By Trecia Cooke, Co-host Rhythm & Roam
Some trips you plan months in advance, checking off spreadsheets and booking hotels with surgical precision. Others start with a single, breathless phone call: “Hey Mom… I got the gig.” Our son had just been hired as a trombonist in the pit for MJ: The Musical at the Buell Theatre in Denver. There was no hesitation. My husband, my mom, and I loaded up the car, pointed ourselves toward the Rocky Mountains, and prepared for a whirlwind of family and funk.
The route from our corner of Texas to Denver is a commitment—over 1,000 miles and a solid 16 hours of asphalt. We wound through the Dallas/Fort Worth sprawl, pushed past the red dirt of Wichita Falls and Amarillo, and finally crossed into New Mexico. As we surged north on I-25 through Raton Pass, the flat plains began to buckle and rise. There’s a specific magic in that first silhouette of the mountains against the horizon; it’s the moment a road trip starts to feel like an adventure.
To survive the long haul, we leaned hard into our Gen-X roots. Our soundtrack was a heavy rotation of ’80s and ’90s classics, interspersed with a “Thank Mom” playlist our son had thoughtfully curated. Between the rhythm of the road, a steady supply of highway snacks, and my mom’s endless treasury of family stories, the miles seemed to melt away faster than we expected.
We made it a point to seek out stops with character. We found a roadside BBQ complex that smelled like heaven, posed with giant buffalo statues, and wandered through a herd of metal dinosaurs. It was that perfect blend of cheesy Americana and genuine joy that turns a boring drive into a lifelong memory.
Those long, straight stretches offered plenty of big-sky moments. We’d roll back the sunroof, breathe in the crisp air, and remember why road trips still hit differently. In an age of instant streaming and fast flights, there is still no substitute for the slow unfolding of a landscape with the people you love.
Next morning, our mission was food. We hit up the Fox and the Hen in the LoHi neighborhood, a spot famous for its playful, soulful brunch. After a morning of strong coffee and creative plates, we wandered through the Highlands. It’s a beautiful mix of historic brick houses, quaint churches, and pop up boutiques. We even stumbled upon some incredible street art, with familiar icons getting a colorful, modern makeover.
But the heart of the trip was the Buell Theatre. Walking up to those glowing red posters for MJ: The Musical made everything feel wonderfully real. Inside, the theatre buzzed. The show is an explosion of energy, centered on the creation of the Dangerous World Tour and the iconic music of Michael Jackson. For us, hearing Michael’s hits played by a live band was electric, especially knowing our own son was in the pit, driving that wall of sound. We even caught a glimpse of him from our seats, and our hearts just about burst. We left with programs in hand and that deep, happy exhaustion that comes from a perfect night. Showing up to watch one young man live his dream, note by note.
If you’ve been waiting for a “next time” to go see your kid, your friend, or your favorite artist, consider this your nudge. Gas up the car, make the playlist, and just go. The miles are long, but the memories stretch even further. Until next time, Denver!