I can't think of a better way to end my weeklong tour of the Southwest than with a visit to Red Rocks: the legendary outdoor amphitheater just west of Denver that's been hosting concerts here since 1941. Red Rocks, which seats 9,000, is situated in a natural bowl, with a massive "Stage Rock" and huge stone monoliths that rise like wings on either side of the audience. The design - which result in near-perfect acoustics - is nothing short of miraculous.

I would have been content with seeing just about any show at Red Rocks, but last night's show - featuring the electric/electronic music of Thievery Corporation and STS9 - lent the space an ethereal, feel-good vibe that swelled all the way to the back of the sold-out theater. Food and drink prices were reasonable, and the staff were extremely gracious and courteous. And the crowd - a mix of kids with glowsticks and older folks in hemp and dreads - brought back positive memories of raves and parties from the turn of the last decade. With the lights of Denver brightening beyond the stage and the sun setting over the rocks and mountains behind, it's hard to imagine a more beautiful way to experience music. Or life. (More pics on Flickr.)