Hello Oskar Blues Brewery fans, We’ve got a motherlode of great music and excitement for you in August.

For starters, our Lyons Classic Video Arcade is attracting gameheads from around the Front Range. Come in and see what all of the fuss is about soon. The games are just a quarter a pop, and the kids are welcome each night in the arcade until 9 PM when the bands strike up. We’ll have the rolls of quarters waiting for you.

Our Tuesday night bluegrass picks are also gaining much steam and drawing loads of burgeoning and experienced pickers each week. The picks are hosted by local heroes KC Groves (of famed Uncle Earl, on Rounder Records) and Eric Thorin of Open Road (also on Rounder). The fun goes from 8-11 PM, bring your instrument and join in, or just bring your ears and listen in.

Our Sunday afternoon shows (3-6 PM) are also drawing happy crowds. In August the shows will feature Dan Walker’s Americana music (Aug. 6), Ben Stevens’ terrific acoustic blues (Aug. 13), and killer Cajun sounds from T. Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers (Aug. 20). We’ve got great country on Aug. 27 from Morland, Arbuckle & Floyd.

Our increasingly popular Singer/Songwriter Nights on Thursdays also feature some real heavies in August. Mary Russell is on board for the 8/3 Thursday show, and gypsy-jazz group Rue plays Aug. 10. Amy Speace (Judy Collins’ favorite new singer/songwriter) holds court on Aug. 17, while Kort McCumber and special guest Sterling Waters play the Aug. 24 songwriters slot.

The weekend lineup for August includes a bushel of national and local blues, Americana and roots rock acts. Buddy Guy bandmate Scott Holt will be here Aug. 4, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe bring their Cajun sounds in on the 5th. One of Denver’s best harmonica players, Al Chesis, fronts his Delta Sonic on the 11th while Rockin’ Jake blows wicked harp on the 12th..

For Folks Festival Weekend we have two of Colorado’s best singer/songwriters (and their bands), Jeff Finlin on the 18th and Troy Schoenfelder on Aug. 19. Eddie Turner brings his high-powered blues guitar sounds on Aug. 25, and local actress, blues belter and music historian Wende Harston and her Touch of Blue band return for an encore performance on the 26th.

Speaking of music, you can enjoy some at Red Rocks while sipping our beloved Dale’s Pale Ale, on draft at the revered venue. Cans of Dale’s are available at Coors Field during all Rockies, games, too, find them at the Beers of the World kiosks there.