Mile High Set Review

The Fray Comes Home

by J.J. Colagrande on July 27, 2009 at 02:46PM

The Fray at Mile High

The Fray took the stage as the last tinges of sunlight faded behind The Rockies. Probably the most commercially successful group at Mile High, these local boys were extremely happy to be home. It was their first show in Denver in awhile. During the course of their ninety minute set, lead singer and piano player Isaac Slade repeatedly thanked the hometown crowd. At one point he listed all the tiny venues, bars, and local clubs they played prior to an ascent that lifted these guys out-of-Colorado into international super-stardom. Their latest album, The Fray, debuted number one on U.S. charts in Feb 09'.

The band appeared truly appreciative to be playing for a hometown audience, and the crowd was just as happy to see them as they were to see the crowd. The band played all their biggies like "Over My Head" and "How to Save a Life." Other highlights included "You Found Me." The Fray also cranked out a cover of the Kane West song "Heartless" as one of four encore songs.

The Denver crowd wasn't so much dancing as they were engaged. This was a time to grab that special someone, hold them close, and chill, marinating in the music.

If you didn't have someone special, the bars were open, and the wonderful Mile High concession crew was more than willing to sell you an eight dollar or Bud Lite.

Or, you could've walked around Shakedown Street, the part of the festival where all the vending, concessions, and action groups set up stands. There was always something to do at Mile High, whether you liked the music or not, there were people spread across the grounds, willing to say hi, or network, or share in whatever story that took them there. Many festival goers traveled from all different parts of the country and it was interesting to see who came from where. Besides Colorado, there were a lot of people from Kansas, Utah, Nevada, California, Texas, Nebraska, Arizona, and some who had traveled further.

But, on the Main Stage West, it was The Fray who had traveled the farthest.

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