They’re back…

We lived a period where our social calendars were blank. Our live music calendar was empty. I used the virtual show to plan date nights and become excited about something. The optimistic music fan in me knew that live music would roar back. When it all began, those in the know threw out mid-2021 or even 2022 for a resurgence. At the time, it was hard to fathom. An entire year without stepping into a venue, experiencing our favorite acts, and being able to forget everything else happening around us for a 90-120 minute set disappeared.

Denver is fortunate to be home to Levitt Pavilion, a non-profit music venue housed centrally to most. It’s part of the Levitt Foundation, a group dedicated to utilizing underused green spaces and turning them into accessible venues for all to experience the performing arts. It’s outdoors, has an impressive sound system, family friendly, and continues to bring in a diverse lineup. On paper, one would imagine the acts frequenting a place of this nature would be local or mediocre. But it continues to be the opposite: respectable names I want to see. Over its four years, this venue is a host family to acts from all around the world. Yesterday I did a double take on their email announcement: Moenia and Ozomatli are being added to their Free Summer Concert Series.

Both acts were my early instructors in the art of the Spanish language. Ozomatli, a Los Angeles act fusing all vibes and genres seamlessly together to get you up and move, has a formidable strife over injustice and inequality. An act sure to surge and burn in an outdoor setting. And Moenia, a synth-heavy trio hailing from Mexico City armed with pulses, beats, and a dark pop aura. It’s an updated Latin-centric Depeche Mode.

Though I’ve slowed down, and my priorities have radically changed, live music is a necessary staple for a fulfilled existence. Let’s step back out, bust a move, change up the routine, and experience live music again. It’s worth it!