22APR
WestwordBest Of :: Arts & Entertainment
BEST OF DENVER® /// ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT /// 2018
BEST BLUES CLUB
Lincoln's Roadhouse
Kerry Pastine & The Crime Scene
Since the release of their album Let's Do This Thing in 2015, Kerry Pastine and the Crime Scene have taken the national roots music scene by storm, spending the end of 2015 and most of 2016 touring North America. From sweaty, sold-out small clubs to sharing the main stage of the Bohemian Nights New West Fest with the Steve Miller Band, the Crime Scene shows no signs of slowing down. "The vintage tones swing and punch -- like Joan Jett backed by the Stray Cats," noted Pandora when naming Let's Do This Thing their Pick of the Week of September 1, 2015.
Delta Sonics
The Delta Sonics have been playing in Colorado since 1992, and have established themselves as one of the finest blues acts in the area with their solid musicianship and exciting live performances. Their musical stylings include Chicago Blues, West Coast Swing, New Orleans R&B, and some early Rock n' Roll. The band has won Westword's Best Blues Band Honors for four years in a row (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).
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DEC
Austin Young Band
Delivering fiery guitar licks and soulful sounds to listeners worldwide, Austin Young has crafted a unique sound and crowd-pleasing experience. With electrifying passion, energy, and stage presence, Austin makes every show personable and memorable to those within earshot. While staying true to traditional Blues elements, Austin has incorporated themes of contemporary Rock, Jazz, and Gospel to make his sound stand out to the large crowds he attracts.
13APR
NEW YEAR'S EVE - The Outliers
Ashton Lee
Ashton Lee is a Nashville recording artist who moved to the Denver area earlier this winter (to broaden his horizons and play in the mountains). He is now marking a name for himself around the Front Range, hitting country bars and playing with three other skilled players steeped in the hard-driving south: - Blake Watts on drums (Nashville studio musician; also plays with Neyla Pekarek of The Lumineers) - Courtney Kaye on guitar (Nashville recording artist) - Travis Owens on bass (from Atlanta; also plays in prog rock band Dang'O) Ashton's guitar licks, voice, and songwriting skills make you realize why he was in demand to play in studio sessions back in Nashville.
In addition to country originals and covers, the band will also belt out some blues, rock, and funk tunes. They'll be bringing us a dynamic musical experience complete with vintage roots and modern flare. We'll be stomping our feet to their soul.
AOA with Laura Newman
In addition to an extensive repertoire of original jazz compositions, they know hundreds of classic hits, standards, R&B, acid jazz, funk and pop tunes. AOA also has a huge catalog of original music. AOA presents innovative arrangements of hits that deserve continued recognition.
15APR
7APR
Johnny & The Mongrels
Johnny & The Mongrels is a high powered, New Orleans infused, "Swamp Funk & Bayou Blues" collaboration from Fort Collins, Colorado. The project was developed in April of 2015, via the mutual musical admiration of singer songwriter Johnny Ryan & incomparable bassist/singer, songwriter/multi instrumentalist, Jeff Bostic.
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CC and The Riders
What do you get when you take Dann Burke’s soulful, clean guitar licks; throw in Cass Clayton’s smoky-smooth, three-octave vocal range and slide guitar; mix it up with Sugar Rich Liner’s old-school blues harp and keyboards; and top it off with a rhythm section that features Jodie Woodward (“Best Bass Player” People’s Choice Awards for 5 years running), and Mike Ray (who holds down a groove like nobody’s business)?
8APR
29APR
Johnny O Band
The Johnny O. Band is a smokin' band out of Boulder, Colorado. With funky grooves and high energy jams, their music is both captivating and danceable. The band plays many originals aswell as some great songs by blues masters of the past.
The Custom Shop Band
The Custom Shop, from Louisville, CO, plays the blues, rock, R&B and Motown as well as its edgier original take in those genres.
John Weeks Band
John Weeks plays guitar and lives in Denver. John has been very active in the Denver blues scene for a number of years. He played with the Cedar Avenue Blues Band (which he started with Melanie Owen) and was with the Bluzinators prior to that. He was most recently the guitarist for Papa Juke prior to starting the John Weeks Band.
Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts
Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts formed in January, 2013, and have since been touring steadily through the North, Mid and South West states. The core of the band is made up of Ryan Chrys on guitar and vocals, Bradley Weaver on lap steel and vocals, Paul Lanier on bass and Vic Stauffenberg on drums. In their home state of Colorado they often perform as 5 or 6 members with Laura Quam on violin and Josh Skelton on second guitar. Ryan, Bradley and Paul all knew each other for years through performing in the Denver scene. Their dedication, talent and mutual taste in music lead them to join together and with the addition of Vic on the drums they found the unique, edgy, country sound that defines them now.
Tommy Knox Band
Ethyl & The Regulars
Denver's Premier Honky Tonk, Western Swing and Hillbilly Boogie Band
27APR
31MAR
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David Booker
After all these years I am still playing music full time. I moved to Denver Colorado, USA in 1981 from London, where I had been involved with the music scene since 1970.