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We all know that every single weekend in Denver is like a confectionery of delicious shows: Too many choices, too little time. But if you have a hard time with that status quo, you're going to be ripping your hair out with indecision this weekend, because it's finally here, the Westword Music Showcase! -- where not only are there literally one million (we counted) bands to chose from, but they're all playing at the same time.

And so we present to you our top five picks for this weekend, except it's really about one million and four picks, because the WMS is like one million shows. Indulge our utter shamelessness after the jump.

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​ You know what's better than the 19th most successful act of the 1990s and a teensy bit worse than the 17th most successful act? The 18th most successful act of the 1990s, which just so happens to be En Vogue -- who just so happen to be headlining Denver PrideFest on Sunday at 3 p.m.

En Vogue is the the four-lady R&B group responsible for such hits as "Free Your Mind" and "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)," which a high-school friend of mine cold-heartedly put on a mix tape for a girl who liked him but whom he didn't like back. Harsh.

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​Andy Bothwell, aka. Astronautalis, has oft times been labeled as the Tom Waits or Hunter S. Thompson of underground hip-hop. Like many others in his position, he began honing his skills in high school, battling on corners while climbing rank amongst industry-friendly peers. His unhurried and intelligent prose quickly became a trademark sound, along with witty freestyles that are as much a part of his show as the mellow beats they complement.

Recently, Astronautalis has been riding the wave of his three independently successful albums. While no official date has been set on any future solo projects, he has put aside time this year to work with P.O.S. on their collaborative album, his first of its kind.

Westword was able to grab Bothwell on a rare day off in advance of his show tonight at the Summit Music Hall to ask him how he felt about those seemingly over-the-top comparisons, his predictions on the new progression of hip-hop and how he feels when his fans actually "get it."

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The Trampolines are just one of 65 acts on today's lineup.

​It's that time again, and somehow it sort of snuck up on us this year: Time to whip out the sunscreen, bring beer money and ear plugs and head over to Civic Center park for the 39th annual Capitol Hill People's Fair. From the looks of the lineup (posted after the jump), as with every year, there is no shortage of local talent: 65 acts on six stages.

Today's best bets: Well, there's a ton. Early in the day, Goldie and the Bears are on the Main Stage, followed by The Big Motif, both very solid acts. Something Underground, who just finished up a new record, is due the Pepsi Stage, followed a little later by Angie Stevens and Dirty Back Seat Lovers (the newish outfit featuring Susan Phelan and Tyson Murray from the Railbenders). And you really can't go wrong on the Miller Light Stage with sets from Potcheen, Tequilla Mockingbird, Bigga Digga, the Other Side of Clearview and the Trampolines.

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There's nothing like experiencing the sweat, thump and catharsis of a great show. Trouble is, you live in Denver, the land of embarrassing riches when it comes to music, the land of too many shows and too little time. So which ones are worth checking out? Glad you asked. After the jump, we've compiled a list of the best shows this weekend in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio.

This weekend, like most others in the Mile High City, packs some serious punch. Our must-see list this time around features CD release shows from Natural Selection and the Gromet, appearances from Air Dubai and La Roux, and a giant block party courtesy of Hot Congress with about a dozen bands. Get the full scoop after the jump, and feel free to let us know if we missed anything.

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Tomorrow night at Moe's BBQ, the Gromet, profiled in this week's paper, is hosting a release party for its brand new CD, with Casey James Prestwood and the Burning Angels and Calder's Revolvers. In advance of the show, Backbeat is pleased to present you with an exclusive advance listen of Colorado Captain in its entirety after the jump.

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Starr LaRee

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Justin Mauriello, head of the I Hate Kate trio, is only in his mid-twenties and already has a seasoned career. At the beginning of the last decade with his first band, Zebrahead, he found respectable success both here in the States and in Japan. In 2004, he put all of his efforts into his side project I Hate Kate.

Since then, the band has gained major traction in Denver - the act's newest single "Free Without You" became the most listened to song on KTCL - thanks to the support of Jeb Freedman (better known in these parts as Nerf, KTCL's program director and afternoon drive time host).

We caught up with Mauriello in advance of I Hate Kate's show at the Marquis tomorrow night, and asked him about the new album, working with Lee Miles (Oh My Stars, Tickle Me Pink), how it feels to be an LA band but to get so much love in Denver. He also told us about the real life Kate and how a recent freakout on her part is prompting a name change.

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Since 2005, Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire has been fusing the spiky and hyperkinetic dynamism of grindcore with death metal's unremitting darkness and sonic heaviness. Never content to settle on a mere sound, this Denver band challenges itself to create new depths in the expression of the unsavory side of human existence that society.

In its songs, it seems as though this band is incapable of ignoring and numbing itself to those enervating truths of the world in which we live. But rather than assume a reactionary stance comprised of tough guy platitudes, Clinging's songs sound like wails of psychic pain as much as outrage.

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