There’s so much to do music-wise in Denver this week that it’s going to be hard to choose. If you love old school metal and rock, you could go see Kiss, Def Leppard and a female Led Zeppelin cover band all in one week. If you’re more into contemporary rock, you’ve got three days of Widespread Panic at Red Rocks. And if you like off-beat pop, you can catch a Talking Heads cover band and some modern electro just a few days apart. Whatever you’re into, there’s bound to be something you’ll dig in our weekly rundown of the best locals shows. Check ’em out below!
6/24 – ASTR & The Knocks @ Larimer Lounge
If hip electro is your thing, you may want to head to Larimer Lounge on Tuesday night to catch ASTR and The Knocks. Both are DJ duos that hail from New York City, and they’ve both made a name for themselves on the smaller, D.I.Y. circuit and playing with bigger name acts like M.I.A. and Chromeo. These two groups are super catchy and are sure to put on a great show. The music starts at 9:00pm, and tickets are $10.oo for early birds, $15.00 in advance, and $18.00 the day of the show.
6/25 – Kiss & Def Leppard @ Pepsi Center
This is one that needs no introduction. Legendary pop-metalers and the first to wear facepaint, Kiss, and classic metalers Def Leppard are playing the Pepsi Center this Wednesday. If you didn’t get enough crazy costume time at Denver Pride last weekend, break out the spandex and face paint, tease up your hair, and head to this show. Tickets are $41.50 online plus fees, which really isn’t too bad for a show this classic. Show up at 7:00pm to catch the full show!
6/27 – This Must be the Band @ The Ogden
I love the Talking Heads; I’ve been a fan my whole life, since they are one of the first bands I heard thanks to my dad’s record collection. If you can relate and are bummed that you might not get a chance to see the orginals live, you can do the next best thing and check out This Must be the Band at The Ogden this Friday. Tickets are $16.00, and the show starts at 8:00pm. If you get the band name reference and actually know who wrote “Burnin’ Down the House,” this one may be for you.
6/27 – Zeparella @ The Oriental
If you feel the aforementioned way about “Stairway to Heaven,” then go see Zeparella at The Oritental instead. Yep, you guessed it, they are an all-female Led Zeppelin cover band, and they also take inspiration from the 60s sci-fi film, Barbarella. The show will be opened by local shoegaze band Taverns, along with Chuck Roy, a burly comedian who refers to himself as “bear.” Tickets are $12.00, and the show starts at 8:00pm.
6/27, 6/28 & 6/29 – Widespread Panic @ Red Rocks
This weekend, the acclaimed classic jam rock band Widespread Panic are finishing up their summer tour with a phenomenal three-day event at Red Rocks amphitheater. Tickets for each night are $52.50, and you can also purchase a three-day pass if you are really a die-hard fan (a.k.a. Spreadhead). This music is going to go really well with the rocks, so if you are looking for an evening of scenic outdoor entertainment, head on down.
6/28 – Nightmares on Wax @ The Gothic
If you’re a fan of all things related to hip-hop, trip-hop or bass music, check out one of the pioneers of trip-hop, Nightmares on Wax, when he plays at The Gothic this Saturday. This DJ’s real name is George Evelyn, and he has been making music since his involvement with the B-boy scene in the UK during the 80s. Human Agency opens the show, and the cost is $22.00 in advance, and $25.00 the day of. Music starts at 9:00pm.
6/29 – Pillar Point @ Forest Room 5
Dancy indie artist Pillar Point, who hails from Seattle, is playing in Denver at Forest Room 5 this Sunday. If you are a fan of fun-yet-moody rock, come check this out. Tickets are $8.00 and the show starts at 8:00pm.
Featured image courtesy of Kiss.