The Weekend Showdown: Experience the FoCoMX

With Ian Cooke Band, Glass Hits Bluebird Theater Saturday, April 10. Show starts at 8:30pm. $10

Why you should go: Snake Rattle Rattle Snake are (relatively) hitting the big time here, netting the headlining slot at The Bluebird. Something tells us they’re equal to the challenge. Ian Cooke, meanwhile, is one of Denver’s best singer-songwriters.

Listen: Snake Rattle Rattle Snake Ian Cooke Band Glass Hits

4. The Big Pink

With A Place To Bury Strangers, IO Echo, Boyhollow Bluebird Theater Sunday, April 11. Show starts at 8pm. $15.00-$18.00

Why you should go: Go for “Dominoes” if nothing else. That song is just ridiculous live. Plus, A Place To Bury Strangers are playing. They graced the main stage at our showcase last year, and if you like your rock and roll loud, they’re a tough act to beat.

Listen: The Big Pink A Place To Bury Strangers IO Echo http://www.myspace.com/vitaminsband” target=”_blank”> Boyhollow

5. Laura Goldhammer & The Silvernail

With Tanukis, Window’s Bane and Dovekins Swallow Hill Saturday, April 10. Show starts at 8pm $12.00-$16.00

Why you should go: Laura Goldhammer seems to play a show twice a week — that isn’t stopping us from going. Her immense talent and boudless joy are on display with each performance, whether it’s with backing band The Silvernail or The Dovekins.

Listen: Laura Goldhammer & The Silvernail Tanukis Dovekins

We would hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend in our fair city, so we’ve decided to run down five of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us — and the rest of the world — what we missed in the comments.

This week, the Fort Collins Music Experience enters its second year way bigger and better — a ridiculous 184 bands over two days. Back in Denver, Achille Lauro releases Indiscretions, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake headlines the Bluebird, and The Big Pink returns.

1. FoCoMX

15 venues in Fort Collins Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10. $15

Why you should go: Well, the math works out to something like seven cents per band, which is pretty insane. Northern Colorado is home to maybe the most vibrant scene, pound for pound, anywhere in the state, and this is quickly emerging as its biggest celebration. Everything from mainstream (Tickle Me Pink) to cutting edge (Wire Faces), this should be one hell of a good weekend.

Listen: FoCoMX

5. Laura Goldhammer & The Silvernail

4. The Big Pink

5. Laura Goldhammer & The Silvernail