Denver’s Essential Concert Calendar: Mar 25 – 31

Whether you are recovering from SXSW or just desperately wishing for spring to arrive, this week’s concert picks, Andrea Ball, Xiu Xiu, and Devendra Banhart, promise to wake even the most stubborn concert goer from hibernation.

Fri Mar 26: Andrea Ball CD release

Fresh from a stint at SXSW, local songstress Andrea Ball will perform Friday night to celebrate the release of Dial Tone, which is the follow-up to 2008′s Beat Beat Pound. Ball’s throaty pipes — think Marissa Nadler or Polly Jean Harvey — seem preternaturally disposed to the minor keys, but she doesn’t dwell entirely in the depressingly dark. She wisely devotes moments to pure, uplifting melody as well. Folksters O’Holloran and singer-songwriter Cody Crump round out the all Denver bill.

Hi-Dive 7 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80223

Sat Mar 27: Xiu Xiu and tUnE-yArDs

Is there any one else in the music world even remotely like Jamie Stewart? With his ever-changing line-up of fearless musicians in tow, Stewart brings his entourage to town in support of his latest effort, Dear God, I Hate Myself. Stewart polarizes most who encounter him, as his music inspires fanaticism, ardent criticism, and is sure to amuse anyone who appreciates a dose of theatricality in the mix. Despite its woebegone title, Dear God finds Stewart’s mood on a bit of an uptick, so concertgoers might even find themselves dancing. With one-woman band tUnE-yArDs as the opening act, the night promises near endless supplies of eclecticism and quirkiness.

Hi-Dive 7 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80223

Tues Mar 30: Devendra Banhart and the Grogs

Since his freak-folk break-out release Cripple Crow, Devendra Banhart has been working with the same group of musicians while recording. This crew, affectionately known as the Grogs while touring, will be supporting Banhart for his performance at the Ogden Theater on Tuesday to promote What Will Be, Banhart’s major label debut. Though What Will Be bears a touch of user-friendliness that often comes with a jump to the majors, Banhart continues to explore his love for psychedelia while also adding layers of interest with subtle forays into doo-wop, jazz, and tropicalia. On “Rats” he even sounds like Jim Morrison. Now that is worth seeing live.

Ogden Theater 935 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80218