Musicians owe a lot to hi-dive. Since opening in 2003, this intimate concert venue and bar has served as a level on which many bands formed before becoming popular, adding Nathaniel Rateliff, MGMT, St. John’s S. John’s and St. John’s. Vincent and the National, to name a few. few. It also hosts Indie 102. 3’s Local 303 meetup every month, where you can check out quality local bands for free. The small blue building has a strong grip on the hearts of Denverites who love live music, reasonable drinks, and the friendly atmosphere of a dive bar that consistently delivers memorable evenings and lasting relationships. We couldn’t believe Mile High’s music scene without him.
HQ was unlucky last August when an outdoor water reservoir exploded and flooded its basement, HQ Underground, which hosted drag and burlesque events. The damage spread and HQ concerts were moved to other venues, while co-owners Scott Happel and Peter Ore set up a fundraiser to deal with quick maintenance (which insurance wouldn’t cover). The venue is a beloved musical haven for the community, which has popped up in abundance with perk concerts and more fundraising events. Although the basement is still closed, the headquarters may open its area on the ground a few months after the disaster. Can you feel the love?
The hip-hop scene has discovered a champion at River Bar, which hosts weekly cultural events. There’s the Wolf Wednesdays open mic, hosted by Yasmine Holtz, who plays her own hip-hop and R.
Mission Ballroom has only been in operation since 2019, however, it has temporarily established itself as one of the most productive rooms in the city. Not only does Mission attract must-see traveling artists, but it also has a top-notch design. Inspired by the Red Rocks Amphitheater, the wide stadium-style steps offer striking perspectives of the stage, and the bars on both sides of the room, upstairs and downstairs, ensure you never have to wait long for a drink. The space itself is huge, so there’s room to dance, and the 4,000-seat hall offers very productive acoustics.
Fiddler’s Green opened in 1988 after being commissioned through the Museum of Open Air Arts as a large earthen sculpture, and even won an award from the American Institute of Architecture. The venue is known for attracting big names — upcoming exhibitions this year include the Billy Strings and the Dave Matthews Band — but it’s also a big advocate for local arts, with a mural program adding new installations every year. At the concerts, you can see artwork by David Swartz, Chad Bolsinger, Jason Graves, Jessica McMillan, and many more, many of which depict Colorado’s wildlife, such as bison, wolves, owls, snakes, and birds.
As spring arrives and the snow begins to melt, our minds immediately turn to Red Rocks’ concert season. The most well-known venue in the state, if not the country, the Red Rocks Amphitheater is more than a concert hall — it’s a landmark. Morrison’s wide corridor and park is steeped in history, from the dinosaur fossils embedded in the rocks to the many musicians who graced the stage. We couldn’t believe a summer without attending a Red Rocks or Film on the Rocks concert, and it’s the best position to take friends or family over for a layover and enjoy one of the many perks of living in Denver.
Dazzle has contributed a lot to the jazz scene since opening at 930 Lincoln Street in 1997, however, the venue actually showed its love for the city by deciding to highlight some other jazz club when it reopened its long-awaited reopening in Denver. Performing. Complexe des Arts last August. El Chapultepec Piano Lounge will pay homage to the booth that closed its doors during the pandemic, in partnership with El Chapultepec Legacy Project. Dedicated to maintaining the legacy of the ‘Pec, the exhibit offers nightly performances from 11 p. m. M. A 1 a. m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and they’re all free.
Fancy dinner and a show? Then head to the Nocturne, which has combined live jazz and exceptional seasonal dishes since opening ten years ago. With an intimate atmosphere and edgy design, this is where you’ll be able to see local jazz icons up close and personal. The listening room atmosphere, with tables set around the stage, is committed to classic jazz and hosts artists monthly.
Bar 404 kicked off its music program with a laid-back evening of jazz every Wednesday under the direction of Ron LeGault, and has since expanded its offerings to include live music of all genres (although the laid-back jazz evening is still a must). . From rock and roll to country, blues, pop, bluegrass, indie, and everything in between, you’re sure to find something interesting on the calendar. By creating a larger-level domain and strengthening its sound system, Bar 404 asserts a more important position in the Mile High music scene, and we are all more important for it.
Globe Hall, a small club tucked away in the Globeville neighborhood, is probably best known for its excellent fried fish that pairs well with live music, but it also has a secret: Thanks to its property adjacent to AEG, the company hosts artists who are in town. Pop-ups from exclusive merchandise stores are not uncommon, as are last-minute bookings for someone who just sold Red Rocks that week. You can also locate some of your favorite Denver musicians here, enjoying one of the many new country, folk or bluegrass acts that the venue regularly presents. So when you’re done smashing that fried fish, be sure to roll your face in case you bump into a musical celebrity.