A Meazy’s big scene, new album

Until Saturday. Denver’s rambling hip-hop scene, though nationally underground, has grown dramatically in recent years as types of entrepreneurs have peaked and toured the United States. The last example is A Meazy, including the new album “PYT (Protect your energy)” is another thoughtful, hard-hitting and independent hip-hop wonder. Recorded during the pandemic lockdown and discontinued on September 10, “PYT” (Uncut Entertainment) reached number 7 on iTunes earlier this week, just a few spots behind Kanye West’s “Donda”.

The album will debut sort of when Meazy plays the Westword Music Showcase on Saturday September 18. The event, which begins Friday, September 17, also features performances from a growing who’s-who of Colorado acts (The Velveteers, Schama Noel, Neoma, Adiel Mitchell, iZCALLi) in the rooms of the RiNo Art District, the Salon Larimer, Tracks, Reelworks, RiNo Beer Garden, Number 38 and more, plus national headliners Young the Giant, Thundercat, Hippo Campus, Duke Dumont and Kaytranada.

At various times, September 17-18 at RiNo and Mission Ballroom, outside and inside 4242 Wynkoop St. Friday general admission passes are sold out, but Saturday passes are on sale priced at $ 55. A ticket covering the indoor and outdoor performances of the main stage costs $ 90. Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test is required for entry. westwordshowcase.com

A late laugh, or three

Until Saturday. This year High Plains Comedy Festival, which kicked off Thursday, is billed as the first comedy festival of its size to regain full strength since the start of the pandemic. That’s not hard to believe, given the sharp reservation and masterful planning the festival has shown in the past.

The eighth event of this year features stand-ups of national acts Rory Scovel, Solomon Georgio, Vanessa Gonzalez, Dave Hill, Liza Treyger, Chanel Ali, Eliza Skinner, Ian Karmel, Amy Miller, Irene Tu, Matt Braunger, and many more, as well as the Colorado comics (and expats) that made the Front Range scene one of the friendliest comedies in the country, including Josh Blue (a current finalist in “America’s Got Talent”), Adam Cayton-Holland (founder of the festival), Andie Main, Janae Burris, Sam Tallent, Nancy Norton, Andrew Orvedahl and Stephen agyei.

Discover more than 100 artists, as well as podcast recordings (“The Dollop” leads the headlining show from September 18 to Supreme theater, among others) during various showcases at Hi-Dive, HQ and Mutiny on South Broadway. Until Saturday September 18. Full festival passes have sold out, but individual shows are on sale online and at the door. $ 20 to $ 37.50 per show; some free events. highplainscomedyfestival.com

Do cannabis and exercise mix?

Friday. Denver writer and author Josias Hesse (The Guardian, Politico, the “Carnality” series), has made a career in the study of evolving subcultures – and his latest is still evolving. “High level runner,” published on September 14 by Putnam, takes a non-fictional approach to the subject of cannabis and exercise, and the hidden culture of elite athletes who mix them together. Hesse, who credits the herb with helping him become a long-distance runner, delves into the growing research and debate on the subject, as well as some fascinating topics in the field.

He talks to Ragged blanket to promote the book at 7 p.m. on September 17 at an event hosted by former Denver Post editor-in-chief A&E and Cannabist Ricardo Baca (now from the Grasslands PR agency). To free. 2526 E. Colfax Ave. josiahhesse.com or tatteredcover.com

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