Grandoozy — Denver’s new massive music festival — is right around the corner. The festival is bringing a slew of national acts, and even a handful of Colorado bands, to Overland Park for its inaugural year. With all of the musicians and bands on the lineup, three stages and multiple other activation and performance areas, it’s not going to be easy to navigate the festival. Our staff of music writers took a look at the schedule and picked out some of the acts they’re most looking forward to — check it out below.
READ: Get to Know the Colorado Bands Playing Grandoozy
Friday
Flaural
When: Friday, 2 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Scissors Stage
The Lowdown: Talk about some pure local music. Flaural is the kind of band that you listen to after you’ve had one of the most incredible revelations of your life. They have a washed-out and new-wave vibe that is simply mind-melting. As we approach our final moments of summer heat, their liquid-like sound is going to certainly combat the cold yet give you chills at the same time. This group has a historically refreshed tonality that will bring people up to speed — it will allow us to gaze thoughtfully into the future while positively reflecting on our past. Listeners especially shouldn’t miss this experience if they are doing some soul-searching and are looking to gain another perspective in the world. – Zena Ballas
Tennis
When: Friday, 4-4:45 p.m.
Where: Scissors Stage
The Lowdown: Tennis is one of those Denver bands that broke into the national spotlight quite some time ago. The brother-sister duo create indie-pop and alternative-rock music that blurs the lines between our modern age and the ’70s. From their outfits and hair to their music, the duo perfectly crystalizes an era while bringing it back with a fun twist. If you missed Tennis’ sold-out Ogden show in January of this year — or even if you didn’t — be sure to catch them at Grandoozy. – Tyler Harvey
Phoenix
When: Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Scissors Stage
The Lowdown: The French band that sings (mostly) in English is returning to Denver after an unforgettable performance with Miike Snow in 2017. The show wasn’t just unforgettable because of the torrential downpour that caused the crowd to scatter between sets, it was simply Phoenix and their indie-rock brilliance. There’s truly nothing like the ambiance the band permeates, crafting both danceable and emotional experiences with colorful lighting, an energizing stage presence and familiar songs you can sing along to. This is also likely the only time Denver will have the opportunity to catch Phoenix this year, with no Colorado tour-stop announced outside of Grandoozy, no one-off Red Rocks show on the books and no new material in sight. – Tyler Harvey
The War on Drugs
When: Friday, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Paper Stage
The Lowdown: The War on Drugs is a lot less high-strung than their name suggests. Coming out of the woodwork to the sound of their 2014 breakthrough album, Lost In The Dream, The War on Drugs is a grand gesture toward rock music of yesteryear, without playing into the tropes of nostalgia. With songs like the driving “Red Eye,” The War on Drugs paints vivid pictures of the human condition through gripping melodies and a sharp lyrical perspective. If there were odds on who will be the greatest act you see that you didn’t know before Grandoozy, these guys would top the list. -Kori Hazel
Doc Martin
When: Friday, 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Break Room
The Lowdown: Los Angeles-based DJ Doc Martin is a legend in the house and techno circuits, having played at some of the most exclusive and famous clubs around the world, including the DC10 circuit in Ibiza. His style hinges on a fusion of genres, decades and the use of digital and analog technology. Though he’s been spinning beats since the early ’90s, Doc Martin is far from being irrelevant and can still make huge crowds lose themselves in his sonic stories. Catch Doc Martin at The Break Room on Friday night to get the weekend started on the right foot — dancing. – Cori Anderson
Kendrick Lamar
When: Friday, 8:30 – 9:40 p.m.
Where: Rock Stage
The Lowdown: Kendrick Lamar is easily one of the most famous rappers of the modern age. Originally from Compton, Lamar first hit the scene back in 2010 with the release of Overly Dedicated only to be followed up with five successful albums including 2017’s Grammy Award-winning Damn. Lamar’s flow is so fluid and his lyrical content is impactful, relevant, clever and often times mind-blowing. Adding Lamar to the first ever Grandoozy line up is definitely a huge draw factor. Lamar will be closing out the Rock Stage on Friday night in what has the potential to be one of the major highlights of Grandoozy this year. -Michael Tritsch
Saturday
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
When: Saturday, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Scissors Stage
The Lowdown: Karl Denson’s famous skill on the saxophone, flute and as a vocalist is a must-see during Grandoozy, along with his band consisting of bassist Chris Stillwell, trumpeter Chris Littlefield, guitarist D.J. Williams, keyboardist David Veith, drummer Alan Evans and steel guitarist Seth Freeman. Denson alone is worth the watch as his funky-jazzy-groovy sound is like kryptonite to those who say “I don’t dance.” But altogether, the band is often sought-out by audiences who want to see a kickass live performance. Although Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe (KDTU) plays in Colorado pretty regularly (with a show before Grandoozy on September 7 in Eagle), it’s always a pleasure to see them return. – Cori Anderson
Sunsquabi
When: Saturday, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scissors Stage
The Lowdown: Denver’s very own Sunsquabi will be repping the sound that Colorado has had a large hand in engineering — a mixture of electronic and live-band-jam. With varied instrumentation including saxophones, trumpets, keys and a variety of drums and guitars, Sunsquabi creates infused beats that are often improvised at their live shows. Though the band has enjoyed a few opening spots at Red Rocks — like their show before Opiuo’s Syzygy Orchestra this April — this show at Grandoozy will give the local band a more exclusive platform to show off their funky-electro-jam-band grooves. Plus, their tendency toward funk will make them a great topping after hearing Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe on the same stage. – Cori Anderson
Purple Disco Machine
When: Saturday, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Break Room
The Lowdown: Have you ever wanted to dance like it’s still the ’70s? — put on your bellbottoms, satin shirts and platform shoes and get groovy? Well, Denver, Purple Disco Machine is coming and it’s the perfect excuse. (Of course, aside from the ’70s-inspired Denver band Tennis who are also playing Grandoozy). The German-born, international-performing DJ is described as deep-funk, house and electro-funk — but simply put, he dives into all the disco feels and flips them with his modern twist. Purple Disco Machine is just another stellar addition to Grandoozy’s Break Room lineup — and one you won’t want to miss if you’re looking to dance your way through the weekend. – Tyler Harvey
Whip It! w DJ Jason Heller
When: Saturday, 3:45 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: ’80s Ski Lodge
The Lowdown: Denver-based DJ Jason Heller has been spinning beats in Denver since the ’90s, earning him a spot as resident DJ at Funk Club, Mile High Soul Club and 45s Against 45. Heller has a thing for ’80s music, so much so that he only plays on vinyl 45s. That specific passion also led him to start Whip It! — an homage to ’80s dance parties, both mainstream and indie. Whip It!, for those of you not hip to the ’80s, is a reference to a song by the alternative-synth-pop band Devo. Though Whip It! happens in Denver all year round, this DJ set at the ’80s Ski Lodge obviously fits the theme to a tee. It’s also a chance to watch a DJ with extraordinary skill on vinyl — and we certainly won’t miss that. – Cori Anderson
Snow Tha Product
When: Saturday, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Rock Stage
The Lowdown: Mexican-American female rapper Snow Tha Product is one of the names to keep your ears out for. Ever since 2011, Snow Tha Product has been delivering catchy yet original bars and flow. From fast chopper style rap to impactful multilingual verses — she can do it all. After some time in the scene, Snow Tha Product caught the attention and collaborated with rap legend Tech N9ne and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. On Saturday evening, Snow Tha Product and her crew are taking over the Rock Stage for a show you won’t want to miss. – Michael Tritsch
Florence + The Machine
When: Saturday, 8:30 – 9:45 p.m.
Where: Rock Stage
The Lowdown: While Florence Welch might not be a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist like Kendrick Lamar nor a living legend in the vein of Stevie Wonder, the third Grandoozy headliner can definitely hold her own as a live performer. Known for her spit-fire stage presence and rapturous vocals, the leading-lady always brings a must-see set wherever she goes. With a new album High as Hope on deck, Grandoozy will be the perfect chance to hear the fresh material. But if you only come to hear the pop classic, “Dog Days are Over” — you can rest assured the well-timed song will be a perfect send off to summer. – Brittany Werges
Sunday
Dragondeer
When: Sunday, 2 – 2:45 p.m.
Where: Paper Stage
The Lowdown: If you’re looking to see some badass Denver-based talent while at Grandoozy, Dragondeer has just what you need. Dragondeer’s unique dirty-blues sound will hit you right in the face in the best way possible. Dragondeer is also celebrating a huge milestone in their career this year with their first full-length album If You Got The Blues, which is fitting for their sound. You can catch Dragondeer kicking things off Sunday afternoon on the Paper Stage. – Michael Tritsch
De La Soul
When: Sunday, 5 – 6 p.m.
Where: Paper Stage
The Lowdown: Mostly anyone who is aware of the alternative hip-hop culture in New York would highly recognize and connect with De La Soul’s jazzy style. Their heavy rhythms combined with poetic reverberation forms a straightforward glance into the everyday life of a human being, sprinkled with a touch of soul. They create lyrical depictions of genuine experiences and what it means to live. De La Soul holds an eclectic nature as they are featured in various songs produced by a plethora of artists. Their most recent album, And the Anonymous Nobody, also features a collection of well-known creatives. It is going to instill a bit of storytelling introspection for listeners and will bring several treats to the table — it’s time to dig in. – Zena Ballas
St. Vincent
When: Sunday, 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Scissor Stage
The Lowdown: If you witnessed any of St. Vincent’s Fillmore performance earlier this year, then you’ve undoubtedly made plans to see her at the inaugural Grandoozy. The visual spectacle was Bowie-levels of performance art that didn’t skimp any bit of St. Vincent’s awe-inspiring musicianship. The show, which she performed almost completely solo, drew you into the manufactured and seductive world of her latest album Masseduction. Her festival performances have been on par with the headlining tour’s visual feast, but rather than performing solo, St. Vincent has recruited female-forward bandmates to help her lead the charge to festival dominance. – Kori Hazel
Jon Hopkins
When: Sunday, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Break Room
The Lowdown: Complex and evolving, the electronic music produced by Jon Hopkins is the feeling of wanderlust captured in sound. The classically-trained producer knows all too well the power of tension, building and creating a bond through his music. Songs ebb from forlorn passages to surging rackets just as easily coaxing the listener into a state of vulnerability as pummeling them with electrifying breakdowns. Concluding the Break Room at the first-ever Grandoozy, by his set’s end, there will be no room left to speak of. – Kori Hazel
Stevie Wonder
When: Sunday, 8 – 10 p.m.
Where: Rock Stage
The Lowdown: There’s no better way to celebrate life than to marvel at Stevie Wonder’s rare performance at Grandoozy. It is going to be an honor to experience a world-renowned multi-instrumentalist in the heart of the Mile High City — although he lost his vision shortly after birth, his musical clarity surmounts expectations and is able to see in ways that we could all learn from. The wonder that the musician is due to produce is going to reinvent the concept of gratefulness. We all need a sense of reassurance and humanness that binds us together, especially during hard times. His powerful voice preaches a sense of raw connection within the universe and it is going to leave newcomers dumbfounded. – Zena Ballas