Tori Kelly, Biz Markie, Datsik and Lil B are coming to Colorado in May

Thursday, May 12
Tori Kelly
w/ Thirdstory
Ogden Theatre

It’s arguable to believe that Simon Cowell completely fucked the entire music industry with one stupid show. American Idol has done nothing but lead young minds into an abyss of self-apprehension, questioning whether or not their passion is good enough for a thumbs up from white people. After he told Tori Kelly her voice was “almost annoying” and booted her from the show, she didn’t let it phase her, now one of the most sought after pop writers and performers of this generation. And, hey, she was nominated for a Grammy this year too. Suck on that annoying success, Cowell.

Monday, May 9 – Tuesday, May 10
BØRNS
w/ Stephen
Gothic Theatre

Originally from Michigan, the indie pop come-up known as BØRNS has dominated radio play in recent months, most notably for his “Electric Love” earworm. With one of the most unique voices on the circuit right now, Garret Borns is looking towards a steady climb in what’s sure to be a solid career.

Saturday, May 14
Global Dub Fest
w/ Datsik, Bro Safari, Slander and more
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

It’s baaaack. Even though the neighbors of Red Rocks would rather have their peace and quiet this season, the creators of Global Dance Festival and Decadence NYE say, “NAY!” Come experience the rocks being rocked at the annual Dub Fest — bringing Datsik, Bro Safari and more. Sorry neighbors. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sunday, May 15
Mac Lethal
w/ Curta and Troxy Cotton
Marquis Theatre

Ho-lee-shit. Do yourself a favor and watch Mac Lethal’s YouTube videos. This guy is incredible with the microphone and has rhyme structure and quickness unlike anyone else in the world (literally.) He doesn’t hold World Records for nothing. How is this possible? Mac Lethal can’t be real.

Friday, May 20
Lil B
w/ Salva and Joey Purp
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

If ever there’s doubt about the influence Internet content has on music careers, look no further than Lil B the BasedGod and his huge network of fans. Dude hustles like nobody else in the hip-hop industry, but it’s his “curses” that keep him in the headlines. Hype = money, and he’s doing it right.

Friday, May 20
Doomtree
w/ Sean Anonymous
Marquis Theatre

It’s a good month for hip-hop, it would appear. While some know of Minneapolis’ scene as the moat that Slug built, the Doomtree collective has never been far behind. With underground mainstays the likes of P.O.S., Dessa, Lazerbeak and more, the collective is one every head should get behind.

Friday, May 20
Biz Markie
w/ DJ A-L and Friends
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

YOU! YOU GOT WHAT I NEEEED! Come witness a legend, as Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox brings Biz Markie to Denver for an intimate evening of beat-boxing, rhyme-slaying mastery. In his time, Markie changed what it meant to control a mic, and we bet ol’ boy’s still got it.

Monday, May 23
Aesop Rock
w/ Rob Sonic, DJ Zone and Homeboy Sandman
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Rhymesayers Entertainment’s Aesop Rock has been scientifically found to use more unique words in his rhymes than any other hip-hop vocalist in the game, past present and probably future — by a long shot, too. His is a special kind of delivery, with his shows always an experience to be had.

Thursday, June 2 – Saturday, June 4
Punk Rock Bowling & Festival
w/ The Buzzcocks, Millencolin, FLAG and more
Summit Music Hall

The famed weekend that was once only available in the mean streets of Las Vegas, NV has now found a new city to branch its tattooed arms into. The Punk Rock Bowling & Festival brings close to a dozen of punk rock’s best for three solid nights of entertainment. Oi! Oi! Oi!

Saturday, June 4
40 oz Bounce Denver
w/ Denver’s Top Hip-Hop DJS
Lincoln St. Station Bar & Grill

Touting itself as an afternoon built for the next generation of young artists, the half BBQ and entertainment, half networking event is the doing of 40oz Van, a viral innovator HuffPo calls a “marketing genius.” Spend the day building contacts with other creatives during this free gathering of the minds.

NOTABLE MENTIONS:

Saturday, May 7
Papadosio
w/ Ott & the All Seeing-I and Opiou
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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Tuesday, May 10 – Wednesday, May 11
Explosions in the Sky
w/ Disappears
Ogden Theatre
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Friday, May 13 – Saturday, May 14
Immortal Technique
w/ Jedi Mind Tricks and Chino XL
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
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Saturday, May 14
The Neighbourhood
w/ Kevin Abstract
Ogden Theatre
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Tuesday, May 17
Disclosure
w/ Honey Dijon
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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Wednesday, May 18
Untz Festival Pre-party
w/ Bass Physics, Lucid Vision and more
Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
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Friday, May 20 – Saturday, May 21
The Used
w/ The New Regime
Ogden Theatre
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Saturday, May 21
Tech N9ne
w/ Krizz Kaliko, Rittz and more
Fillmore Auditorium
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Tuesday, May 24
Nada Surf
w/ Moving Panoramas
Bluebird Theater
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Tuesday, May 24
Brett Dennen
w/ Firekid
Gothic Theatre
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Friday, May 27
Kill The Noise
w/ special guests
BETA Nightclub
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Sunday, May 29
Pvris
w/ Lydia, CRUISR and Polyenso
Summit Music Hall
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Wednesday, June 1 – Friday, June 3
The Disco Biscuits
w/ special guests
Ogden Theatre
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Sunday, June 5
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
w/ special guests
1st Bank Center