Apr 262013
 

It looks like spring is finally here in Denver, and is hopefully here to stay for awhile. That said, it’s a great weekend to catch some live music in these parts. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Denver singer-songwriter Sam Lee is having a CD release show at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. in Denver. Also appearing are Eldren, The Yawpers and Shannon & Jared. Tickets are $10 each, available from The Oriental Theater; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 8:30. This is an all-ages show!

Local country/bluegrass act Bonnie & the Clydes will be performing at Swallow Hill‘s Tuft Theater, 71 E. Yale in Denver. Tickets are $12 each, available from Swallow Hill; discounts available for Swallow Hill members. Show starts at 8:00 PM, and is all-ages.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Fans of the previously defunct Speakeasy Tiger have plenty to celebrate; the electro-rock outfit is having a reunion show at the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer in downtown Denver. Also performing are Take To the Oars, Brave Song Circle and The Portrait. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 7:00 PM. This is also an all-ages show!

BONUS EVENT: ROOT 40 MUSIC FEST

This has actually been going on all week, but wraps up this Friday and Saturday. The Second Annual Root 40 Music Fest is a celebration of music in multiple venues all along Colfax Avenue, featuring both local and national talent. This weekend’s festivities include shows at larger venues like the Ogden and Fillmore, plus numerous smaller shows in local venues and outdoor stages along the route. Full details about scheduled performances can be found at the Root 40 website.

Happy weekend!

Apr 122013
 

In lieu of my normal weekly postings of weekend picks for live music in Denver, today I’d like to draw your attention to one special event in particular: Mike Fest 2013, a two-day musical benefit featuring over a dozen bands in two venues in support of Denver music scene veteran Mike Marchant.

One of the things I love best about the Denver music scene is the way it takes care of its own. Many times in recent memory, when a Denver musician, band or music scene supporter has come under hardship, other musicians have without fail rallied around in support. It is an awesome thing to see, and even more awesome to participate in.

When Mike Marchant, a respected Denver performer, was recently diagnosed with cancer, it pulled the rug out from under him. The good news is, thankfully, the cancer is currently on the run as Marchant undergoes chemo. The bad news, as is often the case, is the growing pile of medical bills. So tonight and tomorrow, April 12-13, the Hi-Dive at 7 S. Broadway, along with 3 Kings Tavern across the street at 60 S. Broadway, are co-hosting “Mike Fest 2013”, a two-night benefit event featuring some of Denver’s finest local talent.

Friday night’s lineup at the Hi-Dive includes Il Cattivo, SPELLS, Miss America, Sawmill Joe and Marty Jones; Saturday night will feature The Outfit, In the Whale, Kitty Crimes, Ark Life, Patrick Dethlefs and Natalie Tate. While that’s going on, 3 Kings across the street will feature Safe Boating Is No Accident, Pink Hawks, Champagne Charlie and Loving Things on Friday; and Oliver Bravado, Rowboat, Shady Elders, Ponderosa and Violent Summer on Saturday.

Both nights at both venues are available for a suggested donation of $20 (and of course, you can give more); doors open at 7pm nightly, and shows are for ages 21+. Come out and show your support for one of Denver’s own who could really use your help.

 

Apr 052013
 

Guitarist Dave Preston

There’s plenty of great live music going on in Denver for the first weekend of April–far more than one person could take in. So…here are a few suggestions among the many great alternatives to help you make up your mind, including a few hidden treasures. Good luck deciding. :)

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Ryan Chrys is having a CD release show at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver. Opening acts include Little Goose and Brent Loveday (of Reno Divorce). Tickets are $8 each, available from The Walnut Room. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Local dream-pop band Shady Elders are releasing an EP as well, with a show at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver. Also performing are Hindershot and Wild High. Tickets are $8 each, available from Hi-Dive; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:30. Ages 18+.

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Local singer-songwriter/guitarist Dave Preston is performing at Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theatre, 71 East Yale in Denver. The show is a benefit in support of The Kasisi Children’s Home in Zambia, Africa, and will include musical guests Rachel James, Eddie Turner and Kenny Passarelli. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show, available from Swallow Hill. Discount rates for Swallow Hill members. Show starts at 8:00 PM, and is all ages.

Denver alt-rockers The Epilogues are headlining a show at Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. in downtown Denver. Also performing are Eldren, Vetta Star and We Like Monsters. Tickets are $10 each, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show!

Have a great weekend!