John Prine, SIA and Esmé Patterson are our picks for the best shows around Denver this week. See you there, and if you don’t make it out, follow our music musings on and our selfies on . Oh, our editor has a Snapchat, too. Add “dylanacious” to see him make musicians puke rainbows mid-solo.
John Prine — June 18, Macky Auditorium
While Bob Dylan’s Father’s Day Red Rocks show stands to steal its thunder, at this age, John Prine at Macky Auditorium is the more essential show this week. With songs like “Hello in There,” “Angel From Montgomery” and “Thatap the Way the World Goes Round,” Prine is responsible for his share of indespensible contributions to the American songbook. Like Dylan, his voice has faultered over the years — oral cancer permenantly put a rumbling hitch in it. But seeing him live isn’t merely something to cross off your concert bucket list. After all these years, Prine has lost none of his charm. Tickets are $49.50-$94.50 and available via .
Sia — June 22, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Most of us first heard Sia Furler in 2014, when the Australian artist released her breakout album “1000 Forms of Fear” — or so we thought. In reality, Furler released five albums prior to that commercial success, not to mention the gobs of singles she wrote for artists like Rihanna (“Diamonds”), Beyoncé (”Pretty Hurts”). Furler herself is partially responsible for her low profile –obscuring her face with a now-signature bob, she’s something of the anti pop star. With “This Is Acting,” her just-released seventh album, she’s proven she’s no novelty. Catch Sia at the TV pilot festival Series Fest for her first ever Red Rocks show. Tickets are $63.00-$225.00 via .
Esmé Patterson — June 18, Larimer Lounge
Former Paper Bird Esmé Patterson has a new album out, and it’s good — if you ask , that is. Us, too: “We Were Wild” is all subtly zen rock ‘n roll, and the best thing Patterson has done since breaking off from Paper Bird. She ran through a chunk of songs from the album last week at Twist And Shout, and will break off an even bigger piece at the Larimer Lounge on Saturday. Don’t miss out — it’ll probably be the last time she plays this intimate of a room in Denver for some time. Tickets are $13-$15 via .
