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Showing posts from March, 2013

The Congress 3.15.13 & 3.16.13

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Road 34 Bike Shop and Bar Fort Collins, Colorado Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock With spring closing in the winter tour season in Denver is coming to a close. We are hit incredibly hard with touring bands and live music form January through March, and it’s becoming a bit of a problem. No, in all seriousness it is a blessing and curse, as inevitably there will be a combination of incredible experiences and a handful of missed shows. The late spring seems to be a time for local acts to fill the void with Mountain Runs and weekends along The Front Range. Many bands take this opportunity to release new music and create a buzz for their summer touring schedule. One such band, The Congress, did both with stops in at Fort Collins’ Road 34 Bike Shop and Bar and a headlining gig at The Bluebird with Tori Pater Band all in support of their new EP The Loft Tapes. On Friday night, Amy and I headed down around 9:30 PM. With a posted start time of 9:00 PM we figured we would ca

LOHI Music Festival Presents: Joey Porter's Shady Business & Eddie Roberts 3.23.13

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Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Words & Photos By Brad Yeakel After a Friday night of superb funk, I returned to Cervantes to check out a very special show. Eddie Roberts (New Mastersounds) opened the show with his band, the West Coast Sounds. Having seen them headline the Other Side on Friday, I wondered how the energy would change moving to the larger room and crowd, but with a shorter set. The set got a slower start than Friday, but seemed to pick up velocity as it went on. The crowd filled in the floor by the end of the set, and everyone appeared to be on board. A friend pointed out that it was like the kind of music Diana Ross' backing band would play, just way faster. As I contemplated the statement, I heard what he meant. The clean tones that define Eddie's style were accompanied by succinct horn lines, soulful organ, and funk-soul flavor. What did not sound like an R&B backing band was Roberts' solo work, which was predictably phenomenal. The

Preview: Three Nights of Lotus in Boulder

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Boulder Theater Boulder, CO Join us for three nights of Lotus at The Boulder Theater Thursday April 4th, Friday April 5th & Saturday April 6th! Lotus has crafted a unique musical style outside of simple genre limitations. On a given weekend the band could be the only group with guitars at an all electronic music festival and then the next night crash a traditional rock festival with their dance heavy beats, synths and samples. Equal parts instrumental post-rock and electronic dance, the band's distinguishing feature is the ability to maintain a decidedly unique musical voice and remain current while bucking passing trends. No matter what the venue, the energetic joy and catharsis of a Lotus show is infectious. The band slowly built a devoted fan base through steady touring and the crowds have grown at an increasing pace. This grassroots growth has made the band in high demand for festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Ultra, and Rothbury and earned the band sold o

LOHI Music Festival Presents: Toubab, Eddie Roberts & Springdale 3.22.13

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Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Words By Brad Yeakel Photos By Kevin Hahn & Justin Garnder Last night, I braved the elements to get funky. It was my first time seeing Springdale Quartet since the foursome recorded their upcoming album with Soulive's Alan Evans. Evans seemed to have an impact on their playing as everything seemed to have a slightly funkier flare. The songs still had their original sound, but the nuances had a little more swing to them. With solid backing, Ben Waligoske's guitar soared through song after song of adventurous fusion. SQ is rapidly becoming one of my favorite bands in the area. While it was a chore dragging myself away from the Quartet, I ventured to the ballroom to check out a band I'd heard of, but never heard. Toubab Krewe was busy laying down some tribal grooves with a heavily percussive foundation. The sound they built around these rhythms were relaxing, enjoyable, and unique. I wasn't sure how to describe their

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents This Must Be The Band, Zoogma & Moksha

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Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Join us on Friday March 29th at Cervantes in Denver, CO for MusicMarauders Presents: "Stop Making Sense" Performed By This Must Be The Band at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom! -Doors: 7:30 pm -Show: 9:00 pm (event ends at 2:00 am) -$15 Advance / $20 Day Of Show Purchase Tickets For This Must Be The Band Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase Also, MusicMarauders Presents: Zoogma & Moksha feat. Peter Apfelbaum, Jennifer Hartswick & Skerik! -Doors: 8:00 pm -Show: 9:00 pm (event ends at 2:00 am) -$10 Advance / $12 Day Of Show Purchase Tickets For Zoogma & Moksha Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

MusicMarauders Presents: Toubab Krewe 3.21.13

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The Fox Theatre Boulder, CO Words By J-man Photos By Kevin Hahn Toubab Krewe opened up their Rocky Mountain High Winter Tour at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO on Thursday. The tour will take the Asheville, NC band from Boulder to Telluride passing through almost all of Colorado's major markets! The evening began with See-I feat. members of Thievery Corporation and their cheap overdone brand of reggae that tapped into all of the tacky audience reaction ploys. "How are you doing Denver?" (while the show was actually in Boulder) "Clap your hands if you want to here music!" "Scream if you like reggae!" The weak instrumentation clashed with misplaced high pitched yells, that filled the room for an extended opening set. The young crowd seemed into the music, yelling and screaming uncontrollably as directed by the gentleman on stage commanding the crowd. A short time later See-I's set ended and the buzz took over for Toubab Krewe. Toubab hit t

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents March Fourth Marching Band

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The Fox Theatre Boulder, CO MarchFourth Marching Band (M4 to its fans) is a kaleidoscope of musical and visual energy that inspires dancing in an atmosphere of celebration. Join us on Thursday March 28th for MusicMarauders Presents: March Fourth Marching Band at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO! Opener for the evening is Atomga. -Doors: 08:30PM -Show: 09:00 PM -$12 ADV / $14 DOS + $2 for under 21 tickets Purchase Tickets Here: www.foxtheatre.frontgatetickets.com www.marchfourthmarchingband.com

Two Nights of The Henhouse Prowlers 3.16 & 3.17

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Quixote's True Blue Denver, CO Words & Photos By J-man Over the past five years, no one bluegrass band has captivated me like The Henhouse Prowlers have. Two nights in Denver was exactly what I needed to settle my craving for a band that continues to progress rapidly. Through line-up changes, stylistic consistency and focus, the Prowlers have become one of the most sought out second tier bluegrass band in the country. The tightness of the band's current incarnation was evident almost immediately on night one with the founding fathers, Ben Wright (Banjo) and Jon Goldfine (Bass) calling the shots with clear instinctual accuracy. Newer additions to the band, Dan Andree (Fiddle) and Starr Moss (Guitar) add a near perfect dynamic to a band pressured with strong expectations. That night, Denver concert goers were introduced to Jordan Ramsey (Mandolin) out of Boulder, CO who was sitting in for the weekend. With the first night being the Saturday leading into St. Patrick

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents Joey Porter's Shady Business

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Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Join us on Saturday March 23rd for MusicMarauders Presents: Joey Porter's Shady Business feat. Joey Porter (Motet/Juno What?!), Eric Krasno (Soulive/Lettuce), Nigel Hall, Eddie Roberts (New Mastersounds), Shady Horns (Lettuce), Dave Watts & Garrett Sayers ( The Motet), Steve Watkins w/ Eddie Roberts' West Coast Sounds! -Doors: 8:00 pm -Show: 9:00 pm (event ends at 2:00 am) -$15 Advance / $20 Day Of Show Purchase Tickets Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents Toubab Krewe, See-I, Eddie Roberts West Coast Sounds & Springdale

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Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Join us Friday March 22nd for LOHI Music Festival & MusicMarauders Present: Toubab Krewe & See-I at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom! Purchase Tickets For Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase Also, that same night be sure to catch LOHI Music Festival & MusicMarauders Presents: Eddie Roberts West Coast Sounds & Springdale Quartet at Cervantes Other Side! Purchase Tickets For Cervantes Other Side Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase Duel Passes Can be Purchased at The Door For $25.00! www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Preview: Moksha feat. Apfelbaum, Hartswick & Skerik in Colorado

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Las Vegas' secret weapon, Moksha, heads to Colorado for a handful of dates with a very special horn section that includes Peter Apfelbaum (Trey Anastasio Band, Hieroglyphics Ensemble), Jen Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) & Skerik (Garage-a-Trois, Roger Waters, Les Claypool)! 3.29.13 Moksha at Cervantes Other Side in Denver, CO: Purchase Tickets Here 3.30.13 Moksha at Shine Restaurant in Boulder, CO: Purchase Tickets Here 3.31.13 Moksha at The Barkley Ballroom in Frisco, CO: Purchase Tickets Here 4.4.13 Moksha at The Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins, CO: Purchase Tickets Here www.mokshatime.com

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents Toubab Krewe in Boulder, CO

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The Fox Theatre Boulder, CO Join us Thursday at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado for MusicMarauders Presents: Toubab Krewe & See-I! -Doors: 08:30 PM -Show: 09:00 PM -$15.00 ADV / $17.00 DOS + $2.00 for under 21 tickets -All Ages Show! Purchase Tickets Here: www.foxtheatre.frontgatetickets.com www.toubabkrewe.com

The Everyone Orchestra 3.9.13

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Asheville Music Hall Asheville, NC Words By Brent Mill Photos By Scott Shrader ( J. Scott Shrader Photography ) Everyone Orchestra Live at Asheville Music Hall on March 9, 2013. The drive up from Greenville, SC was well warranted for what awaited the four of us at the Asheville Music Hall Saturday night. We made sure to arrive early to get some grub and make sure we got our hands on tickets for the show at the Music Hall owned, One Stop Deli & Bar. The combination of menu variety, brews and atmosphere for live music makes this place a must anytime I ‘m in Asheville now. The free pre-show put on by Asheville ensemble, Jahman Brahman, definitely put the energy in motion for tonight’s Everyone Orchestra rage. We shifted upstairs as the crowd began to pour in, grabbed a few beverages from the venue’s helpful and friendly staff and readied ourselves for the jams to come. Led by arranger and musician Matt Butler, the Everyone Orchestra consists of an ever changing cast of hi

Toubab Krewe: Rocky Mountain High Winter Tour 2013

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Join Toubab Krewe on their trek across Colorado from Boulder to Telluride! -3.21.13 Toubab Krewe at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.22.13 Toubab Krewe at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.23.13 Toubab Krewe at Ullr's Tavern in Winter Park, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.24.13 Toubab Krewe at The Belly Up in Aspen, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.27.13 Toubab Krewe at Three20South in Breckenridge, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.28.13 Toubab Krewe at Agave in Avon, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.29.13 Toubab Krewe at The Eldo in Crested Butte, CO: Purchase Tickets Here -3.30.13 Toubab Krewe at Fly Me To The Moon Saloon in Telluride, CO: Purchase Tickets Here www.toubabkrewe.com

Bowlive IV Night Six: Soulive feat. Bill Evans, John Medeski & George Porter Jr.

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Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY Words By Karen Dugan ( TinyRager.com ) To many New Yorkers, Thursday signifies the start of the weekend. Music venues bulk up their staff and bands slated to perform anticipate an audience that is ready for a party. Last night was the sixth night of Soulive’s Brooklyn Bowl residency, Bowlive IV. The foundation was set for a rocking night of music with the Brooklyn Bowl stocked with staff and Soulive ready to throw it down. With so many amazing musicians sitting in with Soulive over the past six nights, it has been challenging to ensure proper love is given to everyone. Especially during residencies, focus on special guests and their performances become the unexpected highlights of the articles and sometimes people forget to focus on the core members of the residency themselves. Credit must be given where credit is due. Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and Neal Evans, along with the Brooklyn Bowl, have created something extremely special and uni

Greg Garrison's "Improvised Roots" No. 4 3.15.13

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Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Carly Marthis & J-man What better way to wrap up a long week than with an evening of music at Denver's premier jazz club, Dazzle? The intimate room was buzzing with energy as Greg Garrison (Bass), Darol Anger (Fiddle), Joel Harrison (Guitar), Art Lande (Piano) and Jim White (Drums) took the stage to begin their exploration. Each member of the assembled group began layering the music as it built, offering bits and pieces of musical influence to the mix. The result was a masterful set that included traditional compositions dating back to the Civil War and beyond. Greg nodded, signaling for solos around as each musician reflected an elevated level of skill, intuition, and direction. Darol's sliding/screaming notes rung out with with a fantastic crispness, as Joel's precise guitar work reflected extreme tonal control and accuracy. Art crept in ticking the keys and adding an old time jazz feel that becam

Bowlive IV Night Five: Soulive feat. Marco Benevento & David Hildalgo

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Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY Words By Karen Dugan ( TinyRager.com ) Soulive's Brooklyn Bowl residency, Bowlive IV, reached it's fifth night last night. In past years, this would signify the middle of the run and the end of the residency's first week. However, Soulive has chosen to pack more talent into eight days this year and continue to impress upon us just how talented they truly are. As if we didn't know already. The equally impressive power trio and Bowlive alumi, The London Souls, opened with a fury that paralleled Bowlive IV’s previous night openers. Eric Krasno made a point to remind the audience that this is one of his “favorite bands!” That was a powerful statement from a powerful guitarist who sees and appreciates the talent in his peers and a clear invitation to Soulive fans to pay attention. The London Souls are a classic rock band consisting of shredding guitarist Tash O’Neal, drummer Chris St. Hilaire and bassist Stu Mahan. Tash’s sound is reminisc

The Heavy Pets 3.6.13

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Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, Colorado Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock My long awaited rendezvous with The Heavy Pets finally happened on a Wednesday night in Fort Collins. They were on a dizzying four-night run with Jet Edison that included a stop up the hill in Breckenridge as well. Jet Edison has been a figure in the local jam scene for several years. Last year they took the time trek around the country after finishing school at CU Boulder. These guys know how it’s done blending jam sensibility with a rock delivery. They’ve built up a solid repertoire and continue to wow audiences far and wide. They are a quintessential Boulder jamband and each member uses their talents well. They opened up with “Places.” Set One: Places, Stratus, Wading, Undercover, Simon, Dances, Gold They seem to be building up a new song list, as much of what they played was new to me. Phil Johnson’s dynamic keys synched properly with Max Kabst’s guitar making for a nice back and forth.

Bowlive IV Night Four: Soulive feat. Booker T.

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Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY Words By Karen Dugan ( TinyRager.com ) Dedicated music lovers brought themselves out to the Brooklyn Bowl for the start of Soulive’s second week of the Bowlive IV residency. Guitarist Eric Krasno, bass keyboardist Neal Evans and drummer Alan Evans are back with a new week and new musical adventures. Last week’s roster was packed with sit-ins by southern blues rock guitarist Luther and percussionist Cody Dickinson (The North Mississippi Allstars), the fierce harmonica playing of John Popper (The Blues Travelers), the 70’s flare of vocalist Lee Fields and his Expression Horns, the pedal steel slide guitar styling of Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band), the soul-filled flavor of vocalist Nigel Hall and the spinning talents of DJ Logic. Surprise guests included the amazing Allman Brothers Band guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks and trombonist Sanders Sermon (Tedeschi/Trucks Band). One of the best parts of Bowlive this year has bee

The Congress Releases New EP – The Loft Tapes

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Words & Photo By Nicholas Stock A cover is a frame of reference a music fan shares with the band. As odd as it seems it is a starting point for critical comparison and a place to juxtapose the band against what has come before. Many bands including The Grateful Dead, Phish and even Pearl Jam understand the power of a cover as a tool to connect with their audiences. The Congress takes all this into account with their latest EP The Loft Tapes , which is their take on some very recognizable soul classics. Since landing in Denver just a few short years ago The Congress has truly made a name for themselves. On the heels of their first full-length album Whatever You Want, just last year The Congress is again on the cusp of yet another release. This recording, which was done over the course of a week last January in Berthoud, Colorado at an old Masonic Temple, shows a level of maturity and elegance that is simply arresting. The vocals of Jonathan Meadows are front and center in the h

Two Nights of Greensky Bluegrass 3.1 & 3.2

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The Fox Theatre Boulder, CO Words & Photos By Kevin Hahn Audio By Phil Rollins Greensky Bluegrass Live at Fox Theater on March 1, 2013. After living in Colorado for the past six years, I have started to realize that finding a true local of this great state is quite difficult to do. I came here to attend CU Boulder for college (like many others) and fell in love with the city, state, and culture as my college years progressed. Born and raised in the Bay Area (California), I craved a new adventure, new scene, and especially new music when I was choosing between the various colleges I was accepted to. So when I chose to move to Boulder, Colorado I expected native Coloradoans to be everywhere, but I quickly found out this was not the case at all. Boulder, much like other big cities in Colorado has been taken over by us “Transplant Natives.” We bring our cultures, our sayings, and our quirky traditions to the Rocky Mountains and then decide to never leave because Colorado is