The Rick Lewis Project is Denver’s premier live music experience.

A group of nine people standing on a boat docked at a marina, with sailboats in the water and a clear blue sky in the background. They are smiling and dressed casually for a sunny day.

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

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
Warrant
Other 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.

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
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

Two musicians on stage, one playing drums and the other playing an electric guitar, both smiling and wearing sunglasses and casual clothing during an outdoor concert at dusk.

An outdoor concert at dusk with a large tree on the left, a stage with musicians and a crowd seated in front. The stage has a banner reading 'RIVAL SERVICES' and colorful lights illuminate the scene.

Band performing on stage at outdoor venue with audience in background, black and white photo.

Two male musicians playing electric guitars on stage during a live performance.

A man playing a keyboard on an outdoor stage during sunset, with a crowd in the background.

A man playing conga drums on stage at night with a focused expression, wearing a camouflage sleeveless shirt, accompanied by a xylophone, against a dark background with faint lights.

Concert outside a modern glass building with a geometric roof structure, audience seated in chairs and on the grass, band performing on stage.

Videos

Meet the Band

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
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RickLewisProject.com
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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.