<P> Geologically, the rocks surrounding the amphitheater are representative of the Fountain Formation . Originally the place was known as the "Garden of the Angels" (1870s - 1906), and then as "Garden of the Titans" during the Walker years (1906--1928). The park, however, had always been known by the folk name of "Red Rocks", which became its formal name when Denver acquired it in 1928 . The amphitheater's rocks are named "Creation Rock" on the north, "Ship Rock" on the south, and "Stage Rock" to the east . Red Rocks Amphitheatre was designed by Denver architect Burnham Hoyt . The walls of the amphitheatre contain records dating back to the Jurassic period of 160 million years ago as nearby dinosaur tracks have been discovered as well as fossil fragments of the 40 - foot sea serpent Plesiosaur . </P> <P> In 1927, George Cranmer, Manager of Denver Parks, convinced the City of Denver to purchase the area of Red Rocks from Walker for the price of $54,133 ($737,382 in 2015 dollars). Cranmer convinced Benjamin Franklin Stapleton, the Mayor of Denver, Colorado, to build on the foundation laid by Walker . By enlisting the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and Works Progress Administration (WPA), labor and materials were provided for the venture . Construction of the amphitheatre began in 1936 and was opened to the public in June 1941 . </P> <P> Public, organizational and private performances have been held at Red Rocks for more than 100 years . The earliest documented performance at the amphitheater was the Grand Opening of the Garden of the Titans, put on by famed editor John Brisben Walker on May 31, 1906 . Featuring Pietro Satriano and his 25 - piece brass band, it was the formal opening of the natural amphitheater for use by the general public after Walker purchased it with the proceeds of his sale of Cosmopolitan Magazine . </P> <P> The amphitheater's largest - scale performance to date was the Feast of Lanterns on September 5, 1908 . Commemorating the opening of the scenic road up nearby Mt . Falcon, it was patterned after the festival of Nagasaki, Japan, and featured four military bands and fireworks off Mt . Falcon, Mt . Morrison and two intermediate hills . </P>

Who played the first concert at red rocks