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Westword’s annual Best of Denver issue is on newsstands now. Within it, you’ll find several hundred of our favorite things about this city, everything from best handcrafted signs to best tater tots. Go find yourself a copy to earmark and keep in your car or bicycle basket or whatever.
It’s not all junk food and arts and crafts, of course. Some 50-plus of this year’s best things/places/people/events in Denver come from the world of music, covered here every day on Backbeat. For ease of perusal, we’ve spotlighted those below. Click on any of the category titles to read about this year’s winner. And let’s start some healthy debates in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter. It’s already time to start looking for next year’s best.
Best Jukebox
Skylark Lounge
Best Karaoke Bar
Armida’s Mexican Restaurant & Lounge
Best Open Mic
The Meadowlark
Best Jazz Jam
The Meadowlark
Best Blues Jam
Ziggies
Best Blues Club
Ziggies
Best Jazz Club
Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge
Best Dance Club
Beta
Best New Club
ViewHouse
Best Dance Party of the Summer
Global Dance Festival
Best Club Night
Mile High Soul Club
Best Dance Party of the Year
Decadence
Best Disco Revival
Denver Disco
Best DJ Party
DJ Ktone’s Birthday Bash 6: Denver Got Next
Best Beach Parties
Inkmonstr Pool Party Series
Best Theme Parties
Crowdsurf Concerts
Best DJ Set
DJ Muggs
Best DJ Showcase
Electronic Tuesdays
Best Hip-Hop Hangout
Cold Crush
Best Hip-Hop Brunch
Table 6
Best Club Patio
Bar Standard/Milk Bar
Best Club Smoking Area
Vinyl
Best Cocktails at a Music Venue
The Soiled Dove Underground
Best Metal Brewery
TRVE Brewing
Best Metal Fest
Denver Black Sky
Best Mic Stand
Lola Black
Best Vending Machine
Larimer Lounge
Best Bathrooms at a Music Venue
Red Rocks Visitor Center
Best Experimental Mix
Watt? Amplified and Supercharged Music Expression
Best Musical Mix
Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Best Mix of Music and Comedy
Greater Than Social Club
Best Underground Venue
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
Best New Venue
The Sidewinder Tavern
Best Place to See New Bands
Seventh Circle Music Collective
Best Unexpected Place to Hear Local Music
Untitled at the Denver Art Museum
Best DIY Promoter
Zach Smith
Best Underground Talent Promoter
The Hundred/Home
Best Reunion Show
40th Day
Best Album-Release Show
Chimney Choir
Best Album-Cover Design
Scavenger, The Raven and the Writing Desk
Best Flier Art
Ethan McCarthy
Best Stage Art
FaceMan’s shark stage
Best Music TV
Sounds on 29th
Best Music Video
“Culture Over Currency Vol.1” Collective Culture Cypher
Best Band Name Change
Wiredogs
Best New Band
Inner Oceans
Best Concert of the Year
Prince and 3rd Eye Girl
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