The folk-rock artist brings introspective lyricism, musings on motherhood and Dolly Parton covers to Morrison.

There is nowhere in the world more dramatic than Red Rocks,” said Brandi Carlile Friday night, “and I am a very dramatic lesbian.”

The 45-year-old singer-songwriter graced the stage at Red Rocks on Sept. 11 for the first of three nights on The Human Tour.

Carlile’s discography runs the gamut from folk and rock to Americana and alt-country. She’s won 11 Grammys for her introspective storytelling and captivating vocals.

The artist released her eighth studio album, “Returning to Myself,” last October, and she will drop the deluxe — or as she calls it, the “Sad Gay Version” — of the project on Sept. 25.

She explained that the album captures the emotions of realizing that one day the wonderful chaos of life as a mother will end. Carlile also debuted many of the songs from “Returning to Myself” at Red Rocks.

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A black-and-white video of waves crashing against a shoreline flashed across a large screen behind the stage. Carlile stood on the sand in a billowing black coat while birds flew overhead.

A glowing fog flowed over SistaStrings — violinist Chauntee Ross and cellist Monique Ross. The real-life sisters wore shiny silver gowns and jumpsuits as they played a reflective melody. As moody red lights shone over the duo, they transitioned into a sexy rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”

Carlile entered the stage in a pair of red high-top Converse, black skinny jeans and a gingham blazer with scattered pins, including glittering brooches and a pin with the words “Be Good.”

“Welcome everybody into this sacred space,” she said.

Photo: Maddie Browning

Political message

Carlile opened with “Church & State,” her heavy-rock response to the 2024 presidential election. Thrashing guitar soared as she sang about the importance of the separation between church and state and the dangers of overreaching power.

She flashed a big smile before starting “Broken Horses,” another fiery track, as red and orange lights flickered across the multi-tiered stage. Carlile’s image projected onto the screen behind her, fractured like a broken mirror.

“Man, being here just makes me want to come out swinging every time,” she said.

Slowing down for a moment, Carlile performed “Human,” her beautiful ballad about experiencing the simple parts of life. She unleashed a stunning vibrato as stars danced behind her.

“I think being in your mid-40s is all about nostalgia and your feelings and not being able to give a shit,” she said. “I have a hard time getting through things without crying. I feel the lyrics a little bit stronger than I ever did in my past.”

Leaning into her aching wistfulness, Carlile told the story of her song “A War With Time.” She grew up poor in a small town in Washington and dreamed of traveling.

“I wanted to go to New York City because I wanted to see a cockroach,” she said, laughing.

When she finally had the chance to take a trip to New York City, she thought she would see the Northern Lights. Clearly that didn’t happen, but she did spot a cockroach almost immediately upon arrival. Carlile delighted in seeing people with so much purpose and audacity. It changed the way she thought about the world, and she imagined what that future transformative trip might be for her two girls.

Carlile engaged in expressive fingerpicking as she developed a deeply insightful story about the push and pull of watching your children grow up.

“I want you to go/Don’t even ask me, just go,” she sang, encouraging her kids to go off on a big adventure even though it’s difficult for her.

As Carlile played piano on “A Woman Overseas,” the keys clinked like a soft lullaby. She sang effortless runs on the love letter to her wife.

Photo: Maddie Browning

A look back

Breaking from her setlist, Carlile decided to “derail the show” and take live requests. Bassist Phil Hanseroth and guitarist Tim Hanseroth helped her out. They have been with Carlile since the beginning of her career. A woman in a sparkly fringe top requested “The Things I Regret,” a fast-paced, foot-stomping folk track. As the trio performed, photos from their first years touring together played on the screen behind them. It was sweet to see how far they’ve come — and shocking to see Carlile with long brown hair.

“The Story” was the best display of Carlile’s vocal prowess. “We’ll see if that high note lasts ’til the end of the weekend,” she joked.

Honoring the late Dolly Parton, Carlile sang a cover of “Coat of Many Colors” with Tish Melton as well as an impressive, brooding version of “Jolene.”

“This is one of the most punk-rock country songs ever written,” she said.

Before singing her own rendition, Carlile said her older daughter will sing Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” at her school talent show. “That kid’s got balls of steel, man,” she said. Lights shaped like hot-pink roses shone on the stage, followed by a photo of Carlile kissing Parton’s cheek while she grinned.

Carlile briefly exited the stage before returning in a cut-off tank top and a red bandana across her forehead. She spotted a group in the crowd with the same bandanas and jumped offstage to take a photo with them.

“I’m a professional musician, I swear to God,” she said.

During “The Joke,” the audience joined a fan project to display different colors on their phones based on their section. The array of hues created a huge rainbow.

With sharp, ringing keys and echoing vocals, Carlile performed her version of Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited.” Carlile channeled the power of feminine rage into an angsty rocker moment. With their bows lit up in pink and blue, SistaStrings played and dueled with their makeshift lightsabers.

While her sets typically run two hours, Carlile gave Red Rocks two and a half hours — she couldn’t help herself with how much she loves the venue and people. Watching her command the legendary venue is argument enough for every queer person and ally to make the pilgrimage to see Carlile perform live.