Local heroes The Fray broke free of Denver’s gravitational pull thanks to immense fan support and a sound that goes down smooth, mashing the shiniest elements of radio pop with its own sharply melodic sensibilities.
The band’s 2004 signing to Epic Records represented a victory for both The Fray and its loyal supporters, which include a number of prominent Denver radio stations. The band’s schedule is understandably packed now that it’s a favorite at MTV, VH1 and other tastemakers. A tour with Weezer will keep the quartet busy through July while it rewards fans with an iTunes- only live album.
The Fray’s June 24 show at the CityLights Pavilion sold out long ago, so another homecoming event – this one much bigger – only seemed appropriate. To that end, the fellas will stop by Red Rocks Amphitheatre for their first headlining gig. The hot single “Over My Head (Cable Car)” will sound appropriately anthemic as it echoes off the walls of that storied venue. Tickets for the Sept. 30 concert with Meese and Nathan Johnson go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($35.50-$40, Ticketmaster)
Elie Wiesel will lend a hand to Denver’s Jewish Community Center as he speaks at the center’s June 29 Paramount Theatre benefit. The Nobel Laureate and author of “Night,” named one of Time magazine’s “100 most influential people,” has dedicated his life to teaching others about the corrosive effects of hatred and racism. Proceeds benefit JCC scholarships for children’s programming and Jewish child-care agencies. Tickets are on sale now. ($20-$100, Ticketmaster)
LL Cool J bobs on the pop culture waters like a fishing lure, perpetually half-in and half-out of super stardom. The rapper- turned-actor will get back to his hip-hop roots this summer as he tours behind his new album “Todd Smith” – Cool J’s birth name. Fans will get to see him up-close and personal as he rocks the Ogden Theatre, a suitably ornate and intimate venue for the loquacious lothario. Tickets for the July 17 show go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($37, Ticketmaster, TicketWeb)
Michael Showalter and Eugene Mirman may not have founded the indie comedy scene, but they’ve helped keep it alive. Acerbic, political and disdainful of mindless audiences, the scene includes David Cross (a Sub Pop labelmate of Mirman’s), Patton Oswalt and other minor TV stars with cult followings. Showalter formerly fit that bill, moving from cable sketch comedies to flicks like “Wet Hot American Summer.” The duo’s show with Leo Allen at the Bluebird Theater on July 17 promises to attract fans of Sartre and Tobin Sprout. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($12, TicketWeb)
Rick Springfield will live out the rest of his days with “Jessie’s Girl” on his tail, an ’80s pop-rock nugget so indelible that only a genius songwriting feat or lurid sex scandal could distance him from it. Of course, Springfield is also regarded as something of a power-pop prodigy, but fans won’t be attending “MIX 100’s ’80s Concert Fix” to hear anything but the hits. Loverboy and Scandal will round out the nostalgic bill at City-Lights Pavilion. Tickets for the Aug. 18 concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($27.50-$44.50, Ticketmaster)
