Analog Space returns to the Meadowlark

Now there are two compelling reasons to make your way to the Meadowlark on a Tuesday night. Denver's most bipolar bar -- with the dingy basement speakeasy and the gorgeous backyard garden party vibes -- has been offering up a diverse and not entirely offensive open mike extravaganza for the...

By Eryc Eyl

July 9, 2009

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Now there are two compelling reasons to make your way to the Meadowlark on a Tuesday night. Denver's most bipolar bar -- with the dingy basement speakeasy and the gorgeous backyard garden party vibes -- has been offering up a diverse and not entirely offensive open mike extravaganza for the past few months. Until recently, it was hosted by singer-songwriter Calvin Locklear and multi-instrumentalist Joe Grobelny, of Everything Absent Or Distorted and Boba Fett and the Americans. About three weeks ago, the torch was passed to Maria Kohler of Houses and Dualistics frontman Tyler Despres. As with any open mike, the quality of the performances varies wildly, but if you stick around long enough ($1 PBRs and $2 well drinks make that easy), you just might catch something special. Established acts have been known to debut new material and new lineups here. Best of all, there's no cover. But wait, there's more.

Now that the weather is consistently warm, you'll want to spend some time in the Meadowlark's beautiful backyard, and the bar has started another Tuesday night event that'll make that even more attractive. DJ Peter Black has resurrected the Analog Space concept (also free), inviting a number of well-known Denver DJs to spin an eclectic and mesmerizing mix. This week, Black was joined by DJ Ginger of Mommy's Little Monster and much more and DJ A-What of the Pirate Signal. Though there were a handful of beat-heavy selections, Black explained that the goal of Analog Space has never been to create a dance party. Instead, he and his cohorts complement the Meadowlark's fairy lights, sunflowers and laid-back vibe with tracks that keep the energy level high without dominating the space. Friends can still hear one another well enough to share embarrassing July 4th stories, and lovers can hold hands, gaze into each other's eyes and probe each other with tongues. It feels like the hippest house party you've ever attended, and it's going down every week.

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