Denver’s music scene this week is set to not disappoint music and concert lovers. With September rolling in, so are a lot of artists ranging from all sounds and locations. Living in the Mile High City, theres always live music to check out. Let’s see what’s going on with concerts this week in the notorious 303.
Monday, August 29
Recommended: Coldplay – A Head Full of Dreams Tour @ Pepsi Center
Off of their seventh album, Coldplay has brought this tour to many places across the globe. After playing in Europe and South America, the band comes to the Mile High City’s Pepsi Center. The British alternative rock band has had a major presence in the music scene since the early 2000s, and has constantly evolved their sound album after album. “A Head Full of Dreams” is no exception, bringing an album full of powerful lyrics and colorful melodies. There are samples from various artists, like Beyonce, and even our President Barack Obama. Coldplay’s performances are always one of a kind, and Denver will be a memorable stop on their North American tour for audiences awaiting a refined, experimental sound by this iconic band.
Also see:
Traitors & Murder Protocol @ The Roxy Theatre
As The Sky Darkens @ Marquis Theater
Manufactured Superstars @ Beta Nightclub
Styx @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
Home Fried Boogaloo @ Cervante’s Other Side
Tuesday, August 30
Recommended: Mac DeMarco @ Ogden Theatre
Mac DeMarco’s eclectic personality and unique style of sound captivates fans in a way that encompasses both a goofy and edgy vibe. Originally called the Makeout Videotape, the band took on Mac DeMarco after the signing with Captured Tracks record label. In early 2012, “Rock and Roll Night Club” was released, following his first full-length album “2.” Mac’s second full-length LP “Salad Days” released in 2014, gained a lot of attention and led to him touring worldwide. After constant touring, DeMarco recorded his latest eight song mini-LP “Another One.” DeMarco, with his iconic stage presence and acclaimed albums, captured the hearts of many fans with washy guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and fun live performances.
Also see:
Low Cut Connie, Riprats, One Way Ride @ Hi-Dive
Jason McNabb & The Reign @ The Grizzly Rose
Jonah Freed @ Cervante’s Other Side
Relicseed @ Lion’s Lair
All Chiefs @ Larimer Lounge
Homebody @ Ogden Theatre
Wednesday, August 31
Recommended: Tame Impala @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
Coming off a big year for the band in 2015, Australia’s Tame Impala resurfaces from down under to tour in North America again, and will play at Red Rocks for the first time. Their 2015 hit album “Currents” was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Alternative Album,” propelling the success for this already booming international band. Tame Impala’s “Currents” was a step outside some of their older sounds, showing the evolution of this Australian band. Their first full length album “Innerspeaker” put Tame Impala on the map, and their success has followed through their second full length “Lonerism” album, which was also nominated for a Grammy. Tame Impala’s insane psychedelic live performance is a rock-trip, with fans holding onto every note Kevin Parker hits.
Also see:
Ages And Ages & Hi-Dive @ Hi-Dive
Zakk Wylde @ Summit Music Hall
Tribulation @ Marquis Theatre
Final Drive @ The Pit Stop
Wayland @ Roxy Theatre
Tahoma @ The Walnut Room
Thursday, September 1
Recommended: The Chainsmokers @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
A hot, dynamic EDM duo, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers are sure to bring lots of smoke and dancing to Red Rocks. Their 2014 hit single “#Selfie” put this group on the radar of the already booming EDM scene. The single was No. 1 on the Dance Chart in 2014. 2016 brought a new dynamic to this duo, with the release of their single “Closer” and a gaining and powerful presence. Their other hits include “Roses” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” Chainsmokers has immense support in the EDM scene, by artists and friends like Steve Aoki, Tiesto and Afrojack.
Also see:
Dixie Chicks @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
Oh My Snare @ Hi-Dive
The Delta Saints @ Marquis Theatre
Arras @ Moon Room
Dumpstaphunk @ Cervante’s
Pink Talking Fish @ Quixote True Blue
The Bloody Beetroots @ Beta Nightclub
Friday, September 2
Recommended: Jane’s Addiction @ Riot Fest
Riot Fest returns to Denver with a stellar line-up. On the first day of the festival, Jane’s Addiction will be performing from 8:40-9:55 p.m. on the Riot Stage. Jane’s Addiction has embodied their alternative style since first getting together in ’88, laying the seeds for a redefinition of rock after the ’80’s “hair metal style.” The band has kept true to their roots while maintaining with the modern pace of rock’n’roll, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic “Nothing’s Shocking” album in 2013. In 2011, the band released “The Great Escape Artist,” highlighting how the band was not close to wrapping up anytime soon. Playing at Riot Fest, Jane’s Addiction contains a lot of what alternative bands use in their own sound, and should be an excellent show to watch as these legends throw-down on the start of the fest.
Get a three-day or a single-day pass to Riot Fest here.
Also see:
Phish @ Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Rogue Wave @ Riot Fest
Phish-After Party-Pink Talking Fish, John Kadlecik Band @ Quixotes True Blue
Atmosphere @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
Chrisette Michele @ Ogden Theatre
Guilty Pleasures @ Hi-Dive
The White Panda @ City Hall
Saturday, September 3
Recommended: Ween @ Riot Fest
Ween’s epic return to the 1st Bank Center earlier this year brought immense energy and excitement behind this desired, one-of-a-kind rock band after a hiatus. Guitarists Aaron Freeman (Gene Ween) and Mickey Melchiondo (Dean Ween), accompanied with longtime members Claude Coleman Jr. (drummer), Dave Dreiwitz (bassist) and Glenn McClelland (keyboardist) pack a punch when it comes to live performances. The band impressively played a 31-song main set at their return in Broomfield, showing that they were coming back into the scene with power. Their fan following came with fans craving for more after each show, highlighting the unique sound and scene Ween encompasses. Some of their top tracks are “Pork Roll Egg and Cheese,” “Mutilated Lips,” “Voodoo Lady” and “Ocean Man.” Playing at Riot Fest in Denver compliments this already incredible line-up, setting up for an evening with lots of rock. Ween is playing on the Riot Stage from 8:30-10 p.m.
Get a three-pass or single-day tickets for Riot Fest here.
Also see:
El Javi @ Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Danny Brown @ Riot Fest
An evening with the Dirty Gemstones and Friends feat. Reason the Citizen @ Cervante’s Other Side
The Afters @ A Taste of Colorado
Mad Decent Block Party feat. Diplo, Galantis @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
Dj Anna @ Vinyl
Chris Staples @ Hi-Dive
Sunday, September 4
Recommended: Phish @ Dicks Sporting Goods Park
Coming off a summer tour that has brought a new element to this legendary jam-band, with firsts being busted out like a cover of Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Phish will end it’s tour in usual style at the Dicks Sporting Goods Arena, known to fans as “PhishDicks.” After last year’s iconic “Harpua” on Sunday’s show of PhishDicks, which also closed out the summer tour, fans are ensured to “never miss a Sunday show.” Phish will be coming off two sets at Lock’n, sharing the stage with Ween, My Morning Jacket and many more. The momentum from Lock’n, as well as this tour, is ensured to provide listeners with an unique experience. Phish’s following comes from their uniquely created sets from the endless song vault the band has. Members Trey Anastasio (guitarist), Mike Gordon (bassist), Page McConnell (keyboardist) and Jon Fishman (drummer) have been playing together for decades, picking up from the momentum left behind from the Grateful Dead.
Also see:
The Game @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
Gregory Alan Isakov @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
Rosa Sparks @ Tracks
Bayonne @ Lost Lake
If These Trees Could Talk @ Hi-Dive