Words&Photos
Sphere and Loathing: Embracing my inner Deadhead at the Church of the Grateful Dead
“All the years combine, they melt into a dream” I have a confession to make: I was a teenage deadhead. Throughout my late high school and college years, I traveled all over the country (and to Canada!) with my friends- navigating to camping spots and venues long before cell phones made it easy, selling “kind…
Cat Power Sings Dylan Enchants the Paramount Theater
File photo: Cat Power at the Gothic Theater, Denver, 2013, by Michael McGrath
Brian Jonestown Massacre Moody and Magical at Ft. Collin’s Washingtons
The delicious mayhem that is the Brian Jonestown Massacre has been rolling its exuberant psych rock circus around America and Europe for over 30 years now but had never, until Friday night, made a stop in Ft. Collins. The Washington’s crowd found mercurial frontman Anton Newcombe expressing a wide range of feelings- from lovingly offering…
Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade Turn the Mission into a Zoo
Fearless Flying Frogs floated freely through the crowd as Animals took over everything at the Mission Ballroom on Sunday. Les Claypool has been showing up in Denver a lot lately- Sunday was the Frog Brigade’s second visit this year, and Les has played multiple nights in Denver over the past few years with his other…
Queens of the Stone Age Reign Over Fiddler’s Green
Queens of the Stone Age kicked of their set at Fiddler’s Green with the hit that everyone knows- “No One Knows,” indomitable front man Josh Homme exclaiming to the electrified crowd that it was going to be a great night. As the pumped up Denver audience got to experience one of the first real tastes…
King Krule Rules over Ogden Theater
King Krule may be the posterboy for the “slacker cool” aesthetic, but there was no slacking to be found on Friday night as Krule ruled over a packed house at the Ogden Theater. 29-year- old Archy Marshall, the gravel-throated Bristish singer-songwriter, producer, musician, artist- and his powerful band offered a mesmerizing set of jazz-flavored, spaced-out,…
Yngwie Malmsteen Shreds at Oriental Theater
Swedish metal guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen played a mind-blowing number of notes in front of a mind-blowing number of amps for eager fans at the Oriental on Wednesday night. On tour with one-time Deep Purple and Black Sabbath vocalist/bass player Glenn Hughes, Malmsteen and friends created a smoke-filled, big haired, pick-flickin’, classic heavy metal vibe….
Steve Miller keeps proving the Joker is no Joke
Some people call him Maurice. You might know him as the Space Cowboy. But Monday night at Red Rocks, the Joker ruled as the Steve Miller Band celebrated 50 years of- The Joker- which, in 1973 was Steve Miller Band’s 8th Studio album. Let that sink in- the guy who had 8 studio albums by…
Gregory Alan Isakov Gets to Work over Labor Day Weekend
Gregory Alan Isakov did not spend his Labor Day Weekend relaxing- he spent it playing a series of high profile Colorado shows, which kicked off on Saturday night at the Mission, then headed to Dillon Amphitheater before finishing at Red Rocks on Labor Day. The Saturday show at the Mission found the Boulder-based folk-rock singer-songwriter…
Seraphim Shock summons Spooky Season at Oriental
Spooky season started with style on Friday night at Denver’s Oriental Theater. Headliner Seraphim Shock brought their gothy, sexy, monstrous vibes back to where it all started in their hometown of Denver. The night, emceed by long-time Denver personality Sid Pink, featured a host of dark, gothy acts including the Siren Project, DJSlave1 and Faces…
Jux County Feels Right at Home at Lion’s Lair
It kinda felt like “old Denver”- a Friday night with one of old Denver’s coolest bands- Jux County- at old Denver’s coolest bar, the Lion’s Lair. Andy Monley, Chris Pearson, Ron Smith and a host of family and friends put in a rockin’ set of the cow punk Jux County has been cranking out for…
Wax Trax keeps free fun alive with Sunday shows
Wax Trax hasn’t let grouchy neighbors dampen the fun of free music on Sunday afternoons. After getting smacked with noise violations for hosting afternoon sidewalk shows, Wax Trax has moved their Sunday fun around the corner to Bang Up to the Elephant (great drinks! Vegan eats!) Sunday August 27th featured the cow punk cool of…
An Immersive Art Fever Dream at Lakeside’s Summer Scream
Lakeside Summer Scream is an annual Denver tradition that’s easy to love: a fundraiser for Denver Film Society, the ticketed event features open rides and open bars for adults only at Denver’s own amusement gem, Lakeside. Here at Audiovore what we love the most are the artists, performers and delightful weirdos that bring Lakeside Summer…
Bully Flexes at the Marquis Theater
The Marquis Theater hosted a night of fierce and fresh garage pop on Monday with Bully and Bev Rage and the Drinks. Bully’s Alicia Bognanno is a formidable frontwoman and guitarist, though she is certainly challenged (in height) by her opening act- the 7 foot indie rock drag queen Bev Rage. Check out Michael McGrath’s…
Ghost Haunts Fiddler’s Green
The ghouls ruled Fiddler’s Green on Tuesday night with a double-bill of Swedish doom metal featuring Ghost and Amon Amarth. Dramatic makeup and theatrics dominated both the performers and the eager crowd- summonsing both Norse gods and Catholic demons. Audiovore’s Michael McGrath was there to capture all the devilish delirium- check out his great photos…
boygenius Brings a Blast of Summer Love to Red Rocks
Saturday night it was easy to imagine what the crowd sounded like in August 1964, when The Beatles played Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. But in 2023, this was no Fab Four boy band from Britain- this was boygenius- the Tremendous Three from Los Angeles featuring Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. The supergroup…
In The Whale, In The Oriental, In The Pandemic
Photos by Michael McGrath Long time Front Range power-duo In The Whale brought big energy and big sound to the Oriental Theater stage Friday night, as part of the continuing “Safe Sound Series” of socially-distanced inside rock shows.
Thundercat Roars at Ogden Theater
Photos by Michael McGrath Bass ripper and general cool guy Thundercat played the Ogden Theater, Denver on Thursday, March 12th.
Chastity Belt Shares the Love at Bluebird Theater
Photos by Michael McGrath, words by Laurie Polisky – Feb. 24, 2020 Colored balloons were kept afloat by a crowd full of eager hands as Julia Shapiro sung the all-too-fitting lyrics, “We are having a party / I think they’re having fun.” It was a party, albeit bittersweet. Chastity Belt’s Sunday night show at the…
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Keep Their Word at Ogden Theater
Photos by Michael McGrath Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real played the sold-out Ogden Theater on Thursday, February 20th. Leaping Lukas and band have stepped out from the spotlight of being Willie’s son, and Neil Young’s backing band and into their own rightly deserved place on stage. The Colorado leg of their recent…
Marcus King Gives Southern Rock New Shine at Ogden Theater
Photos by Michael McGrath The Marcus King Band played a sold-out Ogden Theater on Saturday, Feb 15th. The 23 year old southern rocker and guitar phenom is on the road supporting “El Dorado,” his new, Dan Auerbach-produced album.
Cloud Nothings, Cursive Blast Bluebird with Brash Post Punk
Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath A trio of C’s from the midwest brought a dizzying night of driving, post-hardcore power rock to Denver’s Bluebird Theater on Thursday and a good time was had by a whole roomful of flannel-decked men and about 12 badass women. Bookended by sets from Omaha-based bands Criteria…
Audiovore Welcomes Our Sound InSight Audio Residents
Hey kids, they don’t call us AUDIOvore for nothing! As the Audiovore team dives headfirst into new projects for 2020, we’re super excited to welcome aboard our trio of audio engineering residents. Our residents will be working alongside Audiovore staff to help create some killer content for Audiovore, and help support and promote awesome Colorado…
The King Khan & BBQ Show with Jello Biafra Serve Freaky Fun to Larimer Lounge
Photos by Michael McGrath Canadian duo The King Khan & BBQ Show offered up a twisted plate of trippy garage rock during the second of two sold-out Larimer Lounge shows on Tuesday, January 7th. A special appearance from Boulder’s own Jello Biafra lent an extra dose of absurdity and punk rock awesomeness to the evening.
Audiovore Roaring into the 20’s with our Sound inSight Video Residents!
We here at Audiovore are super excited about our big plans for 2020! Our Sound inSight Residency Program aims to support career growth in the music industry by offering a hands-on training program for emergent music industry professionals, while also serving Colorado musicians through the production of high quality promotional content. Audiovore’s Sound inSight Residency…
Whiskey, Women and Song the perfect combo at the Hi-Dive
Photos by Michael McGrath Denver’s Hi-Dive showcased kick-ass Colorado musicians Tammy Shine (Dressy Bessy,) Erin Robert’s Porlolo and Nina de Freitas for a rocking night of holiday cheer- and whiskey from Boulder’s own Vapor Distillery.
Monsters Vs. Superheroes: Aquabats and PPL MVR Face Off at Gothic Theatre
Photos by Michael McGrath Children and adults alike experienced wonder and amazement as Superheroes of ska the Aquabats ruled the stage after the monsters PPL MVR shocked and rocked Denver’s Gothic Theatre on Monday, Nov. 11th.
Dinosaur Jr and Kurt Vile make a Perfect Pair at Mission Ballroom
Photos by Michael McGrath, Story by Amy McGrath J Mascis and Kurt Vile represent different generations of indie rock but still, they are musical brothers: two long-haired guitar wizards that emanate ultra-laid-back slacker cool. Both the wizardry and the cool enveloped the Mission Ballroom on Wednesday night when Dinosaur Jr and Kurt Vile shared a…
Starcrawler Finds Chaos at Lost Lake
Photos by Michael McGrath LA’s Starcrawler brought their unique brand of dirty-ass rock and roll to Denver’s Lost Lake Lounge on Saturday, Oct, 12th.
Tinariwen Shines Peace of the Desert on Gothic Theatre
Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath Offering the ideal remedy for the “What the Hell is Happening to my Country and my Life Blues,” Tinariwen blew a warm and comforting blast of desert air through the Gothic Theatre on Friday night. Tinariwen is a long-time collective of musicians from the Taureg nomadic people…
The Waterboys Saturate the Gothic Theatre with Big Music
Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath From the opening notes of “When Ye Go Away,” the Waterboys filled the Gothic Theatre with joy right out of the gate on Tuesday night. What followed was a lush and lyrical mélange of traditional Celtic music, E-street Band-style rock, country and blues, led by the masterly…
Audiovore Announces Sound inSight Residency Program
Audiovore is thrilled to announce the launch of our new residency program, Sound inSight. Sound inSight aims to support career growth in the music industry by offering a hands-on training program for emergent music industry professionals, while also serving Colorado musicians through the production of high quality promotional content. Residencies will be offered to students…
Atmosphere Elevates Sold-Out Mission Ballroom
Photos by Michael McGrath Atmosphere played two sold-out nights at Denver’s Mission Ballroom, Friday and Saturday Sept. 20th and 21st. Audiovore’s Michael McGrath photographed Saturday’s show.
Squeeze and X a Perfect Pairing at Arvada Center
Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath There’s probably not a lovelier place for a date night for Metro area music lovers than the amphitheater at the Arvada Center. It’s a gorgeous venue with great sound, but most importantly, there’s a deeply Arvada-esque sense of chill that reigns over the whole place: plentiful, free…
From the Audiovore Vault: Daniel Johnston and Bad Weather California at the Ogden Theater, 4/5/2008
Photos and Words by Michael McGrath My friend Roger Green helped get me into this show with my cameras and I knew at the time it was magical. So glad I got to photograph Daniel with cool friends from Denver. So grateful for his art in my life. Hoping the Universe has him all wrapped…
The National creates Powerful Magic at Denver’s Mission Ballroom
Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath I refuse to use the word melancholy in (the rest of) my review of The National at the Mission Ballroom on Saturday. Too easily rock writers, myself included, have summed up the band with this description. But Saturday’s romp through both the standout tracks of this year’s…
Audiovore has a new Executive Editor!
Meet Amy McGrath, our newest addition to Team Audiovore. Writer, rock and roll mama, teacher, art lover, cinephile, adventurer Amy McGrath has been thinking and writing about music, film, and feminism in the Denver area for decades. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to pull all those interests together at Audiovore. Keep your onions peeled to Words&Photos…
Happy Birthday to our photographer, Michael McGrath!
Forever 31! Audiovore would like to extend a very special happy birthday to Michael McGrath, our ridiculous and enigmatic photographer and friend. We are forever lucky to have this character around the Audiovore offices and live shoots, and wish him many happy years to come. Check out our Photovore page for his awesome coverage of…
Photovore :: Echo Beds and Munly & the Lupercalians
Echo Beds joined Munly & the Lupercalians for the final installment of Audiovore’s Fortunate Listener series at Mercury Cafe on Wednesday. Check out these dark and mysterious photos from Michael McGrath.
Photovore :: The Outfit and Colfax Speed Queen
The Outfit and Colfax Speed Queen took the stage Wednesday at Mercury Cafe as part of Audiovore’s Fortunate Listener series. Rock and roll, to the max. Click on any photo by Michael McGrath below for an awesome slideshow.
Photovore :: Varlet and Dragondeer
Varlet and Dragondeer graced the stage of the Mercury Cafe on August 28th, 2013, a fantastically intimate and delightful show. Check out photos from the evening below, thanks to Audiovore’s Michael McGrath.
Photovore :: Blue Rider and Clouds & Mountains
Blue Rider and Clouds & Mountains performed Wednesday, August 21st at Mercury Cafe for Audiovore’s Fortunate Listener series. Clouds & Mountains features musicians from Paper Bird, Princess Music, Chimney Choir, Ark Life and more. Super-duper group! Blue Rider had the Mercury crowd on its feet and DANCING by the end of their set, singing “too…
Photovore :: SHEL and Blake Brown & the American Dust Choir
SHEL and Blake Brown & the American Dust Choir kicked off the fall season of Fortunate Listener at The Mercury Cafe on Wednesday, with a rapt audience calling SHEL back onstage for more. A beautiful start to what we expect to be a fantastic fall series! All photos below by Michael McGrath.
Audiovore’s Fortunate Listener series begins again!
Fortunate Listener is back! Join Audiovore this fall at Mercury Cafe in Denver for a live concert series featuring the best of Colorado-based bands. Audiovore will record a video of one song from each band’s live performance, with audio from those videos cut onto a MEEP record available for presale at each show. These shows are…
Photovore :: Colorado Symphony Orchestra & the Beck Reader
The Colorado Symphony Orchestra paired up with local musicians during Westword’s Music Showcase to present interpretations from Beck’s recently released Song Reader, a collection of twenty songs released only as sheet music and never before released or recorded. For the performance at Curious Theater, the CSO collaborated with Otis Taylor, The Hollyfelds, Seven Hats and…
Ask Matty :: Will I find true love?
Let’s be honest, all you hopeless hipsters out there need some serious advice, especially when it comes to dating. And who to better advise on true love than Denver’s most lovable Matty Clark —…
Ask Matty :: Book my awesome band
Introducing…….. Let’s be honest, all you hopeless hipsters out there need some serious advice. And who to better advise than Denver’s own Matty Clark — rock club owner, Zebroid, daredevil, and pretty smart guy….
Photovore :: Kitty Crimes
Kitty Crimes headlined week 2 of Fortunate Listener, stars and stripes and all things nice. Check out these photos from Audiovore magician Michael McGrath, taken April 10th at Mercury Cafe. Fortunate Listener is an awesome live series partnership between Audiovore, MEEP Records, and Mountain to Sound.
Photovore :: Ark Life
Ark Life took the stage for Week 2 of Fortunate Listener on April 10th at Mercury Cafe. Braving a snowstorm and barely-opened hi-ways, Ark Life graced Audiovore’s eyes and ears with a lovely and yee-haw performance. What a crew.
Audiovore Interviews :: The Narrators
Audiovore kicks off our new series called Fortunate Listener at the Mercury Cafe on Wednesday, March 27th, with The Narrators fronting the bill. The Narrators is a monthly storytelling show hosted by Andrew Orvedahl and Robert Rutherford that features comedians, actors, musicians, writers, and other creative types sharing true stories from their lives centered on…
Audiovore and Fellow Creature Recordings present: MISS AMERICA live recording session
On Thursday, March 7th Audiovore and Fellow Creature Recordings present Miss America, in-studio at Mighty Fine Productions! Miss America will be recording a live record during the show at MFP. Shhhh! Wynkoop Brewing Company and Divino Wine and Spirits are sponsoring the event, so come thirsty. Space is limited, please RSVP to mfp@mfpcolorado.com to secure…
Photovore :: Devotchka & the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Audiovore’s Michael McGrath caught Devotchka’s in-store performance with the Colorado Symphony, live at Twist & Shout, on Tuesday, December 18 2012. The two groups celebrated the release of the album “Devotchka Live with the Colorado Symphony” in front of a packed crowd at Twist and Shout. There is a Santa!!
Don’t Look Down, a collaboration of MCA Denver and Audiovore
Audiovore, in partnership with MCA Denver, proudly announces Don’t Look Down, a series of rooftop concerts at highlighting Colorado’s incredibly awesome music scene. Concerts run every Sunday from 5-7pm on the MCA Denver rooftop. The view from the roof is amazing – mountains, cityscape, roller coasters and more. Plus, you’ll be able to drink coffee…
Audiovore Interviews: Kendall Smith of the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase
Kendall Smith is the Event Director of the Underground Music Showcase at the Denver Post. UMS is quickly approaching – kicking off this year on July 19th. We are excited to learn much more about the inner-workings of the showcase and what to expect in years to come. AudioVore: So let’s get real basic; what…