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 weekend's most interesting show is a giant house festival with an eye-popping lineup. There's also a hefty bill of Colorado rappers and four excellent bands at The Meadowlark. Plus, it's Record Store Day on Saturday: Celebrate at Wax Trax with Tautaun and friends.
1. Who's Having Fun Festival With Helen Keller, Paean, Matt Struck, Via, Phonebooks, Gary Burden and Friends, Dream Wagon, Otem Rellik, Night of Joy, Married in Berdichev, Candy Claws, Pollination Population, and Hideous Men
1346 Lipan st. Saturday, April 17. Noon to 10pm. You're advised to donate a minimum of $5, bring a sack lunch and RSVP at [email protected]. Horchata and snacks will be available for purchase. NOTE: No drugs or alcohol!!
Why you should go: How long will it last before the cops shut it down or the mixer goes out or whatever? How trashed will this dude's house get? These are just two of the other questions (besides Who's Having Fun?) worth asking about this festival. That said, this lineup is ridiculous, so stacked we'd be impressed if an actual venue put it together. We can't wait.
Update: In the interest of clarity: We are not suggesting that this thing will be a disaster. Quite the opposite. It certainly seems like festival curator Caz, who stopped by in the comments below, is dedicated to ensuring good clean rock and roll fun, and we have no reason to believe it will be anything but.
More information: Facebook event page Schedule at Act So Blog Forest
2. "That 70s Show" ft. Fresh Breath Committee With Three the Hardway, F.O.E. & The Foodchain Herman's Hideaway Friday, April 16. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Why you should go: Hard to go wrong here -- if you're looking for a primer on Denver hip-hop, these guys are all good starting places. And if you're familiar, we don't need to tell you that these are some of the most engaging, powerful rappers in the city. Still can't get enough of FBC's last album.
Listen: Fresh Breath Committee Three the Hardway F.O.E. The Foodchain
3. Fell With Jim McTurnan & The Kids That Killed The Man, Jim Jims and Still Light Meadowlark Friday, April 16. Show starts at $8
Why you should go: It's been a while since we've heard from Fell and Jim McTurnan, but both are wonderful bands. Fell is coming off a two-record year and sounds more polished and heady than ever. And Jim McTurnan is prepping his first record with The Kids That Killed The Man, and if any of their first few shows are an indication, it's going to blow some minds.
Listen: Fell Jim McTurnan & The Kids That Killed The Man Jim Jims
4. Tauntaun With Ideal Fathers, Speedwolf, Accordion Crimes Wax Trax Saturday, April 17. Show starts at 2pm. Free
Why you should go: Record Store Day is a national holiday in the right circles, and this is most assuredly the right circles. Fucked Up is paying tribute to Wax Trax with a single, but the real action is with local metal mainstays. Tauntaun especially is as ubiquitous as it gets in this scene, and seeing them play a venue like Wax Trax promises to be pretty unforgettable.
Listen: Tauntaun Ideal Fathers Speedwolf Accordion Crimes
5. The Books Fox Theatre Friday, April 16. Show starts at 9pm. $20.00/$25.00 day of show.
Why you should go: The Books are the exceptionally rare band that's really testing the limits of music, truly exploring new territory, and still remaining listenable. Found clips, unconventional instruments and an impeccable sense of place make these guys can't miss. The big name acts might be playing next week, but don't overlook this one.
Listen: The Books
