The Oscar-buzzy Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” which will be released Oct. 24, had its world premiere screening Friday at the Telluride Film Festival, and it already has people talking about … Nathaniel Rateliff – who has no connection to the film, which focuses on Springsteen’s moody 1982 album “Nebraska.”

But now that “Deliver Me from Nowhere” has been seen by a precious few, comparisons of star Jeremy Allan White to rock royalty have begun. To Springsteen, of course – White is said to be so convincing as Bruuuuce that he sang all of The Boss’ songs himself for the film – but also to our own very own Rateliff.

The film’s early chatter is suggesting that White’s portrayal of a salt-of-the-earth character in the film mirrors the very same “Boss” vibe that Rateliff often channels in his own music.

Rateliff’s music has been popping up all over movies, including “Deadpool 2,” “Palmer” and the new Julia Stiles film “Wish You Were Here.” His voice also made an appearance in Denver filmmaker Taylor McFadden’s ”Lovers” (she’s his beloved). 

There was a little mini-eruption on social media over the weekend when an uncaptioned pic starting going around that appeared to show Rateliff meeting White, presumably at Telluride. Which was funny because it was actually a photo of Rateliff greeting James Lance, the actor who played journalist Trent Crimm on “Ted Lasso.” It was taken last month at the famed Newport Folk Festival, which in 2024 appointed Rateliff as the inaugural steward of its new Stewardship Program. He’s tasked with identifying individuals who enrich and support the festival’s legacy through meaningful initiatives. It’s a prestigious, three-year appointment.

 “I view this as a valuable opportunity to learn from the talented performers who return each year, as well as from the dedicated fans and individuals who help shape the festival into what it has become today,” Rateliff said at the time.

All of which is to say: Bruce + Jeremy does not = Nathaniel.  

Still, Colorado does have an actual artistic connection to “Deliver Me from Nowhere” – and a pretty big one at that. The emotional original score has been composed by Jeremiah Fraites, the quiet, suspenders-wearing member of The Lumineers who plays drums and leaves most of the fronting to his band brother, Wesley Schultz.

Fraites spoke to Billboard Magazine about the gig, calling the experience “a career high and personal privilege.” He went on to say he was “beyond grateful for this opportunity to write the original score for this gorgeous film.”

The assignment holds special meaning for Fraites, who moved to Colorado from the East Coast 20 years ago. Springsteen recorded Nebraska” on a 4-track recorder in his New Jersey bedroom.

“I grew up in New Jersey, so Bruce Springsteen’s music was always a part of my landscape, whether learning how to drive to eating at 24-hour diners, his music was always with me,” Fraites told Billboard. “What (director Scott Cooper) has done with this film is rare — he’s captured the quiet fragility and unfiltered honesty of Bruce’s life during the making of ‘Nebraska.’ It was an honor to support his vision.”

Fraites told Billboard that choosing the music for the film was more about feeling than style.

“I chose to ground the score with an upright piano I playfully call ‘Firewood’ — a beat-up instrument so devalued it was once considered fit only to burn,” he told the magazine. “That imperfection felt right for Bruce’s story: raw, unvarnished and rooted in resilience. Its rough edges and warm tone captured a sense of grit and authenticity that a pristine concert piano simply couldn’t.”

Fraites also scored Stephen King’s “The Long Walk,” opening Sept. 12. The Lumineers’ ongoing “Automatic” tour, which drew 53,000 to Mile High Stadium last month, continues through October.

Ben Folds with Colorado Symphony

Nobody does crossovers like the Colorado Symphony. Ben Folds returns to Denver for two evenings with the hometown symphony Sept. 12-13. Folds, best known for “Rockin’ the Suburbs” and the creepiest, loveliest love song of all time (“The Luckiest”), brings his high energy and uncanny pop songwriting knack to Denver for a lively collaboration with the local symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall. Info at tickets.coloradosymphony.org.

More music news

Every once in a while, some names pop up on the music calendar that make you do a double-take. Three absolute indie legends who are Denver-bound: Bonnie “Prince” Billy (with Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius) Sept. 28 at Swallow Hill … Iron & Wine (Solo): A Benefit Concert for Swallow Hill (Translation: Sam Beam, but, alas, only $665 VIP tickets remain) Oct. 18 … and the great Neko Case Nov. 20 at the Paramount. An indie-kid’s dream lineup.

So long, Wiz …

Most actors who are cast in Broadway shows are signed to six-month contracts. In Erik C. Peterson’s case, it turned out to be three years as Scorpius Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Three years as the pure-blood British wizard son of Harry’s long-time nemesis, Draco Malfoy. Peterson, a 2018 graduate of Grandview High School in Aurora, hangs up the robe on Nov. 9. “It’s been three magical years, and now it’s time to discover what comes next,” Peterson said.

Artists: Red Rocks is calling

Denver Public Art is seeking an artist or artist team to create permanent public artworks for Red Rocks, both for the park and amphitheater. Selected projects will be expected to “enhance the experience of those who visit Red Rocks, but not detract from the natural landscape” – with a $235,000 budget. Info at denverpublicart.org.

And finally …

If you know me, surely you know where I will be on Nov. 2: At the Paramount Theatre watching a screening of the unreleased director’s cut of “Airplane!” along with an onstage convo between David Zucker and Robert Hays. I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley.