Front Range - Recommended shows 11/12

A couple of ska-oriented groups this week to enjoy, along with some other fine choices.

12 November(Boulder Theater, Boulder CO)
B.B. King

I've said it before, B.B. King is a living legend. He was just here at the end of August with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and now he's back at the Boulder Theater. This intimate setting will provide the perfect venue to appreciate King's incredible blues. Even if you were at Red Rocks, drop by the Boulder Theater and soak it in.


15 November (Hi-Dive, Denver CO)
MTHDS

Party time band MTHDS are releasing a new CD, Pretty Deep. Their mix of rock, ska, and hip hop promises a good show (and a good album). Drop by the Hi-Dive for the CD release party and support a great regional band.

16 November (Fillmore Auditorium, Denver CO)
Nas
Lauryn Hill

Nas and Lauryn Hill are partnered on the "Black Rage/Life is Good" tour. Hill has had some odd twists in her career since her time with The Fugees. Still, she's been a powerful and outspoken voice with strong convictions. She recently debuted her new song, "Black Rage".

Nas, meanwhile, has a new album out, Life is Good. A great rap lyricist, he will be sure to deliver some solid flow and knowledge. Pairing these two strong personalities makes this show a high point for hip hop in Denver this month.

18 November (Gothic Theatre, Denver CO)
The English Beat

One of the great 2Tone-era ska bands, The English Beat blended catchy arrangements with a strong, up tempo ska beat to create some great music. Their arrangement of Smoky Robinson's "Tears of a Clown" redefined that song as a ska classic. Their originals, like "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Hands Off, She's Mine", and "Save It For Later" were tight masterpieces. Last time I saw them, they still had the energy and spunk of their early days.