Music is an integral part of the culture of Denver. While there are plenty of big name artists who come to Denver—like Pearl Jam playing sold-out shows at the Pepsi Center—there are many smaller, independent musicians as well. Many of these acts play at one of several theaters in town: The Fillmore Auditorium, the Ogden Theatre, the Gothic Theatre and the Bluebird Theatre. There are great concerts scheduled before the year’s end, and a stop by any of them will definitely be an experience to remember.
Ogden Theatre
935 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO
Originally built in 1919 and re-opened as a concert venue in 1993, the Ogden Theatre hosts what is perhaps the most diverse lineups of any locale in Denver. They cater to almost every musical taste. Famous for hosting many acts early in their career that have gone to make it big (such as Fun., The Naked and Famous and Fitz and the Tantrums) the Ogden Theatre seems to have a knack for picking shows that are sure to be a hit.
Cut Copy: Oct. 29
After a run at Red Rocks this summer, Australian synthpop innovators will be bringing their high-energy live act to the Ogden this Wednesday.
MiMOSA – Plastician: Oct. 30
Prepare for an evening of hard-hitting dubstep with MiMOSA and UK garage innovator/radio DJ Plastician.
Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking: Nov. 19
Take a nostalgia trip from the 90’s alternative rock group Jane’s Addiction who will be playing their famous album “Nothing Shocking” – featuring hit-single “Jane Says” – in its entirety.
RL Grime Lunice Branchez: Nov. 23
Trap kingpin RL Grime is sure to give a heavy performance with support of one half of the trap duo TNGHT, Lunice. This event will also feature soundcloud all-star NY producer Branchez.
Jeezy: Nov. 25
Jeezy will be bringing back highschool and junior high classics like “soul survivor” in what will undoubtedly be a high-energy evening of top-40 hip hop.
Common Jay Electronica: Nov. 29
This will be a night for real hip hop lovers. Jay Electronica, most recently heard on Kendrick Lamar’s game changing track “Control,” will be opening for lyrical legend Common.
Flogging Molly: Dec. 9
The Irish punk rockers will be singing “Drunken Lullabies” this December as they lead to next year’s release of a new album after a four-year hiatus.
Eoto: Dec. 13
Members Michael Travis and Jason Hann, previously from The String Cheese Incident, will be performing in their improvised experimental dubstep style. Chock full of heavy bass, masterful drumming and an incredibly entrancing light show, this show will not disappoint.
The Gothic Theatre
3263 South Broadway
Englewood, CO
The Gothic Theatre, originally a movie theatre built in the 1920s, is one of the most interesting venues in Denver. While only recently being transformed into a concert venue in the late 1990s, one would never know, as the Gothic seems to be perfectly suited to holding concerts.
Although it retains its original Art Deco interior, the inside of the Gothic is painted in surreal colors that create a relaxed vibe for any concert held there. With levels of balconies and a bar on the highest level, the Gothic has a spot for everyone to enjoy a concert, whether you like to relax with your friends and have a drink on the balcony or work your way to the front row to see your favorite act up close.
Method Man/ Redman: Oct. 31:
The Wutang Clan members will be showcasing their frighteningly impressive rhymes this Halloween at The Gothic
Ab-Soul: Nov. 1
Part of the TBE/ Black Hippy rap collective, Ab-Soul joins the ranks of Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar as the most omniscient West-Coast rappers of today.
Gaelic Storm: Nov. 6
This truly unique group takes a modern-rock approach to classic Irish music that will be sure to get you moving on the dance floor.
Deltron 3030: Nov. 11
Cerebral rap king Del the Funkee Homosapien teams up with Dan the automator and Kid Koala to match some futuristic beats with lyrics that rival any sci-fi novel.
Run the Jewels Ratking: Nov. 18
Alternative hip-hop fans rejoice. Heavyweight duo EL-P and Killer Mike are fresh off a free release of their cleverly titled second album “2.” They will be accompanied by the young New York rap group Ratking.
Voodoo Glow Skulls/ Mustard Plug Dan Pothast: Dec. 6
Bust out the checkered ties and suspenders for an evening with ska legends Voodoo Glow Skulls and Mustard Plug. Opening up the night is MU330’s front man Dan Pothast, who is sure to get the crowd skanking.
Bluebird Theater
3317 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO
The Bluebird Theatre, while being the smallest venue on this list, is far from the least interesting. With an occupancy that maxes out at 500 for each show, every concert at the Bluebird is sure to be a more intimate setting where you can talk to almost everyone around you.
If large, 50,000+ person amphitheaters make you cringe, a small, personal show at the Bluebird will be perfect for you. However, the smaller number of people does not make for a less exciting show, as nearly everyone who attends a concert at the Bluebird is excited to see whoever is performing.
Tennis: Nov. 7
Locally-grown but internationally-renowned indie duo Tennis will be performing tracks off their new album “Ritual.”
Horse Feathers: Nov. 8
This indie-folk act from Portland promises a mellow evening filled with classic guitar and string accompaniment.
Vance Joy: Nov. 22
Aussie singer songwriter Vance Joy will perform, riding the wave of his recent North American commercial success from his smash single “Riptide.”
