Rock the Convention
A Guide to the Soundtrack of Denver's Democratic National Convention 

Rock To Win
The Fillmore Auditorium
Mon. Aug. 25
Join Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper (pictured right), Rufus Wainwright and the creators and cast of Milk, the much-anticipated film about slain LGBT civil rights hero, San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, to celebrate LGBT equality at the Democratic National Committee Convention!
More info

After Five Jazz & Blues Festival
The Five Points Neighborhood
Sat. Aug. 23 – Friday Aug. 29
Denver's rich jazz and blues heritage will be on display during the Democratic National Convention in August. The After Five Jazz and Blues Festival 2008's stellar musical line-up will represent jazz, blues, Latin jazz, African jazz, gospel and old school jams all in the vibrant Five Points Neighborhood -- known as "the Harlem of the West" in the big band days. The festival is just three minutes from downtown Denver via light rail. This year’s Jazz and Blues Festival boasts its most star-studded lineup yet, with trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (Tues., Aug. 26), saxophonist Gerald Albright (Sat., Aug. 23), Blackbyrds (Wed., Aug. 27) and vocalist Hazel Miller (Wed., Aug. 25), just to name a few. Check the website for a full list of artists.
More info

New Orleans All Star Jam-Balaya
Fillmore Auditorium
Sun. Aug. 24
True to its name, the New Orleans All-Star Jam-Balaya features an all-star line-up of New Orleans musicians, including Allen Toussaint with the Meters, James Andrews, The Wetlands All-Stars with Tab Benoit, Terence Blanchard, Randy Newman and many more. The concert is a a special benefit hosted by the Friends of New Orleans.
More Info

Hot IQs & the Epilogues @ Floyd's 99 Barbershop
Floyd's 99 Barbershop
1608 Champa St., Denver
Wed. Aug. 27 (Doors at 6 p.m.)
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop will host a party for locals during the Democratic National Convention at their newly renovated Champa Street shop in downtown Denver. The cream of the local music scene, including indie pop bands the Hot IQs and the Epilogues will be featured along with food, drink and revelry.
More Info

Green Sunday At Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sun. Aug. 24
The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee will present an official welcoming concert event for invited guests to celebrate the City's greening efforts around the 2008 Democratic National Convention, as well as to raise environmental awareness. "Green Sunday At Red Rocks," an opening act to Denver's hosting of the Convention, will feature performances by recording artists and environmental advocates including Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Sheryl Crow and Sugarland. The event also will feature addresses by Laurie David, global warming activist and producer of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth"; Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All; Bill McDonough, architect and sustainable living pioneer; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior attorney for NRDC and chairman of Waterkeeper Alliance. Executive hosts for the event will be Gov. Bill Ritter Jr., Mayor John Hickenlooper and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar. Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia also will appear. Note: This event is open only to delegates and accredited media.
More Info

Cinemocracy Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Mon. Aug. 25
The Cinemocracy film festival is taking over world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre to throw a shindig in honor of films, ideas and democracy. Presented by GOOD Magazine and part of the Denver Film Society's Film on the Rocks series, this event features music from Romeo Delight, stand-up comedy and the winning Cinemocracy Films – created by amateur auteurs given the task of explaining what democracy means to them on five minutes of film. Come on out for a night of film, music, comedy and more.
More Info

Willie Nelson
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tues. Aug. 26
Living legend Willie Nelson returns with his family band to Red Rocks for a special Convention week appearance. Expect plenty of Willie's trademark hits like "Whiskey River," "Crazy" and "On The Road Again." Jerry Jeff Walker opens.
More Info

DISCOBAMA 2008
Shag Lounge, 830 15th St.
Aug. 23-30
DISCOBAMA is a week-long music and dance party bringing together Denver's finest bands, DJs and friends. DISCOBAMA is a non-partisan, collective effort to recognize and celebrate our musical community while looking forward to a positive change for America's future. All events will be held downtown in the epicenter of the Democratic National Convention at the SHAG LOUNGE, (830 15th St, Denver, CO 80202), 15th & Champa, a block from the Convention Center.
More Info

Moby
The Church
Wed. Aug 27
Dance-Rock master Moby will get bodies moving with a special DJ set at the Church nightclub, (part of the always-fun South of Colfax Nightlife District). The performance is a benefit for the Democratic National Party. Tickets start at $20.
More Info

Unconventional '08
Manifest Hope Gallery
Wed. Aug. 27
Presented by www.moveon.org, Unconventional '08 features a host of hip indie rockers, including the Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the Cold War Kids and Nada Surf. Hosted by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, this is a free and open to the public concert -- head to the Manifest Hope Gallery (2990 Larimer St.) to get tickets.
More Info

Rage Against the Machine, Flobots, Wayne Kramer
Denver Coliseum
Wed. Aug. 27
Known as much for their political activism as for their incendiary live performances, Rage Against the Machine will appear as part of a concert presented by Iraq Veterans Against the War. Also appearing at the show will be Denver's own Flobots, who have made a big splash this year with their hip-hop informed sound and hit song "Handlebars," along with legendary former MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer. Tickets are free -- sign up to get yours at the City of Guernavaca Park.

Etown with Graham Nash, David Crosby, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor and more guests TBA
Temple Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Tues. Aug. 26
Check out a special Convention week taping of this popular Front Range-based radio show, hosted by Nick and Helen Forster. The star-studded bill will include music and discussion with Graham Nash, David Crosby (the "N" and "C" of CSNY), political folk songwriter Ani DiFranco and the legendary James Taylor. The evening will also include inspirational conversation with influential policy-makers and personalities, and presentation of the E-Chievement Award in the classic Etown format which blends music and message to build community.
More Info

D.J. Spooky
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Sun. Aug. 24
As part of the City of Denver’s citywide Dialog:City arts project, D.J. Spooky, a.k.a. Paul Miller, a conceptual artist, writer, and musician working in New York. will perform "Terra Nova: The Antarctic Suite," a multimedia experience sampling from his recordings of the sights and sounds of ice breaking and melting in Antarctica.
More Info

Ballot Bash Concert
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Mon. Aug. 25
MTV’s Rock The Vote Ballot Bash fundraiser is a live concert featuring exclusive performances and collaborations by big name artists. Wyclef Jean, Fall Out Boy, Jakob Dylan, N*E*R*D and more are on the bill -- making this into an eclectic, exciting night of music.
More info