Saturday, November 22

Speed metal band Distorted Faith throws a show with proceeds going to benefit the Tennyson Center for Children, the Rocky Mountain's leading center for emotionally and crisis-affected youth especially those suffering from abuse and neglect. Playing hard, fast and strong, Distorted Faith plays to an all ages crowd for a cause.

While you may not have heard of Matt Morris before you have most likely heard his songs as he has penned hits for Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Reba McEntire. The son of country-music star Gary Morris, Matt found the spotlight early appearing on The Mickey Mouse Club from 1991 to 1994. The singer/songwriter plays soulful and seductive acoustic sets that will make your hips groove.

From the musical hotbed of Athens, Georgia, Dead Confederate plays a southern, psychedelic rock that starts off subdued but breaks into giant melodic overtures. Grunge mixed with alternative country, they have drawn comparisons to My Morning Jacket. The band released their first full length album in mid-2008 and has since appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. They play with Apollo Sunshine, Hawks of Paradise and The Knew.

Danceotron is Denver DJ Sara Thurston's moveable feast of beat-laden chaos. As part of the Hi-Dive's ten year anniversary soiree, Thurston throws a no bs dance party at the rock club that is not for the pregnant or the epileptic. So get your crew, work on your moves and go serve some suckas.

The lead singer for Denver experimental rockers Astrophagus, Jason Cain celebrates the release of his solo EP Endless Rolling Sea at Meadowalrk with help from Elin Palmer, Joseph Pope III, The Beebs and China Kent. Fittingly recorded over the rainiest weekend in recent Denver history, the new record, according to Cain, "is soaked with raindrops. It is made of tears." While the mournful songs might make you think of rainy days, the beautiful melodies will remind you that the Mile High City sees 300 days of sun a year.

With an eye on being rap's leader and spokesperson, MURS' lyrical content is often political and usually uplifting. He recently released MURS for President which showcases his skill in rapping about personal experience and lampoons the sometimes cliche world of hip-hop. He plays the Fox with Kidz in the Hall, Rapper Big Pooh and Isaiah.

Headlining the Strictly Strange Tour, Tech N9ne brings his outsized rap personality to the FIllmore. Usually in face paint and rapping about life's pratfalls, the Kansas City King has a rabid following who appreciate his candor and lack of ego. The tour line-up also features Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Prozak, Skatterman & Snug Brim, Grave Plott and Real Soundz. Apparently spelling was not a prerequisite for inclusion.

Featuring former members of Dead Heaven Cowboys, Drug Under, Shoot Romeo and the Lame Flames, Death Valley Pom Squad's sound has been described as Jane's Addiction meets Motley Cru. They bring their hard rock stylings to the Toad Tavern along with Denver punk/metal goddess Lola Black. Blind Exit, Offering 74 and Grim World Legacy also play.

Denver four-piece punk-rock band the Dropskots have been the torchbearers for the city's skate/punk scene since forming in 1999. Building a strong following through high-energy live shows and a zealous recording schedule, the Dropskots play fast, medium and, occasionaly, slow catchy punk songs. They play the Marquis with Brent Loveday, With Arms Raised and Dead Ringer.

A vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies and an innate ability for improvisation defines Fort Collins' bluegrass quartet Head for the Hills. Their music reflects the band's time in the Colorado mountains which appears to transcend regions as they were awarded top honors at the Yonder Mountain String Band's 2007 Northwest String Summit Band Competition in Oregon. They are joined by fellow Coloradoans Mountain Standard Time.

Texas DJ/producer D:Fuse brings his unique musical style to Vinyl in support of his much-anticipated new album of re-mixed and re-mastered tracks ten years in the making. The DJ often travels with an expansive drum kit including congas, bongos, snares, tom-toms and cymbals.