Drake and Future Summer Sixteen Tour @ Pepsi Center

Nearing the end of the Summer Sixteen Tour, "technical difficulties" had Drake taking the stage at 10pm. When he did take the stage, he rose on a platform surrounded by fog and explosions, and ensured the patiently-waiting crowd that he would give them their money's worth, and he did. He and Future played until midnight, engaging the crowd, and staying energized throughout. Photos by Jenn Cohen jennsphotos.com

Rob Thomas and Counting Crows @ Red Rocks

'90s and now radio sensations, Counting Crows and Rob Thomas, co-headlined a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Both bands played songs from their massive catalog, spanning back to their early years. The crowd sang along without hesitation, making it feel like a performance in your back yard for you and 10,000 of your closest friends. Photos by Jenn Cohen jennsphotos.com

Justin Timberlake-Pepsi Center

by Jenn Cohen

Twenty-four hours ago, I thought of Justin Timberlake as having some good songs, and being a funny mother f***er. And now? I admit I’m a little bit in love. Timberlake, who’s up for seven Grammy Awards this Sunday, Jan. 26, adorned the Pepsi Center with his 20/20 Experience tour, and proved to any doubters why he’s worthy of these nominations.

Timberlake’s performance—and it was a performance, not a concert—showed how his lifetime in the entertain business has taught him how to make a show to 15,000 strangers feel like a group hug at a house party. He consistently engaged the audience with shout outs like, “How’s it goin, Denver?” and “Let me hear you, Denver!” And, this being 2014, “It smells legal in here tonight!”

Most impressive, to me, was seeing this man move. And he has moves. He made 3 hours of constant dancing look effortless, all while scaling a wide range of octaves gracefully. The first portion of the show was JT and the Tennessee Kids, comprised of musicians, back-up singers, and dancers who were beyond talented, and able to easily compliment the moves of Timberlake.

Timberlake looked genuinely happy and confident, in a non-arrogant way, as he bestowed his swagger, dancing, singing, and jumping around the stage; looking around at the proverbial empire around him. Almost like he understands that he’s earned his place in this entertainment kingdom, but it still feels like an improbable fairytale. And perhaps that’s just another reason why he’s so likeable.