Mission Ballroom exploded in a high-energy celebration on December 10, as Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats headlined a twentieth-anniversary holiday show that also celebrated the tenth anniversary of its self-titled debut.
The eight-piece band delivered its signature blend of raw soul and blistering R&B rock, getting the sold-out hometown crowd on its feet with the powerful, horn-driven energy of the Night Sweats’ breakout debut album. The legendary Mavis Staples graced the stage for the second set of the night, delivering a powerful performance that seamlessly connected the evening to the roots of soul and gospel music.
This event was not just a concert but a monumental milestone, acknowledging Rateliff’s two decades on the Denver music scene and the breakout success that cemented the band’s place as local heroes and global stars. The two-night run serves as a proud and celebratory homecoming for one of Colorado’s most deserving musical acts…and its induction into Colorado Music Hall of Fame. That ceremony will be held at the show tonight, December 11, at Mission Ballroom.
Nathaniel Rateliff is an American singer and songwriter based in Denver, Colorado.
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The special guest for the show is the music legend Mavis Staples & Friends.Nathaniel Rateliff now owns the Skylark Lounge in Denver, having purchased it in 2022.Fans were dancing all night long.Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats show poster hanging at Mission Ballroom.
The Mission Ballroom disco ball was in full effect. Fans grab merch before the show at Mission Ballroom.Fans shopping at the merch booth at Mission Ballroom.The horns section was on display.
The band is a forthcoming inductee into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.A portion of the proceeds from the Mission Ballroom shows will be donated to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 7, 1978.The group’s debut album, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, released in 2015, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the show.
The band is a forthcoming inductee into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.The band won the Album of the Year at the 2025 Americana Awards for their album South of Here (released in 2024).A crowd shot of Mission Ballroom during Nathaniel Rateliff &The Night Sweats.Rateliff initially had to be convinced to even record “S.O.B.” for the debut album.
A packed Mission Ballroom.Nathaniel Rateliff and Mavis Staples on stage at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.Nathaniel Rateliff and Mavis Staples on stage at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.
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Brandon Johnson has been a freelance photographer for Denver Westword since 2018. In his role, Brandon captures and documents local events and concerts across the Denver metro area. His previous photography work includes contributing to Live Nation Colorado, 303 Magazine and Alive Coverage. While attending the University of Arkansas, he discovered his passion for photography through frequent visits to a local music venue and working for the school newspaper. www.bjohnsonxar.com
Music Editor Emily Ferguson
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