We at 303 Magazine‘s Music Desk saw a rather incredible amount of live music in 2024. All combined, we collectively saw something like 300 shows throughout the year. We enveloped ourselves in music in 2024, danced with those we love the most, closed our eyes and screamed along as stage lights cascaded around us. These were truly beautiful experiences that reminded one of what it means to be alive. However, given the sheer amount of shows we saw, reflection has the potential to grow a bit difficult. Nevertheless, each 303 Magazine’s music desk writer combed through the shows they saw last year and picked their three favorites. Happy New Year from all of us at 303 Magazine’s music desk and here’s to dancing through 2025!
READ: 2024 Recap: 303 Magazine Music Desk Writers on the Songs They Listened to Most in 2024
Thomas Rutherford — Editor and Staff Writer
Billy Strings @ Fiddler’s Green on May 17th and May 18th
The feeling of unbridled joy that pervaded these two nights was unmatched by any other show I saw this year. Despite some logistical issues faced by Fiddler’s Green due to the sheer number of people in attendance, there was so much beauty and love in the air as we got down on that occasionally brutal grassy hill. Still, legs be damned, we danced all over that fucking venue, friends and strangers alike swinging each other around as Billy and his band tore the place down. This was the kind of show you walk out of feeling better about the world and the people in it. It was something everyone in attendance felt and needed. A great run of shows.
The Rolling Stones and Widespread Panic @ Empower Field on June 20th
This show was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I grew up on the Stones. They’ve long been my father’s favorite band, so I’ve listened to them for as long as I can remember. There was a part of me that was a little worried going into the show that maybe they’re too old or have slowed and the show was just a victory lap for a paycheck. But that couldn’t be further from what happened. Panic kicked it off with a barn burner that featured fan favorite “Chilly Water,” which is notorious for encouraging fans to throw their water everywhere as the song drops. Needless to say, some less informed Stones fans weren’t the happiest, but given that my buddy and I were in the nosebleeds (we just wanted to get in however we could), it was a delight to behold. Then the Stones came out and played like they did in their 20s. Mick, who’s had numerous heart issues in recent years, was spinning around and strutting like the true rock star he’s always been. Keith Richards will outlive us all. Ronnie was incredible. The backup singers, the stage production, everything. This is a show I’ll tell my grandkids about if I ever have any. One for the history books.
Pretty Lights @ Red Rocks on August 3rd
I think one of my favorite parts about this show was the air of uncertainty surrounding it. So many, especially those who hadn’t attended the night before, were truly unsure of what was about to happen as we lined up on those infamous Red Rocks stairs. There, this feeling began to enter my bones, this sense of abandon, of being surrounded by thousands of strangers that I found myself loving as we all collectively surrendered to whatever would come. And the show was so fucking incredible. I hadn’t seen Derek since well before his hiatus, something like ten years ago. I knew this one was going to be something special and it was. It was just a true electrofunk-hip-hop-jam masterclass. Derek sampled String Cheese Incident and John Denver, which I’ve never heard anyone else do before. He showcased his incredible band, often letting them take the spotlight while he hung back. The crowd went off, everyone smiling and hugging and so happy to be there. It was a show that radiated warmth on that sweet, late-summer night, one that’ll keep me warm for some time to come.
James Lane — Staff Writer
Real Estate @ The Gothic Theater on March 6th
I first saw Real Estate at the Gothic in 2017 and this show in 2024 made me reflect on how much I’ve changed over the past seven years. Although I’m not entirely in love with their new album, hearing all the old favorites from their first few albums was a treat. Kicking off with “Crime” was particularly special to me. The hypnotic guitar riff and lyrics feel like a confession of some hidden message. “Easy” followed, and I can’t think of a more tranquil, joyful song. It’s the kind of happiness you feel like The Beatles would have created. Later, they played “It’s Real,” a classic indie pop anthem that shaped the 2010s indie music scene and culture. “Out Of Tune” brought me back to a cross-country drive with my girlfriend and dog, as the song was the perfect soundtrack for those long, empty roads. For the encore, they covered Weezer’s “Undone (The Sweater Song),” which was super rad and closed with “Talking Backwards,” a beautiful song about self-discovery and not feeling understood. It’s a track I listen to on repeat, and I think many people can relate to the lyrics. Though I miss some of the old stuff more, it was great to see Martin and Alex continue playing these songs that hold such cherished memories for me.
Vampire Weekend @ Red Rocks on July 19th
Vampire Weekend is easily the concert of the year for me. What made this show so special was experiencing it at Red Rocks, one of the most beautiful and iconic venues in the world, a historic yet timeless stage for all. The band delivered a night filled with personal favorites and standout tracks from their latest album, Only God Was Above Us. Highlights included the elegant performance of “Connect,” during which Ezra Koenig ventured into the crowd, and a playful 15-minute jam session titled “Cocaine Cowboy,” complete with a fan playing corn hole on stage to win a cash prize. The encore was like nothing I’ve seen before, the band asked for fans to shout out suggestions of songs to play and they ended up covering snippets of several of songs including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Born to Run.” Every moment felt truly special and unique, from secret fan meetups earlier in the day to Ezra’s heartfelt shoutouts to Denver. The band’s personalized touches from the participation from the fans and their ability to turn the night into a nostalgic trip of the 2010s indie era made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.
Tycho @ Mission Ballroom on September 25th
Scott Hansen, the creative force behind Tycho, delivered a simplistic and innovative performance at the Mission Ballroom. The setlist spanned a wide range of tracks from across his entire discography, showcasing a beautiful mix of nostalgia and introspection. When “A Walk” played, I was transported back to my first drives to hiking and camping trips in Colorado, and the visuals and instrumentation made it feel like a spiritual experience. The fog and mesmerizing projections created an atmosphere of deep reflection, especially during “Awake.” Curiosity, forward-thinking, and self-reflection are words that perfectly capture the essence of the show. Hansen’s connection to Denver, calling it his “home away from home,” added a layer of love and gratitude to the night. The set included songs from his latest album, Infinite Health, as well as fan favorites and even a rare performance of “Time To Run,” which I had discussed with him during an interview before the show. The entire experience was captivating, with each song evoking deep emotions and leaving the audience in a special headspace.
Regan Bervar — Staff Writer
Pretty Lights @ Red Rocks August 2nd
Derek and the band returned to Red Rocks on August 2, 2024, for a fantastic two-night Pretty Lights run. Having not played a Red Rocks show in over five years, the sold-out crowd filled the rows from top to bottom. Pretty Lights brought out saxophonist Dominic Lalli from Big Gigantic and ended the night with a special appearance from the notorious Tipper to melt away the night. It was a magical show under a clear sky filled with stars and it was a special experience to see Derek back at it after his hiatus. It’s truly like watching an artist at work with all the different devices on stage as he makes incredible music out of unique sounds paired with the live band.
Phish @ Dick’s Sporting Goods Park September 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
A year in review means an epic annual trip to beautiful Commerce City, CO, for a four-night run of Phish at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Set in a dusty parking lot, with the occasional visit from a prairie dog, the stadium allures a crowd from all distances and backgrounds. Perhaps my favorite thing at Phish (aside from Trey Anastasio, of course) is the dancing and camaraderie that ignites on the dance floor when those first notes of the night are played. I also can’t help but mention the legendary lighting master, Chris Kuroda, who travels with the band and puts on one of the best light shows you will ever see. His trademarked contraption of alien-like shifting lights moves up and down and side to side, a truly jaw-dropping experience for anyone even mildly interested in concert lighting.
Sara Landry @ The Fillmore on November 8
As I slowly started to wade into my underlying love for techno music, I absolutely had to check out Sara Landry when the opportunity arose at the Fillmore off Colfax. Her one-woman show was spectacular and empowering; she was donned in all black and her presence glowed under the pulsating lights coming from above. The dark atmosphere, throbbing red lights and deep techno beats gave the impression that we were being transported to Hell — but in the best possible way. It was eerie and underground, and her music evoked a passion from everyone around. I may have seen a glimmer of a mosh pit once or twice, which, of course, a proper techno show wouldn’t be complete without.
Emma Jerry — Staff Writer
Shinyribs @ Ophelia’s on June 16th
If you haven’t heard of this riotous crew out of Austin, Texas, then you have not heard it all. They’re every genre of fun — they’re soul music with a twang, a little bit of pop mixed with some rock, all while giving serious bayou vibes. Bandleader Kevin Russell is an absolute legend of a frontman, accompanied by a Santa beard and a plethora of funky accouterments. Originals “Who Built the Moon” and “Poor People’s Store” are full of character and storytelling. However, the highlight of their one-nighter at Ophelia’s this summer was their back-to-back, melding covers of “Bitch Better Have My Money,” “Jolene,” “Smooth Operator,” “Age of Seventeen,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and back into “Bitch.” Epic. This is your warning — never miss them again.
Railroad Earth/Leftover Salmon/Yonder Mountain String Band @ Levitt Pavilion on August 16th
This steamin’ night in August was IT for Denver’s bluegrass junkies. Three of the biggest names in the genre for over the past twenty-some years joined forces for a three-set plus mega-encore evening that included collaborations galore. Despite the near 100-degree day and the music kicking off before sundown, Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon proved to their adoring crowd that the good times aren’t done yet. The evening’s peak was, of course, the conglomerative encore that saw all of Leftover Salmon plus Tim Carbone, John Skehan, Todd Sheaffer, Nick Piccininni, David Johnston and Adam Aijala performing “For What It’s Worth,” “I Know You Rider,” “Reuben’s Train” and “Up on Cripple Creek.”
Bertha — Grateful Drag @ Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on November 22nd
Easily one of the most palatable Grateful Dead cover bands you can witness play today. Not just because Jacob Groopman, Melody Walker, Thomas Bryan Eaton, Mike Wheeler, Caitlin Doyle, Justin Vorp and Hank Long are fantastic instrumentalists and vocalists, but also because they are dressed — and for a wonderful cause — all in glorious drag. It’s entertaining as hell, what with the outfits and dancers, and the music is impressively well-tuned and pays proper homage to the Dead, all while being surprisingly tangible to the not-really-deadhead. Plus, this particular show donated to two local non-profits working for LGBTQ+ rights. Love is love reflected, baby.
Caleb Paulson — Staff Writer
MK.Gee @ Meow Wolf on May 4th
In many ways, the Mk.gee show at Meow Wolf felt like the calm before the storm. In the weeks to come, his album would catapult him from underground indie star to a mainstream sensation, landing on Rolling Stone’s Top Albums of the Year list. The night felt like an early gathering of something monumental, a musical moment slowly taking shape. And in a space as surreal as Meow Wolf, no venue could have served it better. Mk.gee’s unconventional style and performance were hypnotic to watch. Bathed in mostly darkness, the show was a complete immersion into the musical experience. The composition itself, akin to jazz, had a free-flowing structure that promised something different each time you saw it. Another groundbreaking artist, another unforgettable performance.
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan @ Ball Arena on October 11th
It would be impossible to talk about the top concerts of the year without mentioning the Sweat Tour—Brat truly dominated the summer. This wasn’t just an album or a tour. It was a defining musical moment. One that will be remembered for years to come, accompanied by one of the best music rollouts we’ve seen in recent memory. The 12-stop tour, featuring Troye Sivan and Charli XCX, brought a refreshingly unique experience. The concert was a blur of sweat, nightclub energy, and angelic, floaty pop songs, with a format that kept things exciting and fun from start to finish. It was a show that pushed boundaries, and I can only hope to see more like it in the future.
Billie Eilish @ Ball Arena on November 19th
Billie Eilish was easily one of the top shows of the year. She’s at the pinnacle of her career, and this most recent tour felt like a stunning reflection of all her talents and accomplishments—Oscars, Grammys, and everything in between. It was a show that felt both intimate and electrifying, stripping away the excess and giving us Billie front and center, raw and real. Hearing anthems like “Birds of a Feather” live was nothing short of magical, an experience that will stick with you long after the final note. Billie is an artist who never fails to surprise, is always unpredictable, and is endlessly fun.
Andrew Venegas — Staff Writer
The Kooks @ The Fillmore Auditorium on March 23rd
The Kooks’ performance at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium was an unforgettable homage to their iconic debut album, Inside In/Inside Out. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the band delivered a show brimming with nostalgia and vibrant energy. Tracks like “Seaside” and “She Moves in Her Own Way” had the crowd singing in unison, while Luke Pritchard’s charismatic stage presence added a personal touch, offering moments of wisdom between songs. The Fillmore’s intimate space proved perfect for the band’s anniversary tour, allowing long-time listeners a sense of exclusivity. Paired with stellar opening sets from Daisy the Great and The Vaccines, the night evolved into a full-circle celebration of indie rock’s past, present, and future. The encore sealed the deal with “Around Town,” leaving fans buzzing with electric satisfaction.
Two Door Cinema Club @ Mission Ballroom on May 30th
Two Door Cinema Club’s performance at Mission Ballroom was a captivating live show. From the first chord to the final encore, the Irish indie rockers transformed the venue into a dance-fueled celebration, blending nostalgia with their evolving sound. Their flawless live execution mirrored their studio recordings, reaffirming why they remain a cornerstone of indie music. Minimal banter didn’t hinder their connection, as their magnetic presence energized the crowd with every beat. With vocals that make you dream bigger and energy that was unmatched, the performance was a testament to their staying power and why seeing them live remains a must.
Khruangbin @ Red Rocks on August 27th
Khruangbin’s performance at Red Rocks was a masterclass in stage design and atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable live shows to date. Inspired by their latest album, A La Sala, the band’s tranquil yet psychedelic energy transformed the venue into a familiar yet surreal experience. Their upscale “living room” stage setup perfectly complemented Khruangbin’s laid-back vibe, amplifying the easy-listening allure that defines their music. Drifting notes and otherworldly riffs filled the amphitheater, creating a funkadelic journey that felt tailor-made for Red Rocks. The only thing keeping you grounded was the crisp mountain air, as Khruangbin’s set effortlessly transported the audience to another dimension.
Happy New Year to all our readers!
