Built to Spill, the guitar-happy indie rock band from Boise, Idaho, has flirted with the mainstream throughout its nearly two-decade career. From 1994’s alt-rock radio hit “Big Dipper” to a shockingly stable relationship with Warner Bros. Records and opening for Kings of Leon this year, the band has rarely wanted for exposure. Still, fans have always flocked to leader Doug Martsch’s intensely melodic, vulnerable songwriting and agreeably loose playing style. The band is supporting 2009’s “There Is No Enemy” with a Saturday show at the Gothic Theatre. $20.
Zac Brown Band enjoyed four nominations from the Country Music Association Awards earlier this month — another hearty pat on the back from the Nashville establishment that has embraced the pop-country crossover anthems of this Georgia band. And it’s well-deserved; Brown is a multifaceted creative and commercial force, counting restaurant owner, label head and philanthropist among his former (and current) titles. Sunday at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Sold out.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
