The Rick Lewis Project is Denver’s premier live music experience.
About The Rick Lewis Project
The Rick Lewis Project (RLP) is a high-energy, genre-blending all-star band that delivers powerful performances spanning rock, soul, funk, blues, and more. Formed in 1997 by the award-winning radio broadcaster and musician Rick Lewis (of The Lewis and Floorwax Show), the band (previosly The Groove Hawgs) has shared the stage with legendary acts such as Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Sammy Hagar, The Who, BB King, Heart, Steve Miller Band, and many others. Known for captivating audiences at Colorado's most iconic venues like Red Rocks, Ball Arena, and Fiddler's Green, RLP continues to be a staple in the region's music scene, delivering unforgettable live shows with an eclectic mix of genres.
Rick Lewis and his band (originally The Groove Hawgs), have opened for an incredible lineup of legendary artists across a variety of genres. Check out these iconic acts and venues from the past three decades.
Artists & Venues
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Blues Legends:
BB King
Buddy Guy (4x!)
Coco Taylor
Elvin Bishop
Fabulous Thunderbirds
Jimmy Vaughn
Jonny Winter
Tab Benoit
Walter Trout
Classic Rock Icons:
Alice Cooper
Bad Company
Blue Öyster Cult
Cheap Trick
Def Leppard
Doobie Brothers
Eddie Money
Foreigner
George Thorogood
Grand Funk Railroad
Gregg Allman
Heart
Joan Jett
Joe Cocker
Lynyrd Skynyrd (4x!)
Marshall Tucker Band
Night Ranger
Steppenwolf
Steve Miller
Ted Nugent
The Who
ZZ Top
Rock Stars & Bands from the '80s/'90s:
Brett Michaels (7x!)
David Lee Roth
Dicky Betts
Foghat
Great White
Kenny Loggins
Quiet Riot
Skid Row
Slaughter
Vanilla Fudge
Vince Neil/Mötley Crüe
WarrantOther Notable Acts
Al Green
Band of Horses
Chris Duarte
Dave Mason
Edgar Winter
Gov’t Mule
James Brown
Joe Walsh
Michael Franti
The Pretenders
The Wallflowers
War
Ziggy Marley -
Red Rocks
Winter Park Hawgfest
Fiddler's Green
Adams County Fair (Hawgfest)
Windsor Thunderfest
Taste of Colorado
Greeley Stampede
Thunder in the Rockies
CO State Fair
Winter Park - Springtopia
Fillmore Auditorium
Budweiser Event Center
Copper Mountain Hawgfest
Pueblo River Walk
Dacono - Roadhouse
Herman's Hideaway
Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA)
Soiled Dove
Vail on the Green
Evergreen Chili Cookoff
Sturgis Fairgrounds
Pikes Peak International Raceway
CO National Speedway
Paramount Theater
Grizzly Rose
Pepsi Center
Mishawaka Amphitheatre
Bobstock
Boot Barn
Invesco Field - Blues and Bones
McNichols Arena
Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek
Songs & Setlists
The Rick Lewis Project’s musical style spans across rock, blues, pop, funk, and soul, creating a rich and engaging sound that resonates with diverse audiences. The band’s flexible setlist directions includes classic hits, deep cuts, and original compositions, providing a dynamic live music experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Covers to originals vary depending on the event.
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Creatively and uniquely arranged:
Kiss - Prince
Climbing Up the Ladder -The Isley Brothers
Other Side -
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Billy Jean - Michael Jackson
Dreams - Allman Brothers
Hella Good - Gwen Stefani
Fallin’ Shelter - Alicia Keys
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lady Love - Robin Trower
The Door - Teddy Swims
Mary Jane’s Last Dance - Tom Petty
Missin’ You - Vince Converse
Listen to the Music - Doobie Brothers
Santeria - Sublime
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Various originals.
Due to the versatility and talents within the group, a custom originals set list can be tailored to genre-specific festivals, shows, and opening acts. Our musicians have hundreds of recorded and unrecorded originals that will be sure to entertain and impress.
Blues
Blues Rock
Rock
Country
Funk
Videos
Meet the Band
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Rick Lewis
Drums
An award-winning radio broadcaster, TV host, and entertainer, Rick Lewis is a multi-talented drummer with decades of experience in both media and music. Since 2017, Rick has also been the Denver Broncos Color Analyst on the Broncos Radio Network and Sirius/XM. His bands have performed alongside music legends and played at premier venues throughout Colorado. His charismatic presence and passion for music make him the heart of The Rick Lewis Project.
Follow on Instagram and X: @1ricklewis
Follow Rick Lewis Project on Facebook
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Sarah Hornbuckle
Lead Vocals, Guitar
Joining RLP in 2014, Sarah Hornbuckle brings a dynamic and soulful vocal style that flows seamlessly through classic rock, blues, pop, and country genres. Beyond her role in the band, she is a dedicated mother of three and the Director of the Hornbuckle Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on addiction recovery. Sarah's powerful voice and heartfelt performances are a highlight of the band's shows.
Follow Sarah on Instagram
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Vince Converse
Guitar and Vocals
Vince Converse started fresh out of high school. Touring internationally, his band Sunset Heights, was wildly successful. Over the years, he has worked with industry icons such as Pete Brown (Cream), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix -producer) and played iconic venues including: Red Rocks Amphitheater, Cynthia Woods Pavilion, Fillmore West, and The Famous Antone’s in Austin Texas - as well as hundreds of venues and festivals around the world.
His band, Vince Converse & Big Brother, are two-time Colorado Blues Society winners and 2024 International Blues Society Semi-FInalists.
Follow Vince on Instagram
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Dave Preston
Guitar and Vocals
A guitarist, bassist, and producer, Dave Preston has shared the stage with renowned artists like Jake Shimabukuro, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and many more. His original ambient and cinematic music has achieved international acclaim, charting on Zone Music Reporter and featured in various media. Based in Denver, Preston is one of the most sought-after musicians and producers in the region, known for his versatility and creativity.
Follow Dave on Instagram -
Cody Templeman
Guitar and Vocals
A former National School of Rock Allstar, Cody Templeman has played major stages like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Lollapalooza. Since joining RLP at age 15, Cody's career has flourished, and he continues to play with The Brian Hornbuckle Band and other projects across the Front Range. His electrifying performances and GoPro footage from Red Rocks have gained over a million views, highlighting his fast-growing reputation.
Follow Cody on Instagram
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Brian Hornbuckle
Bass and Vocals
Brian Hornbuckle is the bassist and lead vocalist for The Brian Hornbuckle Band, a favorite cover band in Denver known for their engaging performances, entertaining stage presence, and exceptional talent. Brian’s father, Bobby Hornbuckle, was a well-known Denver bluesman, and Brian carries on his musical legacy with passion and authenticity.Follow Brian on Instagram
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Andrew Baca
Andrew Baca - Drums and Vocals
Andrew Baca found his rhythm at the age of nine and honed his skills in his high school jazz band before serving in the US Marine Corps. Upon returning, he immersed himself in Denver's music scene, eventually joining RLP. Since then, Baca has played with the band at notable performances, including opening for ZZ Top and George Thorogood at Fiddler's Green. His drumming brings energy and precision to the band's sound.
Follow Andrew on Instagram
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James Torres
Keyboards
James Torres is a seasoned pianist/keyboardist with over 30 years of experience performing jazz, Latin jazz, and cultural jazz. He has opened for legendary artists like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, Flora Purim, and Airto Moreira, as well as Richie Havens and Jimmy Smith. His spiritual approach to music and diverse background adds a unique flavor to RLP's performances.
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Joe Sellars
Joe was not only a great musician, he was a great man. For 26 years Joe played the Hammond B3 organ in the Groove Hawgs and Rick Lewis Project. We shared big stages in front of big crowds and there’s a special bond that forms between musicians under the bright lights. He was also a computer wizard who created intricate and detailed computer programs. We love you Big Joe and will miss you, but you will never be forgotten.