I am a concert aficionado – I live and breathe for the rush of going to a concert. The feeling when the house lights drop in the amphitheater and then whole crowd goes crazy and the artist takes the stage and you know you’re about to have the best 2-ish hours of your life… Yeah, that’s the good stuff.

I know now with COVID pretty much anything has been cancelled or postponed, concerts included. But that doesn’t have to stop us from getting excited about future events and daydreaming about seeing our favorite artists again! So, in preparation for that glorious future, I have compiled a list of my 4 favorite small music theaters in Denver. These venues hold a plethora of potential – from hosting EDM artists, to small indie bands, to heavy metal, to trendy pop stars – it’s very probable that someone you’re familiar with has been to one of these concert halls.

1 – Ogden Theatre (935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218)

Located 15-20 minutes away from the University of Denver campus on East Colfax, sits the small but quaint theatre known as the Ogden. You find parking at either a street meter or a paid lot, and then go stand in line to enter the building. Once you’re inside and past the lobby, it’s a free-for-all to get a good spot for the show. The floor is tiered, getting a little more narrow as you get closer to the stage.

For wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, there is the top tier in the back that offers a great view and safety from the masses. If you want to sit, you can request a chair and sit in the ADA section, or up the stairs there’s balconies that have seating available.

2 – Paramount Theatre (1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202)

Sitting pretty, tucked away in the midst of the 16^th Street Mall, is our next feature: the Paramount Theatre. With a maximum capacity of 1,870 people, this venue is great for all artists big and small. It offers an intimate and personal vibe, while accommodating everyone.

The wheelchair and limited mobility seating exists, but isn’t amazing. The area that is specifically reserved for ADA is the very back row, which isn’t that great of a view, especially when all the fans stand up and dance. I personally try to get front row seats, because they are removable, and then I obviously have a great view!

3 – Fillmore Auditorium (1510 N Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218)

The Fillmore just screams music vibes from the moment you arrive. You spot the big bright sign advertising the night’s show, there’s music already playing (no matter how early you start to stand in line), and once inside it just feels so authentic. The kind of authenticity that the Hard Rock Cafes strive for, but will never reach compared to the Fillmore.

Like the Ogden, the Fillmore’s seating is at a first-come-first-serve basis. It is just one big pit, with side areas for the ADA and for those who prefer to sit. Once the concert starts, the whole building starts to thump along with the bass. But the acoustics are insane, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard.

4 – Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465)

This list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention Red Rocks at least once. Now, technically, this is not in Denver, but from the University of Denver, it’s only about a 30-minute drive. And it’s worth it, I promise.

Located literally inside the stones, the 70 rows of steps and seats face the stage. People say the artists get the best view of the audience and the magnificent landscape, but I always think I have the best view. The front row is not even 3 yards away from the stage, and the stage is a step taller than the ground level.

Wheelchair users and people with mobility issues get the best out of this deal, as the ADA section includes the first few rows or the 70^th row at top. So, when I say I’ve got the best seat in the house, I usually mean it, as I am typically front-and-center singing my heart out.

A lot of people right now are bummed about sporting events being cancelled and limited in capacity due to social distancing, but at least they still get to enjoy it somehow. With concerts being postponed until further notice, all I can do is stay “in-touch” with my favorites via social media where I am one of millions. At least when I go to concerts, I can tell myself they saw me and that they know of my existence. But until everything sorts itself out, I am an ant in their big world.

So, if you’re someone who isn’t so sure about this whole “mask thing,” please do it anyways. If not for the benefit and health of you and your community, do it for concerts. And until then, I will be listening to my playlists at full blast, daydreaming about the future.