Jazz Aspen Snowmass, as any Coloradan knows, is often less about jazz than it is pop music in general (see its Labor Day Festival, which this year includes Glenn Frey & Joe Walsh, Wilco and the Black Crowes). But at its 20th anniversary June festival, taking place today-July 3, it will live up to its name with shows from Harry Connick, Jr., Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Patti Austin, Pink Martini, Tuba Skinny and others. Visit for the full lineup and schedule. $40-$250.
Tool should, by all rights, be a relic of the ’90s art-rock scene — a complex, prickly act with an enigmatic lead singer and a painfully random release schedule (four full-length albums in 17 years). But the strength of the band’s recorded material and live performances proves otherwise. Tool’s fans have consistently rewarded Maynard James Keenan and company with quick sell-outs and rabid showings at Tool’s Colorado concerts — and the band’s Monday-Tuesday gigs at Red Rocks should be no different. Of special note: Colorado’s Wovenhand (a.k.a. David Eugene Edwards of 16 Horsepower), will open the shows. Sold out.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
