NPR Music named Naia Izumi the winner of the fourth annual Tiny Desk Contest last month for a submission that showed off his guitar prowess and soulful vocals. (Watch his video above). As part of the award, Izumi will play in cities across the U.S. this month for the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour.
The tour is headed to Denver for the first time. The May 31 concert at Globe Hall will feature Izumi, along with three Colorado acts who submitted standout videos to this year's contest. CPR's OpenAir curated the local lineup in collaboration with KUNC's The Colorado Sound.
Below, learn about the three Colorado acts who will share the stage with Izumi at the Denver stop of the Tiny Desk Contest tour.
Audible
Colorado Springs band Audible caught our attention for the rap flows of frontman HoTT, as well as the neo-soul backing music that adds a comforting intimacy to the dimly lit video.
Los Mocochetes
A Denver-based seven-piece that describes itself as "Chicano funk," Los Mocochetes backs its politically minded lyrics with irresistible rhythms and singalong choruses. Check out the band's recent performance for OpenAir Sessions.
Ivory Circle
This Denver indie pop band offered up one of the most memorable earworms of this year's contest with "Never Let Me Go." The video is also among the more ambitious productions we watched.
Tickets for the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour go on sale tomorrow.
