Colorado Wildfire Forces Concert Cancellations

While stating the venue is currently safe from the High Park Fire, folks at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre in Bellvue, Colo., have canceled shows through June 22.

Photo: AP Photo

People watch the High Park wildfire burn from Bingham Hill west of Fort Collins, Colo.

The affected concerts are 7 Walkers with Pimps Of Joytime scheduled for June 15; June 16th’s bill featuring The Motet and Dubskin; Richard Thompson slotted for June 17; and the June 22 Bruce Hornsby concert.

Officials say that while the venue is currently safe from the 78-square mile fire burning west of Fort Collins, a section of the road leading to the amphitheatre is still closed and that there are still-standing evacuation orders for the shed’s location. However, Mishawaka’s management hopes to reopen the venue as soon as possible. Conditions permitting, the next show on Mishawaka’s schedule is Dark Star Orchestra June 29.

“Mishawaka is an important community gathering place,” venue general manager Dani Grant said in a statement. “We want to open the doors as soon as we can to offer our distressed neighbors a place where we can gather and grab a bite. Furthermore, we want to put our 50-plus employees back to work, not to mention the many contractors who depend on our business.”

Photo: AP Photo

Heavy smoke from the High Park wildfire near Fort Collins, Colo., shrouds Denver.

Authorities believe the High Park Fire was caused by six fires that were intentionally set near the Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center.