Westword Music Showcase Still Going Strong

A two-day weekend party may be the right size for the annual festival.

The Westword Music Showcase kicked off a new format this year, filling up the Rino Art District with great local talent from the fertile Denver scene. Featuring bands like Endless, Nameless, Elektric Animals, Neon the Bishop, and Pink Fuzz, who performed at Larimer Lounge – only one of a group of venues featuring so many more bands. The bands hit the Larimer stage with unmatched intensity in front of a pleased crowd, one that had been waiting for this for some time. Even the damp, wet rain that night didn’t keep the music from stopping, or the smiling crowds from bumping.

The Larimer Lounge is no stranger to packing in fans, and they always bring the best out of the crowds, despite the small venue. The fact that the first night all of this fun and music was free might have had something to do with the crowds, I guess, but it was that Denver music that stays with each of the fans and that’s why they stayed for the bands. 

The crowds came for free fun, but stayed for excellent music.

The wet weather continued on Day 2, with a slight, never-ending drizzle, but the rain didn’t stop the fans from coming out. Some were dressed like it was a still beautiful, sunny day, others wisely wore rain gear, but everyone wore grins, and excitement was in the air. This year, the Westword Music Showcase proper was held at the Mission Ballroom, outdoors. There were three stages: the Brighton main stage, the smaller (but still good-sized) Native Roots stage, and a 3rd smaller stage in a tent. 

     The Brighton stage featured some great acts like the legendary – and balloon-happy Flaming Lips, indie-funk band Saint Motel, retro classic sound of Jukebox the Ghost, and the hugely energetic X Ambassadors, all of them lead the crowd dancing and partying. It was more than welcome, that crowd had to move around just to stay warm.

Three stages brought the festival to another level.

     The Native Roots stage Featured Don Chicharron, with their high-energy Latin sound. They immediately sparked the crowd into a dancing frenzy. 3 kids from Holdfast also kicked serious ass. There’s a lot to love about festivals – but the best is that you never know who you’re gonna see and gonna find out you really like. But so many will literally change your life. 

     The small, funky sound coming out of the Street stage featured Destiny Shynelle’s Dance Party, Danae Simone and Trayce Chapman, as well as another full tank of music. ,N3ptune – moved because of the rainwas one a lot of people said was one of the Showcase’s favorites

     With all that’s been going on these last few years, the Westword Music Showcase triumphed this year – picking up where it left off, and add the usual dose of new and local acts to serious national acts that didn’t disappoint.