There’s nothing like a good concert to round out a summer evening. The venues may be warm, but the long hours of daylight and cold beers more than make up for it, and there’s something about hot weather that makes me a lot more likely to get out of the house and get downtown…maybe it’s the lack of winter layers? Denver is certainly getting a lot of big names coming through town this summer, but here are some smaller acts visiting us in July and August that you won’t want to miss.
1. Death Cab for Cutie with tUnE-yArDs- July 15, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This is a show where you should absolutely show up early for the opening act. TunE-yArDs is Merrill Garbus, who creates all of her music on the spot live by creating loops of drums, ukulele, and various vocals. There’s only one word for her live performance: fun. Tickets are $38-$48, available here.
2. Lissie with Tiger Lyle- July 15, Bluebird Theater
Ugh, I hate it when two great musicians are in town on one night. July 15th will be a difficult decision for me. Lissie is an American folk/rock artist with an amazing voice, who is sure to be impressive live. Tickets are $22, available here.
3. Cayucas with Hibou, Coastal Waves- July 20th, Larimer Lounge
Cayucas is the perfect summer band, with catchy tunes and highly chant-able lyrics, perfect for you next road trip. I’m sure this will be a fun show to dance along to. Tickets are $12, available here.
4. Lucero with Brent Cowles Solo- July 26th, Belly Up Aspen
Lucero is a mix of country and punk. Live shows include great sing-a-longs with fans who know every word and many songs to sway and raise a beer to. Tickets are $32, available here.
5. The War on Drugs with Givers, August 7th, Fox Theater
This concert consists of two great bands I’ve been dying to see live– Givers, an indie pop act with beautiful harmonic vocals, and The War on Drugs, an indie rock band that produces dream-like, mesmerizing tracks. Truly a win-win at this show. Tickets are $50, available here.
6. Jenny Lewis with Springtime Carnivore, August 21st, Fox Theater
Jenny Lewis, formerly of Rilo Kiley, performs solo in Boulder on August 21st. Lewis plays soulful indie rock. Tickets are $22, available here.
7. MarchFourth, August 27th, Belly Up Aspen
MarchFourth is a live, touring marching band, complete with dozens of musicians, stilt-walkers, acrobats, and more! Their shows are visually exciting, and sort of like having a dance party at the circus. Tickets are not on sale yet, but will be available here.