Who said Denver can’t host a music festival within ten minutes of Civic Center Park? In the second year at the National Western Complex across from the putrid smell of the Purina Factory, the Riot Fest set up camp on the dirt and gravel with three outdoor stages and one indoor stage. The best part is that Riot Fest appears to be hitting their stride after multiple years of growing pains.

The story of this year that none of us could escape was the reunion of the Misfits. If those guys can do it, I’m still holding out hope for Johnny Marr and Morrissey. Fred Armisen took in some of the shows over the weekend and Nas took the stage with GOLF founder, Tyler, the Creator.

For fans unable to get to Riot Fest early on Friday, I’m sorry. Wolf Parade conjured up some of their old “Apologies To The Queen Mary” magic with the back and forth between Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner. Both have gone on to do their own respective projects, but none compare to the manic electricity the two create. Despite the blaring sun, the crew put on a colossal set giving the fans hope for a proper album in the near future.

The face of Matador Records and longtime guitar noodlers, Yo La Tengo, delivered on a jam heavy set without sounding too jammy. The improvisational aspect that the trio command kept the audience’s attention, even after moments of feedback and pedal effect fidgeting.

2017 is going to have plenty to live up to with the insurmountable amount of success 2016 delivered. We have nothing but faith in the Riot Fest collective to bring us the Talking Heads next year. A kid can dream.

Wolf Parade

Yo La Tengo