Music to a mother's ears

This is the perfect opportunity to show your mom just how much you appreciated what she's done for you. Whether you drop $45 or $145 on tickets, if you take her to Fleetwood Mac at the Pepsi Center on Mother's Day she's sure to dub you "Mr. Wonderful." Featuring a line-up of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckinham and Stevie Nicks, the current "Unleashed Tour" promises to be a show not to miss. The tour is in conjunction with the re-release of the band's classic 1977 album "Rumors."

Usually featuring punk, hardcore, rap or electronica, on May 10th the Marquis Theater hosts the much more mom-friendly Ben Lee. But don't worry this isn't Kenny G, the Australian musician and actor has released eight solo albums including this year's "The Rebirth of Venus." The singer-songwriter is emotive but not corny and his quirky songs have been featured on several hit television shows.

Were you born on tour in the back of a VW van, named sunshine and raised on grilled cheese and veggie burritos? If so, then your mom probably already has tickets to see The Dead at the Pepsi Center. If you're lucky maybe she'll take you along and you can see her relive her bare foot glory days with her hippy friends. Just remember, it's puff puff pass.

Does your mom consider herself a bit of a hepcat? Is he down with soulful jazz with a twist of funk? Tell her to bust out her dancing shoes and accompany you down to the Fox Theater for the ultra cool sounds of Soulive featuring Eric Krasno, Allen Evans and Neal Evans. With guitar, drums and a Hammond B3 organ, this three piece kicks out groove worthy joints that can heat up any venue.

If your mom is one of those quirky moms with a sense of humor not easily offended, then why not test just how tolerant she is by taking her to see Gene Ween at the Walnut Room. One half of the experiemental rock group Ween, Gene is a master of pretty much every musical genre and has an album of each to prove it. Maybe he'll keep it tame for Mother's Day. Our guess is probably not.

So mom knew Boulder was an earthy place, but show her just how crunchy it is by taking her to Spring Creek at the Boulder Theater. The four piece from Lyons plays bluegrass so authentic and old-timey that you'd swear you were in Appalachia. The Lyons outfit caught the ear of Virginia's Rebel Records - who'd never signed a Colorado band in their 50 year history - and they are currently celebrating the release of their label debut "Way Up on a Mountain."

English piano rock outfit Keane will please any mother who shudders at the thought of shredding guitars. It will be good middle ground as Keane makes up for the absence of a certified axe man with dance-y/disco keys and an overall pop heavy sound. The uplifting sound will have you and mom swaying and clapping together in no time.

It's a safe bet that your mom will probably be more than thrilled to catch Gregory Alan Isakov. After all he has drawn comparisons to Bruce Springfield, Kelly Joe Phelps and Nike Drake. Playing acoustic indie folk rock, Isakov has shared the stage with Ani Difranco, Richie Havens and Fiona Apple among others. His music is soulful, bittersweet and beautiful. Just like your relationship with your mom.

A little bit country and a little bit rock, Jackopiece - comprised of Jack O'Neill and Cary Pierce (get it?) - is mellow enough for any mom. The Dallas duo started small, but blew up fast eventually selling out venues across the globe. Their alternative sound has landed them gigs with Counting Crows, Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Lyle Lovett, among others.

Is mom looking for something a little edgier than the Yanni, but not as in your face as Metallica this Mother's Day season? If so, head for the middle ground at the Fox Theater with Cowboy Mouth. Preaching the joys of their hometown for over 15 years, the New Orleans rock outfit brings the gospel of Mardi Gras wherever they go. Over eleven albums and countless live shows, Cowboy Mouth has embodied the spirit of the Crescent City tearing the roof off of venue after venue and converting more fans to their Cajun cult.