Robert Walter’s 20th Congress is blowing their way through Colorado with a stop in Denver tonight at Cervantes. This Greyboy Allstars player is so talented, heavy funk just doppling out of the Leslie as it whirls around faster and faster. They are playing The Otherside, so get there a little early, it will probably sell out.
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Music to See in Denver, August 14-19th
Wednesday, August 14th
Oberhofer – Hi Dive – seen Oberhofer open for many great bands in the past, somehow this is their first headlining show I’ll get to attend. Frontman Brad Oberhofer is a ball of energy, say hi to him after the show, nice guy, great band: live Oberhofer footage
Thursday, August 15th
Kurt Vile – Bluebird – FINALLY Kurt Vile Day comes to Denver, it’s been a second. “Wakin on a Pretty Daze” has been in heavy, heavy rotation in my iPod, heck, my whole family’s iPods. Been counting the days til this one: “Never Run Away” video
Gogol Bordello/ Queens of the Stone Age – Red Rocks – Gogol Bordello always have a hell of a good time onstage, and QOTSA rock hard every time, so I’m going to take a guess here, but I’m pretty sure this show will be a barnburner, go tear it up. The new QOTSA album is great, so expect new material that fits right in.
Friday, August 16th
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress – Cervantes’ Otherside – former Greyboy Allstars player brings his heavy jazz funk keyboards to town Friday. A recent move from New Orleans to Los Angeles has infused a new energy into the band: “Sweetie Pie” live video
Confluence – Hi Dive – math rock local band that has a little of a Band of Horses/ Rogue Wave sound. Just got into this band and looking forward to more: Confluence bandcamp with music here
Pretty Lights/ Talib Kweli – Red Rocks – local favorite represent. When I first moved here someone pointed out Pretty Lights to me in LoDo “that’s Pretty Lights”. Looked right past the guy and nodded approvingly of a neon sign behind him, had never heard of him in 09, but everyone else had. His music is sexy, and if you haven’t seen him at Red Rocks, GO: Red Rocks video
Saturday, August 17th
Cold War Kids – City Park – one of my favorite over enunciating bands for free in a Denver city park? Twist my arm. It’s actually some big Chipotle festival, bring some cash to try out all kinds of stuff from guest chefs: Cultivate Festival
Charles Bradley – Larimer – busy week of shooting for me! Hop over to Larimer after Cold War Kids for this Daptone Records singing legend. Not much needs to be said, the king’s in town: listen to him, fer crissakes!
Monday, August 19th
Wood & Wire – Appaloosa Grill – Austin brand bluegrass, the lead singer has a voice that rises this band above most, and they have some of the tightest harmonies I’ve heard around
My Bloody Valentine – Ogden – legendary Dublin band with fuzz galore. They are touring to support their new album that isn’t clicking with me at all, but maybe the material has more life live.
Said the Whale – Larimer – opening for Kopecky Family Band, this Vancouver heavy pop band is my current favorite. I reviewed their album that’s being released in October yesterday, it’s such a great collection of very well put together songs, they finally made the US crossover, I hope for big things for them: “We Are 1980” video
Kris Kristofferson/ Lyle Lovett – Red Rocks – enough said. If you have never seen Lyle Lovett, by God, go go go.
Starting tomorrow in Denver, The UMS aka Underground Music Showcase explodes into every venue down Broadway. I’ve spent years going to SXSW in Austin, and have learned that the key to getting the most out of festivals like this involves lots of planning and research, then willingness to throw your schedule to the side when your ear hears something it likes. I’ve created a schedule of the bands I’d be seeing if I were going (I’ve got Phish in Chicago). Drink lots of water, and jot down notes of bands that stand out to you, it can be a whirlwind! Check out the lineup and purchase passes here: The UMS
Time/Venue/Band
(I didn’t put genres, most are under indie rock)
Thursday
8- Brendan’s 404- Kinky Fingers
9- Skylark- MEGA GEM
9- 3 Kings- Residual Kid – young teenagers from Austin making more credible garage punk than people twice their age: Video
10- Moe’s Original BBQ- Lionized
10- Illegal Pete’s- The Shilohs
10- Skylark- Phox
11- Illegal Pete’s- Bonnie and the Beard
11- Hi Dive- South of France: video
11- GOZO- Prism Waves
12- Skylark- eye and the arrow
Friday
6- Main Stage at Goodwill- School Knights
7- Goodwill- The Omens
8- Gary Lee’s- Sawmill Joe: one of my favorite voices right now
8- Goodwill- Bleached
9- Goodwill- Mudhoney
9- Hornet- Ned Garthe
9- Irish Rover- Science Partner: video
9- Hi Dive- Thee Dang Dangs
10- Moe’s BBQ- Champagne Charlie
10- Hi Dive- Jux County
11- Illegal Pete’s- The Yawpers
11- Skylark- Rubedo
12- Gary Lee’s- Princess Music: video
12- 3 Kings- A. Tom Collins
Saturday
1- Punch Bowl Social- Ben Hanna: video
3- Illegal Pete’s- A Shoreline Dream
4- Illegal Pete’s- The Royal
5- Goodwill- Caramel Carmela
5- Hi Dive- Vitamins
5- GOZO- Spooky Folk
6- South Broadway Christian Church- Patrick Dethlefs
6- Hi Dive- Sauna
7- Moe’s BBQ- We Like Monsters
7- Goodwill- Hockey: video
8- Hi Dive- The Blue Rider
8- Goodwill- Small Black
8- Compound Basix- Wheelchair Sports Camp: ridiculously catchy song
8- Illegal Pete’s- Hindershot
9- Blue Ice- Mancub (final show)
9- Goodwill- Cults
9- Skylark- Goldenboy: video
11- Hi Dive- Snake Rattle Rattle Snake
11- Illegal Pete’s- SWIMM
11- Skylark- Applied Music Program
12- Hi Dive- The Fresh and Onlys
12- Skylark- Dressy Bessy: video
Sunday
12- Irish Rover- Esme Patterson
1- Hi Dive- Indigenous Robot
2- 3 Kings- Clouds and Mountains
5- Illegal Pete’s- Vices I Admire
6- Punch Bowl Social- Dirty Femmes (with Gordon Gano)
7- Goodwill- Baywood
7- Moe’s BBQ- Foxfield Four: video
8- Goodwill- Lord Huron
8- 3 Kings- Tjutjuna: video
8- Hi Dive- In the Whale
10- Illegal Pete’s- Flashbulb Fires
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows This Week in Denver
Tuesday, July 16
New Kids on the Block/98 Degrees/Boyz II Men – 1st Bank – where women in their late 30’s go to act like Beliebers. Hate all you want, but their song “Tonight” is pop perfection that could fit on Sgt. Pepper (seriously): live video of “Tonight”
Peter Murphy/ OURS – Summit Music Hall – former singer of Bauhaus, OG Goth
John Mayer – Red Rocks – take away the celebrity and he’s one of the best modern blues guitarists I’ve seen
Wednesday, July 17
Herbie Hancock tribute – Cervantes – this will be hot
Greg Garrison Trio and Andy Thorn – The Armoury – Leftover Salmon’s magic fingered picker joins the stage at this Wednesday’s residency, go early, it WILL fill up
Groundscore – Park House – great bluegrass at a great little venue
Thursday, July 18
Bruce Hornsby – Denver Botanical Gardens (York) – I’m a Deadhead. I will see anyone that ever played with them. That’s just the way it is.
Prairie Home Companion – Red Rocks – Garrison Keillor brings his distinct voice to the monoliths. If it doesn’t rain this will be a wonderful night.
The UMS – I’ll have a guide to the showcase for everyone tomorrow.
Friday, July 19
Blake’s Tiger Party – Bar Standard – this should be a great dance party, final installment of Denver Disco and Road to Phibstock parties, previous ones have been a lot of fun. Info here!
The UMS
Saturday, July 20
The UMS
Jimmy Eat World – Ogden – always had a soft spot for these guys, they sound fantastic live
Kenny Chesney – Sports Authority – I’m not really saying I’d go to this, but I’d love to rubberneck the parking lot. Did you SEE what the people in Pittsburgh did?? I’d imagine the Denver scene would have recycling bins everywhere: trash and fighting video
John Statz – Walnut Room – songwriter with a playful twinkle in his eye, he’s a lot of fun
Foxfield Four – Gothic – local band heavily influenced by Ben Folds and Jerry Lee Lewis. If you like super catchy poppy goodness, check them out: listen here, so so good
Sunday, July 21
The UMS
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows in Denver This Week – June 26-30th
Wednesday, June 26th
Everclear – Ogden – This is honestly one of my all time favorite bands. I think Art Alexakis writes fantastic melodies and lyrics, and his sobriety really shows, the man looks and sounds incredible. Saw his solo show last winter at the House of Blues and he was a fantastic storyteller. Can’t wait to finally see the whole band again.
Jamaican Queens – Rhinoceropolis – awesome new band that was my Band to Watch last week
Thursday, June 27th
Water Liars – Hi Dive – really pleasant, NPR-ey duo that sound like they listen to Edward Sharpe and old country music: link to video
Ex-Cult – Lost Lake Lounge – oh, baby. When Ty Segall wants to produce your debut album, you know you’ve got the goods: Segall produced garage rocky goodness
Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – I’m going Sunday.
Friday, June 28th
The Oh-Hellos – Bluebird – in the car this song came on and my husband said “finally The Lumineers wrote a new song”. Wrong, but I’m sure they have heard the comparison many times. Beautiful date night music, I’ve never seen them live, though, maybe they rock it out: “Hello My Old Heart”
Col. Bruce Hampton and DJ Logic – Cervantes – the get down
The Silent Comedy – Larimer – this San Diego band kicks ass, and the lead singer has a great rock voice: listen to Bartholomew
Saturday, June 29th
Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – everyone I know is going
Sunday, June 30th
Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – everyone I know is going INCLUDING me! I’ll be on the front row, look for me on the giant screen, I’ll be noodle dancing.
Justin Bieber – Pepsi Center – saw the show in January and it was honestly one of the most entertaining concerts I’ve ever been to. Bieber plays a ton of instruments and seems very savvy. Bring earplugs for the last five seconds of the countdown, the audience reached 120 on my decibel app (most concerts are 90). Kuroda’s lights are truly a sight to behold, he even makes lasers look elegant.
The Blank Tapes – Hi Dive – just found out about this band and wow! Definitely have that 60’s throwback sound that I love down pat. Go check them out while they are small, they won’t be for long: watch their video
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows to See in Denver June 19-24th
Wednesday, June 19
Parquet Courts – Larimer – one of my favorite new finds this year, these guys are raw and loud live. These guys have a lot of buzz, I expect a great show: Borrowed Time live video from SXSW 2013
Springdale Quartet – Armoury – thought they were great at LoHi Festival this weekend. High energy rock, fantastic guitar solos, and the bassist has some great hair.
Tony Bennett – Denver Botanical Gardens – the weather is beautiful to spend the night in the gardens with a legend
Ben Folds Five – Red Rocks – Ben Folds has been excellent live for decades, he gets better with age. Barenaked Ladies are playing as well. Eh.
Thursday, June 20
Bob Schneider – Bluebird – Austin’s dirtiest, sexiest showman, he’s a must see. Bring a date.
The Cold Hard Cash Show – Oriental – Johnny Cash tribute night at the remodeled (in the process) Oriental. I love this theatre, and it’s nice to see it sprucing up. They even painted the vintage sign!
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Radar Brothers and Ola Podrida – solid night, film composer plus some Austin friends and others make for a psychedelic, atmospheric night
Friday, June 21
MTHDS – Cervantes – Positive white boys and Hawaiian boy hip hop, quality people, quality originals
Tjutjuna and Snake Rattle Rattle Snake – Larimer – Tjutjuna makes great space rock, come see two of Denver’s best bands
Saturday, June 22
Westword Music Showcase – lots of good stuff, link to everything here: Westword Showcase Tickets and Schedule
Grieves – Bluebird – Rhymesayers star, I always love their shows, very positive crowds.
Monday, June 24
Jaill – Moe’s BBQ – loud awesome goodness: video
Tonight in Boulder, Rogue Wave will be at eTown Hall for a radio taping of their show. If you haven’t been to eTown you should definitely check it out. Gorgeous inside, great sound, and fun interviews with the band, plus Rogue Wave are so great. I used to listen to their song “Lake Michigan” video on repeat until I had to force myself to stop. Their new album just came out on June 4th, and after a few listens I am hooked, can’t wait to hear the new material live. Definitely hit up this show, it will be a completely unique experience.
Info regarding eTown and tickets: eTown website
photo by leslie loudspeaker
photo by leslie loudspeaker
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Shows To See in Denver, June 11-17
Tuesday, June 11
The Staves – Hi Dive – three pretty women singing prettily, like the Corrs, but cooler.
The Dandy Warhols – Gothic – one of my old favorites
Wednesday, June 12
Bonerama – Cervantes – saw them at the Festival of Water thinking they were a bunch of high school kids with a name like that. Nope, excellent New Orleans band with many trombones. They cover Led Zeppelin and get everyone dancing. I probably won’t be there because Cervantes smells like throw up.
Crystal Fighters/ Alpine – Larimer – was very impressed by Alpine at sxsw, and am excited to see Crystal Fighters since their new album. I love this video and song: Crystal Fighters – You and I
Thursday, June 13
Superhumanoids – Larimer – light pretty dancey prettiness, listen here: Hey Big Bang
Friday, June 14
The Orphans – Hi Dive – often acoustic punk, great for fans of Flogging Molly and other endearing punk bands that sound like they really like to drink: Anorexic Mind
Fitz and the Tantrums – Gothic – always a good time live, they have a new single they are promoting so it will be very high energy.
Amanda Palmer – Red Rocks – unbelievable singer writes THE most poignant and earnest story songs. I’ve blogged many times about “The Bed Song” being the most beautiful but uplifting song ever, here it is again (lol I cried just typing the song title into Google): The Most Tragically Beautiful Song in the World
Rastasaurus – Cervantes – great local band headlining for the first time!
Saturday, June 15
Everest – Larimer – these guys have toured with Neil Young, they definitely picked up some whistling tips. Just the slightly minimal rock sound I yearn for in the summer. Plus, I’m a total sucker for whistling (heeey Andrew Bird): Into the Grey
The Melvins – Summit Music Hall – grunge gods with two drummers, huge influence on Nirvana even though Kurt slagged them in the past, one of the drummers looks like he is wearing a Fishman dress. Go hear to blow out your eardrums: Civilized Worm
Monday, June 17
Generationals – Hi Dive – I LOVE this upbeat band, although I am biased because they’ve crashed at my house. This past year I couldn’t believe how many people were at their sxsw shows, they’ve definitely made the leap. I’ll be shooting this show for sure: Put a Light On , Ten Twenty Ten , Yours Forever . I could sit here linking videos all day, love every one of their songs.
photo by leslie loudspeaker
This Friday, June 7th, the fantastic March Fourth Marching Band will be bringing their circus to the Bluebird. I got the opportunity last year to shoot their Halloween show at the Gothic, and I never knew where to point the camera first. They have really been making the rounds and touring a lot lately, don’t miss this show! I honestly don’t know who wouldn’t enjoy them live.
photo by leslie loudspeaker
Music in Denver 5/16-5/20
Thursday, May 16th
Primus – City Auditorium, CO Springs – the 3D Tour, this time in a really pretty hall
Friday, May 17th
Black Moth Super Rainbow – Bluebird- experimental band out of Pittsburgh, dark undertones in a trippy pretty sound: BMSR video with rainbow colors
Brown Bird – Larimer Lounge – caught them opening for Yonder Mountain String Band, these two make a big sound that centers around the stand up bass, rollicking Johnny Cash covers sometimes
Junior Brown – Soiled Dove Underground – country guitarist who plays a “guit-steel”, he’s the man, if you feel like hearing amazing guitar work, this is your guy: Full ACL show, not much has changed
Saturday, May 18
Kate Nash – Bluebird – Lily Allen is a big supporter, she’s got that throwback British pop thing going on, this video has over 6 million views so I guess it’s safe to say she’s popular. For some reason, I hear Aaron Neville loud and clear in her songs: her super popular song
Hindershot – Hi Dive – I love this local band. Strong supportive fan base, too, I’ve watched a show clear out when they are done and playing first: Video for I Won’t Change
Limp Bizkit – Fillmore – I have a photopass for this.
Everyone Orchestra – Oriental – constantly rotating band of members, seen them twice and they were great, but different, so just go! Who knows what surprises are in store! (Steve Kimock)
Monday, May 20
Telekinesis – Hi Dive – indie rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner, self titled album was produced by Death Cab for Cutie‘s guitarist. Really good stuff, full KEXP performance HERE
Turbonegro – Ogden – legendary Norway death punk band, everyone should see at least one show of theirs, to me this is perfect punk: newest video
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Gothic – garage rock-bluesy band from San Francisco, great live show, music is easy on the ears, strong Monday in Denver! BRMC video
Vampire Weekend -Red Rocks – these guys made the list because the new album is really really great, and I say that as someone who found them annoying before. Seriously check out the new record. Opener Of Monsters and Men was the band I thought would be huge until The Lumineers jumped ahead, and it says Haim is first opener, GREAT band, but I just got an email that they canceled.
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