Lorde, the Joy Formidable and Speedy Ortiz top our picks of best Colorado shows this week. We’ll be seeing you there, and if you don’t make it out, follow the music musings and our
5) Cheech & Chong — 1stBank Center, March 22
Weed has been legal in Colorado for how long now and Cheech & Chong are just getting around to stopping here? The classic comedian, acting and writing duo performs at Broomfield’s 1stBank Center on March 22 for its “Up in Smoke: The Tour” on March 22 with funk band War. Itap a nice billing, considering the laid-back attitude of both acts and the new freedoms in Colorado. Expect this to be a smoky show.
4) The War on Drugs — Bluebird Theater, March 26
No it’s not U.S. drug policy, it’s well respected indie-rock band the War on Drugs. The band heads to Denver a week after the release of its excellent new album, “Lost in the Dream.” The slow burning album is full of ’80s nostalgia from Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and more. Shining guitars and synths drape the open horizons of the War on Drugs’ third studio album. The band plays the Bluebird Theater on March 26.
3) Joy Formidable — 3 Kings Tavern, March 25
There aren’t many more ideal places than the 3 Kings to see the fuzz-rock act the Joy Formidable in Denver. The low ceilings, intimate size and rock-bar atmosphere make it the perfect home for bursts of crunch and thrashing drums from the upcoming Welsh act. When the Joy Formidable last stopped in Colorado about a year ago, they sold out the 1,000-capacity Gothic Theatre. So, a chance to see their show at a venue half the size is hard to pass up. And did we mention that tickets are $5 with an RSVP? The show is on March 25 — best
2) Lorde — March 22, Fillmore Auditorium
Denver will finally get its first glimpse at the breakout international star Lorde this week. The New Zealand pop star has dominated charts and the pop music conversation with her hit song “Royals.” You know the one — it won Grammys for song of the year and best pop solo performance, appeared in commercials with Lionel Messi and went six times platinum. Lorde might be young, but she has all the success many artists wait a lifetime for. She’ll make her Denver debut at the Fillmore Auditorium on March 22, and needless to say, expectations are high. ($55.50, livenation.com)
1) Speedy Ortiz — Moe’s Original, March 22
If only Speedy Ortiz could re-write music history, the band could change the male dominated ‘90s grunge scene. Of course, without the aid of time travel, the best the upcoming band can do is pay tribute to the likes of Nirvana, Mudhoney and other alt-rock masters. Rough around the edges and anchored by creative tunings and the sweet and tough vocals of Sadie Dupuis, the Massachusetts indie-rock band has struck up some buzz thanks to its 2013 debut, “Major Arcana.” Memorable performances at SXSW and CMJ music festivals have helped Speedy Ortiz get national attention. The band performs at Englewood’s Moe’s Original on March 22. ($10-$12, moesdenver.com)
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