French Connection

Matchbox Twenty
Although the name “Matchbox Twenty” (yes, they spell out the 20 now) still conjures up a late-’90s, post-grunge, niche band in my head, I think it’s time to allow them the accolades they’re due. The truth is, from album to album, the band has evolved, and that’s best evidenced with Exile on Mainstream, their 2007 greatest hits/EP release that juxtaposed six new songs with 11 classics. Yes, the classics still rock—but the new stuff simply rocks a little bit more. And the most exciting thing about this show is that they’re playing at the Broomfield Event Center, which makes it big time stuff for the little burg (Alanis Morissette’s on the bill as well). 7 p.m. March 5, Broomfield Event Center, Broomfield. $46+. 303.460.8800

Ace Frehley
March 28, 2000. I’m at the Pepsi Center and KISS is on stage. I’m five rows back, and it’s my first time seeing this band live. And yes they’re old, but they still rock, and then, I get to see the most awesome rock moment ever. Ace Frehley stands alone center stage, taking a long guitar solo. As he builds and builds towards an inevitable crescendo, the crowd noise swells, the solo builds, the crowd gets louder and then, finally, he runs a lick through to a power chord and when he hits the chord, a freakin’ rocket flies out of his guitar and bursts into a fireworks display over the stage. And then he does it again. And then again. Ace Frehley. Guitar God. 9 p.m. March 28, Ogden Theater, Denver. $26. 303.830.2525

Buckethead
If you need any explanation about who Buckethead is, simply read these two quotes—Quote 1 (released by Guns N’ Roses after his departure from the group): “During his tenure with the band, Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and his commitment…; Quote 2 (Ozzy Osbourne, from an interview in Revolver magazine): “I tried out that Buckethead guy. I met with him and asked him to work with me but only if he got rid of the (expletive) bucket…He told me his name was Brian, so I said that’s what I’d call him. He says, ‘No one calls me Brian except my mother.’ So I said, ‘Pretend I’m your mum then.’ I haven’t even got out of the room and I’m already playing (expletive) mind games with the guy…Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player. He plays like a (expletive).” If you like Guitar Hero II, you’ve no doubt heard his song “Jordan.” Ozzy’s right. He’s a great player. 8:30 p.m. March 7-8, Fox Theatre, Boulder. $25. 303.443.3399