10 shows that are better then Monolith and cost less!

Recently my friend Luke made a huge post about the upcoming Monolith festival that will go down at Red Rocks. He was excited and who could blame him, it's going to feature acts like the Kings of Leon, Decemberists, Flaming Lips, Rocky V, Ghost Land Observatory and about 30 more over the course of two days.

But I am poor, and have watched the best of those bands before. Plus I am not really willing to sit in the 100 degree sun and fight major crowds to whiteness what will invariably be a very long distance show.

Instead, I submit to you 10 shows that are going to be way cool, cost less and be much more comfortable then the heat stroke you are sure to suffer at Monolith.

1. Sage Francis @ The Gothic June 30~ Me and a friend just when and saw him do an in store and it was fantastic. He will be back this time with a full band and probably more rhyming tricks then you can wrap your head around. And who can beat the venue? Close, interesting and room for all to get a good look cost $18 --Civil Disobedience.mp3

2. Battles @ The Larimer Lounge July 8~ Who doesn't want to see this show? Seeing these guys make loops live is what has set them apart on the scene. That plus their unwavering ability to make dancy songs that make no sense. And its at the very intimate lounge! $10--Their video is one of the best this year
3. The Rocket Summer @ Cervantes July 14 ~Hard working band that is friends of all they meet. I can guarantee you will have a great time at this show, and walk out being a fan for years to come. All pop punk fans should attend $13 --Listen to them here
4. Bob Dylan @ Red Rocks July 19~ Do we really need a description here? Ill put it to you this way, he is going to play 3 hours and you can tell your friends for years that you saw him. $55 Yesterday.mp3(one of the best covers I have)

5. Maximo Park @ The Larimer Lounge July 19 ~ Same night as Dylan, but this one is your chance to see some real up and comers. I will probably be at this one, as well as ever semi rockin hipster in the 303 $12 --The Coast Is Always Changing (live).mp3

6. Silversun Pickups @ The Ogden July 30 ~ They are coming on strong and are touring with one of my new fav bands Sea Wolf. Should be the last time you can see them for under 20 because the tour before this they were hanging out with Snow Patrol, and are starting to get some air play. $15 --Lazy Eye (live on air).mp3

7. Bishop Allen @ Hi-Dive August 7 ~ All the rage on the blogs these days, these guys cant stay a secret much longer and their new album is spectacular! And its at the delightful little Hi-Dive so you know you and the band will be treated right. $12 -- Check them out here.

8. Fear Before the March of Flames @ The Marquis August 10 ~Come see some kick ass art-post punk music as the Aurora boys come home once again. They love to play in this state and gave up a spot on the warped tour to headline this, so I'm sure they will put a great show in place. $10 -- Whisky is alright, in its place...mp3

9. Wilco @ The Filmore September 1 ~The legends will be in town supporting their new album and everyone knows they know how to put a great show on. Fact, you must see Wilco at least once if you are truly in the scene. The price tag is steep but its going to be worth it $35 --You Are My Face.mp3
   

10. Any Local show anywhere~ Make sure you are supporting the Denver scene, many great bands like the Hot IQs and Lion Sized get left behind in the summer and its nice to go see them once and a while, after all...if the scene dies, your not going to get these sick acts year after year.