It’s odd that younger generations of hip-hop fans might recognize De La Soul only for its collaboration with Gorillaz on the 2006 Grammy-winning hit, “Feel Good Inc.” Unfortunate, too, because in the late ’80s and early ’90s the band helped popularize an alternative hip-hop sound. Luckily, the inexperience that young listeners have with the group might change this year. Along with a tour, De La Soul is expected to release a new album, and most recently, the hip-hop trio released its entire back catalog for free. De La Soul performs at Denver’s Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on March 15. ($25-$30, )
Stomping indie-folk music has been a big trend during the past few years, but rarely does it take as authentic of a sound as Saintseneca. The band stands out from more popular folk tastes, incorporating nontraditional structures and complex soundscapes. Early takes from the band’s upcoming album “Dark Arc” show the band is continuing to experiment with what has become a prepackaged genre. And if Saintseneca proves as successful at SXSW as it did at CMJ in October, the band will be heading to Denver with a good amount of buzz. Saintseneca performs at the Hi-Dive on March 18. ($8, )
Matt Miller, mrmiller@denverpost.com, @Official_MattM
Mike Gordon. March 14, Boulder Theater. Sold out
Eric Paslay, Frankie Ballard. March 14, Fillmore Auditorium. $10.
Conspirator, YAMN, Acorn Project. March 14, Ogden Theatre. $20-$25.
Midwest Rebellion, the 8 Turns, Woodhouse. March 14, Larimer Lounge. $10.
Strange Americans, the Maykit, Bottle Rocket Science. March 14, Hi-Dive. $6.
Rick Springfield. March 14, Gothic Theatre. $39.50-$250.
Rotting Out, No Bragging Rights, the Beautiful Ones, Heart to Heart. March 15, Gothic Theatre. $13-$16.
The Kin, Finish Ticket, Oh Honey. March 15, Larimer Lounge. $8-$15.
The Ataris, Drag the River, Versus the World. March 15, Summit Music Hall. $16-$18.
The Travelin’ McCourys, Pert’ Near Sandstone. March 15, Gothic Theatre. $23-$25.
Nipsey Hussle, Erk Tha Jerk, Esi Juey, DJ Topshelf. March 16, Gothic Theatre. $22-$40.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Valerie June. March 17, Gothic Theatre. $25.75-$30.
Boy and Bear, Justin Hulsey. March 19, Larimer Lounge. $5-$15.
Cody Chesnutt, the Other Black. March 19, Hi-Dive. $15.
Mr. Gnome, Thee Dang Dangs, Indigenous Robot. March 20, Hi-Dive. $10.
