March 2018 | Denver's Most Highly Anticipated Shows

compiled by Meesh Deyden for the masses

Lorde photographed in 2014 by Ultra5280 Editor in Chief, Robert Castro 

Lorde photographed in 2014 by Ultra5280 Editor in Chief, Robert Castro 

Mon 3/5 Lorde at Pepsi Center with Run the Jewels

Following her Grammy snub and a string of heartfelt and righteous comebacks, Lorde's North American leg of her Melodrama tour finds an equally fierce (if not more so) ally in openers, Run the Jewels. You may recall Killer Mike's moving speech at a music venue in St Louis, Missouri just a half hour after the Ferguson grand jury decided to not indict officers involved in the killing of Mike Brown. Unsurprising to fans, both acts are heralded for making emotionally and politically astute music that makes you wanna dance h a r d. To sweeten the deal, the seemingly disparate pair just released a remix of Lorde's "Supercut" featuring verses by Killer Mike.

Tix: At the time of publication, tickets are still available! // Pro-Tip: The Pepsi Center powers that be have ordered bartenders to stop serving about 3/4 through the show, so plan ahead for optimal buzz. 

Sat 3/10 Lucius at Boulder Theater

When you move to Brooklyn to embark on your music career and move into a house that turns out to have been a music school and a recording studio, it seems destiny may be working an angle. Since the release of their 2012 EP, Lucius-- led by Berklee School alums Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig-- have toured with Jack White, had their song "Two of Us on the Run" streamed 30+ million times, garnered top nods from NPR & NY Times for their 2014 album, Wildewoman, and snagged a gig singing back up for the legendary Roger Waters. Instead of amping up the production after all this, Lucius is returning to the basics, releasing Nudes, an album of acoustic tracks coming this spring. 

Tix: SOLD OUT // Pro-Tip: Take the bus from Union Station aka don't be a drunk idiot. But if you are drunk and have a case of the drunchies, the Taco Bell next to the theatre will be your best friend.

Sun 3/11 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at Ogden 

George Clinton and P. Funk recently released a track (see video above) that is the 1st song under the Parliament name since the 80s. That's decades w/o an official new P Funk groove! "I'm Gon Make U Sick O'Me" is part of Medicaid Fraud Dog, an album that Clinton says will feature "P-Funk horn players Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Greg Thomas, and Benny Cowan." So if you missed their private show for Outdoor Retailer at Broadway's Temple in February, you can still grab tickets to their Ogden show. 

Tix: $32 // Pro-Tip: Get funky before the show at the funkiest joint on the block-- Sancho's of course. 

Fri 3/16 Portugal the Man at MCA

Turns out that Portugal the Man is pretty tight with current MCA exhibited artist, Cleon Peterson. The recent Grammy winners will be playing a private show at the museum for some lucky fans, and all ya gotta do to get a ticket (really, the only way to get a ticket) is give 'em the ole razzle dazzle, social media style. For full entry rules click here

Tix: see rules for entry here // Pro-Tip: If you have time before or after the set, check out the exhibit in the basement-- it's a video collage matched up to Kanye's "Ultralight Beam" by renowned artist Arthur Jafa!

Tu 3/20 Kinky Fingers at Lion's Lair with Acid Tongue, Ancient Elk

Yo! Surf rock babes, Kinky Fingers, are ridin the wave these days with their latest release, Garbage Plate, hittin the streets and an upcoming Treefort Fest slot! They've been playing a bunch of shows around town, but we're particularly excited for their March gig at our beloved Lion's Lair! Doors are at 8:30 and we suggest getting there in time to check out some stellar opening acts! 

Tix: $8 // Pro-Tip: Lion's Lair is one of our fave classic Colfax dives, so treat it with respect, damnit! And by respect we mean: bring cash, tip your bartender, cheer on the bands, and if you wanna talk during a set, don't do it right by the stage, ya twerp. 

MCA Gala After Party Impresses

The MCA Denver Gala after party was one for the books! The festivities took place at the Sports Castle on Broadway honoring Sir David Adjaye, and celebrating 10 years since he designed MCA Denver’s current building. A Voguish dress code had everyone dressed to the nines, transported to what looked like some fancy, underground warehouse party in New York City. A multi-level layout, an open bar, a room full of human hamster balls, photo booth, and DJ set by artist Neon Indian, allowed guests to stay entertained and well spread out throughout the event.

20171027_002602.jpg

This party was innovative, fun, and obviously very well thought out, however it was interesting to me that many of the ticket holders from the Gala, did not stay for Neon Indian’s set, or most of the after party. Which leads me to the question, could we have allowed more Denver youngsters (21+ of course) in to the set for the actual music? Because the music was worth seeing. Alan Palomo, otherwise known by his stage name of Neon Indian played a fun, upbeat set that deserved a bigger crowd. I will say that the intimacy of the performance was definitely present, especially because Palomo was just strolling through the party before playing his set, having a drink, taking in the wild party surrounding us all. His infectious energy spread through the crowd through his performance and guaranteed a good time! Keep an eye out for more of the MCA’s events, because not only do they have an eye for art, but music as well!