by Mark Smiley
A Tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz performs at Four Mile Historic Park in 2025. The show is returning in 2026 as part of Swallow Hill Music’s Summer Music Series at Four Mile. Photo credit: Kit Chalberg, Courtesy Swallow Hill Music
A popular summer music tradition is returning to Glendale’s backyard as Swallow Hill Music brings back its Summer Tribute Concert Series at Four Mile Historic Park.
The Wednesday evening concert series, which runs June 3 through July 15, features seven performances celebrating legendary artists such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and the Traveling Wilburys.
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., with the park opening at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and lawn seating.
In recent years, the series has shifted to an all-tribute format, which organizers say has helped draw record crowds eager to relive the music of iconic artists performed live by skilled regional musicians.
Returning acts include several Front Range favorites, such as The 3eatles, a Beatles tribute band; Shakedown Street, honoring the Grateful Dead; and The Traveling Wilburys Revue. The lineup also includes A Tribute to Joni Mitchell, featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom, and Celeste Krenz, as well as Sugar Britches, performing the songs of the late folk legend John Prine.
Two performers will make their debut in the series this year: The Other Brothers, paying tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, and Colorado Springsteen, celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen.
The concerts take place on the lawn at Four Mile Historic Park, offering a relaxed setting where attendees often bring picnic dinners and blankets to enjoy an evening of live music outdoors. Outside food, coolers, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, although outside alcohol is not permitted. A bar will be available onsite.
Tribute bands have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with acts like Brit Floyd, Bjorn Again, and Hell’s Belles touring nationally and internationally. These performances allow fans to experience the music of legendary artists live, often with remarkable attention to detail.
For performers like Sugar Britches, the tribute format also offers a chance to honor musical heroes.
“Playing these shows really makes us appreciate John Prine’s legacy,” said Brian Johanson of the band. “After John Prine passed, there was just such a big hole in the world, and I really wanted to pay homage to him.”
Johanson said the connection audiences feel during the performances is powerful.
“The last two years at Four Mile Historic Park, I have had several people come up to me after the show in tears telling me how much the show meant to them,” he said. “Seeing that connection to our hero and knowing we can help keep his legacy alive makes it worth it.”
Swallow Hill Music, a Denver nonprofit dedicated to music education and performance, uses ticket sales from events like the summer series to help support its programs and expand access to the arts.
2025 Swallow Hill Summer Concerts at Four Mile Historic Park
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.)
June 3 — The Other Brothers: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers
June 10 — The 3eatles: A Tribute to The Beatles
June 17 — A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (featuring Liz Barnez, Rebecca Folsom and Celeste Krenz)
June 24 — Sugar Britches: A Tribute to John Prine
July 1 — Colorado Springsteen: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
July 8 — Shakedown Street: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead
July 15 — The Traveling Wilburys Revue: A Tribute to the Traveling Wilburys
Tickets and additional information are available through Swallow Hill Music’s website at www.swallowhillmusic.org/four-mile.
