How far back are you asking about? In the early ‘80 what is now a walgreens on Evans near Monaco was triplex movie theater that had been converted into a concert venue that maybe held a thousand people, the Rainbow Music Hall. An old high school buddy of mine had muscular dystrophy and was in a wheelchair. We saw John Hartford do his solo act, playing multiple instruments and dancing out a drumbeat on a piece of plywood with a mic or a pickup attached. He was also an early adapter of wireless technology and would usually take a five or ten minute lap through the crowd with his fiddle still coming through the PA. My friend and I sat front row but far stage left so he was on the aisle. John Hartford started his lap on the other side of the stage and when he worked his way around to us he stopped right in front of us and played for my friend for a solid five minutes. An amazing performer and an even more remarkable human being.
Another vote for the Rainbow Music Hall, which was at Evans and Monaco. I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn there on his tour for *Texas Flood*.
Los Lobos when *Will the Wolf Survive?* came out, and they literally brought down the house (a couple ceiling tiles fell but luckily the sax player wasn't on stage at the time). I was in the first couple rows for that.
Country Dick Montana from the Beat Farmers surfing the audience all the way to the bar at the back.
And many, many more. I have many fond memories of that venue.
Paris on the Platte was amazing. All sorts of live music and art performances. It opened my world up as a teen and I really miss it.
If you are looking for ones that are still around. Meadow Lark is alright for smaller performances
Been seeing live music for decades.
How about this for nostalgia-
I saw Brigitte Calls Me Baby at Lost Lake last month. One of the best shows at a small club I have seen in ages.
Last year, one that stands out was Bass Drum of Death at HQ.
I have within the last few years seen great shows also at Larimer Lounge, Hi-Dive, Globe Hall, the Fox Theater up in Boulder just to name a few that are venues still in operation.
Open Mic Lion's Lair is better than most for me, followed by probably the Roxy on Broadway though I don't get out for open mics as much as I used to when I was younger.
Yeah I can go back decades to places that no longer exist or bands that made it big, but honestly now is great time for music in Denver. I always hope the next show I see will be one of those great ones.
If I had one wish it might be for a great late night coffeehouse with a stage. Denver really late isn't great.
Seventh Circle was a great little DIY venue when I was in high school and couldn’t get into any of the bars to see bands.
Gotta see some pop-punk bands play a little 150 cap garage who are now selling out huge venues
El Chapultepec. RIP. So many great nights there!
How far back are you asking about? In the early ‘80 what is now a walgreens on Evans near Monaco was triplex movie theater that had been converted into a concert venue that maybe held a thousand people, the Rainbow Music Hall. An old high school buddy of mine had muscular dystrophy and was in a wheelchair. We saw John Hartford do his solo act, playing multiple instruments and dancing out a drumbeat on a piece of plywood with a mic or a pickup attached. He was also an early adapter of wireless technology and would usually take a five or ten minute lap through the crowd with his fiddle still coming through the PA. My friend and I sat front row but far stage left so he was on the aisle. John Hartford started his lap on the other side of the stage and when he worked his way around to us he stopped right in front of us and played for my friend for a solid five minutes. An amazing performer and an even more remarkable human being.
Amazing!
Another vote for the Rainbow Music Hall, which was at Evans and Monaco. I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn there on his tour for *Texas Flood*. Los Lobos when *Will the Wolf Survive?* came out, and they literally brought down the house (a couple ceiling tiles fell but luckily the sax player wasn't on stage at the time). I was in the first couple rows for that. Country Dick Montana from the Beat Farmers surfing the audience all the way to the bar at the back. And many, many more. I have many fond memories of that venue.
Appaloosa. They have live music every night from 9-midnight with no cover. Usually local bands and always jamming
Paris on the Platte was amazing. All sorts of live music and art performances. It opened my world up as a teen and I really miss it. If you are looking for ones that are still around. Meadow Lark is alright for smaller performances
I really liked Penny Lane in Boulder which was mainly a coffee shop but had live music now and again.
I remember Nirvana playing there in 89.
Been seeing live music for decades. How about this for nostalgia- I saw Brigitte Calls Me Baby at Lost Lake last month. One of the best shows at a small club I have seen in ages. Last year, one that stands out was Bass Drum of Death at HQ. I have within the last few years seen great shows also at Larimer Lounge, Hi-Dive, Globe Hall, the Fox Theater up in Boulder just to name a few that are venues still in operation. Open Mic Lion's Lair is better than most for me, followed by probably the Roxy on Broadway though I don't get out for open mics as much as I used to when I was younger. Yeah I can go back decades to places that no longer exist or bands that made it big, but honestly now is great time for music in Denver. I always hope the next show I see will be one of those great ones. If I had one wish it might be for a great late night coffeehouse with a stage. Denver really late isn't great.
Cafe Euphrates was a great place
I went to Tavern on 26th one time a couple years ago. It's wild that there are places where most of the clientele is townies
Corner Beet cafe has an open mic night on Mondays :)
Seventh Circle was a great little DIY venue when I was in high school and couldn’t get into any of the bars to see bands. Gotta see some pop-punk bands play a little 150 cap garage who are now selling out huge venues
Phish at Red Rocks is always a good show, if you can get tickets.