RUN FOR COVER

Summer concert season is upon us, with superstar acts like Chris Stapleton and Rod Stewart set to take the Ball Arena stage this month. But before spending a fortune on big-ticket shows, may we suggest exploring some of Colorado’s top tribute bands? After all, with intimate venues and lively performances, these concerts can be nearly as epic as the real thing. —SPENCER CAMPBELL

1960s 

WHEN DID YOU GO TO HIGH SCHOOL?

1970s OR LATER

Remember where you were when the Beatles played The Ed Sullivan Show? Do you go hard or listen easy?

YES NO

3EATLES The Conifer-based outfit is so committed to reproducing the Fab Four’s sound, it uses the same guitars and amps John, Paul, and George used while they were still playing clubs. See the band: June 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Wrigley’s Chicago Bar and Grill in Golden

“Rocky Mountain High” or Rocky Mountain high?

EH? SPEAK INTO MY GOOD EAR

LIKE SUNDAY MORNING, BABY

Do you still believe?

“ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH”

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH  LIVE WIRE

The Front Range quartet takes pride in providing an authentic AC/DC experience, from the school-boy-outfit striptease to the blazing riffs and LED lights. See the band: June 18 at 7 p.m. at 2454 West in Greeley

“COWBOY” BRAD FITCH More than simply a John Denver cover singer, Fitch is an Estes Park luminary: The town has voted him its most interesting person. See him: Every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday starting at 7 p.m. at Bond Park in Estes Park, from June 12 through August 16

CRICK WOODER This Grateful Dead tribute band performs about 100 concerts a year, often at Boulder’s Sun Mountain Pub. See the band: June 10, 6 to 9 p.m., as part of the Longmont Downtown Summer Concerts series

MY OLD SCHOOL

To ensure it accurately reproduces Steely Dan’s highly produced jazz-pop sound, My Old School employs 11 musicians who have perfected 46 of the yacht rock icons’ songs. See the band: Visit myoldschool.biz for updates to the band’s summer calendar

NEVER DID YES

JOURNEY GIRLS Antonia Kilpatrick’s 11-year-old tribute-to-Journey ensemble may feature a rotating cast of musicians, sometimes even men, but the purpose remains the same: to inspire women to showcase their gifts. See the band: July 2 at 2 p.m. at the Rand Yacht Club in Rand, south of Walden (tickets benefit the Wounded Warrior Project)