The DNC cheat sheet: From Rage to Flav, Backbeat has you covered

What: Unconventional '08

Where: Andenken Gallery Outdoor Stage (2990 Larimer Street), 6 p.m.

brian landis folkins

The Flobots will be the most visible act during the DNC.

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More About

• Tent State University
• Cuernavaca Park
• The Fillmore Auditorium
• The White House
• Democratic National Committee

Details: Presented by Manifest Hope and San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome, Unconventional '08 features a slew of indie-rock acts such as the Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, Nada Surf, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, as well as a performance by DJ Z-Trip. The event is being produced in tandem with Manifest Hope Gallery, an exhibition of visual artists including Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores and Ron English, among others, that runs from Sunday, August 24, through Thursday, August 28, at Andenken.

Odds of Getting In: Slim and none, unless you're among the fortunate few who have been "pre-allocated" tickets. Ditto the VIP after-party, which will feature performances from Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Zooey Deschanel (She and Him), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) and Jonathan Rice.

Thursday, August 28

What: The War for the White House Gala

Where: La Rumba, 8 p.m.

Details: Headlined by alt-comedy yuksters Eugene Mirman and Neil Hamburger, the War for the White House Gala will also feature a steady dose of pure indie rock from Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and DJ sets from Lipgloss residents Tyler Jacobson and Michael Trundle. Make laughs, not war.

Odds of Getting In: Excellent. Tickets are free and available by sending an RSVP to vip@theonion.com.

Friday, August 29

What: Rock the Vote Denver 2008

Where: Denver Performing Arts Sculpture Park, 10 p.m.

Details: Yes, the DNC will have packed up by the time this concert takes place, but we're still here — and the local scene is reason to party all year long. Starting now. Kicking off at noon in the Sculpture Park on Speer Boulevard, this show will go until midnight with performances by ALL, Rose Hill Drive, the Heyday, Kinetix, Animo, the Photo Atlas, the Mansfields, Meniskus, American Relay, Spools of Dark Thread and more.

Odds of Getting In: As good as Obama's chances of securing the Democratic nomination the night before.