This Saturday, June 22nd, Denver hosts 150+ bands on 12 (or 13 – the website says both) stages, filling the Golden Triangle Neighborhood and beyond with sound from multiple genres. Taking place from 12 pm to 10 pm on Acoma Street in between 11th and 12th, Tickets range between $30 – $100 and are non-refundable as this is a rain or shine event. Please keep in mind that while the main, outdoor stage IS all ages, other stages may be restricted to 21+ and 18+. Check the website for further details regarding restrictions.

Denver is well known for its talented local music scene. Home to great venues like the Ogden, the Fillmore, and the Bluebird, it’s no sweat for a festival such as the Westword Music Showcase to pick 150 local bands out of the Denver music crowd. Even better, Denver has so many great locations outdoors that, paired with the amazing summer weather, create incredible concert venues.

A few things to keep in mind regarding this show:

• Chairs are not allowed, but blankets are totally fine.
• You are unable to BYOB & snacks, but there will be plenty of restaurant sponsors available as well as alcohol for sale. All cash basis – ATM’s will be scattered.
• You can ride your bike, but it can’t come in with you. Make sure to bring your Ulock and lock that baby up outside.
• Your four-legged friend will need to have a nice, quiet night. No animals allowed, unless they’re service animals.
• Leave your toy / squirt guns at home. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
• It’s going to be a hot one! Bring your suncreen, a floppy hat, and empty camelpack or large water bottle. Stay hydrated.

With that said, let’s get down to the music. A few bands really caught my attention:

The Mowgli’s
No, it’s not just because my dog’s name is Moguly. I’ve heard this San Fran-based band on Denver’s Modern Rock Channel 93.3 since I’ve been in town, and love their fun, upbeat tempo. Also, for some reason, their music brings me back to freshman year of college, hanging out in my best friend’s dorm room at MSU listening to The Polyphonic Spree… with a handful of folk. The two bands have similar positive, group vocals that really pick you up, which is probably why I made such a crazy reference. Either way, the Mowgli’s musical definition of spreading joy, love, and unity totally bursts out of each song I’ve heard; what else can you expect from an 8-piece band whose lives have been intertwined since childhood? Looking forward to seeing these guys on the Main Stage at 3:05 pm this Saturday.

BLKHRTS
Powerful. This gothic rap group’s music is so incredibly mood-influencing, and full of power not only due to their smooth-running voices, but also due to the steadily building beats the tracks are laid on. Denver’s own BLKHRTS, influenced by Sex, Drugs, Violence, Money, Death and LOVE (per their facebook page), is so hard to pinpoint a musical influence due to their originality. Their music, website, and entire presence screams contagious creativity that I can’t wait to see on Saturday. BLKHRTS will be at the City Hall Amphitheater at 5:15 pm.

Fresh Breath Committee
Classically smooth beats with mindful rhymes describes this hip-hop / rap genre group, Fresh Breath Committee. A distant reminder of Tribe Called Quest, this 7-member group consists of 5 talented MC’s, all featured on their own self-titled record label, Fresh Breath Committee LLC. This is definitely a group I’ll be considering for my own personal summer soundtrack while chilling in City Park. Take a peak at their Facebook page to check out their songs before the show Saturday; they’ll be at the City Hall Street Level stage at 6 pm.

There’s a few to get you started. Again, check out the schedule, scope out some band’s pages, and prepare yourself for a Saturday of awesome music in our most awesome city. Hope you have a great time, and we’ll see you there!