The Arts

By Taylor Aguilar

Follow Taylor’s candid journey as she navigates accessibility challenges, from planning to rocking out, at her favorite outdoor venue.

Throughout my life, I have had many experiences at Red Rocks. I’ve been sunburnt during a morning hike, participated in tailgating festivities, and sang my heart out during Ellie Goulding’s Lights. However, since I lost my vision in 2020 from Intracranial Hypertension (IH), I have not been able to visit the beautiful outdoor venue. That is until my ultimate favorite band, Cage the Elephant, made their 2024 lineup. 

I purchased our tickets in April and immediately called the Red Rocks staff. To my surprise, the person on the other line informed me they were unsure of their accessibility policy and proceeded to ask another person in the office. The final answer they gave me was that I would have to ask an EMT in the facility to guide me to my seat when I arrived. I would also need to get an EMT to help me anywhere else I needed to go on the night of the concert. With much disappointment, the phone call ended, and I contemplated their underwhelming answer for two weeks. I asked my uncle, who is a retired EMT, about the situation. He told me if he were the EMT on duty he would not mind helping a person, however, it would not be his priority. 

I mustered up my courage to call the accessibility office and spoke to a manager. Not only was this my first time attending an event at Red Rocks as a blind person, but my blind partner (Tommy)  and I planned to go independently. This meant we would not go with a friend or family member as a sighted guide. It is important for my family and myself that I lead an independent lifestyle. When I was sighted I didn’t spend much time thinking of such details, instead, I was worried about who would end up being the DD and what I’d wear. 

When the manager heard how her staff responded to my initial call, she was appalled. She apologized and promised to keep her staff accountable by going over their accessibility policies. She detailed exactly what to expect on the night of the concert. There is a shuttle at the top parking lot. From there they will transport anyone who cannot use the steps that the general public typically uses. I’ll be honest, as someone who has an acquired disability, it was difficult for me to hear I can not do something. In my mind, I know I can use the steps. It may take me a little longer and look a little different, but I could do it. I have to remind myself  If I use my energy trying to prove myself I will have spent all the energy I’ve stored up to rock out to Trouble and my other favorite songs. I set aside my  pride.

Despite my complex inner monologue, my conversation with Red Rocks continued. My nerves settled when I learned the shuttle would take us to the gate. When the gates opened, someone would guide Tommy and I to the merch table and to our seats. From there, a server would help us by getting our beverages for us. Nearby there would be accessible restrooms for our use. Overall, this phone call left me feeling excited and hopeful for the concert.

Two weeks before the event, I realized what a great opportunity I had to capture this experience for the documentary being made about my journey as a blind filmmaker, so I invited our cameraman along. When we arrived at the venue, I asked him not to interfere with the event. I only wanted him to capture real life as the staff at Red Rocks guided us. 

When we arrived at the North gate at the top of the parking section, we found the shuttle and the driver welcomed us. As we waited for the shuttle to take off, we met a fellow patron who had taken the shuttle at Red Rocks for over twenty years and had nothing but high compliments for the venue. He offered to take our picture and mentioned all of the incredible artists he has been able to experience. Not only did this tell me that Red Rocks is consistent with their service, but also proved to me that they care about the quality of their services. As we waited for the concert doors to open, a staff member asked us where we were sitting.  When she realized the amount of steps there were between our seats in row 70 and the restroom, and that we were planning on taking a rideshare at the end of the night, she made a call down to the main stage. She asked if there was space for us to be any closer. To our delight we were offered seats in row two, closer to the stage and handicapped restrooms. She was happy it would ease our travel time after the show.

Just as the manager informed me, someone assisted us from the shuttle straight to the merch tent. The gentleman who guided us was kind and professional. When we made it to the merch tent, the staff allowed the patrons from the shuttle to go straight to the front of the line to purchase our items. As they showed us what was offered they made sure to be descriptive and took their time not only with my partner and I who were being filmed, but with every person who traveled with us. 

From there we found our seats. On the way, a manager made sure to greet us and introduce us to the security officer on duty and the server in the VIP section, so she knew to serve us throughout the night. This made the night run especially smooth. They made sure we felt comfortable, and we were able to travel between the restroom and our row on our own with our white canes. From there I took a sigh of relief and managed to get a cold drink in my hand quickly after. The night was better than I could have hoped. Our seats were so close we felt the heat of the pyrotechnics on stage. Tommy and I tried our best to keep our balance as we danced the night away. 

Experiences can be much different as a blind person. The amount of focus spent on details can be quite laborious. However, with the help of the staff at Red Rocks I had a fantastic time under the Colorado night sky as a blind woman. It was perfect to be with my best friend rocking out to my favorite band at my favorite venue.