Around town 12-16

girls walk by, and lust cats of the gutters @ 3 Kings

Michael Adam w/ Stephen Marcus, Erin Jo Harris (of Bop Skizzum) @ Walnut Room

Pawn Ticket Trio w/ Wes & Victoria and magician Max Mago @ Mercury Cafe

The CATARACS "Like a G6" @ Casselman's

Dotsero and Hazel Miller w/ Holiday Show @ Soiled Dove

Elliott Moonshine & the Ghost w/ The Madhouse Act, Dumb Angel @ Lion's Lair

Train @ Fillmore

China Venture w/ Alan Alda @ Hi-Dive

Fifty To Phoenix w/ Funhouse, Brother Rockwell, Inotio @ Herman's Hideaway

Cacheflow, RumbleJunkie, ServOne and Shiba @ Cervante's Other Side

Parasite Machine, Narwahl Birdskull, Mouthful of Buckshot, Four Hoursemen, Moore @ Larimer Lounge

Lunar Fire @ Cervantes



Well, overall nothing spectacular is going on tomorrow night, good thing I heard a rumor of snowfall. Stay inside and have a romantic evening in. If you need to check out a show, check out Lust Cats of the Gutters at 3 kings, or maybe Catarac. I'm pretty indifferent to the line up out there tomorrow.

Back after a long hiatus

I've been away for way too long. Moving and personal issues got the best of me the last few weeks. I hope that never happens again. Anyway, here is what is going on around town tomorrow.


MillionYoung w/ Sunglasses, the Great Mundane, Flashlights @ Hi Dive

Rob Halford, Philm Feat Dave Lombardo From Slayer @ Ogden

The Salt And The Sea, Jessica Sonner, Caleb Slade, Ramaya Soskin @ Walnut Room

4-H Royalty, 10-4 Eleanor, Sour Boy, Bitter Girl @ Larimer Lounge

Headrush @ Funky Buddha

2:10 Special, The Zen Theory, Madeline's Revenge, Wadda Bout Bob @ Herman's Hideaway

H.O.E., Jon Now Or Never, Correct Records and No Escape @ Cervantes Other Side

Red Wanting with Blue Brothers O’Hair & Jen Korte @ Casselman's



I am sure you are all going to Rob Halford tomorrow since they gave away about 1,000 tickets for it. Go listen to some solo stuff, some old Judas Priest, or whatever he feels like playing. I'll be getting cultured at the Blue Man Group.

Roger Waters, The Wall.....

Tonight brought the 30th anniversary tour of The Wall to Pepsi Center and Roger Waters was promising it was going to be better than ever. Now, being too young to see The Wall performed the first time around I really have no way of comparing but I do have one word to describe tonight. Phenomenal. I won't go through the setlist since everyone in the world who is a music fan should have The Wall in their collection, and every stoner should have seen the movie The Wall by now. The stage production was pretty amazing. One thing that I noticed immediately was the fact that you actually forget you are there at a Rock concert, so the band is pretty secondary to the visuals. During the opening, you had a plane crash and take out part of the wall with some awesome pyrotechnics (which sadly were the only pyrotechnics in the whole show) From there you had the flash back scene with Another Brick in the Wall where they had this awesome puppet wearing a gas mask that all the kids had to get away from and defeat. You slowly go further and further into Floyds mind where he has his sexual fantasies (Young Lust) and finally questioning the world and whether he should build a wall (Mother) The first act ended with Goodbye Cruel World with Roger Waters putting in the final brick in the wall when he sang Goodbye Cruel World, Goodbye.

Act 2 began with the band playing behind the Wall up until Nobody's Home when Roger sang while watching a TV. Midway through the set, the entire band had moved in front of the wall and played to images of war, poverty, worms, and even the animated trial that eventually led to tearing down the wall. Words can't really express what seeing it live could convey. This production was a masterpiece 30 years in the making. The story was told brilliantly through both audio and visual senses. Fucking awesome.

A couple of the highlights was definitely Mother which Roger sang while playing a clip of another show he did 30 years earlier of him singing the same song. It was his way of doing the double vocal tracks, and it was pulled of nearly flawless. Comfortably Numb was absolutely beautiful and the giant puppet used during Another Brick in the Wall was pretty awesome. This show has easily made a permanent spot in my top 10 shows of all time.

Around town tomorrow

Here is a quick recommendation for tomorrow. Hit up Bender's for Tromapalooza. The great Lloyd Kaufman is going to be there along with some music that may or may not be very good. Did I mention Lloyd Kaufman? Seriously, go and talk to that guy. He is insane and awesome at the same time. If I wasn't going to be in the Springs I'd be talking to Lloyd. Alright, off to a birthday party.

Around town tomorrow

I am finally feeling like a human being again. Thank Christ. Now, it's time to tell you where to go for the best shows in Denver.

Tjutjuna CD Release, Woodsman, Married In Berdichev, DJ Peter Black @ Larimer Lounge

Candy Claws w/ the Chain Gang of 1974, Jay J Matott and the Arctic - Special Guest DJset from Magic Teepee @ Hi-Dive

PANAL SA DE CV, FaceMan, BONNIE AND THE BEARD, BEDSIT INFAMY @ 3 Kings

Barnacle, Black Lamb, Disease, Minds Of Magess @ Black Lamb

Ozomatli @ Ogden

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers w/ Backyard Tire Fire @ Gothic Theatre

Salva @ City Hall

Heavy Artillery w/ Loxy, Hulk, Lank, Despise, Amok, Automated Prayer, The Mentat, C:Bass, Stienski, Crookkid and Reckless @ Cervantes

Yerkish w/ Gritt Hitter, The Orchid Set @ Walnut Room

Tracy Lawrence @ Grizzly Rose

Mad Dog And The Smokin J's / Rhythm Dragons / Captain Blood @ Lion's Lair

The Atomic Drifters w/ The Imsomniaxe @ Oriental Theater

UMCONSCIOUS w/ MF KAAOS, ANXIOUS, DJ SYN @ Herman's Hideaway

Sol~Fed~Joe @ Ziggies

Forty Fathoms w/ Ransom, As the Sky Darkens, Dissonance In Design @ Moe's

The Gracious Few, American Bang, Take To the Oars @ Bluebird

Candye Kane w/ Jimbo Darville & the Truckadours and Dirty Backseat Lovers @ Bender's




Tomorrow is a great night to get your groove on. So much awesome music it's hard to pick just one, so I won't. First things first....on the national front check out Roger Clyne at the Gothic. They have been rocking for a while, show them some love. Also, The Gracious Few is playing at the Bluebird. I'm actually curious to hear how they sound. It's some of the members of Candlebox and Live in a "supergroup" ready to rock the place. I've always loved Candlebox so I'd be curious to check them out. On the local front, Black Lamb will melt your face, Yerkish could easily do the same, and you should do your best to get out to one of these. Until tomorrow, have fun out there.

Around town tomorrow

I still feel like shit and don't have much energy to write this. So, here are my recommendations for tomorrow. Here goes, Fingers of the Sun is playing at Meadowlark, that should be a great show. Reckless Red is playing at Rockaway and that may be an amazing show depending if the sound is fucked up or not. I really hope they got their issues fixed. Sunday Girl is playing at Toad Tavern and I really dig their sound. I am playing in your mama's ass, look for the video soon. Have fun out there. I'm going to take more nyquil.

Around town tomorrow

It's been a terrible day and I'm fighting something so I'm going to keep this brief and give you the highlights of what's going on in Denver tomorrow. Check out Hot Buttered Rum at the Bluebird, or go to the Hi-Dive for Raven and the Writing Desk simply because its an awesome name. You could easily be disappointed but then again, maybe you shouldn't be going out so late on a work night. Who am I kidding? Work is overrated anyway. To hell with it, get drunk and call in sick on Thursday. While you're at it, call in Friday too and make it a 4 day weekend. I'm a bad influence.

2 concert reviews

Alright, I didn't make it to Bad Religion at all due to exhaustion from no sleep after Gwar but I did make it to see King for a Day. All in all it was a great couple of shows. Here are the reviews.



Gwar

On Thursday I finally got around to seeing Gwar after 25 years of making music. My question is, why did I wait so long? Gwar itself is an acronym for God what an awful racket, and quite honestly their music isn't the very best. The good news is, what they lack in ability to play good music they make up in an over the top stage show. When Gwar took the stage, two giant zombie like creatures walked out, who quickly got decapitated and their blood got drained out all over the audience. From there, Gwar played several old and new songs with sacrifices inbetween. At one point, Lady Gaga was brought onstage wearing a toilet outfit and was quickly sacrificed by a beast with a giant plunger. Blood sprayed out of her breasts all over the crowd once again. After all the carnage during their set, Gwar came out for an encore. During this encore, Oderus Urungus used his giant strap on to simulate ejaculating and urinating blood onto the entire audience and finished up the evening with their hit song Sick Of You. This show was everything I imagined a Gwar show would be and more, I was not disappointed one little bit. Such an awesome time.




King For A Day

Last night I had the chance to see one of my favorite local bands play with a brand new member, Dan Sheck. While it was sad to see Goose part ways with the band, one thing that was obvious is that a new member brings new energy to a band. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and the size of the stage allowed Vic to release his energy and bounce around to pretty much every corner of the stage that the Oriental had. Every member was in top form and the sound at the Oriental was perfect. Every note that each member played was crystal clear, which can be a rarity at some venues. KFAD decided to take last night to play a ton of new material they have been working on, which always makes me happy. I have to say I really enjoyed Two Stroke and Golden Shot a lot. They also played some old songs like Hope and Preacher and their cover of Goldfish Bowl. The only major disappointment in that entire evening was the fact that the band that played before KFAD (Stealth Hippo, avoid them at all cost) drove a good portion of the crowd away in their long and painful set. (it also included 5 minutes of hippo action that was looped for the entire show. Annoying) After the show there were shouts for an encore. Simon left the stage and Dan, Vic, and John went into an awesome cover of The Seeker with Vic taking the vocals.It was a great close to a great evening.

Around tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday

Happy Veteran's day to all that are currently serving or have served. Your sacrifice is not only appreciated today, but every single day. If you are at any show this weekend and you meet someone that served, buy them a drink. (I'll personally be at Gwar, Bad Religion, and King for a Day) With that said, here are the shows for tonight, Friday, and Saturday since I'm busy.


Tonight

GWAR w/ The Casualties, Infernaeon, Mobile Death Camp @ Gothic

Hot Congress Presents Vitamins, Kissing Party, Hindershot & Luke Hunter James-Erickson @ Meadowlark

Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Thieving Irons @ Ogden

Old Crow Medicine Show @ Oriental Theater

Sherman to the Fucking Sea, Sea of Teeth, Circle Number Dot, Moore @ Larimer Lounge

Rachel Eisenstat & Iron City (CD Release) w/ Jen Korte & The Loss, Jamie Mefford & Blue Light @ Walnut Room

Turdus Musicus w/ Holley 750 3 Kings

Four Mile Fire Relief Benefit w/ Fresh2Death, 2DUBAII, Eminence Ensemble, FieVeL & LoLo @ Cervantes

Colfax Speed Queen / Atomic Americans / The Satin Peaches @ Lion's Lair

Hill Country Revue feat. Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi AllStars w/ The Fox Street All Stars @ Cervantes Other Side

Invisible Beats @ Casselmans

Mason Lock's Dubstep @ Old Curtis Street Pub

Inland Lights w/ The Frozen Movement, The Big Motif, & Ditch Rites @ Herman's Hideaway

House of Heroes @ Marquis



Friday Night:

Bad Religion, Bouncing Souls @ Fillmore

Danzig @ Ogden

Git Some, I Know You, Rider, Glass Hits, Hot White @ Larimer Lounge

Mark Mallman w/ A Tom Collins, Chris McGarry And The Insomiacs @ Hi-Dive

The Nadas, John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light @ Bluebird

Dangerous Nonsense, Monroe Monroe, The Swindlers, and Smoothbore @ 3 Kings

9/10ths Of The Law w/ FMS, Crusher Bound Cadillac, Blindfold The Devil @ Gothic

The Courtesy Bandits with RUE @ The Bug Theater

Future Simple Project, The Larva Ink, Bedrockk, .anansi, Checkers @ City Hall

Death For Breakfast / The Myth Of Modern Medicine / Sparky Quano @ Lion's Lair

Yamn w/ ZOBOMAZÉ, &One @ Cervante's

The Indulgers @ Scruffy Murphy's

Whiskey King Coalition w/ James & the Devil, Hot Cheeze Soup, O.T.I.S., & Silk N' Steel @ Herman's Hideaway

Whitey Morgan and the 78's w/ Colfax Cowboys @ Bender's

Brother Rockwell, The Dax Equation @ Old Curtis Street Pub

Randall Dubis Band @ Ziggies

The Breakpoint Method w/ Bodies We've Buried, Audioflux & Such As I Am @ Cervante's Other side

Tantric Picasso w/ Statewide Emergency, Silent Treatment, West Water Outlaws @ Moe's

Nathan Maxwell (Of Flogging Molly) & The Original Bunny Gang With No Bueno, Lola Black, Potcheen, Murder Hat @ Toad Tavern

Luke Mitchem CD Release w/ Stacie Fredrich, The Mile Markers @ Walnut Room

Hey Monday @ Marquis


Saturday Night

Small Black, Class Actress @ Rhinoceropolis

Circa Survive w/ Dredg, Codeseven, Animals As Leaders @ Summit Music Hall

Savoy, Alex B, Kostas, Trajikk @ Ogden

Combichrist w/ Aesthetic Perfection, Ivardensphere @ Gothic

Colour Revolt w/ Eolian, the Outfit @ Hi-Dive

The Hollyfelds (last show this year!) w/The Porter Draw, Cody Crump @ Meadowlark

Brothers O'Hair, The Fling, Weather Maps @ Larimer Lounge

Kal Cahoone and the Dirty Pretty (CD/EP Release) w/ The Widow's Bane, Matt Shupe and Super Secret Messengers @ Walnut Room

Musuji, Lords of Fuzz w/ Another Door, Blunt Trap @ 3 Kigs

March Fourth Marching Band w/ Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra @ Moe's

King Rat, Split Second Massacre and The Limbs @ Bender's

Wireframe, LOCUS, Seris, Like Pianos Crashing @ Casselman's

King For A Day w/ Working Man String Band & Stealth Hippo @ Oriental Theater

9th Annual Soul Rebel Festival w/ Midnite, The Yellow Wall Dub Squad, Macklemore, Binary Star, The McKay Brothers featuring Bill McKay of Leftover Salmon, Lion Souljahs, Irie Still, Weapons of Mass Creation, By All Means, Major & Friends, DJ BloodPreshah @ Cervante's

Tiesto @ 1st Bank Center

Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds w/ Reckless Red @ Soiled Dove

Hollow Young, Cosmic Sound Child, Michele Glader @ Old Curtis Street

Super Mash Bros, Van Kalsing of London Dungeon @ Bluebird Theater

Hot Robots / Daniel G. Harmann And The Trouble Starts / Strong Like Woman@ Lions Lair

Wendy Woo Band, Paint @ Toad Tavern

Wade Bowen @ Grizzly Rose

Michael Hornbuckle Band @ Ziggies

Lost Point w/ Random Hero, My Vendetta, William's Ink & Memory Down @ Herman's Hideaway

Dyrty Byrds, Lost Lingo, Fried Grease, Gravity, Craigstock West Ensemble, The Bailouts, Mark Brut, Kort McCumber, Interstate Stash Express, The Acoustic Racket and Cooley’s Minions @ Cervante's Other side

Gordon Lightfoot @ Paramount Theater

Left Alone @ Marquis



This is a busy three days of music with lots to see. Tonight if you are out, I recommend Hot Congress over at the Meadowlark, That promises to be a great show again this week. Another great option simply because of what it benefits, head on over to Cervantes for the fourmail fire relief benefit. The cause is awesome. I'll personally be at Gwar.

Tomorrow, Bad Religion is a great choice. Those boys have been killing it since the 80s and still put on an awesome show. Yamn at Cervantes is another great choice. I saw them play a few weeks ago for the first time and was blown away by them. Could just be the hippie in me though. Nathan Maxwell is another great option. He plays with the one and only Flogging Molly. Potcheen is supporting them and will have some other great music to dance to as well.

Saturday head on down to Meadowlark to see Hollyfelds and Cody Crump. This is the last show ever for Cody Crump and the last show for the Hollyfelds this year so now is your chance to see two great acts on one stage. Another great band to see is Combichrist. They are definitely worth checking out if you enjoy industrial stuff. I'll personally be at the King for a Day show checking out the new bass player that they recently got. This is another band you should definitely check out if you live in Denver. They have been rocking the stages since I've moved here and have quickly become one of my favorite local bands.

That's it, let me know if you see anything.

What's actually happening around here on a Monday night?

Trying to get your week started off the right way? Down a bottle of Jaeger and have a designated driver take you to one of these shows.

Spindrift, Hearts In Space, Fingers of the Sun @ Larimer Lounge

The Spring Standards with Jessica Sonner & Sarah Slaton @ Casselman's

Pawn Ticket Trio @ 3 Kings


Mondays are the slowest days musically in Denver. Head on down to Larimer Lounge for Fingers of the Sun or to 3 Kings for the smooth jazz of the Pawn Ticket Trio. If you hit up 3 Kings, don't forget to wear some panties up to the bar so you can get a free house shot. Oh, it's Monday so don't forget there is also burlesque there as well.

Recommendations for tomorrow night

This busy ass day left me with little time to get this together tonight, or maybe it was sheer laziness. Either way, it's Friday night and I'm the lame bastard home and not at a show. I suck, I know. Don't blame me, blame my job. :) Enough babbling, here is what I recommend for tomorrow:


If you love jam bands then head on down to Herbs for Frogs Gone Fishin' I saw those boys play the other day and they were pretty damn awesome. The guys at Evergroove studios know how to sign hot talent that's for sure. If an evening of dancing to great music doesn't grab you and you want your face rocked off then head on over to Larimer Lounge for the Gritch CD release show. If you have time, check out Jim McTurnan and the Kids that Killed the Man over at the Meadowlark. If you were a fan of Cat a tac you will dig them. Finally, if you are a little bitch afraid of having a good time, then I heard Sex and the City 2 is now available on DVD go watch that shit and I'll have a drink for you. Whatever your choice, have fun out there.

Around town tomorrow

Finally it's the weekend. Lots of stuff going on tomorrow, though not much that gets me very excited.

Ian Cooke, The Head and the Heart w/ the Lumineers @ Moe's

Doomtree with POS @ Marquis Theater

The Photo Atlas w/ Otto von Cousticon, Common Anomaly, 200 Million Years @ Benders

David Allan Coe @ Grizzly Rose

High Five Art Show w/ beer boys, THE BAD ENGRISH @ 3 Kings

Young Cities EP Release w/ Monroe Monroe, Sun Red, Kentucky Street Parlor Pickers @ Hi-Dive

Lotus @Gothic Theater

Orgone w/ Liebermonster, Bobby C Sound TV @ Cervantes

The Photo Atlas w/ False Colours @ Benders

MTHDS Video Premier/Ep Release, Synthetic Elements, Willdabeast @ Bluebird

Paul Oakenfold, Zen Freeman @ Ogden

Steve Law and Frederick Poiondexter @ Ice Cube Gallery

Steppin' In It w/ The Haunted Windchimes, Truckstop Honeymoon @ Cervantes Other Side

The Microdots / School / Whoarfrost @ Lion's Lair

Oak Creek w/ Rob Drabkin @ Walnut Room

Pet Motel, Strange Condition w/ Big Green Carpet & the Dick Ramada Band @ Herman's Hideaway

John McNeil and Convergence: Jazz Concert @ Dazzle Jazz Club

Glass Homes, Chambio, Stereowire, Dwight Forcey @ Larimer Lounge

Mile High Vocal Jam @ Casselman's

The Subdudes w/ The Erica Brown Trio @ Soiled Dove



It's not the best Friday for music by any means but there are a few gems out there. For example, if you love hip hop then check out Doomtree and POS. I'm sure they will be honoring the loss of their friend Eyedea who died a couple weeks back. If they don't do it for you like they don't do it for me go for some punk and see Synthetic Elements with MTHDS. It sounds like it could be a fun show. Monroe Monroe is always a good standby if you just have no interest in anyone else as well. Want something mellow? Check out the Subdudes at Soiled Dove. Want to go with no instruments? Check out the Mile High Vocal Jam. They make all the music without playing a single thing. Have fun out there and let me know what you saw.

Around town tomorrow

Alright, it's finally Thursday tomorrow and we all know you are ready to get your weekend started. Here is what's going on tomorrow night.


Steve Aoki AKA Kid Millionaire w/ Special Guests J Flash, London Dungeon @ Cervantes

Hot Congress with Achille Lauro, Action Packed Thrill Ride, Girls Walk By, and Sun Red @ Meadowlark

Voodoo Slingshot, The Getaway, Front St. Blues, Boomslang @ Toad Tavern

the Chromium Heart w/ Mary Beth Abella, I'm A Boy @ Hi-Dive

KindleTree w/ E.P.O. (Emergency Pullout), Nipples & Dimes, & Paul Hiam @ Herman's Hideaway

The Rocket Summer: Bryce Avary, His Instruments and Your Voices @ Bluebird

The Biz w/ Dorian Vibe, Eager Minds @ Cervantes Other Side

In Due Time, I'm A Rebel, Dottie, The Dream Doctors, The Evil Pigs @Larimer Lounge



Tomorrow, get your ass down to the Meadowlark to see Hot Congress and Action Packed Thrill Ride. These cats are guaranteed to chase away the work week blues. You also get the honor of being in one of the nicest bars in Denver. The acoustics inside this intimate little venue are amazing. Have a great time.

Frogs Gone Fishin'

I had the opportunity to make it up to Evergreen to the legendary Little Bear to see one of the emerging new jam bands in Colorado take the stage. Frogs Gone Fishin' consists of Trevor Jones on Lead Guitar, Andrew Portwood on Guitar, Mark Levy on Drums, and Steve Rogers on bass. Everyone but Mark are also on vocals. One of the first things I noticed when Frogs took the stage was the bass line. I love a good, funky bass line and Steve did not fail to deliver, even at times popping the bass a lot like Mike Gordon of Phish. While it's easy to just throw these guys in with every jam band out there, they do bring their own unique style to the scene. There was not one time that I felt that one of their songs went on too long, they never tried to sound like any other band out there, and there is a lot of talent. They blended in some rock, a bit of melody, a lot of improv, and an all around fresh sound. I loved every second of their show. Also, any band that can get a crowd on their feet dancing is always a good sign. One thing I would really like to see is these guys getting a big fan base, maybe opening up for Leftover Salmon or even Yonder Mountain String Band just so more people can be exposed to these talented gentlemen. Do yourself a favor, if you see Frogs Gone Fishin' on the bill, be sure to check them out. They have the potential to be big.

Around town tonight and tomorrow

Now that you have voted for either the dipshit or the asshole I am sure you want to get out and have some fun. Here is what is going on tonight.


Sufjan Stevens@ Paramount Theater

Drake, Tyga @ Wells Fargo Theater

Mimicking Birds, Breathe Owl Breathe w/ Social Studies @ Hi-Dive

Free Moral Agents (w/ Ikey Owens of The Mars Volta), 2mex, The Pirate Signal @ Casselmans

Carl Palmer and His Band w/ celebrate the music of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer @ Soiled Dove

MAE (all original members) w/ Terrible Things, Windsor Drive @ Marquis

Tumbledown, Tin Horn Prayer, The Gromet, Banners or Bandages @ Larimer Lounge

The Supervillains, Ballyhoo!, the B Foundation, Slaughterhouse Rootz @ The Bluebird


Tonight, I'm heading up the hill to Evergreen to see Frogs Gone Fishing. Get up there if you can. They are playing up at Little Bear. If you are staying in town I would personally recommend that you check out Carl Palmer and his Band to check out some ELP music. Another great choice would be Sufjan Stevens. It's not the best night for music but you can find some fun stuff if you look hard enough.


Tomorrow, drown your sorrows after you find out that your candidate lost or celebrate your candidates win or celebrate the end of robocalls until next year by checking out one of these bands.

Best Coast, Sonny & the Sunsets @ Bluebird

Drew Grow & The Pastors' Wives, The Raven & The Writing Desk, Kelli Schaefer, The May Kit @ Larimer Lounge

Aloud, Monroe Monroe w/ Old Radio @ Moe's

Lady Antebellum @ Fillmore

Headrush @ Funky Buddha

Kina Grannis w/ Imaginary Friend @ Soiled Dove

Wahnder Lust (featuring Kim Manning of George Clinton & The P-Funk Allstars) @ Cervantes Other Side

Jazzy Jam @ Ziggies


Tomorrow if you don't feel like seeing live music, go to Jokes On you at Casselmans and see my old friend Jordan Zuckerman tell a bunch of dirty jokes, some of which have been ripped off by Bob Saget (allegedly) Musically, check out Wahnder Lust. George Clinton never had any slackers in his band and it's sure to be a treat. If you want to get your face rocked off, head to Moe's for Monroe Monroe. Have fun out there and let me know what you saw.

Around town 11/1

Tomorrow is a very light night. Here is what I could find going on.

Azure Ray, Tim Kasher (Cursive) w/ Tim Fite @ Hi Dive

Before Their Eyes w/ No Bragging Rights and Ice Nine Kills @ Cervantes

Seth Evans, Lucida Tela, The Zen Theory @ Larimer Lounge.


My recommendation for tomorrow is stay home, light some candles, and make sweet love to your significant other. After those 45 seconds are up, put on a movie, maybe Monday Night Football, and then make sweet love to them one more time.

A couple of quick reviews

I had the opportunity to see two bands on Friday night that I love. The first one was Reckless Red. To see them on Halloween weekend, I had to go to hell. Well, Hades to be exact. Reckless Red is an alt country blues band fronted by one of the most talented vocalists in Denver. She is easily Denver's answer to Susan Tedeschi. This band also features easily one of the best guitarists in Denver as well. Rooster throws down riffs better than a ton of national acts and does it effortlessly. The bar they played at was an interesting crowd. Lots of older people, some country people, and a couple people that looked like they could have been homeless and spending their panhandled change on a couple of cheap PBRs. The sound was surprisingly good for a place that looks more like a converted restaurant than a place fitted to hold lots of live music. I had a great time. Go see these guys if you get the chance. You will get your money's worth.



The other band I got to see was Mighty 18 Wheeler. Now, I love these guys a lot. These guys are the ultimate showmen. You have outfit changes onstage, gogo dancers, sick bass riffs, and some of the most talented people in Denver all on one stage. Seriously, they are a treat to watch. Normally, they are a treat to listen to as well. The problem with them on Friday was the place they were playing. While Rockaway looks like it was made to host a lot of live music, the acoustics in that place are absolute shit. Or maybe it was the guy working the board? All I know is that the vocals sounded drowned out. During the cover of Paint It Black I didn't even recognize it until about midway through and normally I know that song the second they play it. None of the instruments seemed to be distinguishable from the next. I walked around the place to find somewhere that didn't sound off but could only find near the patio area for anything decent. While I highly recommend seeing these guys play, just be sure you don't see them at Rockaway. I'm willing to give that venue one more chance in hopes it was just a bad night for the sound guy but that's it.

Quick recommendations for tomorrow

Another day I'm too busy for a full update. This is better than Christmas for me. I love Halloween. If you are going out to rock tomorrow, here are my suggestions. Catch Slim Cessna's Auto Club at Benders. They never disappoint. If they aren't your thing, you have two jam band choices. You can check out Leftover Salmon at the Fillmore. They are having a costume contest where the winner gets tickets to every Fillmore show for a year. Could be worth the admission if you win. If you are a fan of Earth, Wind, and Fire then check out the other jam band Motet who will be covering them at the Ogden. Want to see big name bands but can't afford the prices? Check out these cover bands. Grizzly Rose has Kiss, Journey, and Van Halen tribute bands. Under a Blood Red Sky and American Idiots are playing at City Hall. Also, check out The Threatened at Toad Tavern. They are dropping a new CD tomorrow. Yet another night with a ton of choices. Time to put on your big girl panties and have some fun. I hope to see you all tonight at Mighty 18 Wheeler or Reckless Red.

Recommendations for tonight and tomorrow night.

The weekend is almost here and there are a ton of great shows coming up. I hope you are ready to rock out with your cock out. If you are a lady, jam out with your clam out. Either way, check out these shows and you are almost guaranteed to have a great time, unless you have no soul.


Tonight, head to the Gothic to check out Gary Numan. I'm sure you will go to hear Cars but then find out he's released years of great music since then. I remember when Pure came out and being blown away by it about a decade ago. He's only improved with age. If you still aren't convinced, check out Hillbilly Casino at Benders.

Tomorrow is a HUGE day in Denver. I'm personally starting out at Hades to check out Reckless Red and then heading to Rockaway to see Mighty 18 Wheeler throw down. If for some reason neither of them grab you (and you are crazy if at least one of them doesn't) then head to Larimer Lounge for Monroe Monroe, Kissing Party at Skylark, Reno Divorce at Benders, or The Monsters of Mock triple cover band bill at 3 Kings. If you just want to dance, head on down to the Bluebird in costume for the Halloween Hootenanny and have my friend DJ Matt Fecher play some grooves for you. Honestly, if you can't find anything in the city fun to do this Friday you may as well become a shut in and never leave your house again. Not finding anything this Friday equals to not being able to score weed at a Grateful Dead show. I hope to see you all out. I'll be the one dressed up like Uncle Fester.

Around town tomorrow

One day closer to the weekend. Everyone ready for Rockaway on Friday? Get your costumes ready, and do what you can to make sure your face doesn't get rocked off. Until then, this is what's going on tomorrow.

Deer Tick, Mark Sultan @Larimer Lounge

Mumford & Sons @Ogden

Horrorpops w/ Fangs on Fur, The MuerTones @ Gothic Theater

Gaslamp Killer & Daedelus, 12th Planet, Teebs @ Bluebird

Godsmack @ 1stBank Center

Expo 70 w/ Orbit Service, and Still Light @ Walnut Room

Headrush @ Funky Buddha

Gram Rabbit @ Lion's Lair

New Talent Showcase w/ Society's Grind, The Bronz, Meantoad, & The Mighty Small @ Herman's Hideaway

iConoClass, Shanghai Sally & Jupiter Lion @ Cervantes Other side


Tomorrow if you like your rock to sound all radio friendly and not completely suck go see Godsmack at 1st Bank Center. I have heard from everyone that has seen them that they kick some major ass live. If you like your music to be local, check out Deer Tick. If you just want to do something that doesn't require a lot of thought, head to the movies and see Red.

Around town tomorrow

It's cold outside and I have no reason to go out again so I'll tell you what's playing tomorrow. I'm thinking all the best bands are playing this weekend so it's another day of mostly mediocre stuff. (The Mighty 18 Wheeler plays Friday, so get ready)

Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, Boyhollow @Ogden

Red Fang w/ DECAY, Black Acid Devil, The Swindlers @ 3 Kings

Papa Roach/Skillet: Monsters of Annihilation (Ha!, Skillet is a Christian band, nowhere near a monster of annihilation) @ Fillmore

Resistant Culture, Sea of Bones, Clusterfux @ Blast O Mat

Celtic Thunder @ 1st Bank Center

Jennifer Knapp, Sarah Slaton @ Bluebird

Jump~Blues~Swing Open Jam with "The Symbols" @ Ziggies

The Scarlet Ending, Eclectic Approach feat. special guests Kruza Kid & the Contraband, & Ray Ray @Cervantes Other Side

Sunday Massacre, Narwahl Birdskull, Zen Sadist, We Are Erased @Larimer Lounge

Hedley w/ Monroe Monroe @ Soiled Dove

Zane Lamprey's Sing The Booze Tour 2010 @ Gothic


If you are going out tomorrow, get your ass down to Soiled Dove (one of the best indoor venues out there) and get your face rocked off with Monroe Monroe.If you go to Papa Roach and Skillet I will probably mock you.

Around town tomorrow

It's been another busy ass week for me and I really haven't had time to update this. Time to post what is going on around town again.

Interpol @ Ogden

The Morning Benders, Twin Sister, Holiday Shores @ Bluebird

Avi Buffalo w/ Wye Oak, Roger, Roll @ Hi-Dive

Interpol DJ Set, Boyhollow @ Larimer Lounge

Cattle Decapitation w/ Devourment, Knights Of The Abyss, Burning The Masses, Son Of Aurelius @ Marquis

Suicide Silence w/ Mychildren Mybride, Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Molotov Solution, Conducting From The Grave @ Summit Music Hall

Panties at the Bar-Ooh Lala Burlesque w/ Pawn Ticket Trio @ 3 Kings

Black Acid Devil, Airbags Saved My Life @ Old Curtis Street Pub

Dave Barnes w/ Joe Firstman @ Soiled Dove


My recommendation for tomorrow is Panties at the Bar. How can you go wrong with burlesque and music? That's right, you can't.

Recommendations for tomorrow night

After eating some terrible food at Casa Bonita, I'm feeling too shitty to really put any effort into this so here are my recommendations for tomorrow.


Go see Overcasters Gathering of the Clouds at the Weather Center. I had a chance to see The Overcasters open for Munly and the Lupercalians and fell in love with them immediately. How did it take me so long to see them the first time? Also, 4H Royalty is playing at Benders. I loved them at UMS as well. Maybe I was drunk or maybe they were really good. Best thing to do is see them for yourselves and make that judgment.

Review of Anthrax

Westword hooked me up with a couple of tickets to see Anthrax last night and I jumped on the chance to go. These guys used to get played all the time on my cassette player in middle and high school. I also remember listening to them on Headbangers Ball. (Yeah, I really aged myself with those last two lines, fuck off I'm not getting older I'm getting more awesome.) For 90 minutes, the original line up took the stage and turned the place into pure chaotic greatness. They set the pace for the evening by opening with Among The Living, Caught in a Mosh, and Got the Time. Joey was all over the stage like a mad man, encouraging the mosh pit, interacting with fans, even one point taking someone's camera and taking a picture of him and the fan. The band has been together 27 years and it's obvious they are grateful to still be playing. They have been on tour with Slayer and Megadeth and were taking a one off to headline this show and you could tell just how much they enjoyed playing. There were constant references by Joey about how he couldn't believe how close everyone was to him and how much they missed playing in Denver (though I'm sure he says that at every tour stop) The set was filled with a majority of their greatest hits minus I'm The Man and Milk. They ended the night with I Am The Law and reminded us why they were considered part of the Big 4 of the metal heyday. This will be a show I will not forget anytime soon. Simply awesome.

Around town tomorrow

LCD Soundsystem with Hot Chip @ Fillmore

Holy Fuck, Indian Jewelry, Gauntlet Hair @ Larimer Lounge

Modern Witch, DJ Sara T, Married in Berdichev, Jen Villalobos, Screensavers, HalloPatric @ Mercury Cafe

Destroy Nate Allen w/ Insomniac Folklore, Monster Boogie, Chris from P-Nuckle @ 3 Kings

A Harlem Sunset,The Zen Theory, Interstate Stash Express, Toasted @ Herman's Hideaway

Alabaster Brown w/ The Migrant @ Cervantes Other Side

Headrush @ Funky Buddha


Not a lot out there but if you go out, I say go to Holy Fuck at Larimer just so you can say. I saw HOLY FUCK!!!! and confuse the hell out of people. Even if they suck you still have a fun way to present it.

Review of 1st Bank Center

After being at 1st Bank Center for a number of shows now, I think I can write up an honest review. I love this place. Before 1st Bank Center was in existence, it was the Broomfield Event Center. From my understanding, the sound was terrible there and it wasn't a good place to see a concert. Now its under new ownership and has been rebuilt on the inside specifically for concerts. The venue holds 6500 people and they usually do all shows general admission. What this means for fans is that if they want to sit down they can and if they want to dance on the floor they can do that too. There is not a bad seat in the place and the sound is awesome. Major pluses is beer is rather cheap. They had specials on Rail Yard all weekend when we were last there. $5 for a can instead of $7, not bad at all. Parking is a breeze. Although it was $15 to park, they actually had people directing traffic so you could get out a lot easier and not have the typical clusterfuck you get at most venues. Also, it's right next to a park and ride so it's easily accessible by bus. Temperature inside the venue is actually pretty comfortable, as is the seats. As a fat guy, I don't feel squished in the seats when I do decide to sit down. The staff is very friendly and even includes a lot of the same staff from Red Rocks. Security for the most part will leave you alone and while they do search you, depending on who you get they don't search you well enough to where you can't get booze in if you wanted to. As far as indoor venues for a mid size show, this place is perfect. It's one of my new favorites to go to and its close to my home. I highly recommend seeing something here.

I'm back.....with several reviews

Sorry I haven't been keeping everyone posted about what has been going on but it's been a crazy 9 days. Several shows, little sleep, and tons of fun. To make up for it I have 6 reviews in this post. I hope you're ready. Lets kick this off with the Fourmile Canyon Revival.



Fourmile Canyon Revival

For those of you unaware, there was a huge fire in Boulder and several people lost their homes. The kind musicians in the area put together a benefit show at 1st Bank Center. It included local bands Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and String Cheese Incident. It also guested all four members of Phish who were doing a three night run at the venue the next three nights. More on them later. The evening kicked off with Leftover Salmon (who are playing at the Fillmore for a halloween show) with a few guests. I've never seen these guys before and fell in love with them instantly. The lead singer looks a bit like Uncle Jesse from the Dukes of Hazzard and plays a mean guitar. They played for an hour and it felt like 20 minutes, they had great jams, great guests including Paige from Phish and the woman who plays washboard for Elephant Revival and one of the guys from SCI. They were honestly one of the best bands of the night. I loved them.

After they played,Yonder Mountain String Band were up. I've had the chance to see Jeff Austin a couple times prior guesting with other bands that played in the area. It was nice to see his full band play. These guys played some awesome bluegrass but really didn't feel like a whole band until Fishman from Phish came out to play drums for them. I guess I'm just a huge fan of drums and percussion because while you can kick ass without drums, I think it just completes the sound. There is a time and place for no percussion and this set wasn't it. These guys were pretty awesome all the way through.

When they were done, it was time for Big Head Todd and the Monsters, definitely the low point of the evening. I was unfamiliar with their music as well and was keeping an open mind for them. I really enjoyed their sound but after hearing both Yonder Mountain and Leftover Salmon, they had a lot to live up to. In the end, I felt they should have been the opener. They had a couple good covers and played their big radio hit but overall they didn't really win the audience over. Also, they did not have a single guest play with them. Way to kill the mood of the night.

After Big Head Todd, there was a surprise acoustic set by Trey and Mike of Phish. They opened up with Sample in a Jar, threw in Wilson in the middle, and closed with Bathtub Gin which kept the audience singing well after they left. I've seen Phish before as a full band, but let me say I love it with just Trey and Mike. It felt more intimate and you got versions of the songs you will probably never hear again. They kicked that places ass in several different ways on the acoustic set. They also got everyone pumped for the next three nights.

After that awesome acoustic set, it was time for String Cheese Incident. I've been hearing of these guys for years and have never checked them out. Boy was I missing out. Another incredible band. They filled the stage and jammed out for the last 90 minutes of the show. There were more guests on stage than room for the most part. Some of my favorite parts of their set was Trey singing Rocky Mountain Way with them, and the final jam of Bob Marley that had the whole place dancing through their exhaustion. This show was 6.5 hours long and filled with some of the best jamming I have seen in ages and all for a great cause. I am so thankful I had a chance to witness this.




Phish Night One

After the rocking of Saturday night, it was time to try to find a ticket for Sunday's Phish show. I scoured the parking lot looking for someone with an extra ticket (as were a lot of other people) Finally, I found someone that had a suite available for a decent price. So be it, I wanted to be with the people I was with last night and keep the party going. I am so glad I did too. This ended up being the best night of the three night run. They opened the set up with Chalk Dust Torture and set the stakes high for the three days with great classics as Funky Bitch, Makisupa Policeman, Mike's Song, and Bouncing Around The Room. They also played a brand new song called My Problem Right There which turned out to be a fun little song that will probably evolve into a great jam. The band was super tight, the light show was amazing, and there wasn't a single person having a bad time. Glow sticks were flying, the crowd was dancing, it ended up being better than both nights of Telluride combined. Both Mike and Paige were in the groove and it made for pure greatness.


Phish Night Two
After witnessing two solid nights of music in a row, I was looking forward to seeing night two. I heard rumors of rerelease tickets so I went down to the venue to see if I could pick one up. No such luck. I did run into a guy selling posters that bought an extra just in case he saw someone who needed only one. I gladly got the ticket at face value and was ready to rock out for another night. This ended up being the second best night of the three night run. They opened up the set with Runaway Jim, threw in classics like Reba, Tweezer, and Run Like an Antelope. During night two they played my favorite song Backwards Down The Number Line and my new favorite Sleeping Monkey. The bass grooves were out of control on night two and Trey was unstoppable on guitar. At the end of each song everyone wanted more. There was a lot more dancing, and great people all around us. I was thankful to be there again.

Phish Night 3
This was the night I actually had a ticket for. This was also the weakest night. Now, before you make any judgments let me tell you that Phish on their worst night is still better than most bands on their best night. (I'm looking at you Nickelback and Creed)Night three opened up with yet another of my favorite Phish songs. Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan. How can you hate a song with the line Got a blank space where my mind should be? After opening strong, they immediately went into a boring song "Time Turns Elastic" which set the pace for almost the rest of the evening. Even though they played great songs like Divided Sky and Timber, they really didn't get into their groove until the end of the first set during 46 Days. When they played that, it got the entire audience revitalized and dancing again. Everyone seemed sad when that set ended since they ended so strongly and it didn't even feel like any time had passed at all. When the second set started, they opened it with Carini, which to me is kind of a weak song and a mediocre jam. I was glad when that song was over and they kicked into David Bowie which in my opinion was the best jam of the entire weekend. It got you dancing, slowed you down, built you back up, slowed it back down, with an awesome finale. They played this song in Telluride as well and they kicked Tellurides ass with this version. I was hoping the rest of the night would continue like that but they mellowed out after that. I was excited to hear Joy and Summer of 89 but would have been happier if they were in different sets since they are both mellow songs. During the encore, they ended with Meatstick and got the whole place dancing again. When they left the stage, everyone was singing for a good period of time after. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they had some staff still singing that song a week later. All in all, it was an awesome 4 nights of music at 1st Bank Center.


Tea Leaf Green
A couple nights later, Candie had won tickets for Tea Leaf Green. She was told that she would love these guys by a few people but never got around to checking them out. We headed on down to the Bluebird in the middle of the first opener Salvage and Co. I know nothing about these guys and am kicking myself for not hearing of these guys sooner. They were fucking awesome. They had a bit of a country sound, a bit of a rock sound, a tiny bit of jamming, and great vocals. I will be seeing these guys again when they are in town next.

Following them, local band Yamn took the stage. Another band I knew nothing about. They are a jam band that has more instrumental than vocals. Their light show looked like they were trying to replicate what Phish does on a smaller budget. They had me dancing for their entire set and got the crowd hyped up when they closed with a near perfect rendition of Led Zepplin's Nobody's Fault But Mine. They are playing Cervantes in a few weeks and I think I may want to check out a full set by them.

After the first two openers, it was time for Tea Leaf Green. This is yet another band I wish I had discovered sooner. This band is bass heavy and doesn't really focus much on their lead guitar. In fact, I would say they have a lead bass player and a guy that plays guitar. They rocked the house for god knows how long. We left early since I had to be to work and needed to get some kind of sleep. All in all, it was yet another amazing night of music. I'm excited I was able to witness it.


Social Distortion

Saturday night we headed to the Fillmore to see one of my favorite bands. Social Distortion. We saw them in august in Boulder and jumped at the chance to see them at the Fillmore. Weird how they played just after Phish both in August and October. Lucero opened the show and were nothing spectacular at all. They were an average band with average skills. After the last week of music, they needed to do a lot to impress me and failed miserably. I think the whole audience was bored with them as well since no one really cheered until they said they were playing their last song. I'll skip them when they come back in a few weeks. When Social Distortion took the stage, the entire place went crazy. Mike Ness came out in what looked like a suit with no jacket. Definitely not punk at all. They kicked off the set with The Creeps, played a lot of hits like Mommy's Little Monster, Ball and Chain, and closed with my personal favorite Story of my Life. I was a bit worried we wouldn't hear that since they did not play that in Boulder at all and played it the night before. Mike Ness was all over the stage, played to each side of the venue, and made mention that the night before was filled with a bunch of deadbeats. I love that he enjoys playing his music and really hope that this band is around in another 20 years. The first 30 have been incredible. If you ever get a chance to see these guys, go. Their ticket prices are reasonable and they give you a lot of energy.


Tonight, Anthrax.

Concert review of James

Monday night I had the pleasure of seeing James at the Bluebird. This was one of my favorite bands in the 90s and Laid is one of my favorite songs to sing at karaoke, so needless to say I had some high expectations for this show. Though, being a realist, I realized the potential of his voice to fade after being around for over 20 years was a distinct possibility, but that did not stop me from going to this show. Thank christ I didn't skip it. This show was so much fun. James played a number of songs that spanned their entire career and some off the new album that recently came out. There were two main highlights to this show other than my phenomenal air drumming during Laid (in my mind I'm the white Carter Beauford) The first one was when they sang Lullaby. This song is beautiful and one of my favorites on the Laid CD. The other highlight was a song I believe was called Expression. This song was one of the most amazing songs to hear live that I have witnessed in a while. The lights with it were awesome, the drums and percussion blew my mind, and the dancing during it was great. The entire band looked like they were having fun all night long and when they closed the set they brought a bunch of audience members onstage to dance with them.

This is a band that has everything you could want, string instruments, horn player, percussion, the ability to just jam for a bit, dancing (and not that backstreet boys synchronized bullshit, I'm talking feeling the music and moving your body dancing) and incredible music. While there were a few mellow songs, there was nothing on that setlist that I would have exchanged for something else. These guys are pure fun and great entertainers. I walked out of there a bigger fan than I was when I walked in. Also, the fear that I had that he wouldn't be able to reach the notes in Laid were all for nothing. His voice is still perfect.

Around town tonight and tomorrow

It's been a busy ass weekend and I just didn't get a chance to post again. If you are looking to go out tonight, hit up Bluebird for James, Ogden to see Sonic Youth, or Red Rocks for Alice in Chains. I'm personally going to be at the James show.

Tomorrow, check out Eels at the Ogden. Those guys are awesome. I really wish I would have gotten tickets for that one. Don't make my mistake, get your tickets now.

Around town tonight

Another busy night around Denver, check out who is here tonight.

Muse w/ Passion Pit @ Pepsi Center

Passion Pit DJ Set, Boyhollow @ Larimer Lounge

Cobra Skulls, 10-4 Eleanor, False Colours, Sea Of Teeth @ Blast-O-Mat

LUPEC - Crush Party @ Hi-Dive

Bluetech, Heyoka, SHLOHMO, Kilowatts, Phutureprimitive, James Pants, Filastine @ Cervantes

Synthetic Elements w/ Forth Yeer, The Outta Controllers, Potato Pirates, Insomniaxe @ Gothic Theater

Les Nubians w/ DJ Cavem @ Soiled Dove

Artless Bravado / Flashbulb Fires / Tijuana Pillbox / Milktooth @ Lion's Lair

Ian Cooke Band w/ Ian Cooke (solo set), Kal Cahoone and the Dirty Pretty, and Bonnie Gregory @ Walnut Room

The Riot Before @ Illegal Petes

Monroe Monroe, Mitya, The Pretty Sure @ Meadowlark

Cikatriz, SuperSeed, Trykes & DJ Omar 2.0 @ Bar Standard

Super Diamond @ Ogden

Caldera Lakes, Ya Ya Boom, Doo Crowder, Sybil Vane, Kissing Party @ Rhinoceropolis

The Informants w/ Colfax Cowboys, Brethren Fast Racing Team, Second Bell @ Herman's Hideaway

HEAVY DRAGS W/ BAD WEATHER CALIFORNIA & PUSHING UP DAISIES @ Bender's Tavern

tin horn prayer/el sin sin/a tom collins/THE RIOT BEFORE @ Rockaway Tavern

Nino w/ Calebkai, U.T.I.C.A @ Moe's

Jon Statz @ Walnut Room pizza

Phantom of the Opera with Marta Burton and Nick Rossi @ Eron Johnsons

Random Hero, Fulcrum & Hot Cheeze Soup @ Cervantes Other Side

The Riot Before @ 3 Kings

Dave Edwards & The Original F & G's, Buck 25, Penchant (w/ Danny Masters), Jaded Traveler @ Toad Tavern

Killah Priest (Wu-Tang Clan) & Kozmic Prophet @ Casselmans

Catfish Kray Blues Band with Jesse Garland @ Ziggies

Ben Folds with Colorado symphony orchestra @ Boetcher Concert Hall



Now that's a lot of great shows. While I'll be at the Blue October show in Boulder tonight, I recommend the following: Ben Folds (saw him with Tori Amos, he was phenomenal, throw in the orchestra and it will be a beautiful show) Super Diamond, they will play Neil Diamond covers all night. Who doesn't want to sing Sweet Caroline? Monroe Monroe will be another great show as well. Are you a rap fan? Check out Killah Priest tonight. Synthetic Elements will also rock your world if you make it over there. Tonight is the best night to be out. Make the most of it.

Around town 10-1

The weekend is almost here, time for lots of great shows on Friday as well as a lot of mediocre shows and a few terrible shows (Hanson at Fox Theater....I can't believe they are still touring)

Sea Wolf (solo acoustic) w/ Patrick Park, Sera Cahoone @ Hi-Dive

The Besnard Lakes, Vitamins, Riflemen (members of Candy Claws, Paean, Mouthful of Thunder, Brooke Waggoner) @ Larimer Lounge

The Kissing Party w/ Fingers of the Sun, The Don'ts & Be Carefuls @ Moe's

The Heyday, Air Dubai w/ Bop Skizzum, Places @ Gothic

Radical Knitting Circle and The Hollyfelds @ Walnut Room

Redman and Whiskey Blanket w/ Food Chain, The Pirate Signal, 3 The Hard Way, Mike D Chill and THC @ Cervantes

Matt Hires w/ Camera Can't Lie & Andrea Ball @ Soiled Dove

I'm A Boy w/ KindleTree, Brighton Boulevard, The Julia Bryan Band, Red Hot Blues Catz @ Herman's Hideaway

Kinetix, the Brew, Roster McCabe @ Bluebird

Josh Abbott Band @ Grizzly Rose

The Independents w/ Captain Blood@ 3 Kings

Paddy O'Brien @ Eron Johnsons

the Bop Kings @ Rockaway Tavern

Buzzard, Adai @ Old Curtis Street Bar

Entropy, Coral Thief, The Desciples, Iconoclass @ Toad Tavern

Brethren Fast @ Ziggies

Autumn Assault @ Benders

Cody Crump and the Little Giants @ Skyline Park

Reckless Red @ Lincoln's

Once again, I recommend Kissing Party at Moe's. That line up is stellar and there is a surprise special guest as well. Want to know who? Better go and see. If they don't do it for you, Brethren Fast is playing at Ziggies. If they can't get you dancing then I'm betting you have two broken legs or just paralyzed. Have fun out there, and if you go to any shows let me know how they are.

Around town the next couple of days

The nice thing about the week is not a whole lot goes on musically, and this week has been pretty sad for the most part.

Tomorrow Band of Horses is at the Fillmore, though personally their music doesn't do it for me, Thursday the Thrift Store Cowboys are at the Hi-Dive, and Friday the show you should start looking forward to is Kissing Party, Fingers of the Sun, and Don'ts and Be Carefuls at Moe's. Holy crap what a line up of awesome music. While you are there, be sure to have some BBQ because it's pretty damn tasty. Great food and great music, how can you go wrong ?

The Mighty 18 Wheeler at 3 Kings

If you made it out to 3 Kings last night, you were treated to a spectacular line up that had Mighty 18 Wheeler opening for the Vibrators. What most of the place wasn't expecting is for the Mighty 18 Wheeler to win pretty much the whole bar over with raw energy. To describe TM18W, you would need to look to the 70s when Alice Cooper was just starting to get big and everything was a show. Mighty 18 Wheeler has captured that time and throws in everything they can afford to do. They have a go-go dancer on stage, the lead singer has a complete wardrobe change, and there is a battle for stage presence. Every member of this band has such great presence while playing it's hard to decide who to watch, though most guys were focused mainly on the go-go dancer. During their set they threw down covers to Real Me and Sympathy for the Devil and had people screaming with excitement. When they were done playing, there wasn't much left to the place, in fact I don't think their drum kit quite made it. When they play next, do yourselves a favor and see these guys throw down.

Around town tomorrow and Saturday

Well I've been both incredibly busy and incredibly lazy at the same time. You will have to forgive me. Luckily you haven't missed anything big at all. (I did tell you to go to 3 Kings last night) So here you go, here is what's going on tomorrow and Saturday.

Friday
Matt and Kim, So So Glos, Pictureplane @ Ogden

School of Seven Bells, Active Child, DJ Peter Black @ Larimer Lounge

Woven Hand, Serena Maneesh @ Bluebird

Demon Funkies @ Scruffy Murphys

Scout Niblett w/ Porlolo, Brian Hartley, Lady Parts @ Hi-Dive

NUNS OF BRIXTON w/ 98% Chimp, Absent Minds, Gestapo Pussy Ranch @ Benders

Furthur @ Red Rocks

TECH N9NE @ Fillmore

The Trampolines w/ Della, Jason Vigil Band, No Fair Fights @ Gothic

Rootz vs. Murphy (of STS9) w/ The Larva Ink, Tyler Snow, & Nico Casciato @ City Hall

P-Nuckle, Synthetic Elements, Guerrilla Jazz.. Free Show @ Herman's Hideaway

Michael Adam CD Release w/ Jeff Brinkman and John Common @ Walnut Room

Headhum / Antique Scream / Lehnen @ Lions Lair

Truckasaurus w/ One Whore's Town, The Morgendorffers, Captain Blood @ Moe's

Rachael Jane & The Hurricane @ Ziggies

Real is a Feeling with: Pictureplane, Screensavers and Crew @ Meadowlark

Liebermonster w/ Volunteer Funk Department @ Cervantes Other Side

Pre party Meet and Greet Jaberwaockeez @ Casselmans

Face - All Vocal Rock Band @ Soiled Dove

Pretty Mouth, Dang!,Myth of Logic, Sonic Vomit @ 3 Kings

Crusher Bound Cadillac, Judged By Twelve, Cimmerian Shade, Shotgun Holiday @ Toad Tavern

Eagerminds, Inland Lights, Banners For Badges @ Old Curtis Street Pub

Saturday
Starfucker w/ Tennis, Tommy Metz @ Hi-Dive

The Cult, the Black Ryder @Ogden

Land of Talk, Suuns, Achille Lauro @ Larimer Lounge

Thee Oh Sees w/ O'Holloran @ Benders

Furthur @ Red Rocks

: Skylab :: Wolfgang Gartner • Showtek • Dieselboy @ Denver Coliseum

Blue Million Miles, Ideal Fathers, Light Travels Faster @ Lost Lake

Local Fest 2010 w Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, All capitals and many more @ Casselmans

Glass Delirium w/ Saved By Ruin, Ploy for Extinction, Fears are Limits, Advent Justice @ Gothic Theater

Reno Divorce @ Bluebird

St Fall Apart CD Release Party w/ King Rat, Slow Death @ 3 Kings

Martin Sexton w/ Leslie Stevens @ Chautauqua Auditorium

Voladores w/ The Widow's Bane, Still Light, Frieda Stalheim @ Walnut Room

Fire In The Asylum / The Swindlers / Forrest Day @ Lions Lair

Mad Dog & The Smokin' J's, Hillbilly Hellcats, GT & The Sidewinders, & Beki Hemingway @ Herman's Hideaway

Pharoahe Monch, Boot Camp Clik featuring Buckshot, Sean Price, & Smif N Wessun, Kidz In The Hall, Skyzoo @ Summit Music Hall

Memory Down, With Arms Raised, Alive In Stereo, Pushing Daisies, Finding Nowhere @ Toad Tavern

Double Down, Traveling Electric Chair. @ Old Curtis Street Pub

Gary Morris w/ Justyna Kelley @ Soiled Dove

Cara Cantarella Band @ Ziggies

Josh Vaught (of The Rouge) w/ Joe Mondragon, Focus! Focus!, Vanessa Spear @ Moe's

Apex Vibe w/ UmConscious, Gravity, Rhythmic Fuzz @ Cervantes

The Prime @ Cervantes Other Side



With such a busy weekend I know it's hard to choose just one. If you want to hear some funk, head to Scruffy Murphy's for Demon Funkies, if you love the Clash, head to Bender's for Nuns of Brixton, or if you want an acapella rock group that is pretty awesome, head to Soiled Dove for Face. I had a chance to see them at Taste of Colorado a year ago and was pretty impressed what those guys can do without any instruments.

Saturday's choices are also tough. If you love Social Distortion then you need to check out Reno Divorce at the Bluebird. If you are a rockabilly fan then Herman's is the place for Hillbilly Hellcats, and head to Casselmans for Local Fest for a good mixture of some of the best local bands in Denver.

Around town Monday, Tuesday, and wednesday

It's a slow week around Denver right now. Tomorrow you can head out to 3 Kings for Panties at the Bar, Tuesday make it a movie night and see Machete again because really there isn't anything worthy at any club that I've found and Wednesday hit up 3 Kings for Mighty 18 Wheeler and Lyin Bitch and the Restraining Orders. If you're at that show please buy me a drink as I just went into the poorhouse getting my car back from where they towed it. Bastards.

Around town 9/17

Tauntaun w/ Git Some, The Knew, Il Cattivo @ Gothic

Crooked Fingers w/ The Future Former Band (featuring members of Devotchka and Extasis) @ Hi-Dive

Switch (Major Lazer), London Dungeon, Mike Deez, klosterFobe @ Larimer Lounge

Hot Hot Heat, 22-20's, Hey Rosetta!@ Bluebird

JJ Grey & Mofro @ Ogden

Bass Invasion feat. Caspa w/ Emalkay, The Others, Matty G, Rod Azlan, Crazy D @ Cervantes

International Espionage! Ryat! Hideous Men! Mr Pacman w/ Magic Cyclops @ Rhinoceropolis

Ross Etherton & the Chariots of Judah, Treeverb, Hearts in Space @ 3 Kings

Otem Relik CD Release: Tommy Metz, 200 Million Years, Hunter Dragon @ Meadowlark

Sam Holt & Fiends w/ Bill McKay Band @ Cervantes Other Side

Hank Fest VII featuring John Nathan and The Rotten Gamblers, Ellie Mae's Roundup, Lois Lane Superband (with Dick Meis) and 4H Royalty @ Benders Tavern

Insomniaxe / The Dead And Gone / The F Bombers@Lion's Lair

J.J. Grey @ Twist and Shout Records

The Buckingham Squares w/ The Velveteen Loveseat @ Walnut Room

The Biz w/ Discount Cinema, Glass Trees at Sunset @ Moe's

Hell's Belles @ Grizzly Rose

Come Forth By Day, Red Sun, Final Blow, Rebel Force, Xbeholderx @ Old Curtis Street Bar

At the Forefront, Undeclared, Torch the Wagon & Adison Harvest w/ special guest MC Subcon & DJ Notch @ Herman's Hideaway

Gary Allan @ 1st Bank Center

Steve Oliver w/ Louis Colaiannia @ Soiled Dove

Gretchen Troop Band @ Ziggies

Tequila Mockingbird, Buckstein, Trailer Park Playboys, Clownfight, The Reformers @ Toad Tavern


Tomorrow, head to the Gothic for Taun Taun and the Knew. This is going to be Taun Tauns last show for a while and they are playing both of their first two CDs in their entirety. Plus, you can see Denver's current It band The Knew. See why they are getting the publicity that they are getting. If they don't do it for you, head to Hank Fest to celebrate Hank Williams. 4H Royalty is going to be there and I like those cats.

If for some reason you hate every band on this list and still want to go out, head to the theater and see Machete. I don't care if you've seen it already...that movie was way too much fun to not see it over and over. Plus, you can feel better about yourself for staring at Lindsay Lohan's breasts. You actually paid for them this time instead of searching for it on Perez Hilton's website.

Just announced

1st Bank Center
The Judds December 8th

Bluebird
Halloween Hootenanny w/ DJ Matt Fecher, Mike Deez & Sunshine October 29th

MTHDS Video Premier / EP Release November 5th

Toubab Krewe December 2nd

Tame Impala w/ Stardeath & White Dwarfs December 4th

Blind Guardian December 12th

Slim Cessna's Auto Club w/ Drag The River December 30th

Slim Cessna's Auto Club w/ Munly & The Lupercalians December 31st


Ogden Theater
Tim and Eric Awesome Tour, Great Job! Chrimbus Spectacular 2010 w/ Pusswhip Banggang, Neil Hamburger November 9th

Pepper w/ Mishka October 29th

Reel Big Fish / The Aquabats/Suburban Legends November 10th

Danzig w/ Possessed, Marduk, Toxic Holocaust, Withered November 12th

Lifehouse w/ Kris Allen, Alyssa Bernal November 14th

Brandon Flowers November 18th

NEEDTOBREATHE w/ The Daylights December 3rd

Rob Halford December 15th

Paramount Theater

Big Head Todd and the Monsters December 31st

3 Kings
Mighty 18 Wheeler, Lyin' Bitch and the Restraining Orders, Vibrators and Gritter September 22nd

Gothic
9/26 - Bone Thugs N Harmony (w/ Live Band) | 10/8 - Nathaniel Rateliff / Gregory Alan Isakov | 10/27 - Horrorpops | 11/6 - Mayday Parade / Breathe Carolina |




Check with the venues to find out when tickets go on sale. If I could recommend any of these shows I would see the Slim Cessna show with Munly and the Lupercalians since Munly is a unique experience, Mighty 18 Wheeler and Lyin Bitch at 3 Kings, Reel Big Fish, Pepper, and if you must pay to see DJs spin take some solace knowing that Matt Fecher is spinning at the Halloween Hootenanny.

Around town 9/15

Titus Andronicus @ Bluebird

Bobby Bare Jr w/ Blue Giant, The New Ben Franklins @ Hi-Dive

The Dirty Heads @ Marquis

Skybox, What Laura Says, Josh Vaught & the Caveat, I Am the Dot @ Larimer Lounge

The Chop Tops, The Sawyer Family, Insomniaxe and Cora Vette and The Spinouts @ Bender's

Jesse Daniels & the Reckoning, I'm a Rebel Dottie @ Meadowlark

Headrush @ Funky Buddha

Switchpin, Fomofuiab w/ AnaDies, Shaden @ Gothic

Buggirl! / Warhawk / Crash! @ Lion's Lair

Big Science, Cannons w/ Il Cattivo, Native Daughters @ 3 Kings

Ronnie Baker Brooks With Eddie Turner @ Toad Tavern

The Very Worst, Secondhand Ghost, Wizards of Whack, & Arica Ellis @ Herman's Hideaway

Denver Joe & The Saddle Tramps @ Benders

Sister Carol @ Sister Carol



Alright, tomorrow get down to the Hi-Dive and spend the 15 dollar cover, you will be glad you did. Not only are New Ben Franklins playing, (who I love so much, I got their logo tattooed on my arm) but they are playing with Bobby Bare Jr. who I dig. The place to avoid is Herman's Hideaway. It's a new music showcase with a band called The Very Worst, if that's not terrible self-promotion I don't know what is. Life is too short to listen to bad music.

If the alt-country isn't your style and you like a bit of industrial/goth music then head to the Gothic and check out Anadies. They have been killing it in the scene for a while now and even with a lead singer change the consistently sound awesome. Don't take my word for it though, get your asses out there to see some great music.

Around town 9/14

Kele (of Bloc Party), Does It Offend You, Yeah? w/ Innerpartysystem @ summit music hall

Magic Kids w/ Candy Claws, Hikes @ Hi-Dive

Ian Cooke, Bad Weather California, Zoe Boekbinder, Robin Walker @ Mercury Cafe

Fu Manchu, Black Tusk, Black Lamb @ Bluebird

Tera Melos w/ Solar Bear, Hot White @Moe's

Sherwood w/ The Dangerous Summer, Soletta @ Marquis

Wormrot, Roskopp, Death of Self, and No Thought@ Blast-o-Mat

Microtia, St. Elias, Portamento@ Larimer Lounge

Voodoo Stingray @ 3 Kings


Tomorrow head on out to the Bluebird to see Black Lamb. If you are a metal fan, these guys throw down like no other. Completely underrated in my opinion. I've seen these guys a few times and have loved the raw energy of them.

Around town 9/12

Autolux, Gold Panda @ Bluebird

David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Mt St Helens Vietnam Band @ Larimer Lounge

Android Lust w/ Mankind Is Obsolete and Torso @ The Church

Lights Over Paris w/ Some Hear Explosions, Calling Out West @ Marquis

Jason Reeves and Brendan James @ Soiled Dove

Celtic Woman @ Red Rocks

Ditch Rites @ Walnut Room

The Hacks / Red Hour / Sex Robots @ Lion's Lair

SCHOOL OF ROCK - A Tribute to KISS @ Benders

Another solid night of music. My recommendations are Mankind is Obsolete at The Church with Android Lust. Both are industrial and pretty awesome. Mankind Is Obsolete is out of California and can rock the house pretty hard. I saw them play a year or so ago and had a great time. If industrial isn't your thing, head on over to Bender's for School of Rock for some Kiss music. You wanted the best, but they didn't come to Denver on this tour. Make up for it by seeing their cover band.

Crowded House review

Last night I had the chance to check out Crowded House at the Fillmore. Being the casual fan of their music I went in only knowing their radio hits. For those who can't remember what those are, the big ones were Something So Strong, Don't Dream It's Over, and Better Be Home Soon. While I was expecting to mildly enjoy myself while waiting for the few that I knew, I found myself pleasantly surprised. They have continued putting out a bunch of albums with lots of great music. They showcased a bunch of newer stuff last night with a few classics for good measure. Other than the obligatory hits, one of the ones that really stood out was Four Seasons In A Day. It showed the skill of Neil's songwriting, which is highly underrated.

The band sounded great too. I didn't catch the name of their new drummer but he was giving it his all the entire evening. Crowded House doesn't have the most complicated drum riffs, but his energy made up for it. Each member seemed to switch instruments all through the evening, playing keys, synth, piano, tambourine, and whatever else they could get their hands on.

Whiile most of the songs weren't high energy, the band really felt like they still enjoyed playing with each other and didn't sound like they were worn down with it being the final show of their tour. They played for two hours, did a bit of psychedelic rock, pop, ballads, and the crowd loved nearly every second of it. The only down part was a new song that Neil sang with his wife. Other than that, it was a solid show. I definitely got my ten dollars worth.

Around town 9/11

Sunnyside Music Festival featuring Legendary River Drifters and Paper Bird @ Chaffee Park

Cloud Cult, Jeremy Messersmith @ Bluebird

Casiotone for the Painfullly Alone w/ OTOUTO, Young Mammals, I Am the Dot @ Hi-Dive

STS9 @ Red Rocks

Suburban Home 5th Anniversary @3 Kings

The Northern Way w/ Bop Skizzum, Churchill, Post Paradise @ Marquis

Big Gigantic & Special Guest Alex B @ Gothic

Garage A Trois w/ ZOBOMAZÉ @ Cervantes

Kría Brekkan w/ Voladores, Pollination Population, Pillow Garden @ First Unitarian Church

The Congress w/ The David James Band @ Walnut Room

Dirty Backseat Lovers / Demon Funkies / Social Fuse @ Lions Lair

The Stone Foxes w/ Ego vs Id, Bone Orchard Revival @ Moe's

CHINGASO with Fire In The Asylum, Warner Drive and Smoothbore @ Benders

Arrington Di Dionysio's Malaikat Dan Singa, Bongo Fury @ Rhinoceropolis

Lovey Doveys @ Rockaway

Platte River Killers, Morbid Sanctuary, Insidious, Six Eyed Snake, My Friend Betrayal @ Larimer Lounge

Leftmore W/Statewide Emergency @ Summit Music Hall

The Saints, Matt Nasi Band, Landon Smith, Stan Jones Band @ Toad Tavern

Radical Knitting Circle, Doo Crowder, Brittain Ashford @ Meadowlark

Girlyman w/ Camille Bloome @ Soiled Dove

The Sean Kelly Experience feat Sean Kelly & Al Laughlin of the Original Samples feat. Ryan M. from Matchbox 20, Rich Ross & Rob Somers. All Star Line Up @ Herman's Hideaway

Black Mesa Caravan Benefit with SOULAJU!!! @ Mercury Cafe

Waitin' on Ray @ Ziggies

The Mighty Diamonds with The Yellow Wall Dubsquad w/ Bloodpreshah @ cervantes Other Side



Tomorrows recommendation is to hit up Sunnyside Music Festival during the day, then head to Lions Lair to see Demon Funkies. Make this a full day of music and fun for everyone. Legendary River Drifters go on at 230 and they are phenomenal. One of my UMS favorites from this year. Demon Funkies at Lions Lair will not disappoint either. I've seen these guys a couple times and their shows never disappoint.

Around town 9/10

Tennis, Gauntlet Hair, Flashlights, Vitamins @ Larimer Lounge

The Knew w/ the Fling, the Outfit @ Hi-Dive

STS9 @ Red Rocks

Munly & The Lupercalians w/ The Overcasters @ Benders

Suburban Home Records 15th Anniversary Weekend @3 Kings

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, the Darlings @ Bluebird

Skyfox w/ Vices I Admire, Heart & Soul Radio, Faces Of Radio @ Moe's

DevilDriver w/ Kataklysm, Misery, Hostility @ Summit Music Hall

Karnivool w/ Tides Of Man @ Marquis

Arrington Di Dionysio's Malaikat Dan Singa @ Rhioncoeropolis

The Still City, Hideous Men, DJ Mike Howard, The Postman @ Meadowlark

Bonnie and the Beard w/ Jonny Woodrose & The Broken-Hearted Woodpeckers, Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning @ Walnut Room

Lion SoulJahs w/ Bloodpreshah, I & I Soundsystem & Cosmic Diva @ Cervantes Other Side (Free show)

Chucks Wagon @ Rockaway Tavern

Walrii (Holly Smokovitz) / Strange Lights / Just Married @ Lions Lair

Randall Dubis Band @ Ziggies

Reckless Kelly @ Grizzly Rose

Midnight Vine, Hot Dude Party, Hot Cheeze Soup & Thanks to Philo @ Herman's Hideaway

Peter White @ Soiled Dove

Sf1's Cornbread Crew, S.T.O.I.C., Made Fresh Daily, Coral Thief, Sick Illutions @ Toad Tavern

Tomorrow you have plenty of options once again. I personally recommend The Knew. They put on a great show and I'm convinced they will be one of the bands that actually make it in this city. If you are a fan of White Stripes, you will love them. If that doesn't do it for you, head to Benders for Munly and the Lupercalians with the Overcasters. That whole line up is great. If you see any shows, let me know.

Just announced

At the Bluebird:

Jennifer Knapp October 26th

Supervillians, Ballyhoo!, The B Foundation November 2nd

Greg Laswell w/ The Rescues, Harper Blynn November 6th

Borgore November 25th


At The Ogden
Z-Trip Trick or Vote 2010 October 31

Savoy w/ Manufacture Superstars, Kostas, Trajikk November 13

KT Tunstall w/ Hurricane Bells November 16th

At 1st Bank Center
Hallowfreaknween 2010, incluing Markus Shulz, John O'Callaghan, Richard Vission, Icey, Dragon, Trajikk, and more! . October 31

Jeff Dunham (not music but he's funny and it's my damn blog) November 18th

Godsmack w/ Five Finger Death Punch, Drowning Pool October 27th

Around town 9/9

!!!(CHK CHK CHK), Light Asylum, the Chaingang of 1974 @ Bluebird

Pavement @ Ogden

Crowded House with special guest Paper Bird @ Fillmore

action packed thrill ride, boner, calder's revolvers @ 3 Kings

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) DJ Set, Boyhollow after party @ Larimer Lounge

The Lavellas w/ Mr. Ease and Roger Green @ Walnut Room

Judgement Day w/ Speedwolf @ Moe's

Young Cities, Hot Robots, Calvin Locklear @ Meadowlark

Osiris King HOstile Takeover w/J-Morr & NY-C, Devious & Colo-Rydaz, L-Keyz, Albeez & A-CO Records w/ special guest DJ Sin-A-Fold! @ Herman's Hideaway

Kevin Pistol @ Casselman's

Rowan, Mustard, Extreme Turbo Smash, The Deedles @ The Toad Tavern

The Toy Soldiers, Autumn Rashea, The Informal, Brighton Boulevard, Fall Line, The Very Worst, superNOVA, Nate Woudstra, Jennifer Leigh @ Hi-Dive

Jon Wayne And The Pain w/ SlaughterHouse Rootz, Fayuca @ Cervantes Other Side

In Due Time / Achachay! @ Lion's Lair


Lots of great shows to choose from today. I'll personally be at Crowded House so you can expect a review of that show by this weekend. If you aren't a Crowded House fan, head to the Meadowlark for Hot Robots. I've loved these guys since they were the Start Ups, though they had more talented musicians around them at that time. They still can rock the house though. Another great choice would be Pavement, and if anyone goes to that show please submit your review and I'll post it. Have fun out there. I know I will.

Around town 9/8

Really it's another quiet night. Head to the Hi-Dive for Le Divorce or to Benders for Denver Joe and the Saddle Tramps. I'd give the full run down but honestly, I think the 3 day weekend got all the talent out. This weekend it will pick back up.

Review of Willie Nelson at Red Rocks

Last night I got to go to my favorite venue one last time for Willie Nelson. This was a show that did not disappoint. The opening bands were Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real and Ryan Bingham and Dead Horses.

Lukas Nelson is the son of Willie Nelson. I absolutely love these guys a lot. Lukas sounds just like his father, just younger. He brings a lot of energy to the stage and plays a bit of country rock and blues. I had a chance to see them last year at Farm Aid and I must say that while he was good then, he was phenomenal last night. His voice exudes confidence and raw power. He definitely feels right at home on stage.

Next up was Ryan Bingham, while I knew nothing of him it was clear he had a huge fan base. There were plenty of posters around saying that people loved him, plus a lot of people were dancing and screaming for him. While I am not a fan of what he was playing, he was definitely talented. I think he would have been better as an opener for Lukas Nelson and not the other way around. That was just too hard to follow up.

Finally, it was time for Willie Nelson. There is a reason this man has been playing for so many years. His songwriting is top notch and you can tell he absolutely loves playing for people. After each song he would thank the audience and go into the next song. The set included some of his classics like On the Road Again, Whiskey River, Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys, and Crazy. There was even a blues song he played with his son and you could really hear how similar their voices were.

If you are a fan of Willie, go see him as soon as you can. While he was playing you really got the feeling he wouldn't be around much longer. He is 77 and doesn't look good as he used to. He played with his little sister and his son the entire night and you really got the feeling that he was ensuring that his son knew all of his stuff to pass the reigns down to him.

The show was phenomenal, the atmosphere was another beautiful red rocks evening, and I enjoyed every last second of the show. It was a real treat to see such a legend from the 6th row.

Around town 9/7

Jamie Lidell, Tony Castles @ Bluebird

Voodoo Stingray @ 3 Kings

Dustin Morris Show @ Cervantes Other Side

Worth the Fight & Aim for the Day @ Casselman's

Really not much going on today. Head on over to 3 Kings for Voodoo Stingray simply because I like their name, and they have free Pinball going on too.

Venue review, Larimer Lounge

I have a love-hate relationship with this place. I love it because they really do get some of the best local and national acts around, the stage is pretty decent, and the drink prices are reasonable, but I hate it for every other reason.

The reasons why I dislike this venue is because they always seem to have their heads up their asses with sound, scheduling, and the temperature in that place. I've been to so many shows there where the band I wanted to see was supposed to go on at 10, but they got bumped to 11 or I catch the end of them because they ended up going on earlier. It causes things to be a jumbled mess all the time.

Another thing I hate is the heat in that place. It always seems to be 20 degrees warmer inside than it is outside, and it doesn't matter if the place is packed or not. It's usually uncomfortable inside there.

They need a new sound guy. It seems like every show I go to has issues with sound there. Either something is too loud our too quiet or nothing is coming out of the monitors properly to where the artists can hear themselves. I've heard several artists complain about this onstage, yet nothing happens. It's the same show after show.

The location is in the middle of nowhere and is kind of a scary area. It's all an abandoned feel, I don't really even see cops patrolling over there very often.

What I do love is that their drink prices are reasonable, they have microbrews on tap, and the wait staff is always friendly. There is a giant stage as well and the artists don't need to feel like they are on top of each other. They have a pretty decent back patio area that is mainly for the bands, but they do open it up for everyone else at times as well. Also, the best bands play there. I've seen She Wants Revenge play there, Electric Six plays there whenever they come to Denver, Reno Divorce had their BBQ there recently, and I am sure I've been there more times than the Bluebird.

All in all, while it's not my favorite venue, I won't stay away from the place either. Lots of people know where its at and the crowd is usually a good crowd. Go there often, some of Denver's best kept secrets will play there.

Around town 9/6

Scissor Sisters, Sammy Jo, Casey Spooner @ Ogden

Suckers, Young Coyotes, Jay J Mattot & The Arctic @ Larimer

Bad Weather California w/ Ali Kamiya-Ba, Adrian Orange, Hunter Dragon, Bongo Fury @ Yellow Feather Coffee

MEN (JD and JO of Le Tigre) w/ Lust-Cats of the Gutters @ Hi-Dive

Filligar @ Walnut Room

Deadman Flats @ Cervantes Other Side

Four Tops @ Taste of Colorado


Quiet day today in music, head to Hi-Dive and check out Lust Cats of the Gutters or Taste of Colorado for Four Tops. No matter what you go to the chances of you remembering anything is too much to ask since there are Labor Day cookouts and all day drinking events to attend.

Around town tonight and tomorrow

Since it's kinda late, tonight head on over to Larimer Lounge for Cody Crump, or you can hit Summit Music Hall for the Epilogues, Pee Pee also has a CD release party at Mercury Cafe.



Tomorrow, here is what's going on

Sleep w/ Git Some, Russian Circles @ Gothic

Willie Nelson with Ryan Bingham and Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real @ Red Rocks

Over The Rhine @ Soiled Dove

Mumiy Troll, Run Run Run, the Don't and Be Carefuls @ Bluebird

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus w/ Regret Night, The Golden Ticket @ Marquis

The Spring Standards w/ Catherine Feeny & Sarah Slaton @Walnut Room

Leiahdorus and Die Brucke @ The Church

Jessie Willams, Todi Stronghands, Beat Alice, Liberation Regurgitation, The Drinking Gourd, & Vote No On Yes! @ Mushmukin House

Ben Sollee w/ Lilly Scott, Patrick Dethlefs, Dustin Reid @ Oriental

Denver's Longest Standing Blues Jam with Doc Brown's Blues Band @ Ziggies

Sons Of Disobedience / The Unstoppable Death Machines @ Lions Lair

The Fox Street All Stars @ Casselmans



Sunday's recommendation is Willie Nelson. If you haven't seen him yet, see him before you no longer can. Plus, his son is opening up the show. Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real was one of my surprise favorites at Farm Aid last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow. If you want something with some local flavor then head to the Gothic to see Git Some.

New feature: Venue review. Today is Red Rocks

While we all know how great the bands are, sometimes a venue can make or break a show. I got the great idea of reviewing venues from the person that brings you the Denver Food Story (seriously, check her out for the best places to eat in Denver) Shannon Guzman. I'm starting off with my favorite venue...Red Rocks

There is a lot to love about Red Rocks, and a reason why it's been voted the best venue in the nation several times over. This place is beautiful. When you look at the stage, you can see monoliths on each side of you, and you can also see the Denver skyline. There isn't a better view from a concert venue anywhere.

Now, while having a great view doesn't make the music sound better, Red Rocks wins with its natural acoustics. Music was meant to be heard here. You can hear the music great from anywhere in the amphitheater. Another great benefit is that there isn't a single bad seat in the house.

Another place where Red Rocks wins is its selections of drinks. Not only can you get beer like Coors, you can also get Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat, and Mike's Hard Lemonade. They also have vodka lemonades and wine you can purchase for a price that isn't over the top. A beer will cost you around $7.50 and they have people going up and down the aisles so you don't have to leave your seat.

Another thing that Red Rocks excels at is clean bathrooms. When you walk in them, you don't feel like you need to decontaminate yourself when you leave. Plus, they are located on either end of the stage, the top of the amphitheater and in the welcome center.

Red Rocks also allows you to bring in bottled water and coolers. They also allow you to leave the caps on your water, though that can change on a per show basis. Also, parking is free. This is a bonus.

The only thing that is bad about Red Rocks is the climbing. If you have asthma or are out of shape, this will make you realize just how bad it is. The best thing to do is to try to park on the top lot if you are in rows 26 through the top and the lower lot if you are in rows 1-25. Trust me on this one.


If you are making the trek to Red Rocks, leave yourself some time to enjoy the tailgating before you go in. Red Rocks will allow you to go there pretty much at any time before the show to tailgate, though you can't go inside the venue until doors open obviously. Good friends can be made when you tailgate at the right show.

Around town 9/3

Vampire Weekend with Beach House, Dum Dum Girls @ Red Rocks

The Centennial, American Tomahawk (CD Release Party), Weather Maps @Meadowlark

Safe Boating Is No Accident EP Release w/ the Tanukis, Chris McGarry And The Insomiacs @ Hi-Dive

Dead Prez w/ Mane Rok & DeeJay Tense, Broken Language, Lyrix & Das @ Summit Music Hall

Who's Bad? - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, LBC - 100% Sublime w/ Funkma$ter @ Cervantes

Strange Americans, Bonnie and the Beard, Go Home Joe, Smack Thompson @ Larimer Lounge

Tin Horn Prayer w/ Il Cattivo, Solar Bear, Oblios Arrow @ 3 Kings

Makeout Point w/ Thrifty Astronaut, Ocelot Robot, Arison Cain @ Moe's

THE Rocketz w/ Hot Rod Hillbillies, Cora Vette and The Spinouts @ Benders

Average Joe @ D Note

Born In Winter, Glass Delirium, Ben Park Drive, 7even Days Till Sunrise @ Toad Tavern

Sun Of Revolution w/ Ransom, Scalafrea, Ndaaz @ Gothic

Mitya @ Bar Bar

Tim Crawford Band @ Ziggies

The Taylor Project! feat. special guests QDiva Experience, Big Green Carpet, & Barry Shapiro & The Fazz Band @ Herman's Hideaway

Xisix , Good Mourning, Rasmussen w/ Vj Zombie @ Old Curtis Street

Straighten The Crooked / Denver County Death March / Split Resistance @ Lion's Lair

Truckasaurus w/Lyin Bitch and the Restraining Orders, and Royal Dead @6th and Santa Fe

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Taste of Colorado



Lots of great stuff, I say check out the Michael Jackson tribute band, QDiva Experience, Born in Winter or Lyin Bitch and the Restraining Orders. QDiva if you want to see some old R&B covers with someone with a fantastic voice, Born in Winter for a bit of a Goth/Industrial evening...They pretty much kick ass too, I've seen them a few times, or Lyin' Bitch and the Restraining Orders for some metal. Not only do these cats have one of the best band names in Denver, they also throw down pretty hard. They've been doing this for as long as I've been in this city. If all else fails and you are broke, head on down for some swing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, that's where I'll be to start.

Review of Green Day

Over the weekend I had the pleasure to head on down to my least favorite venue with my family to see a band that I am only a casual fan of. When I say casual fan, I mean I stopped listening to them when American Idiot came out. Of course, I'm talking about Green Day at Fiddler's Green.

We decided to get there late and miss AFI which I was thankful for. I was so unimpressed with them when I saw them in June. Luckily, we didn't miss out on any of Green Day. As I mentioned before, I stopped listening to Green Day a while ago, but am a fan of their older stuff. The new radio friendly stuff of American Idiot annoys the hell out of me. When Green Day started, the first 45 minutes of it seemed to be all their new stuff and naturally I was bored and uninterested. As a band they sounded good, but I just wasn't feeling the new stuff at all. Then they played Geek Stink Breath and the magic truly began. Green Day went through hit after hit, just rocking out like nobody's business. They brought out a Tshirt gun and fired free Tshirts into the audience, and even pulled people up to sing Longview. The last girl that sang nailed the last verse and was presented with Billy Joe's guitar he had just been playing. How awesome is that? At a couple points they did medleys of classic rock songs and even did a bit of a Benny Hill tribute, right down to some cross dressing and an onstage chase to the theme music.

At another point of the show they did a cover of the old song Shout. The entire band dressed up in different costumes and each would do a small verse of it, just getting the crowd hyped up for them to sing you make me wanna shout...getting denied over and over again for about 5 minutes or so. The build up for that song was crazy. It seemed like everyone over 25 was excited when they finally did sing that whole song.

The show ended after 3 hours and two encores. During the final encore there was a song played called Olivia. Now, while I sit and bash Green Day for the American Idiot CD, this new song has the writing caliber of Bob Dylan. In fact, we were trying to figure out if this was a Dylan song or not. Well done Billy Joe. You have probably written the best song you have ever written with that one. I have to say that I went to that show with low expectations and ended up getting more than my money's worth. I have the utmost respect for any band that plays for 3 hours at that high of a level. They kept it entertaining with crowd interactions (though the say hey oh got old after the 30th time) lots of explosions, and an honest love of playing music. If you get a chance to see Green Day, go. I promise that you will not be disappointed at all.

Around town 9/2

Coliseum w/ Burning Love @ Marquis

Hot White, Alan Alda, Greg Baumhauer @ Meadowlark

Caravan of Thieves w/ Spring Creek @ Walnut Room

Ben Jordan & the Heathens CD Release w/ Lady Blanche, the Maykit @ Hi-Dive

Lubriphonic, Jet Edison, Otone Brass Band @ Larimer Lounge

Wild Mountain Honey @ Ziggies

Pet Motel w/ special guests Silver String Theater, Medicine Jones, & Red Hot Blues Catz @ Herman's Hideaway

Candy's Riverside @ Old Curtis Street Pub

The Infamous Stringdusters, White Water Ramble @ Bluebird

Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal w/ BloodPreshah, DJ Uplifter @ Cervantes Other Side



My recommendation for tomorrow since it's a quiet day musically, is to head to Hermans Hideaway for Pet Motel, silver String Theater, Medicine Jones, and the Red Hot Blues Catz, I checked out Red Hot Blues Catz and Pet Motel out on Myspace (I can't believe how slow that site loads) and I have to say that I really enjoyed Red Hot Blues Catz a lot, Pet Motel was pretty decent too and I'm betting that their stuff translates better onstage than a shitty Myspace recording, and Medicine Jones has some pretty sweet guitar riffs. It's $5 to get in. Head on out and try something new for a change.

Around town 9/1

The Chemical Brothers @ The Fillmore

Birds & Batteries w/ Vitamins, Fingers of the Sun @ Hi-Dive

John Mayer w/ Owl City @ Red Rocks

Slash, Taking Dawn @ Ogden

Tree Bites Man, Lazy Spacemen, The Madhouse Act, Traveling Electric Chair @ Larimer

Headrush @ Funky Buddha

What's Been Used, Mega Peach, Pulse (Masters of Rock), & Cherry Veil @ Herman's Hideaway

The Mission Creeps @ 3 Kings

Denver Joe & The Saddle Tramps @ Benders

Fizakat w/ The Grenettes @ Cervantes Other Side

Beres Hammond w/ Culture feat. Kenyatta Hill, Inner Circle, Lenya Wilkes & DJ Inferno @ Cervantes


Lots going on tomorrow, but I will have to recommend the Birds and Batteries show at the Hi-Dive with Fingers of the Sun. FotS know how to throw down and it promises to be a good time. The other choice would be Slash just because he's Slash. Have fun out there.

Around town tonight and tomorrow

tonight

Denver does Denver @ Meadowlark

Green Day / AFI @ Fiddlers Green

Cracker/ Camper Van Beethoven @ Bluebird

Lazer Sword, Eprom, Opiuo w/ Fresh2Death, Dan K @ Cervantes

The Photo Atlas w/ My Body Sings Electric, Fire In The Asylum @ Moes

Reggae on the Rocks @ Red Rocks

Cobraconda, The Don't & Be Carefuls, The Silent Treatment @ Summit Music Hall

Sarah Jaffe w/ Jen Korte and the Loss @ Hi-Dive

China Venture / Spokeshaver / The Uncertain Sea @ Club 404

The Outfit @ Parker Library

All Capitals w/ Jaded Poet, Able Archer @ 3 Kings

Umconscious w/ Made Fresh Daily, E.P.O. @ Herman's Hideaway

Young Cities, The Alan Baird Project, Vegas Crimes, The May Kit @ Larimer Lounge

Angry Hand Of God, Cure For Pain. Old Curtis Street Pub

Lipbone Redding and the Lipbone Orchestra w/Gene Morris @ Benders

Burn!Horus!Burn w/ Alice Needs an Alibi, The Green Screen Effect, Gypsy's Curse, Good Day In A Bad Town @ Marquis

Bryon Friedman w/ Douglas Cameron @ Soiled Dove

The Pretty Sure / U-47 / Robbers @ Lions Lair

Kosmos w/ Naked Turtle & Banned in Japan @ Walnut Room

Brethren Fast @ Ziggies

A Heavy Metal Wedding w/Ploy for Extinction, 9/10s of the Law, thiC, Iconocaust,Osyluth @ Gothic

Tage Plantell & The Dusty Radio, Pierce Murcpy Trio, Reckless Red, Smokestack Relics @ Toad Tavern

Ginger Perry w/ Chase Dobson, CacheFlowe (Plastic Sound Supply), The Sunset Curse, and Cap'n Fresh & Legit G @ Cervantes Other Side



Tomorrow
Black Crowes @ Fillmore

Reno Divorce BBQ w/ Boldtype, Potato Pirates, DB and the Catastrophe, The Varmits, Dirty Backseat Lovers @ Larimer Lounge

Traveling Electric Chair, Dum Spiro Spero, Fiction Is Fun @ Cervantes Other Side

Denvers Longest Standing Blues Jam @ Ziggies

Afton Showcase w/ Jay-K, Family Tree, Flowalition & Campaign, WildShot Ent, Unknown, Tha Fantastic 3, Robin Samples, MEKCEE, ES, Branden Abeyta, Carl Carrell, Def Ch!ld Produx, Mya Rose, outo the lerical, Ashley Fedorchak, Jo skar @ Cervantes

Fire Pon de Patio @ Funky Buddha

Doc Brown Blues Band, The Big Motif, The Informants, The Jaguars, The Rhythm Allstars, Rachel Jane & Hurricane @ Toad Tavern

Ese w/ Sons of Disobedience, The Insomniaxe @ 3 Kings

Birds Of Ares / The Royal Dead / @ Lions Lair

Triple Cobra w/ The Sunset Curse @ Walnut Room

Sam Hamilton And Metal Rouge w/ Epileptinomicon @ Rhinoceropolis



For tonight the choice is a tough one. Cracker is going to be amazing, Reckless Red always puts on a great show, Bretheren Fast always brings their A Game, Denver Plays Denver is a great idea too (20+ local bands covering other local bands) and All Capitals will be a great show. I say check out Cracker or Denver Does Denver tonight.


Tomorrow just head to Larimer Lounge for Reno Divorce. If you love Social Distortion, these guys are Denver's answer to them. After that, head on over to the Fillmore for Black Crowes. They are doing both electric and acoustic sets there.

Be sure to look for my review of Green Day (yeah, I know....my little sister is in town, what could I do?)