10 Best Concerts I’ve Ever Seen in Grand Junction

Best known for the soft rock sounds of the 70s with Bread, David Gates just offered hit after hit. And, since he was the lead singer on all of the Bread hits, it was almost like seeing David Gates and Bread in concert.

I have been a huge fan of Restless Heart since they started over 30 years ago. Smooth, tight harmonies and a nice country/pop crossover sound. And, they featured all of the original members, which is absolutely unheard of in today's music scene. Their concert was pure enjoyment.

Here's a concert in which I arrived with the lowest of expectations and left with utmost satisfaction. These guys were so good in every way. From the vocals to the instruments, it was a feel good evening from start to finish - you know, one of those shows you hope never ends. I've always liked the Dirt Band, but after this concert I LOVED the Dirt Band.

Arlo Guthrie is known for having a famous dad, Woody Guthrie and he's also best known for the song "City of New Orleans." I always like the song, but I never expected to love Guthrie's concert as much as I did. I did not know most of the songs he did, but it didn't matter. He was engaging and captivating. It was truly a surprising, but,  great concert experience.

Most people don't know who Under the Streetlamp is, but I can tell you it was one of the most enjoyable concerts I have ever attended. The band features the cast of Jersey Boys and  they were so fun and so talented. Doing mostly songs from the 60s, with a little 50s and 70s mixed in, I knew every song they did and smiled the entire time.

This one was quite a few years ago,probably 14 years, but I remember it well. Johnny Rivers was a hit making machine in the 60s and 70s and, honestly, I was never a real huge fan. But, seeing him in concert completely changed my perception of him. This is one super-talented rock and roll pioneer who put on a great show, and I consider myself lucky to have been able to see him at the tail end of what should be a rock and roll hall of fame career.

When it comes to soft rock, America was among the best in the 70s and even into the 80s. Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell came on stage and reminded us just how great America was. They played the songs pretty much the way we remembered them (and still play) on the radio - and, off stage, they were both real nice guys.

I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when the aging Don McLean came to town. I love so many of his songs, but worried that somehow American Pie just wouldn't be the same at this point in his career. As it turned out, he was great, and American Pie was fantastic! I walked away from that show completely satisfied by what had just been delivered. There wasn't a lot of bells and whistles, just great songs and an outstanding performance by a rock and roll icon.

Once again, I have to confess, I was never a real big Kansas fan beyond liking a couple of their songs. Boy, did that change after seeing them in concert. These guys were fabulous. So, okay, I didn't know most of the songs they played, but I didn't care. They were loud and tight, instrumentally and vocally. I can honestly say I left the Avalon a bigger fan of Kansas than I was when I went in.

To this day, Three Dog Night remains one of my favorite concerts of all-time, and this was probably 13 years ago.All that was missing was Chuck Negron, but, honestly, it was barely noticeable. Hit after hit they delivered as if it was 1974 all over again. And, yes, this was surprising, for sure, considering the fact that Negron sang lead vocals on so many of their hits. But, Corey Wells and Danny Hutton delivered what was for me, the concert of a lifetime.