It’s a busy weekend for music here in Denver, so let us be the first to tell you that it’s completely unacceptable for you to not go see at least one show! To try and help make the decision process easier, we’ve compiled a list of shows of varying shapes and sizes: from Red Rocks to radio festivals, down to the little “need to see” acts who are just about to blow up and the locals who always deserve your time and attention. Check this over, and see if you can’t squeak in a little live music to liven up your weekend festivities.

If you want something BIG: KTCL 93.3 FM’s Big Gig

When: Saturday, July 11th.
Doors: 2:30pm

If you’ve been jamming to any songs currently in rotation on Denver’s top Alternative station, 93.3 FM, love a good outdoor concert, or like to blend your big names with a little local love, you couldn’t ask for a better show than the annual Big Gig. Presented by KTCL with some help from AEG, this radio station annually gathers local rockstars, national bands on the up-and-up, and pairs them up with some of the biggest names in Alternative for one massive day of shows. This year’s concert features the likes of a locals stage (featuring many of the bands from Hometown For The Holidays), Nate Ruess of fun., Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness, New Politics, Banks, Atlas Genius, and headlining is AWOLNATION. Sit back, grab a $20 beer and enjoy this eclectic lineup from the comfortable grass of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater.
for tickets: http://www.fiddlersgreenamp.com/events/detail/274698

If you want some RED ROCKS: The Avett Brothers

When: Friday - Sunday night, July 10th - 12th.
Show start: 7:30pm on Friday/Saturday, 5:30pm Sunday.

I must (sadly) premise this part of our list by saying that yes, all three nights of this residency from Indie/Folk/Americana superstars The Avett Brothers is already sold out. But tickets are still available via Craigslist and StubHub! if you’re interested. This band of brothers has been selling out one weekend at Red Rocks each summer for the past few years - and with good reason. The group’s harmonies are top notch, and their music varies from heartfelt, violin-riddled lullabies to leg-slappin’, Banjo filled shoe-stompers. The Avett Brothers are some of our favorite artists, and it’s a stern Ultra5280 belief that you must see them at least once, or you’re certainly missing out.
for more info: http://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/detail/the-avett-br-7-11-2015

If you want to say “I SAW THEM FIRST”: K.Flay

When: Saturday, July 12.
Doors: 8:00pm

I say this honestly, and from the heart: go.see.K. Flay.right.now. Well - at least on Saturday night. This brilliantly unique artist has been blowing up the internet for a few years now, while slowing growing her live presence.

Mixing brutally honest lyrics, entrancing beats, and a unique voice, K.Flay’s music is irresistible - perfect for jamming out, dancing, and my personal favorite - totally throwing down in the car while cruising on the highway, catching stares from all the people I pass. She was out on the entire Vans Warped Tour last year, and has toured with Denver darlings Air Dubai in the past - how many more reasons do I need to give you to make you? If you want a preview, check out “Can’t Sleep”, “Wishing It Was You”, or my favorite, “The Cops”.
tickets: http://www.larimerlounge.com/event_details.cfm?blogid=1901

If you have a thing for LOCALS ONLY: The Bluebird Disctrict Music Festival

When: July 10 - 12th.
When: All Day Err Day

In it’s inaugural year, The Bluebird District Music Festival already seems to be a promising new festival rising out of the East Colfax chunk of Denver. Featuring some of our favorite locals acts like Reno Divorce, Synthetic Elements, Dirty Few, and A. Tom Collins, this festival is a great, small scale festival truly celebrating some of Denver’s best. With show happening at The Bluebird Theatre, Goosetown Tavern, Southside Bar & Kitchen, Lost Lake Lounge and Park House, easy shows with great food and drinks are available all weekend long.
For more information: http://lost-lake.com/bdmf.cfm

AWOLNATION/IMAGINE DRAGONS/ZEALE - SUMMIT MUSIC HALL - 9/28/12

Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION (Photo Credit: Maddie Casey)

It’s been a big year for little bands, and AWOLNATION’s massive growth is another milestone not to neglect. Currently out on a nearly sold out tour with Imagine Dragons, Denver was ready to welcome the bands for two sold out nights at Summit Music Hall this weekend.

Although they’re touring as main support, Imagine Dragons is quickly gaining a massive amount of attention on their own. With the release of their debut album “Night Visions” in the past month, the band has started to really make a name for themselves. With a last minute VMA nomination, a feature on Glee, and even reaching the #1 album slot on iTunes for a week, it’s exciting to watch them growing in popularity so quickly. The band has been in regular rotation on 93.3 KTCL since May, and it was clear that the audience was just as excited to see these Las Vegas natives as they were AWOLNATION. Playing a tracks off their album like “Radioactive”, “Demons”, “On Top Of The World”, as well as the radio single “It’s Time”, the audience was excited and happy to be singing along. The band sounded excited and full of energy, despite it being their second night in the city.

AWOLNATION seemed antsy and prepared to rock the crowd on Friday night. The crowd was pumped from the beginning, bouncing and dancing along to every song. Playing an incredibly long set that featured tracks off their album Megalithic Symphony, the Denver music scene came out in full swing to support one of their own’s success. Singer Aaron Bruno danced about stage for the first few songs of the evening barefoot, even jumping into the crowd at the front of the stage at one point. Hit singles like “Not Your Fault”, “Kill Your Heroes”, and of course “Sail” all had the crowd singing from beginning to end. With a very extended encore, this show was proof that AWOLNATION really thrives off of the live performance more than anything.

Maddie