Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown is on the road again, and the traveling mega- show will swing through Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Tuesday night. Joining the Red Headed Stranger is songwriter Jamey Johnson, who bridges the “Nashville machine” sound and Nelson’s own roots-rock. Nelson, who has been a fixture in the industry since the late ’60s, stands apart from the crop of aging rockers embarking on annual summer victory laps. Tuesday’s show will likely be a greatest-hits-fest, but Nelson’s voice is still smooth as silk, his smile as wide and white and, ahem, illegal, as ever. $55-$65, Ticketmaster.
Black Lips recently lashed out at British singer Jessie J, calling her “the most disgusting pop star I have ever seen” on Twitter. Nothing new for these Georgia punks, who are arguably more famous for their raunchy live shows than their messy garage rock. And yet, the Lips have recorded eight albums in as many years, most recently teaming up with Amy Winehouse producer Mark Ronson on “Arabia Mountain,” released last week. They’ll be in Denver this weekend for a not-so-quiet Sunday evening at the Bluebird Theater. $15.50-$18, Ticketmaster.
John Hendrickson: @RVRB; jhendrickson@denverpost.com
