🪶 AI Chatbot on the Rocks: What Red Rocks Got Wrong—And What Brands Must Get Right

It was Saturday night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre—one of the most iconic venues in the country—and the place was filling up for Big Head Todd and the Monsters. People were grabbing drinks, finding their seats, and settling in. Just before the band came on, a message popped up on the big screen—and it caught our attention:

“Get Info about Red Rocks. Chat with Sunny!”

We weren’t working. But we were curious. We scanned the code.

And just like that, we were face-to-face with a real-world example of what happens when AI goes live before it’s truly ready.

The Chatbot in the Wild & Our Realization

“Sunny” was the digital assistant for Red Rocks. A public-facing chatbot built to answer questions, engage concertgoers, and deliver that extra layer of convenience and connection. At least, that was the idea.

What actually happened was…nothing.

Sunny did not have answers about Red Rocks. Actually, she just stopped working.

We asked questions—simple ones. And Sunny sent us straight to the Red Rocks website every time. No real answers. Just re-directed us. And finally, just stopped working altogether.

And what started as amusement quickly turned into reflection. Because while we laughed about it at the time, it was a stark reminder:

If you’re using AI to impress your audience, it has to do more than look good. It has to work.

To be clear, this isn't about shaming the company behind Sunny, it's the realization that taking time to train the right tool makes all the difference. AI has to help the brand AND the end user - not frustrate either side.

Why RavenEQ Doesn’t Sell “Chatbots”

What you saw at Red Rocks was a classic example of what happens when a chatbot is bolted on rather than built in. It may be live. It may have a name. But it can’t actually help.

At RavenEQ, we don’t sell chatbots. We build Ravens—AI agents that are trained, deeply integrated, and purpose-built to perform. Our goal is that they know more than the guy who's worked at your brand the longest and that they go as deep into your manuals as you'd like.

Just to show what’s possible, we trained Roxy—a Red Rocks superfan and certified expert. Compared to her, Sunny doesn’t stand a chance. Roxy’s faster, sharper, and actually knows what people want to ask. She doesn’t just shine—she eclipses Sunny.

For comparison's sake, we'd love for you to go Chat with Sunny

Here’s what sets our Ravens apart:

• 🔍 Profusely Trained – Not just on what’s public, but on the good stuff: product manuals, service docs, internal specs, and more.

• 🧠 Contextual Intelligence – They don’t link out. They deliver answers.

• 🪶 On-Brand, Always – Every Raven speaks your language, reflects your tone, and represents your brand in every interaction.

  
  

A Lesson for Every Brand, Especially Public-Facing Ones

This isn’t about slapping AI on your site for novelty. It’s about enabling your customers, your dealers, and your team to get what they need—instantly, intelligently, and reliably.

Red Rocks sees millions of visitors each year. Cities, venues, brands—all of them are turning to AI to scale service, cut costs, and modernize. But let this be the takeaway:

A bad AI experience is worse than no AI at all.

• Because instead of delighting, you’re disappointing.

• Instead of building trust, you’re eroding it.

• And instead of solving problems, you’re creating new ones.

From Rocky Start to Raven Precision

If Sunny had been a Raven, we would’ve had answers. We don't release Ravens into the wild until they're trained and ready for anything.

Maybe even directions to the best trailhead nearby. A history of the venue. Merch suggestions. Or guidance for first-time visitors navigating the venue for accessibility, parking, and post-show logistics. At the very least, what shows are at Red Rocks this season. Sunny did not know the answers.

Because our Ravens don’t just talk. They think. They solve. They deliver.

And that’s the level of execution every brand should aim for—especially when you’re in the spotlight.

One Final Thought

We weren’t working that night—but we’re always watching how brands use AI in the wild. At Red Rocks, the message on the big screen should’ve been a smart, helpful moment. Instead, it missed the mark.

AI should enhance the experience, not interrupt it.

So if you’re thinking about AI for your brand, ask yourself:

Is it actually useful—or just another distraction?

At RavenEQ, we build AI that earns its place. Helpful, on-brand, and built to serve your customers—wherever they are.

Let’s make sure your Raven is ready to take flight.