Front Range recommended shows - 7/15

Now the summer is heating up. Looking at the listings, I see a lot of great bands coming. I even had to leave a couple off (sorry, Weird Al).

Thursday, 18 July (Aggie Theatre, Ft. Collins CO)
Son Volt

Americana darlings, Son Volt are still making the rounds, although they come a long way since their early days. The band rose from the ashes of Jay Farrar's partnership with Jeff Tweedy, Uncle Tupelo. Son Volt had its own breakup when Farrar decided to pursue a solo career. This latest incarnation of the band released an album, Honky Tonk, earlier this year that emphasizes their country sound. Come on out to hear some weeping pedal steel guitar, but expect a taste of the band's back catalog as well.

Friday, 19 July (Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison CO)
Global Dance Festival (featuring Beats Antique)

Sure, this is just the first day of three for Global Dance Festival at Red Rocks, but Friday includes world-tronica favorites, Beats Antique. More than just dance, this promises to be a full on spectacle with wild stage shows and great visuals propelled by hypnotic electronic rhythms. EOTO is also on the Friday night bill, with acts like Savoy, Griz, and Gramatik on the following two days.


Saturday, 20 July (Road 34, Ft. Collins CO)
New York Rifles

Like any polite visitors, New York Rifles reached out to me because they were dropping by my town. After listening to their raw, hard rocking music on Soundcloud, I knew I'd need to catch their show. I can hear shards of garage, punk, and modern psychedelic blues scattered throughout their songs, cemented by glorious distortion and driving bass lines.

Sunday, 21 July (Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellview CO)
Wednesday, 24 July (Boulder Theater, Boulder CO)
Robert Earl Keen

Following up on the Americana theme, songwriter icon Robert Earl Keen has a couple of Colorado stops on his current tour. Even if you're not sure you know his name, you can count on recognizing several of Keen's classic tunes. "The Road Goes On Forever" isn't just his most famous song, it's come to represent his long lasting connection with audiences all over America. If you have a choice, catch the show at the Mish; the outdoor stage is a spectacular venue.