Rock bands don’t need a reason to dress up in makeup, feather boas and Obama masks, but Halloween shows are extra-special outings. Here are 10 picks for live music this holiday weekend.
1. “A Tarantino Halloween,” Saturday, Skylark Lounge. Imagine the kind of costumes that will dominate this show with the Hollyfelds and the Gristle Gals. A devious Uma Thurman from “Pulp Fiction”? A foxy Daryl Hannah from “Kill Bill”? Yes, please.
2. Ween, Sunday, 1stBank Center in Broomfield. If any band is weird enough for Halloween, it’s Ween. $38.50-$45 via
3. Elf Power, Saturday, Larimer Lounge. Elf Power is still crafting affable indie-pop jams, and the Georgia-based group will celebrate its return with Mike Marchant’s Outer Space Party Unit and Faceman. $5 via
4. DeVotchKa, Friday-Saturday, Boulder Theater. Colorado’s very own gypsy/mariachi superheroes love to celebrate the big to-dos by dressing up. Saturday is already sold out, so act if you’re planning on going tonight. $39.50 at
5. “The Hot Congress Halloween Show,” tonight, Skylark Lounge. You can count on having a good time when Hindershot is on the bill. Also playing: Kissing Party, the Don’ts and Be Carefuls, Fingers of the Sun, Girls Walk By, Bury My Bones and Lil’ Slugger.
6. Leftover Salmon, Saturday, Fillmore Auditorium. This Colorado bluegrass outfit is enjoying a great year. Now it’s headlining its own Halloween show. $44.50 at
7. Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Saturday, Bender’s Tavern. The Auto Club has more songs about Jesus and Satan and whiskey than most bands have songs about love. And it’s a local holiday staple. $18-$20 at
8. “Zombies! Vampires! Werewolves! Oh My!” tonight, Cervantes’ Other Side. Fans of funk are already familiar with Bop Skizzum — and know this band can throw a party. The bill includes Petals of Spain and Break Through Beautiful. $8-$10 at
9. The Rouge’s “Moving to Nashville Party,” Saturday, Hi-Dive. You read that right. Denver modern-rock act the Rouge, recently signed to Atlantic Records, is moving on to the greener, more industry- savvy pastures of Nashville. Come wish the members farewell. $8 at
10. “Z-Trip Trick or Vote 2010,” Sunday, Ogden Theatre. DJ Z-Trip dished out some of the hottest beats at this year’s Mile High Music Festival, and now he’s back for this Halloween/voting party. Also: the Hood Internet and Goldenchyld. $23.50 via
Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com;
