Flowers are blooming, the city is suddenly lousy with flea markets and you’ve finally broken in that pool at your buddy’s new apartment complex. (Let’s just hope we’re done with that late season snow, because we’ve seriously committed to planting our gardens.) Check out what’s in store for you this week, music-wise, with 303’s weekly roundup.
Tuesday May 10
Explosions in the Sky @ Ogden
Yes, this show is already sold out—but certainly still worth a mention. (Don’t give up hope, faithful fans! You know someone’s always selling an extra outside the show.). Pitchfork referred to Explosion in the Sky’s latest album The Wilderness, released only a few months ago, like “taking a pause on a hike and realizing just how many sounds there are in what seemed like silence.” Their meditative and moody music, highlighted by the band’s signature crescendos, ranges from dramatic to calm. Definitely don’t miss this Austin band’s instrumental, emotional roller coaster of a show (that is, if you can score a ticket).
Friday May 13
Mayer Hawthorne @ Ogden
This guy is Mr. Popular. He freakin’ loves breakfast, Steely Dan, vintage vinyl and his hippie parents. His newest album Man About Town was just released in April, so it’s still super fresh and hot off the presses. Mayer Hawthorne (who’s name pays homage to the street that he grew up on in Ann Arbor, Michigan) combines elements of 1970s style beats, funky bass lines and orchestral pop tunes to create his signature smooth, yet soulful, music. Don’t miss your chance to catch him debut his new tracks (in addition to some old faves) this weekend.
Thievery Corporation @ Red Rocks
You haven’t lived until you’ve heard Thievery Corporation play Lebanese Blonde at Red Rocks. Oh boy, there are tingles down my spine just thinking about it. Their outstanding range of world music runs the gamut from explosive and high energy to ambient and angelic—and everything in between. Their album Saudade from 2014 explores bossanova, while some of their older stuff features reggae, dub and hiphop elements. They can do no wrong. If you make it to one Red Rocks show this summer, dare we suggest this one?
Jan’s Ingber’s Funk Fellowship @ Cervantes’ Other Side
The Motet’s former headman Jans hasn’t exactly retired from scene, despite his recent decision to stop touring with the Front Range’s favorite funk band. Jans is back in action this weekend at The Other Side with a whole slew of friends: Joe Dart (Vulfpeck), Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), Alwyn Robinson (Leftover Salmon) and Erik Deutsch (Citizen Cope) will be taking the stage with him on Friday to get real funky. Because super groups are fun! Hooray for collaboration (and Jan’s sweet dance moves).
Saturday May 14
Global Dub @ Red Rocks
If you like Global Dance, chances are you’ll be diggin’ Global Dub. This wompfest kicks off at 5pm (for maximum broiling in that hot, hot Red Rocks sun), with Datsik headlining and Bro Safari, Slander and Ghastly also taking the stage—featuring special guests Doctor P VS Cookie Monsta VS Funtcase and Basscrooks. Brace yo’self before you bass yo’self.
Hot Buttered Rum @ Ophelia’s (Sun Drenched Festival After Party)
Looking for something a little less bass heavy, with a lot more twang? Head over to Ophelia’s for the official Sun Drenched Festival’s After Party, featuring bluegrass legends Hot Buttered Rum and Ashland-based Town Mountain. Feed your soul with some banjo pickin’ and feed your face with Ophelia’s tasty food and even tastier cocktails.
Sunday May 15
Bad Company & Joe Walsh @ Red Rocks
Wind down your weekend with some good old fashioned classic rock. What’s better than hearing Rocky Mountain Way (1973) live at Red Rocks? And who can even believe Bad Company is still touring? Feel Like Making Love? Why, yes. Yes, we do.