Best shows this week
, along with the Fray, is the biggest pop-rock act to have called Denver home in recent years, and the boys are showing some hometown love with a (relatively) intimate acoustic show at the on Friday. Led by super-producer Ryan Tedder, the band will be joined at its second annual “Denver Acoustic Christmas” charity concert by a who’s who of Colorado musicians, including , Flobots and Zack Heckendorff. Tickets were available as of press time, but don’t be surprised if this one sells out. Itap for a good cause, after all. $39.50 or $150 for a VIP package. or 888-929-7847.
is another nationally touring Denver artist who makes a point to play high-profile shows here around the holidays — as the “Last Comic Standing” winner will do again at Comedy Works on Larimer Square this weekend. If you’ve never seen Blue’s hilarious, self-deprecating act, which he says puts “the cerebral in cerebral palsy,” you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve already seen Blue’s 2012 Showtime special, “Sticky Change,” you should also know that he’s a master of crowd work and you’re unlikely to hear the same jokes told the same way twice. 7 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday. $22.50. . John Wenzel
More shows this week
Born in the Flood, Nathan and Stephen, In the Whale. Friday, Gothic Theatre. $39.50-$150.
Railbenders, Johnny Hickman & Band. Friday, Bluebird Theater. $20.
Pick of the ’Pec Quintet Swings the Holidays. Friday, Dazzle resturant & lounge. $8-$12.
Clutch with Texas Hippie Coalition. Friday, Fillmore Auditorium. $34.50.
Madlib, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Shigeto, Joe Nice, the Widdler. Friday, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom. $30.
Best of the West 4: Kruza Kid, SF1, Anxious, Amphibeus Tungs, Valedictorian, MDZ. Friday, Herman’s Hideaway. $4-$8.
Iluminado Comeback Show: Flagship, Anterroir, the Echo Chamber, Will Daniels. Friday, Summit Music Hall. $5.
Face Holiday Show. Friday, Boulder Theater. Sold Out.
Wire Faces, i sank molly brown, ANML, Fist. Saturday, Larimer Lounge. $8-$10.
The Christmas Revels. Saturday, Boulder Theater. $14.75-$33.50.
Nightmare Before Xmas III: Autumn Lies, Midknight Run, Arise the Lie. Saturday, Gothic Theatre. $8-$10.
Wayne “The Train” Hancock. Saturday, Hi-Dive. $12.
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John Wenzel is an A&E reporter and critic for . Follow him and .
