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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
Artists’ Block is Alive at the Block Party Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine In 2010, the Block Party drew an estimated 5,000 people, and for the first time in Block Party history, the Artist Block added a fine arts element to one of Greeley’s most-celebrated events. Starting in the morning, the artists set up their 10x10 tents on the sun-baked pavement, but the steamy temperatures did not keep spirits down or the people away. As the day wore on, thousands of people ventured between stages and through the artist’s booths. By late afternoon,
there was a crowd curving their way around 20+ booths brimming with paintings, photography, drawings, ceramics, handmade jewelry, t-shirts, and more. At 6pm, Armando Silva and Liz Blasi (Editor’s note: a super hotty), two UNC art majors, pulled out canvases and easels and began live-painting with an ipod blasting music to a growing crowd. But by 8pm, the artists had to close their shops because it had grown too dark to see calculators and cash boxes. “This year we’re working on getting a generator as well as string lights, so that the artists can stay until the music is over,” says Block Party organizer Eric Long. F r o m first-time participants to career artists, the Artist Block was a telltale sign of the depth and breadth of the arts scene in Greeley. It was a true community success. And this year, you can expect even more from the Artist Block. Planted near the main stage and closer to trees
offering muchneeded shade, this year’s Artist Block promises to be bigger and bolder with a wide range of talent. Bringing back wellloved favorites from last year as well as newbies, the Artist Block has indie art and craft that make your grandma’s church bazaar look like, well, just that. Burgeoning crafters and fresh artists will pack-out this event. Megan Atkins’ shop, Wild Paper Flowers, has upcycled paper in 3-D sculptural arrangements. Her unique brand of design is indicative of the creativity and inventiveness that floods this one-day market. Similarly, veteran participant Marte Samuelstuen’s sundry shop, Season by Season, is a host to handmade journals, painted birds, and fabric hair accessories. Painters Pictured Above: The Block Party Artist Block in 2010 with larger works, This year the Artist Block will be on 9th Ave & 16th St. ceramic artists, and jewelers will roundout the booths, expected that number will information, pictures as well as new editions double by the time of the from last year, or to including merch tables for show. apply for your own booth the bands performing at The Artist Block will space, you can visit: www. the Block Party stages. At be ready to visit by 4pm bluedoorpromotion.com the time of publication, 15 on Friday, August 26th. artists had registered for Don’t miss it! For more the Artist Block, and it’s
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
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Telling Stories: The Work of Susan Wechsler Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine
“I want to tell the story I want to tell.”
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That statement is the heart of Boulder mosaic artist Susan Wechsler. Wechsler earned a BFA from the University of Michigan and a Masters of theater arts from NYU. Her current work reflects her love of both. Although her roots are in the arts, her mosaic technique is self-taught. When you look at her work, you can feel both the freedom and the passion that comes from a life spent loving and making art. Her bright and bold pieces each tell a story. Take her “memory dresses” for example. These mosaics are created on a bust of a dress hanging from a hanger and covered in carefully cut tiles. Many are made as commissions from families who have dusty but precious family china just sitting in an attic. Susan cuts each to preserve their story and integrity, and uses ever shard of glass in her work. With each creation comes a chance for new-life and new beauty in what was once boxed and forgotten. The time and attention to detail speak volumes of her love of the craft and the people she works with. Although Susan has become world renown, with offers to work with Ralph Loren and the Robert Redford Estate, her heart is in teaching and sharing.
She offers classes in her studio that draw people from round the globe. She teaches artists and novices alike, often hosting families or groups who enjoy an intro to the craft and a communion with each other as they break and rebuild. Her bright spirit and teacher’s heart are as prominent as her pieces. Several on her website praise her work and instruction. It is not uncommon for students who have work-shopped with Susan to declare their time “life changing”. “(Wechler’s class) has given me the artistic outlet I have been dreaming of finding” says student Stephanie Martin. This sense of community creation is probably what keeps Wechsler from accepting offers from agents and galleries. Even though she has had many inquiries, she prefers to work individually when displaying her art. This down to earth mentality was evident as I interviewed Susan. She is a
rare soul who remains connected to the art more than the accolades. That sense of energy is what invites you as you view her work. Wechsler’s next classes are September 10th and October 1st. You can find info and register at mosaicsbysusan.com
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
THE BANDS OF THE With bandmate Chris Jones, the group started gigging around town and on campus. Their early work seemed to be a natural extension of Rienstra’s solo stuff, and when combined with Jones’ guitar and vocals, new life and direction was given to their entire project. I recently heard their true I first met Crew Rienstra a couple years back through an potential realized when Jones open mic circuit in downtown stepped into the spotlight Greeley. It was easy to see he on his own song, “I Would, had talent and was a naturally- Etc.” That piece alone has gifted singer and songwriter, the strength and depth to but what impressed me most carry the group into the next was his individuality and stratosphere. Crew’s own charisma. I knew he was on “Cause I Love You So” is an his way to becoming the toast absolute must hear, and the of the UNC scene. I mean, accompanying video captures nobody could scat and rap the straightforward simplicity while strumming an acoustic of the song and highlights his ability to tell of real life guitar like him! Later, I happened across experiences in his art. Along with drummer Ryan his video “Pretty Girls (Never Wykert and fiddler Remember My Name)”, Jeffrey Taylor, the and it was evident the group plans to guy had a great sense enter the studio this of humor as well. So summer to capture of course, when Bones the fire the of their Muhroni was founded current line-up. through the launch of We’re fortunate The Regent EP, I was Scan the QR Code to see the have Bones immediately on board. full interview of the band. to
Bones Muhroni
MAP
Muhroni credit Greeley as their band’s birthplace and home, but with only a year left at UNC, it will soon be time for them to spread their wings. Bones Muhroni is founded on solid ground: they have the right attitude, and they definitely have the talent to flourish at the national level. So I suggest you make a point to see them now and see them often. Let’s give them every reason to remember their roots -- where they’re likely playing a local bar or club right now. By: Joe Lee Parker
The Alan Baird Project
and epic love ballads that make you want to sway your arms to the beat. But don’t be mislead, this band still rocks hard. Their latest album, Spark the Revival, is the band’s best record by far. Featuring new re-worked versions of some of their songs such as “Break Down” while seemlessly intermingling new tracks that display dynamics and musical taste that are a rare find in local bands. The bands current line-up is comprised of frontman and gutarist Baird, bassist Noah Matthews, and lead guitarist Kris Becker and drummer Joel Matthews from the now defunct Greeley band Man The Moon. The Alan Baird Project plays in Greeley regularly so do your self a favor and become a fan.
Frontman Alan Baird is not just another typical rocker and from his infamous origins as the guitarist for Denver based hardcore/screamo band Drop Dead, Gorgeous he has come a long way. Disadent chord progressions and metal breakdowns have been replaced by 3-part harmonies By: Ely Corliss
Tim Coons “Good Days”, the first track from Tim Coons’ latest album Frailty, is extraordinarily fresh yet somehow familiar. I found myself lost in it, reliving my childhood, both comforted and challenged by the nostalgia. Coons, who will be performing at this summer’s Block Party on the Margie’s Stage, has grown over the past several years, and this growth is magnified in the sweet and poignant sounds in his latest work. Perhaps most impressive is Coons’ choice of partners on this album. A deep soulful sound resonates with Renee Swick on vocals, clarinet, and keyboard, Dave Farrell on bass, and Luke Leasure on drums. The team complements Coons’ songwriting and breathes layers into Frailty. Through these players, Coons demonstrates incredible depth as he boldly experiments and manages to do so with accessibility and warmth. The album is a biography that feels like a collective voice for us all. By: Kelly Cook
Gramatik
steroids. They are still raw, sample based beats, but with evolved arrangements and wrapped in a fine layer of live instrumentation. And the reason I started adding live instruments is because I felt that classic hip-hop beats without vocals lose me after two minutes. I want to keep the listener through the whole track!” With over 80,000 tracks sold on the influential electronic music site Beatport.com in the past 2 years, topping all kinds of genre charts, Gramatik has matured from a curious kid attracted by soundscapes, to a world-class producer. Gramatik’s music quickly gained steam after he first began posting it online in 2008 and earned him nominations for ‘’Best Chill Out Artist’’ and ‘’Best Chill Out Track’’ at the 2010 Beatport Music Awards, taking 2nd place in both categories. Gramatik is now known in electronic and hip-hop circles around the globe, touring with the likes of Pretty Lights, The Glitch Mob, Mimosa, Two Fresh and many others. This summer we’ll see him performing at festivals across the US and alongside label head Pretty Lights at his annual (and sold-out!) Red Rocks show.
Good music is felt, not heard. Apparently Gramatik understood that at the age of three, when his mother would catch him glued to the radio in his older sister’s room. Not unlike other great European artists of the past, the Slovenian producer was heavily influenced by American music early on, taking in everything from Funk and Jazz to Soul and Blues. Gramatik’s Beatz & Pieces Vol. 1 (out July 12th) is his first release on Pretty Lights Music and builds on the amazing momentum created from his last release No Shortcuts and the Street Bangerz mix-tape series. Gramatik explains, “The Beatz & Pieces series comes as a successor to the popular Street Bangerz series which was my first work as a producer. I never really considered these volumes to be albums. I always looked Courtesy: at them as hip-hop beats on www.prettylightsmusic.com
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011 is headlining solid venues all over the Front Range. Comprised of Andy “ROK” Guerrero, Serafin Sanchez, Erin Jo Harris, and a rotating cast of the best musicians known to science, Bop Skizzum makes booty-shaking music in accordance with the sweat-inducing grooves of James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone, the visionary jazz-soaked R&B of Stevie Wonder, the explosive pop of Prince and Michael Jackson, to the modern retro soul of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Janelle Monáe. The band recently released Push, a meaty slab of partystarting funk & roll sliced and diced in the tradition of the original founders of funk. Tone master Chris Harris on bass and beat savant Tohbias Juniel on drums, along with twoman trumpet power punch Joe Ferrone and John Lake all headed deep into the studio to unearth their new signature sound. The five-song Push EP was released in May 2010 and is now available for download on iTunes, Amazon and all other on-line outlets as well as on www.bopskizzum.com.
Trichome
Bop Skizzum
Bop Skizzum’s mission is to make you dance. Formed in 2000 by the founding guitarist from the socio-political hip-hop rock group Flobots, Bop Skizzum’s love for funk comes out in their blend of traditional funk-styling with some contemporary rock and ska techniques. Bop Skizzum has the sound of a band that knows and trust one another, and has moved into creative places that require real refinement over time. Bop Skizzum will be one of the many new bands preforming for the first time August 26th at this year’s Block Party. This is an excellent addition. Bop Skizzum will bring the danceable grooves needed for the annual night of live music and Greeley-love. A 3-piece horn trio and female vocalist front Bop Skizzum’s live sound. Together By: Jeff Cook for ten years now, the band
In The Whale In the Whale is pretty unique in the world of Colorado music. Blues-rock seems to be completely lost here except for the everincreasing number of people who love this band. They’ve shows booked through out Denver and the Front Range, and they will play on the Main Stage at this year’s Block Party. Not a lot of two piece bands can fill a stage like they can and defiantly worth checking out. Visit their Facebook or Band Camp Page for more information. By: Zachary Martinez
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In 2010 the band dropped their first album, Where Creation Now Grows, and as the band evolved, so did their venue options; graduating from late-night Greeley bar sets, they began opening at Fort Collins hotspots like The Aggie and Hodi’s Half-Note. Last month Trichome headlined one of their biggest shows to date. “Headlining at the Mishawaka [Amphitheater] has been a goal of ours forever,” says DeJohn. “Over the years, we have had to pay our dues at venues all over the state and slowly work our way into these better slots.… This was definitely the biggest show ever for us.” Additionally, Trichome recently finished an impressive tour across the Midwest, topping it off with performances at music festivals including Summer Camp in Illinois and Wakarusa in Arkansas. In the fall, Trichome will be heading back to the studio to begin recording their second album, and the boys are already preparing for another tour next summer. “We just love playing music that makes people happy. We aren’t out to preach. We want to inspire the young and scare the old,” says Newhard with a laugh. “We love our fans and try to give them a better show each time they come out to see us.”
When I first saw Trichome perform in February 2006, I had no idea that this four-piece reggae band would become one of the most successful, young bands to come out of the Northern Colorado music scene. Formed in late 2005, Trichome began with singer/ guitarist Evan Daldegan, bassist Dave Friediani, lead guitarist Matt Newhard, and drummer Jeff DeJohn; together, they quickly became fixtures at local bars and restaurants. In 2007, percussionist Matt Schooley and saxophonist Mike Windham joined the band, and the true sound of Trichome began to form. With their roots in reggae, they began a slow morph into a melting pot of musical influences including jazz, funk, afro-beats, electronica, and rock. “Initially we were pretty straight-forward reggae, because that’s the music that spoke to our hearts at the time,” says Newhard. “With the more live music we experienced, and the more we played together, our sound became more well-rounded as we became comfortable with By: Cody Oliver who we were as musicians.”
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
My Body Sings Electric My Body Sings Electric formed in 2007 as the selfproclaimed misfits of the Denver music scene. Each band member originated in a different genre before forming MBSE and includes Brandon Whalen on vocals, Jason Bower on bass guitar, both Nick Crawford and Jeff Fedel on guitars, and Ben Scarboro on drums. Their musical influences range from Incubus, to Circa Survive, to Insane Clown Posse. MBSE works as a collaborative band; they write all of their songs together in order to create a sound that fits each of their musical aspirations. “We will jam it out at our practice space and experiment until we leave with something all five of us are
happy with,” says Bower. “It can get pretty intense, but none of us have punched the other in the face yet, so it’s an overall success.” MBSE’s recent studio album, Changing Colors, is one they’ve really put their hearts into, with something for everyone. “The fact that we all have an equal say in what we play is directly related to why our music can span across a number of genres and reach out to a bigger audience,” says Bower. “Because we have five people putting their love into it, [we are] creating a landscape of a sound that can be interesting and catchy.” MBSE’s views their ultimate accomplishment as being able to do what they love. “If we love it, then our audience will love it too,” says Bower. They’ve put a little piece of themselves into every song and have delivered it to their audience. MBSE plays energetic shows, and the passion for their music really comes through. “We love what we do with every fiber,” says Bower. On August 22nd, you can catch MBSE at Red Rocks Amphitheater for the Film
The Photo Atlas The Photo Atlas has been delivering their brand of dance punk up and down the front-range and across the country since their forming in 2004 and have since released three EPs and one full length album, No, Not Me, Never. In 2009 the band
Photo: © Steve Stanton
Churchill When I was a kid, I used to play with flashlights. These flashlights would lead me through hedges, be my microphone when the radio was on, tag my friends on cracking streets, and explore the creases in my hand on nights when I refused to go to sleep. Recently, my favorite things are those which remind me of being a child again. In January, I played a show at A.F. Ray’s where I got to open for Churchill. There were multiple bands playing that night, but Churchill’s vibe was noticeably different than the rest. They grabbed their shakers, plugged in their mandolin, stepped on stage, and smiled. This was my first experience with the acoustic/
Paul Beveridge
& Company
If you haven’t heard of Paul Beverage yet, then don’t worry, because you will. The new album, Quiet Places, incorporates a plethora of musical elements that, until now, have been completely foreign to the Greeley music scene. The band’s use of brass instruments is unparalleled in the Northern Colorado area, but you have to catch them live to get the full effect. Visit their Facebook page or Band Camp Page for more information. By: Zachary Martinez on the Rocks summer series. Look for Changing Colors on iTunes, Bandcamp, or pick up a copy at any MBSE show. For more information, check out: mybodysingselectric.com By: Laura Sutton in the northern Colorado area can put together such a concise, power driven sound like theirs. They are too tight and melodic to be punk and too damn aggressive to be a dance band; making them worth catching at the Block Party. The are one of those bands that are due to blow up any day now so see them now while you can.
released a split album with friends and fellow Denverrockers The Epilogues. If high energy is your thing then The Photo Atlas is the band for you. Few bands By: Jed Murphy bluegrass/folk group hailing from Denver. They energized the room with dancing instrumentation and folky female-male harmonies. As fans were happily swaying and singing along, the speakers blew and the sound dropped out of the room. The party was paused, and I waited to see how they would manage to regain such a spirited mood. Still smiling, the keyboardist grabbed her accordion, the drummer traded his set for a tambourine, and they gathered on the edge of the stage inviting the audience closer. Playing a true acoustic version of one of their favorite songs, they charmed listeners by offering an intimate and stripped-down version of themselves in the midst of technical problems and rowdy bar hoppers. In the spontaneity and magic of that moment, I realized that Churchill probably played with flashlights too. I’m continuously reminded of my life and adventures as a child when listening to and experiencing Churchill’s music. “I Still Remember” (from their self-titled EP) drips with nostalgia; the upbeat and carefree rhythm which
propels the song is a fusion of Americana living room and modern-day-meets-folk storytelling. Their new single, “Miles” (from their recent album Happy/Sad) is a hopeful, campfire, Coldplay-meetsbluegrass anthem for the road trip romantic, causing you to point your head to the sky and forcing you to sing along. The vocals soar while enlivening images of crammed cars and hair that’s been let down. The opening lines in “The Only One” capture the anticipation of new love, “You were a firecracker/ resting in my hand/ ready to explode/ I was a heavy rain/ after the dustbowl/ ready to overflow.” I enjoy music that makes me want to run around and chase neighborhood kids again. The firefly-like quality of mandolin and piano shaped over their folk set-up and curious lyrics about discovering life makes Churchill one of my favorite summertime bands. You can buy their newest album Happy/ Sad at churchilltheband.com and experience the light from their flashlights for yourself. By: Renee Swick
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
AIR DUBAI
Photo: ©Tobin Voggesser
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
AIR DUBAI 12
for everyone. disaster is something you don’t For as good as Wonder Age want to miss out on. {Insert is, seeing Air Dubai live is the Block Party details -- time/stage/ real deal. They tore it up at the etc.} Block Party last year. To get yo’self I was blown away pumped for their set at with their energy and the Block Party, visit: enthusiasm on stage; www.airdubaimusic. it was absolutely com where you can contagious. They had download their new Greeley dancing in single, “Soul & Body” the street. Needless for free. What’s more, to say, I have high they’re also offering expectations for their their March 2011 set at the Block Party release, Remixtape, this year. as a free download. An Air Dubai show These boys are hookin’ is a live experiment you up! If you like of pairing unlikely melodies what you hear, buy their debut together with the trumpet and album Wonder Age (available synthesizer adding plenty of on itunes and bandcamp) for 10 flavah’ to their already spicy bones. Worth it! Photo by: Vinh X Nguyen Photography sound. It’s a testament to having a good time. “Our shows creating their present sound and are absolutely on vibe. “I think our sound and chaotic vision are always evolving” says stage,” says Ray. “When you put Ray. With their roots in the Denver seven guys in music scene, having already close quarters large played major Colorado venues with of like the Bluebird Theater and amounts Red Rocks Amphitheater, amplification, they’ve found a fan following you never know going that is as diverse as their sound. what’s “I think people have latched to happen. It’s onto how organic our sound really a recipe has become. ...People want to for disaster.” Pictured Above: Air Dubai live in front of their sold out This recipe for crowd at The Bluebird Theater in Denver on May 20th, 2011 hear musicians, not computers making music” says Ray. Two years running now, in 2010 and 2011, Air Dubai was named Westword Magazine’s Best Hip Hop Band and in 2010, they won 93.3 KTCL’s Hometown for the Holidays competition. Their debut album, Wonder Age, released in October 2010, is the embodiment of two years of anticipation and momentum from their live p e r f o r m a n c e s. Each track amplifies a different style, whether it be the rhythm-driven “Restless Youth” that begs you to clap with the beat, the R&B stylings of “Weekends”, the laid-back hip hop meets soul of “Love in Retrograde” or the rock-rap side of “Lasers”, there’s kind of something
HEADLINES
Marte Samuelstuen BandWagon Magazine When the Block Party line-up includes seven stages and 50+ bands, to be the headlining act, you gotta’ be legit. Super legit. You can’t be one of those bands who are quickly forgotten, sounding like everyone else. Rather, you gotta’ deliver something that people would be amped to stay late for, where all the collective energy of the day can finally hit its forte. You gotta’ bring the party and keep the party goin’. No pressure, right? With Air Dubai headlining the Block Party this year, I can say with confidence, you won’t be disappointed. They meet all my Block Party headliner stipulations. And more. Air Dubai is a sevenpiece explosion of keyboard, rhythm, brass, guitar, and vocals. Their eclectic sound is an amalgamation of “hip hop influenced electronic soul pop” says band member Michael Ray (keyboard/synthesizer). Safe to say, they can’t be placed in one easy-to-contain sound or genre. “Our influences are so expansive that it’s hard to pin down [our sound].” Ray continues. “You’ve got everything from Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder, to Phoenix and Lupe Fiasco, to Miami Horror and Britney Spears.” Aptly stated in their bio, “The boys of Air Dubai have truly created something new: pure melodic cacophony.” Air Dubai began as a duo three years ago with vocalists Jon Shockness and Julian Thomas rapping over beats. Then in spring 2009, the short-lived duo underwent rejuvenation when instrumentalists Nick Spreigl, Lawrence Grivich, Michael Ray, Taylor Tait and Wesley Watkins joined forces to collaborate in
“The boys of Air Dubai have truly created something new: pure melodic cacophony.”
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
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IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS. FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH
WITHOUT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THESE GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES, THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. COLLEGE CREDIT UNION Free Student & Youth Checking Accounts www.collegecu.org One block North of campus 1503 9th Avenue - 330-3900
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
Shedding Light on What About Pluto? One Year Later Eric Riley BandWagon Magazine In 2006, I was living in Albuquerque with no friends and a shitty job. When my friend Josh told me he was starting a band, I took it as a sign from God. I broke my lease, packed what few belongings I had, and within two weeks I was in Greeley. That band then got real serious, real quick. Josh and I were the driving force, persevering over the next few years through a revolving door of members. In 2008, it was time to make a real record. We got lucky and a production team took us on. Josh fronted $5,000 to make it happen and recording was one of the best experiences of my life. We were sure that this record would be our launch pad into a real fan base, management, touring, the works. Unfortunately, after we released Let Go, nothing really happened. Our fan base had grown to about 10 people coming to see us at shows and I’m being generous there.
Greeley. Chris had moved to Ft. Collins and couldn’t show up on time to shows and rehearsals. Nate and I (the bassist) had our sights set on Denver to be a part of a real music scene (no offense) and I let Josh know that he had my blessing to continue the band 2009 was a hit-or-miss year without me. I even suggested for the band; some shows drummers that were very perfect, some horrific. 2010 capable and would’ve shat was worse. We were at bassist themselves to take my place. number four. It was quite clear But in his mind, things had to me that we had become gotten tough and I was, in his desperate. We bought lights words “wimping out on us.” and ego risers to supplement The last few practices were our live show. We were doing grueling. Josh blew up on me ridiculous webisodes that numerous times, but I would were supposed to be funny, not play his game; I refused but only awkward imitations to argue. This was my best of the fun that we saw our friend in the world and the peers in other bands having. best man at my wedding. The That year, we were offered Block Party was our last show a record deal from a small and it was bittersweet. Josh’s indie label from dad was there and Nashville. We he let me know that decided that we he thought that I would either take was “just throwing the deal, or part this all away.” At ways. If you knew the end of the night, the details, you I felt like complete would know that shit, but grateful no self-respecting for our friends and Scan the QR Code to see band would ever go the final performance of fans. through with it. I live in Denver What About Pluto? at Block Party 2010 I let the band now with my wife know that I wasn’t in. The deal and Nate and some other was insulting. I would rather friends. As far as I know, remember the good times, Nate and I are the only ones and move on with my life. who play music anymore. Josh was moving to Lamar, Unfortunately, Josh and I four-and-a-half hours from haven’t spoken since the
709 16th St.
last show. The experiences I had in What About Pluto? made me the man I am today. I miss my friend, but I wouldn’t change a thing. One year later, I can honestly say there wasn’t one more thing I could’ve done for that band and it feels good. This is what life is... you spill your guts out and sometimes fail. But, the true
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test of your character is how you pick up the pieces and move forward. I like to think I did well in that regard.
*Eric Riley is the former Drummer for What About Pluto? He currently drums for In The Whale
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011
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SQUEKYS
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine AUGUST 2011 Letter from the Editor: What the Hell is The Block Party?
What is the Block Party? A good question if you’re looking at this issue and wondering what the hell is going on. Good thing we at the BandWagon are here to answer all your possible questions about Greeley’s greatest local musical event that the town has ever seen. That’s right, ever. On Friday August 26th, 16th St. Greeley will come alive as The Crew Presents and dozens of local businesses bring you a day of musical and artistic shenanigans for the whole family. There will literally be something for everyone on display. Yes, literally. You want the best live and local music in Colorado on seven stages? Check. Six after parties? Awesome food? You got it. Want a dunk tank? You want chimps in monkey suits!? Outrageously redundant I know, but god damn it it’s yours! Ok, the last one was made up but the others were true and you get the point. The Block Party is not your average date night at the UCCC with Grammy and Pappy to see Amy Grant. This is arts and entertainment from the people who for one know good music, and two actually care about the culture of Greeley. This is the fifth year of the event showing not only a commitment to giving the people a good time, but the staying power of the event itself.
Past Block Parties gave us performances from talented bands such as The Epilogues, Fear Before, The Heyday, Tickle Me Pink and What About Pluto’s? last show before some of the members went on to become In the Whale. The total number of bands who have played is counted in the hundreds now and each year it grows by about fifty. For incoming freshmen and people new to the area, The Block Party is a great way to be introduced to the music scene and some of the awesome local businesses that make this place happen. Be sure to stop by the artist block to look at some local wares and meet some of the talent who produce art right here in Colorado. If you’re of the twenty-one and up age group, swing by Roma for a Bazooka beverage or head to Cheba Hut where they will be allowing beer out in front of the stage. Of coarse, trusty ol’ Wing Shack will be serving up some delicious chicken wings from their booth right there on the street. All in all, August 26th in Greeley, Colorado is going to be big. It’s not every day a city like Greeley puts on an event like this, so it is not to be missed. Bring everyone you know and support all the good things local and fun. See you there.
-Jed Murphy Editor | BandWagon Magazine
2011
FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH
AFTER PARTY
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PRETTY LIGHTS MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST
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F E A T U R I N G
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