Koltun]