Denver Local Music | The Oomph Music Blog

Varlet, Jen Korte & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Sept. 27-28

Sep 272013

Varlet. (Photo: Glenn Ross)

Wanna know where to go to see some great live music this weekend in Denver? Truth is, it’s everywhere–but here are a few suggestions to narrow the search for you. You’re welcome.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Denver indie-rock act Varlet are having a special CD release show at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver, to celebrate the release of their album American Hymns. Also performing are Tjutjuna, Attic Attack and Champagne Charlie. Tickets are $10 each, available from the Hi-Dive; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 21+.

Local rock act Wiredogs (formerly The Hate) are also having a release show for their Resistance EP at the Marquis Theatre, 2009 Larimer in downtown Denver. Opening acts include False Colours, Head Injuries and Poor Me. Tickets are $10 each, available from Soda Jerk Presents. Doors at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Denver indie-folk act Jen Korte & The Loss are headlining at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver. Also performing are Chimney Choir and Clouds & Mountains. Tickets are $8 each, available from The Walnut Room; service charge may apply. Start time is 8:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Local indie-rockers Vices I Admire are headlining a show at Moe’s Original Bar B Que, 3295 S. Broadway in Englewood. Opening acts include Strip the Stars, Pull the Alarm and Clara Finn. Tickets are $8 advance, $10 day of show, available through Moe’s; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

Happy weekend!

RiotFest, Covenhoven & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Sept. 20-22

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Sep 202013

Been a couple of weeks or so since I posted weekend picks–went on vacation, then had to recover from vacation, you know how it is. Then last week, there was a catastrophic flood affecting many areas around our community. (Please keep this area in your thoughts and prayers during the next several months as it’s going to take awhile to recover.)

But there’s a lot to talk about in the Denver area this weekend regarding live music. If you can’t swing the time or money to catch RiotFest (info below), there are still some great shows to see around town. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

Indie-folk act Covenhoven (aka Joel Van Horne, formerly of Carbon Choir) will be having a much-anticipated CD release show at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver. (See more information about the new project here.) Also appearing are Poet’s Row and Megan Burtt. Tickets are $10 each, available from The Walnut Room; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Denver rockers The Epilogues are returning from a multi-state road tour for a show Friday at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver. Also appearing are The Echo Chamber and Viretta. Tickets are $8 each, available from the Hi-Dive (service charge may apply). Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:30. Ages 21+.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Speaking of the Hi-Dive, go back Saturday night to see Patrick Dethlefs‘ 7″ release show, with a free 7″ vinyl record with each ticket purchase. Opening acts include Ark Life and Kristi Stice. Tickets are $12 advance, $14 day of show, available from the Hi-Dive; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 18+.

BONUS PICK: RIOTFEST SEPT. 21-22

RiotFest is coming to Denver this weekend, and thankfully, the flooding rains did not affect the festival grounds, so the show will go on, a short drive east of town at May Farms, 6401 US Hwy 36 in Byers. The lineup for the tw0-day event is impressive, featuring some of the biggest names in punk, alternative and modern rock: The Replacements, Iggy and the Stooges, Blink-182, Brand New, AFI, Public Enemy, AWOLNATION…over 3 dozen acts in all. Included in the lineup are performances from several Denver-based bands, including DeVotchKa, Breathe Carolina, Bop Skizzum and Wovenhand. Tickets are still available through the RiotFest website, staring at $54.98 for a one-day pass and $99.98 for a two-day pass; service charges apply. Camping is available for an extra charge. This is an all-ages event! For all the deets, visit the RiotFest website.

Have a happy and safe weekend!

Joel Van Horne: From Carbon Choir to Covenhoven

indie music, record releases No Responses »

Sep 132013

Many in the Denver area are familiar with Joel Van Horne as the frontman for atmospheric indie-rock act Carbon Choir (whom I’ve profiled here on this blog from time to time). Carbon Choir has since called it quits, and in the meantime Van Horne has taken a completely different direction–toward folk.

His new album is being released under the moniker Covenhoven, named after the log cabin in Wyoming built by his grandfather, where Van Horne spent summers as a kid. “Some of the best and lasting memories of my life are from this place,” writes Van Horne on the Covenhoven website. “This music comes from that place… this refuge that I hold dear.”

Indeed, the songs on the record call to mind the places of natural beauty and the fond memories evoked by such a place. With an understated, reflective style reminiscent of Bon Iver, in effect, Van Horne transports the listener to his childhood, allowing us to experience the feeling of a place most of us will never actually see–and yet, we can relate to it because many of us have such a place within our own memories. This is music that is real, because it comes from a very real place, both physically and emotionally.

Photo: Lucia de Giovanni

I have to say, I really like this turn Van Horne has taken. I’ve had the opportunity to hear him perform acoustic sets from time to time, and have really liked his songwriting style, even while playing unplugged versions of Carbon Choir tunes. While it might seem on the outside to be a drastic change of course, those of us familiar with Van Horne and his songwriting abilities can see this is a natural evolution for him.

Covenhoven will see its official release with a show on Friday, Sept. 20 at The Walnut Room in Denver, but you can sneak a listen to the entire album this week over at OpenAirCPR from Colorado Public Radio. You’ll be glad you did.

Dave Matthews Band, The Epilogues & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Aug. 23-25

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Aug 232013

The weekend is once again upon us. If you’re looking to unwind with some great live music in Denver this weekend, here are just a few picks among the many great shows going on.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND AUG. 23-24 (FRI-SAT)
The Dave Matthews Band is here for a two-night stint at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City. Snoop Dogg opens both shows. Tickets start at $45 per night, available from TicketHorse. Service charges apply. Gates at 6:00 PM nightly; shows start at 7:00 PM. All ages.

GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS/SAWMILL JOE, FRIDAY, AUG. 23
Boulder folk act Gasoline Lollipops are playing at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. in Denver, along with Sawmill Joe, Poet’s Row and Natalie Tate. Tickets are $7 each, available from The Oriental Theater. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

THE OUTFIT ALBUM RELEASE, SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Local indie/garage rock band The Outfit are having an album release show at Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer in Denver. Opening acts include FaceMan and Gun Street Ghost. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show, available from Larimer Lounge. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 21+.

THE EPILOGUES BBQ, SUNDAY, AUG. 25
Speaking of Larimer Lounge, you should go back there Sunday for an afternoon/evening of BBQ and music featuring The Epilogues. Lots of great Denver acts will be joining them, including Reno Divorce, Eldren, Attic Attack, The Photo Atlas, Post Paradise, Reason the Citizen, Instant Empire, Quotes and DJ Alf. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 day of show, available from Larimer Lounge. Doors at noon; music starts at 1:00 PM. Ages 18+.

Have a great weekend!

Capitol Hill Music Festival & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Aug. 16-17

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Aug 162013

This weekend in Denver is packed with great live music, just as summer heat makes a comeback. There’s a lot to go over, so let’s get right into this weekend’s live music picks:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

Local indie-rock outfit Eldren are headlining a show at the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax in Denver. Opening acts include The Yawpers, The Foot. and Pull the Alarm. Tickets are $15 each, plus service charge, available from Bluebird Theater and AXS. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

Chicago alt-rock band Fletcher and local indie-rockers Wire Faces are co-headlining a show at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver. Also appearing are Confluence and War Over Water. Tickets are $6 each, available from the Hi-Dive; service charge may apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:30. Ages 21+.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Saturday’s a big day for all-day music events in Denver, and we’ve got two to tell you about here.

The 1st Annual Capitol Hill Music Festival will take place Saturday at Stoney’s Bar & Grill, 1111 Lincoln St. in Denver, with some of Denver’s best talent playing on two stages throughout the afternoon and evening. Featured acts include The Railbenders, Birch Street, Places, Vices I Admire, Take to the Oars, Red Fox Run, Rebel Tongue, Attic Attack, Lionized and more. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 day of show (plus service charge), and can be purchased here. VIP passes (including food buffet and all you can drink) are also available. First performance starts at 11:45 AM. No age limit listed on the event, but everyone will be carded.

The Cultivate Festival, an annual event sponsored by Chipotle Restaurants, features chefs, artisans, farmers and great food to raise awareness for sustainable, wholesome food. Great music is also part of the event. The Denver Cultivate Festival will take place at City Park on Saturday, and will feature performances by several national acts, including Cold War Kids, Blitzen Trapper, Good Old War, Allen Stone, Chris Golub and Denver’s own Air Dubai. Festivities kick off around 11:00 AM, and run all the way to 7:00 PM. Best of all–it’s FREE and open to the public.

Have a happy and safe weekend!

Matthew Moon, Princess Music & More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Aug. 9-10

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Aug 092013

It’s the weekend in Denver. That means I’ve got some more live music picks for ya. If you are looking for some great music around town, here are a just a few tips to get you started.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Local indie band Princess Music are debuting their first full-length album Odobenidae (don’t ask me to pronounce it) at the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax in Denver. The show will feature a 17-piece chamber orchestra, along with Stelth Ulvang and Distant Correspondent. Tickets are $15, available from Bluebird Theater and AXS. Service charge may apply. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

Singer-songwriter Ben Taylor is headlining at the Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st in Denver. Opening act is Gary Revell. Tickets are $25, available through Soiled Dove Underground. Service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00. This show is all-ages. (NOTE: This show is almost sold out, so get tickets now if you want to go!)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Denver folk-pop singer-songwriter Matthew Moon is having a CD release show at the Soiled Dove Underground to celebrate the release of his new album I Am the Wind. The Steve Law Band will open the show. Tickets are $10 each, available from Soiled Dove Underground; service charge may apply. Doors at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00. Ages 21+. (NOTE: This show is also on the verge of selling out, so don’t delay!)

Austin-based rock band Saints of Valory will make a tour stop at Bluebird Theater. Opening the show are local acts My Body Sings Electric and Monroe Monroe. Tickets are $9 each (plus service charge), available from Bluebird Theater and AXS. Doors at 8:00 PM; show starts at 9:00. Ages 16+.

Have a terrific weekend!

The Belle Jar, Kate LeRoux and More: Denver Live Music Weekend Picks Aug. 2-3

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Aug 022013

The Belle Jar

After taking a break last week from the exhausting-yet-highly-rewarding Underground Music Showcase, I’m back with weekend picks. If you’re looking for some cool live music in Denver this weekend, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Singer-songwriter Kate LeRoux is marking her official return to the Denver music scene with a solo set at Swallow Hill’s Tuft Theater, 71 E. Yale in Denver. Tickets are $12 each, available from Swallow Hill, with discounts available to Swallow Hill Members. Show starts at 8:00 PM, and is all ages.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Denver folk-rock act The Belle Jar are having a CD release show at the Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway in Denver. Also appearing are Get Along and Matt Hoffman (of Strange Americans). Tickets are $8 each, available from the Hi-Dive. Service charges may apply. Doors at 8:30 PM; show starts at 9:30. Age restriction not posted at press time, but assume it’s 21+.

Local act Land Lines is headlining a show at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver. Also appearing are Elin Palmer and The Seven Hats. Tickets are $9 advance, $12 day of show, available from The Walnut Room. Service charges may apply. Show starts at 8:00 PM. Ages 21+.

Happy weekend!

Highlights from UMS 2013 (Day 3)

music festivals 2 Responses »

Jul 212013

This year’s Underground Music Showcase is destined to be one for the books–huge crowds, great bands, and great performances, overall. Day 3 was my favorite so far. I know there were some great performances on the main stage, but I gravitated toward some of the smaller venues, and found lots of “wow” moments in the process. I was a little sparing with pictures this time around, partly to save battery, partly because of poor lighting, and partly because I just wanted to focus on the music. But here are a few highlights from yesterday:

No sooner had I arrived and got settled at Punch Bowl Social but this guitarist phenom set the place on fire. Not literally, but you know. Jaden Carlson is barely a teenager, if that, but she’s got the chops and musicality of veterans three and four times her age. I don’t know how I’ve been a part of this scene without seeing her before now. One of the best moments of the UMS for me thus far.

Jaden Carlson

I stayed on at the Punch Bowl to have a hot pretzel and listen to this promising newer rock act, War Over Water. Looking forward to seeing their progress in days ahead.

War Over Water

Headed on over the Gary Lee’s Motor Club and Grub for the last few minutes of singer-songwriter Holly Lovell’s set. Her mellow style was perfect for sitting in a cool space on a hot, breezy afternoon.

Holly Lovell

Next up at Gary Lee’s was Navy, the latest indie-rock incarnation from Dan Craig (sorry, no pic). Another “wow” moment, I think Dan has stumbled on a great combination with this one. Love the songs, love the vibe.

Patrick Dethlefs did an outstanding acoustic set at South Broadway Christian Church. Loved the slide guitar behind him, and the music sounded awesome in this space. South Broadway continues to be one of my favorite venues of the UMS each year.

Patrick Dethlefs

Other acts I caught that deserve a shout-out: Hindershot set up a party at Illegal Pete’s (although the beach balls reportedly got a little out of hand); Attic Attack rocked the Skylark Lounge; Anthony Ruptak and his band had a great set at South Broadway Christian; and it was good to see Jen Korte and the Loss back in action, packing out the Irish Rover.

ACTS I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN:

Katie Laurel
Lindsey O’Brien
Jessica Sonner
Sarah and the Meanies
The Epilogues
Shady Elders
Red Fox Run
Wiredogs

Whew! On to Day Four…

Highlights from UMS 2013 (Day Two)

music festivals 1 Response »

Jul 202013

Momentum for the 2013 Underground Music Showcase is definitely increasing. More crowds, more bands, comfortable evening weather and dynamic performances were the norm last night at the UMS, as the Baker district filled with music and music lovers.

I tend to focus on local talent, so to my shame, I missed headliner Mudhoney at the main stage, although I heard from several sources that the band was outstanding. (I had “mudhoney” ice cream at Sweet Action–does that count?) I did, however, manage to catch a few minutes of LA-based girl pop-punk band Bleached on my way from one local act to another–and that was worth the detour.

Some other highlights from Day Two:

Indie-rockers The Belle Jar started off playing to a sparse crowd at 3 Kings Tavern, but by the end of the set the venue area was full–partly because people finally started navigating through Denver’s Friday night traffic, and partly, I think, because word was spreading about them while they played. A great way to kick off the evening.

The Belle Jar

Guitarist Ryan Chrys has a well-established reputation in Denver for his crazy guitar work in The Demon Funkies, but his newly formed country act, Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts, is gaining traction as well. I managed to catch a few minutes of their set at The Hornet.

Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts

New Denver “supergroup” Hollow Talk (comprised of members of d.biddle, Il Cattivo and Ideal Feathers) played a loud and raucous set at the Hi-Dive. The backlighting was cool live but hard to catch on the iPhone…but you can see ’em if you squint a little.

Hollow Talk

Besides the main outdoor stage, it seems the place to be last night was the Irish Rover. Absolutely packed with people for most of the night. I couldn’t get close enough to get pics of Sweet Tooth Meat Tooth or The Raven and the Writing Desk, but both sets were awesome. (I would have loved to see how TRATWD managed on that tiny stage with six people, a keyboard, drums and a marimba–but I just couldn’t get close enough to find out.) I did manage to squeeze to the front just enough to grab a picture or two of Science Partner, who also killed it.

Science Partner

Other acts I caught in passing that are worth mentioning last night were Gristle Gals at Illegal Pete’s (caught the sound check on my way to Belle Jar), and Ivory Circle and Shenandoah Davis at Gary Lee’s. All worth checking out. Also, the few minutes I caught of Common Anomaly’s set at Skylark Lounge were impressive.

ACTS I WISH I’D SEEN:

Mudhoney (obviously)
Esme Patterson
Thee Dang Dangs
Chimney Choir
Princess Music
A. Tom Collins
Bop Skizzum
Ark Life

Big day today: Day 3!!

Underground Music Showcase 2013: Denver Live Music Weekend Pick July 19-21

Live Music Weekend Picks No Responses »

Jul 182013

I’ll make this simple: the place to be in Denver for live music this weekend is the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase 2013, which kicks off this evening (Thursday) and runs through Sunday throughout Denver’s Baker district.

Over 400 bands. Nearly two dozen venues. Four days. $50. Best live music deal in Denver, and it only happens once a year.

Headlining acts at this year’s UMS include Mudhoney, Small Black, Cults and Lord Huron, among others. While these shows promise to be awesome, some of the best stuff happens in the smaller venues, with smaller indie bands. Not to mention some of the best local talent Denver has to offer. The lineup is to massive to mention, but just a few of the local acts include The Epilogues, Ark Life, Princess Music, Born In the Flood, The Centennial, Varlet, The Raven and the Writing Desk, Vices I Admire, and many, many others. (A full lineup and schedule can be found at the UMS website.)

A limited number of wristbands and VIP badges are still available, so if you’re in town and haven’t gotten yours yet, you can pick it up at the UMS box office (located a 1 S. Broadway tonight, and at 21 S. Broadway for the rest of the festival). Four-day wristbands are only $50, and VIP badges (offering extra perks) are $120. I’ll be live-tweeting throughout the weekend, so follow me at @jeffmcq if you want updates.

Older Entries