See Also: • Global Dubstep Festival Survival Guide • Dubstep for Dummies, a primer for newly-minted dubstep fans (infographic) • NORAD dance bar to open next month in 2200 space
The weekend is here! Time to cut loose and get your groove on. If that's exactly what you have in mind right about now, great news: You've got myriad options this weekend, from tonight's Global Dub Festival, which essentially kicks off a summer of dance music at Red Rocks, to a chance to catch some rising EDM stars such as Sub-an and Drumcell and a whole lot more. Oh and in case you feel like partying, there's a pink party, some reggae goodness, some hip-hop and even a fashion show. Page down to get the drop on this weekend's best dance and party bets.
The bass will be in full effect at Red Rocks tonight at the Global Dub Festival, featuring Flux Pavilion, Doctor P, Datsik, Dirtyloud and Downlink. (all ages, 6 p.m., $39.75-$80) Check out our Global Dub Festival survival guide for set times and lots more information on the show.
At Beta, meanwhile, Bassic Fridays features Downlink tonight, who will bringing punishing, heavy bass to club's world-class sound system, supported by Ishe and Sureshot. In the Beatport Lounge, P.U.N.C.H.I.S. presents Willis Haltom, Andrew Kevins and Diizel for the best in underground techno. (18+, 9 p.m., $5-$15)
The High Tops, Molina and producer Diles will be celebrating their latest album releases at a dual CD release party at Herman's Hideaway tonight. Also on the bill are Pink Hawks, Mono Verde, and more.
Over at Funky Buddha, Massive Reggae with DJ Uplifter and Da Teacha will be taking advantage of the summer weather (and Buddha's patio) with their super hot reggae monthly party. Expect dance hall vibes for your winding and grinding pleasure, along with $2 Red Stripe and $3 well drinks. No cover and it's 21+up.
Raising Our Voices, a hip-hop show going down at the Tivoli from 6-10 p.m., features a group of artists who are donating their time for this event organized around ending domestic human trafficking in Colorado. Lady Speech in Honey Badger Ritual will be on hand to entertain the masses, as well as DJ Cavem, Rhyme Progression, Overdose and more. $10 a ticket, and $15 will sponsor a youth.
Page down for the rundown of Saturday's best dance and party bets.
If you're looking for bass on tonight, head to the Bluebird for South London dubstep impresario Distance, plus more bass from Starkey, Zeno and Thorazine. (all ages, 9 p.m., $15-$20)
Roots and AAMP are teaming up for rising star Subb-an with Kate Simko on the way to DEMF, along with H-Foundation and Nutmeg at a to-be-announced venue; with lineups like these, the Denver scene just keeps getting better and better. (21+, 10 p.m., $15-$20)
Elevate Patio Sessions presents Kate Simko at the Funky Buddha; the Chicago techno/house (not tech-house, necessarily!) virtuosa will be supported by Jacqueline, so head over for a, well, elevated patio session. (21+, 9 p.m., no cover)
At Bar Standard, Francoise Baptiste and Alvin LaCabe of 3 Deep Productions, along with Duane Taylor and Kevin Kain ENT, hold things down at their hot new Saturday night, Soiree. $10 at the door, dress code is strictly enforced.
Two headliners from last year's Great American Techno Festival, Drumcell and Tony Rohr, will be at 2200 with Bones for the industry-invite opening of NORAD Dance Bar, which comprises an overhaul of 2200's facilities and a renaming of the venue; the second floor will be unveiled with new sound installations, state-of-the-art lighting and LEDs and video mapping. (21+, 9:30 p.m., $10)
The Blend is presenting a theme night tonight at the Meadowlark; this month's organizer (resident Sami T) has pink on the brain, so it's time for the first-ever Pink Party to hit the stages. Pink Mammoth's Ryel K will engage in a disco-boogie battle with Sami, and you can buy limited-edition pink Blend T-shirts if you don't have the appropriate garb. (21+, 9 p.m., $5) Things are going to get glitchy, weird and experimental tonight, meanwhile, at Cervantes' at the aptly named BrainFeeder Showcase with Samiyam, Mono/Poly, RYAT and Mast. (16+, 8 p.m., $12)
Boulder's Technicolor Tone Factory takes livetronica to a whole new level at Casselman's on Saturday night; the band plays Daft Punk, Pretty Lights and other top-level tracks infused with an energy that comes standard in live music. Kid Vegas, Cold River City, GodLazer and Reido will also play. (21+, 7 p.m., $8)
KSHMR (of the Cataracs) will throw down a DJ set at Vinyl on Saturday night; DJ Soup and DJ Digi will support, so come get down to the sounds. (18+, 9 p.m., $15-$20)
If house is your sound of choice, then you'll want to be at And Jack Had a Groove, an all-house bash featuring Jared F, E Dub L, Mr. Rickdiculous, DJ Johnny Gear and J-Trix. The bash goes down at the Cow; bring your dancing shoes! (21+, 9 p.m., $7-$15)
At Beta, the progressive sounds of Michael Woods will be filling the main floor along with resident Dragon and Marshall Monica on Saturday night. (18+, 10 p.m., $10)
Crystal Lee finishes off the weekend festivities with the launch of her fashion line, Block Party, at Beta on Sunday night. Guests will be treated to fine fashion services, manicures and more. ($10 at the door)
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