Picture someone who is both a fan and a fan. Go ahead and try it. If this person exists — which in all likelyhood it doesn’t — this is the week he or she has been waiting for. In search of this illusive character, and also because of the hilarious coincidence that Bon Jovi and GWAR are playing in here a day apart, both acts are on our list of Best Denver shows this week. If it turns out we don’t find the GWAR/Bon Jovi fan, please send your artist’s renderings to us on Twitter @RVRB.
4) GWAR — Gothic Theatre, Wednesday, $19.50-$20
Every single person needs to experience a GWAR concert. Yes, you’ll be frightened and out of place and confused and questioning your grip on reality, but you’ll be a more worldly person for it. This one’s for all those people out there thinking their life is dull, that they need to shake things up and have a little excitement. Seeing GWAR is sky diving for music. Anyone who thinks they know you and thinks they get your personality will be thrown for a total loop when you tell them you’re seeing GWAR on Wednesday.
3) Bon Jovi — Pepsi Center, Tuesday, $19.50-$575
Now, on the other side of the spectrum from GWAR is Bon Jovi, which is the musical equivalent of riding in a mini van. It’s roomy, not at all unpleasant, familiar and makes you look really uncool, even though everyone totally understands why you’re doing it. Is it worth $19.50 to $575? Depends on how badly you want to hear “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “You Give Love a Bad Name” or “Livin’ on a Prayer” live. And it depends on how badly you want to bask in the attractiveness of a 51-year-old man. No one is going to judge you for wanting to do either.
2) Lucero — Bluebird Theater, Thursday, $25-$50
ǰ, being unromantic about the American heartland is the best way to be romantic about it. Songs like “Kiss the Bottle” and “Women & Work” just tell it like it is. Fronted by the ’90s voice of Ben Nichols, Lucero has the sensibility of a band that spent much of its time playing pool in sticky Memphis bars. On Thursday, Lucero kicks off three nights at the . And three nights at a 550-person venue, as opposed to one night at a larger venue, will feel as right for the band and its fans as a cold can of beer. ($25-$50, axs.com)
1) Mike Fest — Hi-Dive, Friday-Saturday, $20
Is there a list of the “nicest music scenes in America?” If so Denver would be near the top. Here we can be proud of the talent the scene produces, but at the same time respect the many good people in the community. Rivalries, bitterness, competition? They’re tough to find here. Whatap been billed as Mike Fest 2013 is proof of the overwhelming positivity in Denver. A slew of local artists are playing on Friday and Saturday at the , with proceeds going to Denver musician Mike Marchant, who is fighting through chemotherapy. Acts include Il Cattivo, SPELLS, Miss America, the Outfit, In the Whale, Kitty Crimes and more. ($20, hi-dive.com)
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Reverb Managing Editor Matt Miller that he uses fairly often, but not often enough to be annoying.
