This August, Colorado Springs will be the epicenter for tried-and-true performers in a variety of musical genres. From rockabilly and ska-punk to bluegrass, progressive country and good old-fashioned rock and roll, three local venues are stacking an exceptional month of live music.
The Black Crowes
Southern Hospitality Tour with Whiskey Myers and SouthallThe Black Crowes land in the city during their Southern Hospitality Tour. Expect to hear Chris and Rich Robinson and their bandmates perform hits including “Hard to Handle,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Remedy,” along with some newer songs.
The Stray Cats
Rockabilly returns with all three original membersRockabilly is back with the Stray Cats strutting their stuff. All three original members will rock this town: Brian Setzer on guitar and vocals, Lee Rocker on upright bass and vocals, and Slim Jim Phantom on drums and vocals. Fresh hits include “Stampede” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Teenage Heaven.”
Sublime
The ska-punk originators reunitedSublime has reunited to bring ska-punk (sometimes known as “skunk”) to the masses. The California-born band may not be well-known in Colorado, but they’ve influenced many modern reggae and ska musicians. Current hitmaker Lana Del Rey sang a cover of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time” for a documentary about the band.
Steve Earle
51 years of country, rock and folkSinger-songwriter Steve Earle will showcase 51 years of his signature blend of country, rock and folk. Luminaries including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Levon Helm, The Highwaymen, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Shawn Colvin, Bob Seger and Emmylou Harris have recorded his songs.
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Bluegrass royalty featuring Jerry Douglas on dobroIf you love bluegrass and country music, Alison Krauss & Union Station is a must-see. Krauss’ honeyed voice and superfine fiddling lead a strong lineup featuring Jerry Douglas on dobro. Fun fact: Krauss trails only Beyoncé and Quincy Jones for the number of Grammy Awards won, with 27 total.
ZZ Top
Sharp-dressed men, cheap sunglasses requiredZZ Top is coming, and you’d better be wearing your cheap sunglasses. The sharp-dressed Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, two-thirds of the founding members, will play music that’s been called “loud, macho, greasy and distorted.” But you’ve got to admit, it’s catchy.
Michael Martin Murphey
Progressive country pioneer rides into ColoradoMichael Martin Murphey, one of the pivotal performers in the progressive country genre, rides “Wildfire” into Colorado. His musical journey has covered the Southwest for decades, exploring the history of cowboy life and bringing new attention to classic songs by Marty Robbins, Roy Rogers and Sons of the Pioneers.
Little Feat
The Last Farewell TourIt’s The Last Farewell Tour for Little Feat. Too talented to stick with just one genre, Lowell George and friends combined rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and more to create something unique. With songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Willin’” and “Oh Atlanta,” the band’s distinctive sound has survived the decades and members’ deaths.