Concerted Effort makes its first return to the Ogden Theater this new year for an indie/soul spectacular. Two of the hottest bands around are visiting Denver, ready to deliver music that'll be sure to get the crowd dancing, joined by an indie band with local ties and a talent for songwriting. One band is new to me, but two of the bands I've seen before, and the prior performances of both those bands are still lodged in my memory because of how incredible they were to witness. Having them both in the same show is sure to be a treat.

The headliner is indie/soul band Fitz & The Tantrums. This six-piece band from Los Angeles has seen quite the meteoric rise since its inception nearly five years ago, just about becoming a household name over the past year or so. They did so by crafting songs extremely rich in soul, so much so that some who hear their music for the first time might conclude it came from an earlier era, because one wouldn't expect new soulful songs like theirs to be made in the present. The good news is, this band is for real and they are in the here and now, ready to deliver their incredibly danceable songs with stage presence so strong, it just has to be witnessed. Check out this live recording of "Don't Gotta Work It Out".
Dont Gotta Work It Out (Live) by Fitz and The Tantrums


Detroit based indie band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. joins this strong lineup. This indie/electronic pop band crafts songs that are a little different, but extremely catchy and made to get people dancing. They combine rock elements using live guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, but also an electronic element that comes from clever sampling and live looping. To top it off, they perform with the high-energy stage presence of true Detroit rock stars. Check out "Vocal Chords".
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Vocal Chords by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.


American Tomahawk will get the evening started. This four piece indie rock band calls Denver home although they are currently based out of Los Angeles. This band is new to me, but it seems this band delivers heartfelt songs that manage to carefully balance moods. They seem to blend an atmospheric instrumental sound and emotive vocals with rhythms and melodies that keep everything slightly upbeat and not overly melancholy. Check out "No. One".
06 No. One by American Tomahawk

The Ogden Theater doors open at 7:00PM and the show starts at 8:00PM. The show is 16+ and tickets are $28. There is also a 21+ afterparty at the Larimer Lounge following the show featuring a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. DJ set.