Charley Crockett and the Blue Drifters kicked off 2026 alongside the National Western Stock Show. They made their second, back to back night appearance at the Mission Ballroom earlier this month (Jan. 9th & 10th, 2026)
Since their Denver double feature debut back in January of 2024, they’ve been performing across the country in larger venues, festivals, playing sets on national television, interviewing with notable journalists such as NPR and Joe Rogan, and even receiving Grammy nominations.
Located in Denver’s revitalized RiNo Art District, the Mission Ballroom has spent nearly seven years hosting close to 1,000 concerts. The venue has built a reputation for spotlighting headliners while offering equal enthusiasm for local openers. As you walk in the doors the venue puts off a very spacious feel, even on the most packed of nights.
Maintaining a commodious atmosphere from coat check across the room from the merch table. The large bar area is directly accessible from the doors. This layout finally leads into the concert hall that hosts the venue’s notorious disco ball. You can find yourself standing or sitting room with confidence that the acoustics will not be compromised in any area.
The crowd was noticeably larger since 2024, yet the chatter wasn’t any louder with the lights down low and anticipation building.
The dark stage was matched with sporadically twinkling lights and a Spanish inspired guitar tune, enticingly paired with horn notes while Charley and the Blue Drifters took the stage. The audience erupted before the band was able to strike their first chords together, ushering in the newest chapter of the Sagebrush trilogy.
Across both nights the setlists drew from all three installments, offering a glimpse of the collection in its near-complete form. Packed in between pages from his new chapter, Charley and the band were sure to sprinkle in hits off earlier albums such as Welcome to Hard Times, In The Night, and $10 Cowboy. The six-piece band hardly missed a beat, being perceptibly attuned into each other’s every move. It’s easy to see there is commitment from each member to provide a smooth spectacle that ranges from a familiar western feel to the comforts of Louisiana blues.
I spoke to drummer Mario ‘Mayo’ Valdez at the time of the show. He was able to provide a closer look at how to tailor an extensive discography into a set list.
“We have a very large catalog. Recording an album a year challenges us to remember over an hour and a half worth of music. If you’re keeping score, that’s over 30 songs a set. We usually get together on the bus or in our green room to give the newer tracks a listen or talk about arrangements, tempos, instrumental transitions. It takes quite a bit of communication and a lot of meditation.”
They’ve acquired an infamous stage set up, Mayo and his kit on a platform with an antique style line of lights adorning the stage. A maroon curtain drapes the back wall with the iconic and immense illuminated ‘Charley Crockett’ sign that dazzles variations of colors throughout the show.
Looking from the crowd, left to right there are long term members Nathan Fleming on the steel guitar, Kyle Madrigal slapping the bass, Mayo in the middle, accompanied by Kullen Fox on keys and brass, completing the Blue Drifter line up with Alexis Sanchez on the guitar.
Charley makes for a strong front man, seamlessly toggling between his signature gazes into the crowd, groovy honky-tonk dance outbursts, communicating with other members and sharing personal stories as prequels to the next song. Needless to say, these guys have got style, usually aiming for a high-class western comfort look. Mayo and Charley’s wife, Taylor Grace, are to thank for their chic matching outfits.
It is a real treat to see Charley perform in Colorado. He has an extensive history here with roots driving down deep that about guarantee you a very authentic experience. As previously mentioned, he often shares personal stories that reveal his connection to “Colorful Colorado”, and leave the audience with a sense of warmth and familiarity.
In his two latest records, “Lonesome Drifter” and “Dollar a Day”, there is a plethora of easter eggs referencing time spent in the state. Although we were treated to previews of the final part of the Sagebrush trilogy, an official release date has yet to be announced.
In the meantime, you can supplement your time diving into Charley’s recording history that spans back a decade with “Stolen Jewel”, that carries a much rougher and more solace sound than most albums released after.
You’ll be able to find old favorites with a new zing, albums that tell stories such as The Man From Waco and $10 Cowboy, and original track wonders.
Spending an evening with Charley Crockett and the Blue Drifters is anything but bad company. The band has definitely been staying busy, with no sight of stopping soon. While there is no specific tour scheduled, they do have a substantial number of shows booked clear through July throughout the United States and Canada.
Crockett’s music is available on all major streaming platforms. You can keep up with his travels and announcements via Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to check out charleycrockett.com to see the latest and greatest merch designs that are always fresh. – Jessica Jo (@strawburrmedia)
