Author: tdwenger

Music has always been a part of my life. It probably all started listening to old Grateful Dead, Peter Paul & Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel records that my parents had, but it wasn't long before they were taking me to concerts like Starship, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Huey Lewis & The News. I got the bug to write about music after reviewing an Eric Clapton concert for a creative writing project in high school but didn't really take it up seriously until 2002. Since then I have published countless articles in The Marquee Magazine and done some work for Jambase.com, SPIN Magazine, and various other outlets. I started Listen Up Denver! as a way to share the music information that is constantly spilling out of my head with people who care. Please enjoy!
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Photos Reviews Slideshow Articles

Joe Pug – February 20th – Swallow Hill

Estimated read time 4 min read

Last Thursday night offered me the opportunity to do several things that I haven’t done in a while. First, I hadn’t been to see a show at Swallow Hill in several years. In fact, it might have been since I saw John Moreland there back in . . . woah . . . 2016??? Is that possible? Anyway, amid all the din that is dominating the news cycle these days, it was nice to be back in the cozy confines of Denver’s Folk music Mecca.

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Photos Reviews Slideshow Articles

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – August 8th – Red Rocks Amphitheater

Estimated read time 3 min read

You’ve heard it here before, when King Gizzard comes to town, don’t ask any questions, just go. Do they need to be your favorite band? No! Do you need to listen to them at home all the time? No! Do you even really need to be familiar with their music? No! About the only thing you need is a mind that’s open to diverse music and a sense of adventure (and maybe a pair of ear plugs).

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Photos Reviews Slideshow Articles

John Craigie – July 10th – Denver Botanic Gardens

Estimated read time 3 min read

On a warm July evening, the Denver Botanic Gardens transformed into a haven for Folk, laid-back Country Soul, and comedy fans, with John Craigie at the helm. Craigie, known for his sharp wit and soulful melodies, brought an intimate yet jovial atmosphere to the serene setting. As the sun faded into the west, the audience settled on blankets and lawn chairs broke out their wine and cheese and prepared to be serenaded amidst the lush flora.

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Reviews Slideshow Articles

Billy Joel – July 12th – Coors Field

Estimated read time 4 min read

Massive lines snaked through the concourses of the stadium as the the crowd, a vibrant mix of ages and backgrounds, buzzed with anticipation long before Joel took his seat at the grand piano. When the first notes of “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” echoed through the stadium, I was instantly transported back to those days of listening to Storm Front on my yellow Sony Walkman.

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James McMurtry – June 28th – Globe Hall

Estimated read time 3 min read

Friday evening that showcased the raw authenticity and storytelling prowess that have cemented James McMurtry’s place among the great American troubadors. Walking into the cozy, intimate setting of Globe Hall, you could feel the anticipation in the air—a mix of longtime fans and curious newcomers ready to be swept away by McMurtry’s narratives. The venue, with its rustic charm and great BBQ, felt like the perfect backdrop for an artist whose lyrics often evoke the heartland’s gritty, real-life stories.

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Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – May 2nd – Mission Ballroom

Estimated read time 3 min read

The Mission Ballroom was buzzing with anticipation as fans streamed in for the Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit concert on a crisp May evening. Denver, a city known for its vibrant music scene, had gathered a diverse crowd—hipsters in flannel shirts, middle-aged couples, and even a few wide-eyed teenagers who had just discovered Isbell’s soulful tunes. The room was crowded, and it was clear that everyone was there to listen and bask in the intricate wordplay of one the best songwriters of our time.

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Heilung – April 23rd – Red Rocks Amphitheater

Estimated read time 4 min read

Heilung unleashed an unparalleled spectacle under a luminous full moon. It was a mesmerizing, and at times overwhelming, performance—a convergence of ancient rituals, primal energy, and ethereal sounds.

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Features Slideshow Articles

Max Davies of Kitchen Dwellers Talks WinterWonderGrass, Dante’s ‘Inferno’, and Jeff Austin

Estimated read time 15 min read

Hot on the heels of a run through Colorado’s ski towns, we caught up with guitarist Max Davies of Kitchen Dwellers over Zoom to talk about the band’s upcoming album (drops Friday March, 1st – Order Here), how it ties into an ancient epic poem, and the band’s love for the late Jeff Austin. Check it out!

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Reviews Slideshow Articles

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – January 5th – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Estimated read time 3 min read

Last Friday night, Daniel Donato brought his Cosmic Country band and his Allman Brothers tribute project, Trouble No More, to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. The sold-out crowd was treated to a night of high-energy guitar wizardry, soulful vocals, and jam-packed renditions of classic songs.

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Photos Reviews Slideshow Articles

Depeche Mode – November 16th – Ball Arena

Estimated read time 4 min read

Depeche Mode, the legendary synth-pop band from Basildon, England, delivered a stunning performance at the Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday night, as part of their Memento Mori tour. The tour, which is named after the Latin phrase meaning “remember that you will die”, is a tribute to their late keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletcher, who passed away last year at the age of 60.