The Ultimate Music Xperience returns to Bender’s Tavern this weekend for two ridiculously packed days of music. The event lets up-and-coming locals battle it out for votes and ultimately a spot on the 39th Capitol Hill People’s Fair stage this summer. So what’s the ridiculous part? You get to see a whopping 80 bands for free, from better- known locals such as the Trampolines and Demon Funkies to dozens of obscure acts — all in a rotating battle-of- the-bands atmosphere. Check it out Saturday and Sunday at Bender’s, 314 E. 13th Ave. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. Free.
Patty Griffin is a heartening figure to those bemoaning the apparent loss of solid, rootsy songwriting or the proliferation of ever-fracturing musical genres. A critical darling on par with Emmylou Harris (with whom she’s collaborated), Griffin writes and plays music that reeks of sepia-toned Americana but never feels forced. Of course, making it sound easy is the product of years of toil, which Griffin has in spades. She brings her folky, soulful songs to the Paramount Theatre on Monday. $25.50- $45.50. TicketHorse
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
