Carlos Mencia has been praised for his raw, unapologetic humor and panned for allegedly stealing jokes or pandering to lowbrow mentalities. But in the end, he’s one of a rare breed of comedians that could headline a venue like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He’s also the first to do so in more than a decade. Catch him Saturday with Lewis & Floorwax and the Groove Hawgs. $39.50-$49.50.
Rancid is easily the most respected latter-day punk act slated to hit Denver this weekend. In addition to its Saturday show with Murphy’s Law, I Am Ghost and MxPx at the Fillmore ($20), the Offspring, Paramore, Dropkick Murphys, the Spill Canvas and Dropping Daylight will take over Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, also on Saturday. $15-$35.
John Mellencamp seemed weathered from the start. Now that the ornery rocker is approaching 60 years of age, his sentiments feel particularly hard-won and, often, improbably grizzled. He plays Red Rocks on Sunday with roots- rock hero Lucinda Williams. $59.50- $79.50.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
