Doug Stanhope is renowned for his harsh, vulgar stage presence, but the Worcester, Mass.-born stand-up doesn’t simply eschew thoughtfulness for profanity. In the tradition of Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and Bill Hicks, Stanhope is also an astute social critic and quasi-philosopher who just happens to view his subjects through the prisms of booze and grime. He has amassed a devoted following in the U.K., and his cult only continues to grow in the States. He plays music venue Herman’s Hideaway tonight, with opener Waitin’ on Ray. $20.
Air Dubai straddles a lot of genres in its music — the first and most recognizable being hip-hop — though the band also incorporates elements of jazz, rock and R&B. If it all sounds a little messy (and potentially cheesy), know that the seven-member Denver group also makes it sound inevitable in their lives sets. They’ll celebrate their new producer (Flobots guitarist Andy Rok) and the recording of their new album tonight at the Bluebird Theater, with the Epilogues, Young Cities and Archetype. All guests receive free digital downloads. $10.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
