136 MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | Best Pop-Punk Album Bad Year Bad Year The snotty, sneering phenomenon that is pop punk has become perennially popular. As long as puberty exists, the genre will endure. But what happens when such a quintessentially youthful genre starts to hit middle age? Denver’s Bad Year, that’s what. The band’s self-titled debut is still snotty and sneering, but every catchy-as- fuck sing-along anthem is full of introspec- tion, longing and hard-bitten wisdom. Of course, you can ignore all that and just jump around to it. Either way, it’s an in- stant classic. Best DIY Community Venue D3 Arts 3632 Morrison Road 720-412-2784 d3arts.org Booze-free punk showcases, recovery- group skateboarding sessions, gallery shows, art workshops: D3 Arts checks all the boxes, then creates entirely new ones. Since its current incarnation opened in 2020, the nonprofi t venue has expanded its reach, ambition and commitment to serve Denver’s community by offering a variety of programming and empow- erment that can’t be found elsewhere. Underpinning it all is a strong, proud Mexican American identity that invites everyone, regardless of their background, to celebrate life and creativity on their own terms. Best Venue for Just Showing Up Bobcat Club at Skylark Lounge 140 South Broadway 720-428-8650 skylarklounge.com Sometimes the need to see live music hits you randomly, and in that case we recommend heading to the Bobcat Club, the Art Deco venue upstairs at the Sky- lark Lounge. On any given night, you’re bound to see quality live music from either local or touring artists, or you can partake in karaoke on Wednesdays. Tickets for shows at the Bobcat Club are rarely more than $25, but if you’re feeling strapped on a weekend, stay downstairs for the free Vinyl All Night party, which happens on Saturdays and Sundays. The vibes are always stellar throughout the venue, which has become a South Broad- way staple. Best New Venue Two Moons Music Hall 2944 Larimer Street twomoonsmusic.com Two Moons Music Hall combines great food, elevated drinks and a cozy atmo- sphere with top-notch live music. The venue was opened in April 2024 by Jake Soffes, who also owns Hudson Hill and Lady Jane, and the connection is refl ected in Two Moons’ style. The atmosphere is far from the dark, grungy, divey feel of many music venues and bars around town. In- stead, Two Moons is light and airy, with comfy sofas to lounge on as well as a dance fl oor. Ditch your usual vodka soda and in- dulge in a craft cocktail or mocktail. When it’s warm, the venue also opens its doors to a large patio, making for the ideal environ- ment to enjoy live music. Best Free Concerts Roxy on Broadway 554 South Broadway 720-456-7041 broadwayroxy.com The Roxy on Broadway is the perfect place to wander into on a walk along South Broad- way and discover a local artist. And with free shows six days a week, there’s no better place to enjoy live music without breaking the bank. The music calendar is consistently booked with a variety of musical acts, from singer-songwriters to DJs to bands. The Roxy’s intimate vibe is welcoming for mu- sicians just getting their start and looking for a place where they don’t have to sell a set amount of tickets, and it’s a low-key venue for seasoned musicians to pack the house. Last but not least, the excellent food and drink menus are as satisfying as the surroundings. Best Sound System Mission Ballroom 4242 Wynkoop Street 720-577-6884 missionballroom.com Before Mission Ballroom opened in 2019, Music & Venues continued from page 135 THURSDAY MARCH 27 JOEY HARKUM FRIDAY MARCH 28 SHWAYZE SATURDAY MARCH 29 SIR WOMAN FRIDAY APRIL 4 GARAJ MAHAL SATURDAY APRIL 5 HONEYCOMB THURSDAY APRIL 10 SOUTHERN AVENUE FRIDAY APRIL 11 O’CONNOR BROTHERS BAND & JANE AND MATTHEWS SATURDAY APRIL 12 AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT THURSDAY APRIL 17 SHIFT FT. SAXSQUATCH FRIDAY APRIL 18 BOOTS N’ BEATS SATURDAY APRIL 19 TAME IMPALA TRIBUTE NIGHT FRIDAY APRIL 25 MAGOO AND SILAS HERMAN & THE TONE UNIT THURSDAY APRIL 24 SUGARFATHER SATURDAY APRIL 26 NETHER HOUR WEDNESDAY APRIL 30 PARDYALONE THURSDAY MAY 1 SHIFT FT. FREE CREATURES WEDNESDAY MAY 2 DEAD FLOYD SUNDAY MAY 4 DENVER MINIFEST THURSDAY MAY 8 SHIFT FT. SPADES FRIDAY MAY 9 NITECAP THURSDAY MAY 15 SHIFT FT. COMMON CREATION SATURDAY MAY 17 DANG! 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