It's nothing new. But with just about everyone in town marveling at all the hot new up-and-comers abuzz in Denver, it's easy to forget that local noise had been a strong force long before the birth of Born In The Flood or the fathering of The Fray. In fact the mid- to late-nineties saw a flurry of hard rocking bands that flourished in an otherwise obscure and indistinct scene-never mind that they had far fewer venues to operate out of.
What happened to those early voices?
This weekend, not one, not two, but four favorites from Denver's past will reunite for the third annual Denver Fest. Christie Front Drive, Five Day Messiah, Crestfallen, and The Volts will re-group and rock some new faces for old time's sake. Along with these antiques will come a flood of 70+ bands from Denver and abroad. But whether new or old, the objective remains to remind us how potent underground rock really is.
Current Denver bands will naturally be the majority of Denver Fest's entertainment. Favorites like Machine Gun Blues, Bad Weather California, The New Rome and Fucking Orange are amongst the familiar names to look forward to. Taking the stages they know best, more than half of the bands playing are locals. Some will play D-Fest for the first time; some for their second or third. The early hype is that this will prove to be yet another legendary year in local music festival history.
Perhaps the biggest name to watch for is Christie Front Drive, a beloved four piece that disbanded in '96. Before emo was smeared eyeliner and skinny jeans, CFD was pouring their hearts on top of their grungy guitar riffs and pounding drums. At best their garage-rock catalog has only gained dust and a decade of shelf life, but somehow the magic remains.
Despite the festival's name, Denver locals won't be the only bands to play; groups from around the country will be burning fuel for the roadie to Denver for this three-day event.
Sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Onion, KGNU, and Radio 1190, it's clear that local and national backers are looking to get involved in the production of such an epic event. Among the out-of-towners are Portland's Strangers Die Everyday, Sacramento's The Hope Symphony, and Cincinnati's Lost Hands Found Fingers who hope to ignite a fan base in the mile-high city for future tour dates and couch-crashing purposes.
Luckily, those crossing state lines onto our turff will be able to tap deeply into Denver's bourgeoning scene; many of the venues opening their doors will be all-ages. Younsters hoping to hop from place to place, from band to band, will be able to hit hot spots like the Marquis Theater, Rhinoceropolis, the Arapahoe Warehouse and Glob Glob Glob who aren't hashing on the young mellow by putting down age requirements. For those who don't like to rub elbows with minors will find sanctuary in familiar dives like Larimer Lounge, 3 Kings Tavern, Old Curtis Street Bar, and Bender's Tavern.
But hold on. Bands aren't the only featured guests at Denver Fest. Be sure to check out the extra tid bits of entertainment sure to delight. Towncraft, a film, book, and CD set showcasing the development of the Arkansas music scene will be featured at 3 Kings this Saturday Spoken word performer Lady Speech will throw down her best material at the Hi-Dive on Sunday. The Larimer Lounge will host a barbecue after-party on Labor Day Monday, and a live silk screening will be held in the basement of 3 Kings on Friday.
Ticket prices vary, depending on your level of interest. My recommendation: you go all out and grab an all-access pass. Why miss the fun? All venues, all shows-all of it-all for just $30.
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