The Westword Music Showcase is back…and bigger than ever. The city’s largest single-day festival celebrating Denver’s music scene has been transformed for 2021 and will take over the RiNo Art District and Mission Ballroom grounds with a two-day festival filling both indoor and outdoor venues with live performances by local and national musical acts, as well as visual and performing arts events, food and drink opportunities and more.
On Friday night, September 17, Denver will experience live music by over fifty of Denver’s best acts ranging from rock to hip-hop, indie, alternative, country, folk, bluegrass, electronic and more playing at multiple venues.
At Saturday’s main event on September 18, the celebration will continue with Young the Giant, Thundercat, Hippo Campus and Matoma, as well as more of Denver’s best bands than ever before on the outdoor stages.
After celebrating two nights of music, arts and culture, you’re then invited to the Mission Ballroom for the official finale, featuring Kaytranada and Duke Dumont.
Head to westwordshowcase.com/tickets to score limited presale pricing! Use promo code ULTRA5280
Ten "Must See" Acts At This Year's Westword Music Showcase
Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)
This year the Westword Music Showcase is celebrating 25 years, an amazing accomplishment. Luckily we have been able to cover this festival for about half of that time. Each year while our staff is narrowing down their schedules we come across a few acts that you must see. Bands that have caught our attention and doing amazing things in the local and national scene. (In no particular order). If you haven’t purchased your tickets today is the last day before they go up in price. Use code: ULTRA5280 for your discounts.
Bailey Elora | 2:30-3:05 | 100% De Agave
Bailey is starting to put her stamp on the Denver music scene with a breakout year in 2019 so far. The singer-songwriter will touch your heart and evoke all the feels of a live performance. Look for her to be a household name in the up-coming year.
Adiel Mitchell | 2:30-3:05 | #VYBE Stage
2019 has been an amazing year for Adiel Mitchell and he is just getting started. With a slew of festivals on the horizon Mitchell brings his own unique sound to the masses. Evoking the persona of Bruno Mars while maintaining the cool of Khalid, Mitchell is set to breakout into one of Denver’s most versatile performers.
Corsicana | 4:10-4:45 | The Church
One of our favorite bands we have been listening to this year is Corsicana. The band is riding the wave of their recently released album and has our stamp of approval. Lead by lead singer Ben Pisano, the band pulls you into a world that evokes the feels of the song truly making a connection with the masterful songwriting.
Yasi | 12:25-12:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage
Ahhh fresh off the cover of this week’s Westword Magazine, YaSi has been having herself quite a year. The sultry singer has been traveling the country playing gigs in New York, Chicago, and Houston and returns to get things started off on the Breck Brew Main Stage. Her current single “Issues” has been on repeat for us and is sure to conjure up mutual feelings between her and her audience.
CITRA | 7:30-8:05 | The Church
While those of you who prefer your drinks stiff, make sure to catch CITRA headlining The Church. The rock band has become the staple band in the Denver rock scene the last few years and brings one of the better live sets of any band. Make sure you have your Jack & Coke ready!
SHAED | 1:20-1:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage
Electro-pop darlings SHAED is ready to shine on the main stage. Hailing from our nations capital the band is led by singer Chelsea Lee and rounded out by siblings Spencer and Max Ernst. If you are fans of Bishop Briggs or Marian Hill, you will enjoy their mid-day set at Westword.
The Hollow | 6:40-7:15 | The Church
What can we say about The Hollow? A band that has come into its own the latter part of the last few years along with CITRA has been hailed as one of the best rock acts to grace the Mile High. If you like your music hard, fast, and raw, The Hollow is for you. P.S……Bring your ear plugs.
Optycnerd | 1:40-2:15 | The Church
Optynerd is set to take their act on the road next month but before they do make sure you check out the duo of Chris Kimmel and Chris Scott. Their music just makes you want to dance, even though if you don’t know how. Catchy beats and feel good lyrics makes this band a must see. Come cool off from the treacherous heat indoors for a wild set.
Plastic Daggers | 5:00-5:35 | Bar Standard
We had a chance to see these guys not long ago at Lost Lake and our ears are still ringing. Plastic Daggers consists of Keaton Kidder and Jordan Palmer. The duo has been making music for the last few years cementing themselves as one of the better live acts in our city. Three things, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to raw, and just like your favorite beer.. it’s going to be unfiltered. Get some!!!
CHVRCHES | 7:20-8:35 | White Claw Stage
I mean it CHVRCHES…..
Must See DJ’s
Hexkitten
Polyphoni
Erin Stereo
DJ Bedz
Always gotta give love to our city’s best DJ’s who week in and week out provide us the soundtracks to our weekend shenanigans.
New Headliners Announced For Westword Music Showcase!!! Tickets On Sale Now!
Westword Music Showcase presented by Breckenridge Brewery, is announcing two more co-headliners - CHVRCHES and Jai Wolf - joining previously announced co-headliners, JAUZ and Bishop Briggs! Plus announcing supporting National acts, The Knocks, Two Feet and The Wrecks - joining Crooked Colours, lovelytheband and Shaed.
This lineup is the biggest we've had in all of our 25 years of Music Showcase and we're letting *you* know first.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
About the Westword Music Showcase:
The Westword Music Showcase returns to the Golden Triangle on Saturday, June 29, 2019! For our 25th Westword Music Showcase, we’re cranking up the volume with national headliners JAUZ, Bishop Briggs, Crooked Colours, lovelytheband, SHAED + more to be announced, as well as more local bands than you can hear in a day, performing at venues throughout the neighborhood.
The Westword Music Showcase, the city’s largest single-day festival celebrating the music scene, will run from noon to 10 p.m. on June 29; tickets are on sale now! In honor of our 25th Westword Music Showcase celebrating local music in the Mile High, we’re selling the first 2,500 general admission tickets for just $25 each! A general admission ticket includes access to all participating venues, both outdoor stages and our merchandise village. The VIP experience includes access to all Showcase venues, a VIP entrance to the outdoor area, special viewing spaces by the two main stages, and a VIP lounge with VIP restrooms (VIP tickets are 21+ only).
Westword Music Showcase: A Day Full Of Fun In The Sun
The crowd going wild during the Galantis set. (Photo: Aly McClaran)
This past Saturday we celebrated covering our tenth Westword Music Showcase and once again we had an amazing day celebrating some of the best national and local music right in the heart of The Golden Triangle. While the main stages were buzzing with some of the best national acts it was the neighborhood venues that provided for some of the best action of the day.
Demi Dimitro of The Velveteers (Photo: Robert Castro)
Roaming the streets of Broadway and Lincoln, we had a chance to take in amazing sets from The Hollow, Kayla Marque, The Velveteers, iZCALLI, Chella and The Charm, Lady Gang, The Corner Girls, Grayson County Burn Band, Florea, Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir, RL Cole & The Hell You Say and more. The main stages had us reeling with amazing sets from locals Wildermiss whose Hometown for The Holidays win gave them a chance to play main stage as has been the norm the past few years. Other notable sets came from Sunflower Bean, St. Lucia, Bonobo and Galantis who need the night.
The one day festival has continued to succeed by sticking to a simple formula and that is to provide some of the best Denver local acts along with some of the buzz bands on the national scene to provide a day full of musical bliss.
Photos: Robert Castro
Photos: Aly McClaran
8 Must See Bands At This Year's Westword Music Showcase
Another year and another Westword Music Showcase is upon us. This years lineup boasts a who's who of amazing artist from national acts, to some of the best local acts our city has to offer. Without further adieu we want to give you a glance at what artist to be sure to catch this year. (in no particular order).
1. Wildermiss - Coors LightMain Stage - 12:25-12:55 PM
One of the hottest rising bands in Denver Wildermiss is a fun band to watch led by the amazing Emma Cole on vocals the band is well on its way to becoming the best band in Denver. (I feel like we've said that before)
2. Kayla Marque - 100% de Agave - 2:45-3:25 PM
Kayla Marque is a Denver born native whose career we have been following closely for years now. A talented singer-songwriter Marque captures you with her attention to heartfelt lyrics and emotional live performances.
3. The Corner Girls - 100% de Agave - 3:40-4:20
Fresh off their packed show for the release of their latest single "Boyfriend" The Corner Girls bring a newfound sense of fun and catchy lyrics to their live performances. The three-piece is sure to make you dance and make you choose who's a better kisser me or my sister?
4. Chloe Tang - #Vybe - 12:00-12:40 PM
A newcomer to the scene Chloe Tang is a multi-genre artist whose talent is able to adapt and give us an array of sounds from her multi-faceted landscape making for a truly unique listening experience. Be sure to het their early for her set.
5. Los Mochochetes - Stoney's Main - 6:10-6:50
One of Denver's hidden secrets Los Mochochetes preach unity and love in each of their songs. Cut from the same ribbon as bands such as Ozomatli, Los Mochcochetes brazen filled political lyrics are unmatched and provide for a high energy performance.
6. Sunflower Bean - Mike's Lemonade Stage - 2:00-2:45 PM
Indie rock darlings hailing from New York, Sunflower Bean is a three piece rock outfit lead by vocalist Julia Cumming. Fusing from inspirations such as bands like Beach Fossils, The Smiths, and The Cure. One of our favorite acts from this years SXSW festival, we are excited to see them rock in our own hometown this year.
7. Felix Fast4ward - Vinyl Main - 5:15-5:55 PM
Felix Fast4ward continues to fly under the radar in the Denver music scene. one of the most respected musicians in the scene who strives keeping a low profile Felix manages to captivate you with his unique style of play often fusing lops, and live instrumentation to make for a pleasurable listening experience.
8. Ray Reed - Vinyl Rooftop - 3:40-4:20
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Ray Reed is no stranger to the Denver hip hop scene. Honing his craft for the past several years and drawing influence from the likes of Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, Reed delivers punchy lyrics and amazing production to deliver the goods. A must see!
New Headliners Announced For This Years Westword Music Showcase
The Westword Music Showcase has just added to its impressive lineup with the announcement of three new headliners including Treepeople, Phantoms, and St. Lucia. The three acts join an already impressive lineup that includes Galantis, Bonobo, Joywave and more. Tickets are currently on sale an as an added bonus if you use promo code ULTRA5280 you will score discounted tickets.
Treepeople was an alternative rock band from Boise, Idaho, although it spent most of its time and was officially based in Seattle, Washington. The band was composed of Pat Brown, Wayne Rhino Flower, Doug Martsch, and Scott Schmaljohn.
A Los Angeles-based EDM duo featuring the talents of Kyle Kaplan and Vinnie Pergola, Phantoms deliver icy/hot electro-dance beats with a dash of techno and heavy dose of pop hooks. Friends since the age of 15, the pair dabbled in the Disney side of the television and film industry -- Kaplan was featured in Hannah Montana and 10 Things I Hate About You while Pergola appeared in That's So Raven and Miss Behave -- before shifting all of their focus onto music. After honing their chops as DJs, the duo began producing their own music under the Phantoms moniker, releasing their eponymous instrumental debut EP via OWSLA in 2013-
-All Music
Essentially the solo vehicle for singer/songwriter Jean-Philip Grobler, the Brooklyn-based St. Lucia make shimmery, '80s-influnced, synth-driven pop. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Grobler grew up singing in the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, which found him touring and performing around Europe, Japan, and Australia. After leaving the choir, Groblerattended music school in England before relocating to New York City. Once there, he began writing his own pop songs and recording under the name St. Lucia. The band's self-titled EP appeared on Neon Gold in 2012. In 2013, St. Luciareleased their full-length debut album, When the Night, featuring the single "Elevate." The album entered the Billboard 200 and hit number six on Billboard's Top Heatseekers Albums chart. Grobler and his band then spent the better part of the next few years touring, playing summer festivals and opening for other artists including Charli XCX and Ellie Goulding. In 2016, St. Lucia returned with their sophomore full-length album, Matter, which included the singles "Dancing on Glass," "Physical," and "Love Somebody."
-All Music