Jeff McQ

Tellerpalooza 2013 & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks May 10-11

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May 102013
 

Looks like the rain in Denver this week is giving way to a warm, sunny weekend. If you’re looking to blow off some steam with some great live music, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions among the many great shows going on in Denver this weekend.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Local rock acts Places and Foxfield Four are co-headlining a show at the Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer in Denver. Also performing are Rachel and the Kings and Attic Attack. Tickets are $10, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show!

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Local rock act Vetta Star is headlining a show at Herman’s Hideaway, 1578 S. Broadway in Denver. Also performing are Storm Circus, Will Kilduff & Friends, Medic and Hillary Hand. Tickets are $4 advance, $8 day of show, available from Herman’s Hideaway. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; music starts at 7:30. Ages 21+.

The Northwest Denver Folk Festival is happening Saturday at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. in Denver. Featured acts include the Haunted Windchimes, Ark Life, Joe Sampson, Chimney Choir, Patrick Dethlefs & Martin Gilmore, and many others. Tickets are $13, available from The Oriental Theater; service charge may apply. Music starts at 2:00 PM and goes all evening. This is an all-ages event.

BONUS PICK: TELLERPALOOZA 2013

The tenth annual Tellerpalooza–a popular fundraising benefit featuring some of Denver’s top music acts to raise funds for Teller Elementary School–will take place Saturday, May 11 at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street in Denver. This year’s lineup includes John Common, Fierce Bad Rabbit, Rachel and the Kings, Eldren, The Foot. and Greg Tobo–and of course, performances from the various bands of Teller Elementary. Tickets are $20 at the door; performances start at 4:00 PM and go until midnight. This all-ages event is a great opportunity to support a great school while enjoying some of Denver’s finest local music. For details and a complete lineup, visit the Tellerpalooza website.

Have a great weekend!

Introducing Medic: Passion and Promise

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May 062013
 

It took me awhile to get around to this band from Denver, but I can tell indie-rock act Medic is going to be staying in my head for some time to come.

As I listen to this band, there are two words that come to mind: passion and promise. The passion part is because there is a solid sense of conviction in the way they play and sing. They believe what they are doing wholeheartedly, so I believe them, too. There is an emotion in their sound that reminds me a lot of Mae, with perhaps a bit more pop/rock sensibility. But the passion is unmistakable.

As to the promise part–well, you just have to listen to them to know what I’m talking about. These guys are going someplace.

So far, the only music available from Medic is a five-song EP, Grace and Gravity, which can be purchased from their Bandcamp site or from iTunes. But those five songs will leave you wanting more. Check out the video below for their single “Everything We Have” and see what you think.

Rob Drabkin, The Outfit & More: Denver Live Music Picks May 3-4

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May 032013
 

Rob Drabkin. (Photo: Lucia de Giovanni)

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! Denver is home to one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and the weekend’s live shows are sharing in the festivities. If you need help deciding on some great live music here this weekend, here are just a few suggestions among the many.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Local folk act Glowing House is playing at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut Street in Denver. Also appearing are Montana Tapwater, Vanessa Spear and Olivia Rudeen. Tickets are $11, available from The Walnut Room. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Denver rock act Pull the Alarm is having an EP release show at the Moon Room at Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. in downtown Denver. Opening acts include We Were Cosmonauts and Common Anomaly. Tickets are $5, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 8:00 PM. Ages 21+.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Denver singer-songwriter Rob Drabkin is headlining a show at the Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St. in Boulder. Also performing are Dechen Hawk and Dave Tamkin. Tickets are $9 advance, $12 day of show, available from Fox Theatre. $2 surcharge for under 21; service charge may also apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 12+.

Local rock acts The Outfit and The Wales are co-headlining at Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. in Denver. Opening the show is Bloodhound. Tickets are $8 advance, $10 day of show, available from Larimer Lounge. Doors at 9:00 PM; show starts at 10:00. Ages 16+.

Have a great weekend!

Sam Lee, Speakeasy Tiger & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Apr. 26-27

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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!

Mike Fest 2013: Denver Live Music Weekend Pick Apr. 12-13

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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.

 

Dave Preston, Shady Elders & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Apr. 5-6

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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!

Hazel Miller, Matt Morris & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Mar. 29-30

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Mar 292013
 

Happy Easter weekend! If you are looking for some great live music in Denver over the holiday weekend, here are a few suggestions from the many great shows you will find going on around the Mile-High.

FRIDAY, MAR. 29

Local diva Hazel Miller is headlining a show at the Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st St. in Denver. Opening the show is Matthew Moon. Tickets are $12 each, available from Soiled Dove Underground. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00. Ages 21+. (NOTE: Remaining tickets are limited, so get yours quickly because the show may sell out.)

Slowcore act Low is making a tour stop at Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. in Denver. Opening act is Thalia Zedek. Tickets are $20 each, available from Larimer Lounge. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; music starts at 9:00. Ages 21+.

Local punk act Reno Divorce is headlining at Herman’s Hideaway, 1578 S. Broadway in Denver. Also appearing are MF Ruckus, Two Fisted Tango and Torked. Tickets are $12 each, available from Herman’s Hideaway, with table reservations and VIP packages available at additional cost. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 7:30. Ages 21+.

SATURDAY, MAR. 30

Indie-pop act Milo Greene are making a tour stop at the Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St. in Boulder. Opening act is Kopecky Family Band. Tickets are $14 each, available from Fox Theatre; service charges may apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 12+.

Denver’s own Matt Morris is headlining at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall, 71 E. Yale in Denver. Opening the show is Aiden James. Tickets are $16 advance, $18 day of show, available from Swallow Hill; discounts available for Swallow Hill members. Show starts at 8:00 PM.

Have a terrific weekend, and Happy Easter!

Glowing House are Down and Out

 album reviews  No Responses »
Mar 232013
 

I tell you, every time I hear this band I love ’em a little bit more. Just nine months ago, Denver neo-folk act Glowing House released their second full-length record Days Run Out (which I profiled here), and the songs played in my head for days after I heard them. This week, they have released a song a day from their new EP (entitled The Down And Out EP) until now the whole thing is available to stream and purchase on BandCamp, culminating with an official EP release show tonight at the Larimer Lounge here in Denver.

The core of the band, married couple Steve Varney and Jess Parsons, continue to grow as songwriters, and this new record is evidence of that fact. Also, since I last interviewed them, they’ve grown to a four-some, with percussionist Michael John McKee and cellist Phil Parker rounding out the sound and adding diversity. The result is some of the best stuff I’ve heard from these guys.

I’ve embedded two of my favorite tracks from the EP below. If you’re in Denver, try to catch Glowing House tonight at the Larimer Lounge, along with The Raven and the Writing Desk and Anthony Ruptak (but check ahead with the venue–there’s a snowstorm out thar today). If you like what you hear, go and buy the record. I personally think you’ll like what you hear.

Paper Bird, Glowing House & More: Denver live music weekend picks Mar. 22-23

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Mar 222013
 

Whether you’re wrapping up your spring break, or just starting it, there is plenty of great live music in Denver this weekend to help you celebrate. Here are just a few suggestions to help you narrow down the choices.

FRIDAY, MAR. 22

Local indie-folk act Paper Bird are headlining an album release show at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. in Denver. Also appearing are He’s My Brother She’s My Sister and Chimney Choir. Tickets are $15 plus service charge, available through The Oriental Theater. Doors at 8:00 PM; music starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

If you’re a fan of local bands Regret Night or Be Brave, tonight is your last chance to see them for awhile. Regret Night are headlining a farewell show at Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. in downtown Denver, with Be Brave also on the bill playing their final show. Other acts on the bill include Places and Defy You Stars. Tickets are $12 each, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show!

SATURDAY, MAR. 23

Denver neo-folk act Glowing House are having an EP release show at Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. in Denver. Opening acts include The Raven and the Writing Desk and Anthony Ruptak. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show, available from Larimer Lounge. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; music starts at 9:00. Ages 18+.

Boulder-based singer-songwriter Jeff Brinkman is having an album release show at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver. Also appearing are I’m With Her and Kaia Nutting. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 day of show, available from The Walnut Room. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Happy weekend!

Take To the Oars, The Congress & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Mar. 15-16

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Mar 152013
 

Word on the street (or on the Facebooks, take your pick) is that a slew of Colorado’s finest bands are tearing it up at SXSW in Austin this week. If, however, you’re like me and weren’t able to make it down to SXSW, there are still plenty of great shows going on this weekend in Denver. If you’re looking for opportunities to catch some awesome live music this St. Patty’s Day weekend, here are just a few suggestions.

FRIDAY, MAR. 15

Irish Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners have decided to celebrate St. Patty’s weekend with us here in Denver with a special show at the Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st St. in Denver. Opening act is Colorado band SHEL. Tickets are $27.50-$40, available from Soiled Dove Underground; service charges may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00. Ages 21+.

Westword’s “Best of the West 4” local band competition is currently ongoing at Herman’s Hideaway, 1578 S. Broadway in Denver. Tonight’s is Round 3 of the Semi-Finals, featuring local acts Calder’s Revolvers, James and the Devil, Highline, Clara Finn and Kid Cosmo. Tickets are $10 each, plus service charge, available from Herman’s Hideaway. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00. Ages 21+.

SATURDAY, MAR. 16

Local indie-rock act Take To the Oars is having an EP release party at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver. Opening acts include The Hate and The Ever. Tickets are $8 advance, $10 day of show, available from the Hi-Dive. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 21+.

Denver rock act The Congress is headlining a show at the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax in Denver. Opening the show is the Tori Peter Band. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 day of show, available through the Bluebird Theater. Service charges may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

The St. Patty’s Pot of Gold Celebration is happening at The Gothic Theatre (3263 s. Broadway in Englewood), featuring a great lineup of local acts including P-Nuckle, Whiskey Tango, Skyfox and Demon Funkies. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 day of show, available from Gothic Theatre; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

Enjoy the weekend, and stay safe!

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