Scene Stealers | June 2021

Summer is in full swing. We’re getting so much safer so here’s a list of local scene stealers we think you should check out.

Aretha Tribute w/ Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks

Rolling Stone Magazine notched Aretha Franklin as the Greatest Singer of All Time. Top of the list. Mary J. Blige wrote about her: “You know a force from heaven. You know something that God made. And Aretha is a gift from God. When it comes to expressing yourself through song, there is no one who can touch her. She is the reason why women want to sing.” And while she left us in 2018, you can get the next best thing: Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, backed up by the Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks, doing Aretha’s music.

Which is where it should be — the greatest venue in the world. July 8, 7:30 p.m., $55+, redrocksonline.com for more information.

Boulder Creek Fest in Boulder

After it was postponed in hopes COVID-19 regulations would continue to lax, the Boulder Creek Fest is shaping up to be one of the best in years. Running July 16–19, the 3-day event includes a remarkable marketplace and some fantastic acts on three different stages. This year’s lineup includes Danny Shafer, Pamlico Sound, Dechen Hawk, and Taarka, just to name a few.

For tickets, show information, parking and more, check out www.bouldeercreekfest.com.

El Chapultepec All Stars at City Park Jazz

The pandemic took a toll on every sector, but one particularly hard-hit niche was the Denver jazz scene. Starting with the death of legendary Denver saxophonist Freddy Rodriguez Sr. on March 25, 2020 from COVID-19, the casualties mounted and soon we saw the loss of Live at Jack’s and one of Colorado’s most storied and beloved jazz venues, El Chapultepec. Thankfully, City Park Jazz returns this year, and on July 25 they’re hosting a special tribute to Jazz Heritage featuring the house band from The ‘Pec, led by drummer Tony Black.

It’s free (bring a couple bucks to donate to the cause) and family friendly. From 6-8 pm, get more info at cityparkjazz.org.

Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies at the Boulder Bandshell

Enjoy live music and truly local Colorado stories thanks to Local Theatre Company. From June 24 through July 15, you can catch Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies – a haunting and hopeful show that features bluegrass, pop and funk music woven throughout several rarely heard tales from Colorado’s past. Stories include a yarn about a silver mine superintendent with an itchy trigger finger, a Ute youth who was killed by a prospector, and one about a pair of cab drivers you just have to see to believe. Or not.

Shows are free on Monday nights, or you can grab tickets for other performances ranging from $25 to $40. At the Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder. www.localtheareco.org.