Monolith artist guide

You won't find any Kanye West, Madonna or New Kids on the Block 2.0 at Monolith. Instead, the festival has a stellar line-up including some of the biggest names in the non-Billboard Top 40 musical circle. While Casey Kasem might be out of his element, anyone who pays even the remotest attention to the world outside of MTV and FM radio (college stations excluded) is sure to recognize some of these critically acclaimed progressive music acts, most makeing their debut at Red Rocks.

In terms of musical talent it would be hard to label any of the acts at Monolith as a supporting cast, but exposure-wise there are a plethora that have not yet received Justice-like laurels. The idea for the festival organizers was to bring in bands that, while critically well received, were still poised at the brink of major national recognition. Here's a handful to catch and then go forth and sow the seeds of their success.

While the national and international acts might be the biggest draws, plenty of local Colorado acts - some with more recognition than others - will be on hand to showcase the impressive Centennial State music scene. All of these bands cut their chops playing the multitude of venues around town that support local music and they're surely eager to impress the home crowd. Catch them now before they blow up...