Chromeo, May 26, Red Rocks: We’re still sore from all the dancing we did at Chromeo’s Red Rocks show in 2014. So it’s good for our souls (bad for our bodies) that the electro-pop duo is returning with Odesza for another mountain dance party.
The Decemberists, May 27, Red Rocks: Courtney Barnett and Spoon will join the Decemberists for what is certainly the most appealing indie-rock concert of the summer for glasses, skinny jeans and flannel-wearing 20-something men and women in Colorado.
Tame Impala, May 30, Ogden Theatre: Even 90-second clips from the upcoming Tame Impala record can give fans a cold, psychedelic sweat. The album is one of the most anticipated of the year, and this May show will likely offer some live takes on new material.
Speedy Ortiz, May 30, Larimer Lounge: Sadie Dupuis is widely regarded as one of the millennial generation’s most promising songwriters. Part poetry, part grunge-rock, Speedy Ortiz captures the anxiety, restlessness and sharp wit of youth in the Internet age.
U2, June 6-7, Pepsi Center: Say what you will about U2 and their obnoxious attempts to force their albums into your iTunes, they’re still U2 and still one of the biggest bands in the world. A two-night run at the Pepsi Center should be proof enough.
D’Angelo, June 10, Ogden Theatre: With the sudden release of his first album in a decade, D’Angelo shocked the music world in 2014. Not only was his album a long-awaited return for the R&B maestro, it became one of the most critically acclaimed releases of the year. Now, he brings his new material and his band the Vanguards to play in Denver.
Neil Young, July 8-9, Red Rocks: In any iteration over the past 50 years — with Crazy Horse, solo, with CSNY, with Buffalo Springfield — Young consistently shone as one of the most iconic songwriters in history. He returns for two nights at Red Rocks with his latest ensemble, Promise of the Real, made up of Willie Nelson’s sons.
Van Halen, July 20, Red Rocks: It’s hard to imagine that four decades into its career, Van Halen hasn’t played at Red Rocks. That ends this summer, as the band plays an intimate and first-ever show at the iconic venue.
DeVotchKa, July 23, Red Rocks: As has become a beloved Colorado tradition, DeVotchKa will team up with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for a performance at Red Rocks. For this fifth annual concert, Kishi Bashi will open, also performing with the CSO.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra, July 31, Bluebird Theater: With a new album on the way, Unknown Mortal Orchestra returns to Colorado for the first time since headlining The Denver Post’s Underground Music Showcase in 2014. That performance was one of the highlights of the festival and of the summer concert season as a whole — UMO is likely to repeat that again.
Florence + the Machine, Aug. 3, Red Rocks:Along with headlining appearances at some of the biggest music festivals in the country, Florence + the Machine has worked a Red Rocks show into its summer tour. The ever-accessible English rock band will likely be in top shape for a memorable night in the foothills.
Nicki Minaj, Aug. 11, Pepsi Center: It’s been about three years since Nicki Minaj played a Colorado show. In that time, she’s been featured on dozens of tracks, released an album and become an international pop/hip-hop star.
My Morning Jacket, Aug. 14, Red Rocks: Having defined itself as an iconic force of 2000s indie-rock, My Morning Jacket will perform in support of its seventh studio album, “The Waterfall.” With 15 years of well-loved material, and a reputation for virtuosic jamming, the band will likely deliver a lengthy and memorable night.
Alabama Shakes, Aug. 16, Red Rocks: Brittany Howard’s voice is a force of nature. It can knock you over, comfort you, surprise you and leave you speechless. Most important, it can fill the biggest natural venues. In support of the new album, “Sound & Color,” Alabama Shakes returns for its first-ever headlining show at Red Rocks.
Jenny Lewis, Aug. 21, Fox Theatre: As we’ve pointed out before, Colorado loves Jenny Lewis, and vice versa. The singer-songwriter will play her fourth show in the state since 2014. It’s hard to resist her bright personality and bubbly melodies packaged in a sweet alt-country pie.
Taylor Swift, Sept. 5-6, Pepsi Center: Time magazine put her in the same category as Pope Francis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Haruki Murakami on its list of most influential people. Those seeing one (or both) of Swift’s two shows at the Pepsi Center will be catching an artist at the peak of her relevancy, popularity and creative output.
Matt Miller: 303-954-1785, mrmiller@denverpost.com
