You don’t have to be a pot connoisseur (stoner has such a negative connotation) or a vinyl snob to enjoy music this week. Besides 4/20 concerts and Record Store Day celebrations there’s quite a bit more live music to be seen. If you’re looking for something along those lines, we’ve got you covered and you can check out our 4/20 concert guide and our Record Store Day guide. Since that’s all taken care of, our best Denver shows this week focus on what’s going outside of weed and records — and there’s some good stuff.
5) Marnie Stern — Sunday, Moe’s Original Barbecue, $12-$15
‘s obsessive and excessive mastery of her craft (guitar) can be summed up in her decision to pull a song title from a 1,000 + page satirical sci-fi novel by David Foster Wallace. Her unusual guitar tapping style is something to behold and as such can be overwhelming to take in. But to watch her execute such technical prowess (while singing) is not an opportunity to pass up. If it does prove to be too much for you, the good news is you’re at and you can take a break with some great barbecue and bowling.
4) Root 40 Music Fest — April 21-27, Upper Colfax, Free
Kicking off on Sunday is the second annual . While still young, this gathering of musicians and industry pros ties together the bars, venues and restaurants lining upper Colfax Avenue. Itap a great opportunity to see some of the abundant character on one of Denver’s most fabled streets. For seven days (thatap right, seven — Colfax is supposedly the longest street in the country) Root 40 brings live music, speakers and panels. Catch a show at anywhere from the Cheeky Monk to Fat Jack’s to the Lion’s Lair. Live acts include Esme Patterson of Paper Bird, Ashtree, the A-OKs, Continuum and more.
3) Alt-J — Tuesday, Bluebird Theater, sold out
With the Mercury Prize-winning debut album late last year, was immediately served up legions of fans looking for affirmation of the band’s talent. As such, Alt-J faces skeptical audience in every new city. Hype preceded Alt-J at SXSW last month and the band was able to put on a performance that sounded superior to the recorded product. Now on Tuesday Alt-J has a sold out full of Denver fans to impress.
2) How To Destroy Angels — Sunday, Paramount Theare, $29.50-$39.50
When Trent Reznor denounced touring in 2009, the future for Nine Inch Nails fans looked bleak. On Sunday, Reznor finally makes his return to Denver, but not in the way most fans would have expected. Reznor is touring with his new project, , a band consisting of him and his wife, Mariqueen Maandig. HTDA is reminiscent of NIN’s dark castles of industrial rock but with softer pop touches due to Maandig’s innocent vocals. The band is still rather mysterious, having made its live debut only last week. Denver fans won’t know exactly what to expect when HTDA takes the stage at the on Sunday.
1) FoCoMX — Friday-Saturday, Fort Collins, $30
For five years , a little festival up in Fort Collins, has made it a goal to celebrate Northern Colorado music. What started as an event known mostly by musicians now has more than 200 artists and about 20 venues. It’s kind of been our little secret to see the acts before they get buzz in Denver and nationally. In the past we’ve caught indie blog darlings Candy Claws and You, Me and Apollo who soon caught the attention of labels. Well if you haven’t been, this is the year to start adding FoCoMX to your festival checklist. And since there are more than 200 local bands, here are our suggestions of who to check out: Maxwell Hughes, Fierce Bad Rabbit, Wire Faces, A.M. Pleasure Assassins and Sour Boy, Bitter Girl.
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Reverb Managing Editor Matt Miller that he uses fairly often, but not often enough to be annoying.
