BandWagon Magazine - May 2015 - EPMD by BandWagon Magazine

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

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BREACH & BELLOW BURN THE EFFIGY

Rose Hedberg

BandWagon Magazine

Jesse Spencer, local celebrity and adamant musician released his latest endeavor from his solo project Breach & Bellow this last month. Burn the Effigy is B&B’s debut album, but Spencer is anything but novice to the music scene. From Longmont, Colorado he was born into music. With both parents graduating as music majors, his childhood was brimming with music opportunities and expectations that have transformed him into a sovereign of the Colorado rock scene. “At first it made me kind of resentful, being told that you have to have piano lessons, you have to do this and this,” Spencer said, “but I’m super thankful for that. Especially the piano as it’s created good ground work for me as a musician. It’s melodic and rhythmic.” Learning to play four different instruments translated into events that most musicians spend their whole careers working

towards. Starting in a band called The Wild After as the drummer, Spencer was quickly sucked into a national tour as the band was casted to be Matt Hires’ backup band. They opened up for Matchbox Twenty, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Parachute only months after Spencer joined the band. “As a musician growing up I always heard that you have to pay your dues and work hard, which you do, but it was also really cool to have my first touring experience just get dropped on me and at the arena level. It was bizarre. It definitely opened up my eyes to a lot of things.” Successfully touring so early in his career translated into Spencer’s serious and passionate attention to music and life in general. Along with being a lucrative musician he’s a talented graphic designer, videographer and photographer. It’s modesty that’s allowed his talent the opportunity to thrive. When asked if there was anything he couldn’t do, he replied sheepishly the saxophone. Saxophone aside Spencer juggles being part of Denver

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

BREACH & BELLOW continued... bands Ivory Circle, The Wild After, Greeley band Leash of Foxes, and now his solo career Breach & Bellow. It’s a wonder he has any time to dedicate to Breach & Bellow, but you wouldn’t question it after taking a first listen and uncovering his extensive media campaign to expose fans to the project. His lack of free time didn’t rob the album of being a great production. Burn the Effigy is poetic and carefully pieced together. “I played drums, piano, electric and acoustic on the record but I knew since I’m just self taught with electric, that I wanted someone who was better and could bring life to the guitar. So Ryan (Buller) was brought in. One thing that’s awesome about him is he didn’t hear any of the songs before he went in

to the studio. He just sat down and Chris (Beeble) would play something, we’d tell him what key it was in and he would just start to play with it.” Something uniquely Breach & Bellow was the ability to match the raw lyrics to the natural creation of the album. Songs were scribbled on scrap paper and during states of drowsy half consciousness and this whimsical attitude was mirrored in the studio. “We had a road map of the arrangement and luckily we had time allotted at the studio that we could build them from the ground up, which was really fun. It was kind of like that instinctual first honest thing that came out as a musician, which leant itself to be really authentic.”

The lyricism for the album is something to be admired especially with the accompaniment of Ivory Circle’s Connie Hong in harmony with Spencer. The album wavers through alternative melodies, experimental synthpop and synthetic sounds like the clinking of bar glasses as backdrop noise. Breach & Bellow fuse together the gentle comforts of indie rock with the romanticised notions of relationships to create an idyllic effigy. “I definitely respect songwriters who can kind of write a song out of nothing. I respect that because they have a kind of gift for songwriting, but I feel like for me and maybe even the music that I listen to the most comes from somewhere deeper than, ‘Oh

I want to write a good hook or melody.’ That’s why I like bands like Daughter or The National or Bon Iver. Even Justin Vernon at times said ‘I can’t write another Bon Iver record because I have to be in such a low place to write Bon Iver music.’ I can relate. There’s a kind of authenticity about that writing that you don’t find in top 40 music.”

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015 TEMPLES

SUN STRUCTURES Clark M. Lamson

BandWagon Magazine As with most trends, music is cyclical. That’s why a couple years back, the airwaves were choked with the sickly sweet ooh-aah’s and group clapping of the pop-folk scourge (sorry Of Monsters and Men). The current return is something a little more palatable, at least for me. Funk, disco, and jazz are all coming back in a big way, especially in hip hop and

PHOTO BY JAMES LOVEDAY

pop tunes. Modern artists are heading back to their roots for inspiration. In the case of Kettering, UK born band Temples, that means dirty, glistening psychedelia. Releasing their debut single “Shetler Song” (the lead single on the new album) in 2012, the band worked tirelessly on the road, and have finally released their debut record, Sun Structures. The name does a perfect job at evoking the images present in the

music, images brought just as much by the lyrical content as the sweltering groove. While the album has a sturdy base in a highly tonal brand of psychedelicrock, each track is a venture away from home base, each time in a different direction. “Move With the Seasons” finds itself in the middle of the album and as such, functions as the intermission card. Vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Zombies paint a shimmering warmth across the track, while a far away 6-string cuts dry. The result is humid perfume. Think Fleet Foxes in a slow motion rocket liftoff. “Sun Structures,” for which the album is named, is one of the tracks more rooted in a traditional kaleidoscopic bend. Founding members James Bagshaw and Tom Warmsley have a knack for writing melodies which make me nostalgic for bright and sad

melodies of such British Invasion greats as The Byrds and Herman’s Hermits. Enhanced by the vocals, the track finds root in a crunchy, fuzzedout guitar sound, fortified by a bossy beat. There’s a psychedelic group called The Wooden Shjips that plays one of my favorite songs, “These Shadows.” When you look for the lyrics for the song, there’s a lot of “?” in the sites that make the attempt. It’s because for that song, the lyrics don’t really matter. It’s about the feeling. While Temples aren’t nearly as prosaic in their work, the lyrics function much in the same way. Lyrics like “Take a path of you, inside the odyssey / Ritualistic signs on the desert sea / Lead the river to the water / Take the fire from the trees” might lack depth for some, but it’s no use arguing that they don’t bolster the tripped-out experience that is Sun Structures. They’re expressive, utilitarian even, but don’t do much for me on an emotional level. One thing becomes very clear when listening to Sun Structures;

this is a band that is dedicated to their sound. If you enjoy this album as much as I do, but are looking for more, check out the “deluxe version” which includes remixed versions of nearly all the original album tracks. These “Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve Reanimation” cuts crank the already present grooviness to 11 and beyond, as well as taking a more experimental angle. It’s as if the original album ends, dissolves you into atoms, and sucks you into your headphones. Temples is leather fringe, and headbands, but yet never feels dated. Sun Structures is an intoxicating trip through the minds of madmen, and an absolute must listen. If you’re one who prefers your music live, head over to the Bluebird Theater May 27 to catch what I’m sure will be one hell of a show.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015 EARL SWEATSHIRT

I DON’T LIKE SHIT, I DON’T GO OUTSIDE Clark M. Lamson

BandWagon Magazine

FREE EARL! This was the rallying call for millions of Odd Future fans for the two years spanning Earl Sweatshirt’s scholarly exile to Somoa. The youngest and (based on the hype) most talented member of the Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All hip hop collective, had been sent to boarding school by his mother. Upon his return, mystery and praise swirled around him. Since his return, Sweatshirt released his debut album, Doris. The album has all the coziness of abandoned docks, and gave ravenous fans what they were looking for; expertly rapped bars, with a production uniquely Sweatshirt. Most performers would have to wait until their second or third release for their “I’m famous and I don’t know how to handle it” album. Given Earl Sweatshirt’s circumstance, he began with it. Doris dealt in depression, violence, and feelings of overwhelming fame. As well it should have. Odd Future member Tyler The Creator has touted Sweatshirt as “the greatest rapper ever.” That’s no easy title to own, not for most people anyway. Now with one album down, fans wonder what’s next. After a heated Twitter battle with his label for “F*CKING UP THE ROLL OUT PROCESS OF MY SH*T,“ Earl Sweatshirt’s second album, I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside has been

released. In an interview with NPR’s Microphone Check podcast, Sweatshirt spoke about the length of time Doris covered. Songs spanned back almost two years prior to the release of the record. While Outside does feel more focused in its capacity as a time capsule, the bratty swagger that’s missing from the album was one half of what made Doris so appealing. The other half, the half that manifests itself in depressed lyrics and watery, disjointed, colorless production, Outside has in spades. When you pull the rug out from under the music, it becomes a much more serious listen. The record is not without its high points by a long shot. “Faucet” would be the prime example of when Outside’s melancholy pays off. The song deals with strains between Sweatshirt and his mother, a topic visited on Doris as well. While most of Outside renders images of dark streets and molding refuse, “Faucet” plays like clean water. It radiates clarity

and authenticity, while still being “Sweatshirtishly” cheerless. To that point, “DNA” stands out as one of the most authentic pieces in the collection, especially when the story behind the Na’Kel feature is revealed. On the day of recording, Na’Kel, Sweatshirt’s “best friend,” received news that a friend back home had been shot and killed. The resulting raps are only hours old, and are delivered as bitterly as one would expect. It seems that at the very least, the production of the album has been a growing experience for Sweatshirt. In the aforementioned interview, Sweatshirt reveals that the album was recorded between tours, as well as during a move and a breakup. It’s not that anything on Outside is particularly bad, but based on the content we got from Doris, it feels like the author should be past many of these issues. Each track, even the high points mentioned earlier, feels undercooked. Under realized. D e s p i t e its better moments, Outside, in terms of flow and production, feels more like a prequel than a successor.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

OUR MOST EXCITING

SUMMER EVER 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

Chris robinson brotherhood

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

sunday may 17th

SAT MAY 16TH

7:00 PM (Doors at 5:00) Don’t forget your Shuttle or Parking pass!

EPMD FRI MAY 22ND Photo by Simon Abrams from Brooklyn

xavier rudd thurs june 4TH

EOTO FRI jULY 10TH FOLLOW THE ACTION AT:

FRUITION........................................SUN MAY 24TH 2015 EUFORQUESTRA & JUNO WHAT?! ............. SUN MAY 29TH 2015 CRACKER AT FOR LOCALS BY LOCALS.......SAT JUNE 6TH 2015 Hayes Carll .......................................WED JUNE 10TH 2015 Hot Buttered Rum..............................FRI JUNE 12TH 2015 Rise at the Mish..................................SUN JUNE 14TH 2015 DEAD FLOYD ....................................FRI JUNE 19TH 2015 ROBERT RANDOLPH ............................FRI JUNE 26TH 2015 EVERYONE ORCHESTRA........................THU JULY 2ND 2015 JURASSIC 5.....................................SUN JULY 19TH 2015 COL. BRUCE AND ARU..........................FRI JULY 31ST 2015 RYAN BINGHAM................................SAT AUG 1ST 2015 LORD HURON....................................THU AUG 6TH 2015 HAZEL MILLER & CHRIS DANIELS.............SUN AUG 9TH 2015 OTT....................................................FRI AUG 14TH 2015 THE SOUND REMEDY EXPERIENCE ............ FRI AUG 21ST 2015 DAVID GRISMAN / JEFF AUSTIN ..............SUN SEPT 13TH 2015

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BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

en español

MONO VERDE COLLECTIVE ECOS DE FE Y ESPERANZA

Irma Sandoval

BandWagon Magazine

Mono Verde Collective, o mejor conocido como Mono Verde, es un grupo identificado por su reggae latino con estilo dub que influye a su público con sus temas positivas en español. Este conjunto de músicos comparten su reggae latino para representar la diversidad

que vive en esta música reggae revolucionaria. Los miembros originan de varios países como México, La República Dominicana, Colombia, Venezuela, Perú y por supuesto los Estados Unidos. La liberación que disfrutan y a cual indican significancia estos músicos es la valoración que los mueve y mantiene apasionadamente unidos en una colaboración en nuestro

diverso Denver, Colorado. Mencionan la naturaleza como templanza en sus trabajos cuanto en su nombre. Personifican los “colores de las sombras discutiendo su razón,” esto representa sus fuertes emociones sobre el sentido del mundo y comparten su idea que es regalada la vida y su belleza. La “paz en el mar… y en la tierra,” constantemente declara al público que admirando todo

este cielo y mundo es mejor que un sueño. Incorporan palabra poética describiendo a la vida con tono y características femeninas al “mirar” a la tierra madre en su canción, “Mira.” En sus conciertos, cuales han alcanzado ser internacionales, cautivan a su audiencia. Mono Verde continúa con sus temas en español y en su nuevo álbum que estrenó en abril del 2014 le subieron a los ritmos movedizos. En la canción, “Sombra” cuentan

historia que crea una conexión con el público y las letras mencionan el dolor y los conflictos que causan sombra en los seres. Los otros cantos también hablan sobre la noche y las voces que pueden causar miedos al abandono y la desilusión. A trazar las canciones, alientan al público que se deje apartar de los momentos difíciles mientras enfusen momentos musicales transportando su público al corazón del ritmo latino.

Mono Verde, the collective of artists full of passion for latin reggae, captivates audiences with their songs in Spanish. The content of the group’s original work is smoothly incorporated with the melodies founded in reggae and mixed with contemporary “dub style” beats. This group of musicians share their Latin reggae to represent the diversity that lives in this revolutionary music. The members originate from several countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and of course the United States. The liberation and freedom the band expresses in their music shows the value they find collaborating in the diverse Denver, Colorado. They never fail to mention nature being important in their work. Mono Verde declares to the public to constantly admire the world, which is better than a dream. They feature a verse of spoken word describing mother nature’s gift of life using female

characteristics to symbolize the beauty seen when you “look” as mentioned in their song, “Mira” (look). Their concerts, which have reached international status, captivate audiences as much as their lyrics. Mono Verde continue to sing in Spanish and in their latest album, Ecos de fe y Esperanza (echoes of faith and hope) released in April 2014, they boosted the energy of their reggae rhythms. In the song, “Sombra” (shadow) they tell a story that connects with the audience and the words mention the pain and conflict that cause shadows. The other songs on the album also speak of shadows and the night bringing voices that can cause fear of abandonment and disappointment. Among the album’s musical variety, they encourage their public to put aside their worries offering admiration and infusing lyrical musical moments that transport you to the heart of Latin sound.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

Jed Murphy

TIP:

IN CONCERT @ MAY PLAY MUSIC FEST in GREELEY ON MAY 1ST AND THE MOXI THEATER IN GREELEY ON MAY 29TH

BandWagon Magazine

here the Water Runs is not

just another song for Mike Ring. For Ring this song comes at a time in his life where he finds himself in somewhat of a low point. It is in that low point that Ring found his voice and message of hope that he felt he needed to share with the world. “Where the Water Runs” is Ring taking on suicide in a big way. This song, accompanied with a short documentary featuring interviews with people who have faced suicide, is Ring’s call to everyone affected by act that life doesn’t simply just go on because everyone knows that already, what he is trying to say is that having just one more day is a powerful thing. “The chorus of the song is ‘wake me up and leave me where the water runs’. That’s those mornings when you wake up and you need to be hydrated by something, whether that be your family, your job, (laughs) water. Whatever you actually need, that’s what you’re looking for when you face those days you can’t seem to wake up,” says Ring. As far as songs go, what we hear in “Where the Water Runs” has a boldness in both writing and production. Ring sets his sights high for this track and what we see is a musician both comfortable enough in his own skin and confident enough to go for it. At seven minutes “Where the Water Runs” is a journey of a song. Recorded at Colorado Sound in Westminster and engineered by Jesse O’Brien, the quality of the production is top notch and lends itself to the seriousness in which Ring takes the project. With multiple arrangements moving from folk, to funk, to spoken word, to a nice dose of rock organ, there could be easily two or three independent tracks here but that’s not how Mike Ring operates. “I love epic,” he says with a laugh. “If it was a decent song with a decent meaning I would shorten it and make it poppy then call it good. But for this song I felt there was so much to be said. There were so many emotions that needed to be met.” Recently rebranding himself as simply Mike Ring from his previous moniker of Mike Ring and the Connection, “Where the Water Runs” comes at a time of great change for Ring. Here is a musician reaching beyond himself to not only help people but make great music in the process. “There is an interview (on the documentary) with my percussionist Paul Buscarello and he refers to the words of a Cake song when he talks about his life. The words are ‘no one wants to leave before the end of the movie’. Like it might not get better but don’t you want to say you saw the end?” All proceeds from the short film and the single will be donated to the Suicide Hotline.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

TIP:

IN CONCERT @ MARQUIS THEATRE in DENVER ON MAY 5TH

IN CONCERT @ MOXI THEATER in GREELEY APRIL 30TH

Q&A WITH

MATT POND PA Kyle Eustice

BandWagon Magazine Formed in Philadelphia in 1998, indie rock band Matt Pond PA is the brainchild of, you guessed it, Matt Pond. With nine studio albums under his belt, including 2015’s The State of Gold, he’s no stranger to songwriting, but his latest album almost didn’t happen. He suffered a severe bout with writer’s block while holed up in a Bearsville, New York cabin. Miraculously, he was able to overcome the paralyzing event and finish The State of Gold just in time for a June 30 release. ”I’d spent the previous year with a Stonehenge-sized writer’s block that followed me to all the corners of the country – along the winding aimlessness of tours and the failed attempts to stake claims in St. Augustine, Florida and Oakland, California,” he explains. “Day and night, I maintained shaky staring contests with a blank notebook while sarcastic palm fronds floated outside. Then January came and I woke up in the woods. The outline of a window frame, burning with bright yellow light, slowly edged across the cabin floor. I was in love and I was where I wanted be.” The first single “More No More” suddenly purged out of him and soon the remainder of the album started flooding in. Now on a 10 Year Anniversary tour in support of 2005’s Several Arrows Later, the current incarnation of Matt Pond PA makes stops in major markets including Austin, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York, playing the album in its entirety for the first time. Each night, not

only will Pond and crew play the beloved album in full, but also a sampling of songs from the new record. In the ten years since Several Arrows Later, Pond has released three albums and six EPs, and toured the country more times than he ever imagined possible. Short on time, but not on insight, Pond took a few moments to discuss the tour, the everrevolving door of musicians in his band and what makes a great show.

I isolated myself more than when I lived in a cabin. To be surrounded by people and totally alone is probably the most extreme form of isolation. When I finished the album, I realized that all that time I’d been trying to talk to people through songs. And that it’s not one way or the other – I can coexist and caterwaul.

BandWagon Magazine: You just kicked off another tour. How does it feel to be back on the road?

I’ve loved it when we can connect. I don’t love it when people yell for a song that isn’t on the album during the entire set. While I fully encourage people to have a good time at our shows, I don’t know if endless tequila shots are the best way to dive in.

Matt Pond: I’m in a hotel room in Tucson. The moving curtains keep catching the corner of my eye, making me think there’s someone else in here. Being on tour is totally disorientating and completely natural at this point. I don’t know if I want to be driving around playing shows forever. But right now, it’s pretty amazing. Why do you think Several Arrows Later resonated with so many people? I can’t speak for other people. I can only speak for myself. Then again, the point of what I’m trying to do is communicate. In some ways, Several Arrows Later was a question and answer with myself: Are we screwed up? Yes, we’re screwed up. Is that ok? Yes, that’s ok. What is “special” about that album? I wrote most of it in a small, green room in Brooklyn. Even though I was in the city,

Are you looking forward to recreating the songs on that album night after night?

I know you and Chris Hansen are considered the only core members. Why not have a solid lineup? Do you prefer having a revolving door of musicians to work with? Everyone’s busy these days. Everyone’s distracted. In some ways, it’s a service to the people I play with. It gives them the opportunity to jump in and out when it suits them. Also, we work faster as a duo. With arrangements and recordings, we have a small committee to conduct votes. Counting to two is far easier than counting to five. When I started playing music – even originally under the name Matt Pond PA – it was a band. When a band is doing well, everyone is happy and has a laugh about the most mundane collection of

slang words. But when a band has a case of the hiccups, they blame the lead singer. (As you might know, I’m the both the lead singer and cannot stand being blamed) How did you learn how to play guitar? I taught myself with Beatles songbooks. Then changed the tunings and hummed my own melodies. Now I’m learning how to play like a normal person. It’s exciting. Do you still run? What does running do for your songwriting process? I’m in my running kit as I write to you. Waffling between the fitness center and hitting the streets. Since I have poor vision, the streets often become an impossible maze. What makes a great live show? Perhaps the answer is the same. I believe complete immersion is the key. It starts with the performer and moves it’s way out into the audience. I have to fully believe in what I’m doing to do it – I hope people get that from our shows. And on certain specific nights in my life, say seeing Patti Smith or Yo La Tengo or Lykke Li – I’ve both lost and found myself in someone else’s music. That’s the dream coming true. What would you do without music? I think I’d write. I write short stories in my mind all the time. I know that I’d be a heck of a lot less crazy and anxious. But I’d also be boring as mud. What do you think I should do?

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

11 LICENSED LIQUOR JOINTS LIBATIONS AND NIGHT LIFE MUSIC AND DANCING ALWAYS A GOOD TIME

A.F. Ray ( founder of Garden City)

It has been rumored that during the prohibition of alcohol, A.F. Ray supplied the residents of Weld County with bootlegged booze hidden in watermelons from his own patch.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

ANTI-JUDGEMENT:

Spreads a Message of Tolerance

Kyle Eustice

BandWagon Magazine Lead vocalist and guitarist of Anti-Flag, Justin Sane, was born Justin Cathal Geever in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to extremely progressive-thinking Irish Catholic parents. The youngest of nine children, he was initially exposed to punk rock by his brothers and sisters. Groups like The Sex Pistols and The Clash were heavily present in the Geever household, but his siblings also had an affinity for music like KISS, Led Zeppelin and even John Denver. However, at the core were songs with a political message, something AntiFlag has prided itself on for the past 18 years. “It was kind of all over the place,” Geever says. “My family was really involved in music. My parents made all of us learn an instrument. We were deep into Irish culture. I grew up playing Irish rebel songs with my brothers and sisters so we almost had our own version of The Pogues.” It was punk rock that grabbed him and wouldn’t let go. His family’s political nature had a profound impact on him as a child. “Both of my parents were influenced by liberation theology, which is a teaching from the Catholic church,” he explains. “It was a pretty radical,

left wing idea and it means you walk in the footsteps of Jesus by being with the poor, helping the poor and standing up for people who can’t stand up for themselves. My parents were really influenced by that ideology. That definitely had an impact on them being involved in the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War and being anti-war in general.” In 1988, Geever was 15-years-old and while most of his peers were experimenting with alcohol and drugs, Geever was swimming upstream. In fact, he was straightedge all the way into his thirties. Punk rock, in a sense, saved his life. “Now I drink,” he says. “But I think for me, I leaned towards self-destruction and being straightedge probably really saved me. When I started drinking when I was older, my judgement was much better.” After so many years of being straightedge, it’s baffling to think how someone could throw that away, but due to circumstances beyond his control, he decided to leave that lifestyle behind. “I had a classic heartbreak story,” he admits. “It’s not very exciting. It wasn’t like I woke up and said, ‘Fuck it, I’m going to get drunk.’ I was on a long, long spiral down and I was hanging out with people I don’t normally hang

out with who didn’t even know I was straightedge. They were like, ‘Hey dude, we’re going to get drunk. Do you want to get drunk? And I said, ‘You know what, yeah, I do want to get drunk.’ I still think there’s a lot of value to the straightedge lifestyle. If you can drink and not kill yourself, I don’t see the problem. I was never a purist even when I was straightedge. I was never nailed to the straightedge cross.” As Anti-Flag’s career continued to evolve, the support of Geever’s parents allowed the band to flourish. Unbelievably, with nine children to take care of, they were still able to support their youngest son’s ambitions. Geever still remembers the moment the band was finally able to pay back the money his parents had loaned them in the earlier years. “My parents were big supporters of the arts and freedom of expression,” he says. “They understood people had to take their own path in life and be free to make their own choices with hopefully some strong guidance. Surprisingly, they did help us monetarily more than anyone else. When we needed money to buy a van or a place to practice, they helped us, which was incredible considering how little money they had. But they really believed we were doing something positive and doing something we

believed in. “We probably owed my parents $5,000 and when we signed to Fat Wreck Chords, that was the first time we had made any money playing music,” he continues. “I remember we paid my parents back and it was like they almost feel out of their chairs. I don’t think they expected to see that money ever again. When I think back about it, it’s pretty amazing my parents were willing to help us financially. My drummer’s parents hated the band and fought us every step along the way. That was a struggle. It was a big leg up to us to have somebody on our team to help us out.” Anti-Flag had a pivotal moment in 2000 when they were asked to play Warped Tour. At this point, they had two albums under their belt, 1996’s Die for the Government and 1999’s A New Kind of Army, but it was 2001’s Underground Network on NOFX’s Fat Mike’s label, Fat Wreck Chords, that really put them on the map. Combined with their stint on Warped Tour, Anti-Flag took a leap to the next level in their musical career. It wasn’t an easy decision. “We really came from the DIY scene,” he says. “The whole idea of playing for something with a corporate sponsor was a difficult choice. We knew there would be a lot of heat from the

underground and even our friends. So we did two shows to see what the negatives and positives were. We found out the people involved in the production of Warped Tour were our people. Most had come from punk rock scene. Ultimately, we reached a lot of people and felt like we were reaching a lot of ears that were hearing political music for the first time. It was great playing for people who you might be able to influence. Maybe they’ve never heard anyone say, ‘Fuck racism, fuck homophobia, fuck sexism.’ It might make them think about that for the first time in their life. Warped Tour was a transition for us. It was a place where we thought we could have an impact we thought was positive.’ As Anti-Flag begins their tour in support of the new record, American Spring, Justin Sane, Chris No. 2, Chris Head and original member Pat Thetic couldn’t be in a better place. “We’ve always wanted to push a message forward,” he says. “We hope our fans learn empathy and understand we are more connected to people than they think. Anti-Flag isn’t a color of skin; straight or gay, white or black, bullets or religions or nationalities. We are people with similar hopes and dreams. The more we travel, the more we realize that’s absolutely true.”

TIP:

IN CONCERT @ AGGIE THEATRE in FT. COLLINS MAY 20TH

Bu s i n es s as u s ua l

Public Enemy, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, MC Lyte, and Big Daddy Kane were already there. EPMD came on the scene last and next thing you know, we’re on the Run’s House tour with Public Enemy. I was 19 at the time. Were you blown away? We were in the front of the stage every night. It was an incredible experience because we were already fans. So to be buying Run DMC and Public Enemy CDs and then you’re there going, ‘Look, there goes Chuck. There goes Flavor Flav. There goes Run.” That was unreal. We got to ride on Run DMC’s bus for free so it was wild to Erik and me. It’s nice to relive that time with you. DJ Hurricane was telling me how he ended up on Run DMC’s first tour and how Dr. Dre [of Yo! MTV Raps] quit in the middle of the tour so Hurricane had to take over. I didn’t even know Dr. Dre DJ’ed for the Beastie Boys! Learn something new every day.

Bringing Classic Hip-Hop to the Mishawaka By Kyle Eustice BandWagon Magazine EPMD is synonymous with classic hip-hop. Hailing from Long Island, New York, Parish Smith and Erik Sermon burst onto the scene in the late ‘80s with their groundbreaking debut, Strictly Business. Rather than using disco breaks that many hip-hop acts of that era were accustomed to, EPMD lifted rock and funk samples to create their unique brand of the genre. “Erik and Parish Making Dollars (E-P-M-D)” quickly began doing just that thanks to a slot on the 1988 Run’s House tour, which featured many of their heroes, including Public Enemy and Run DMC. In 1989, the duo released Unfinished Business and followed up with 1990’s Business As Usual and 1992’s Business Never Personal. After their first label, Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records, went under in 1992, EPMD

signed with Def Jam and joined an esteemed roster that included LL Cool J and Public Enemy. Thanks to timeless hits like “You Gots To Chill” and “Crossover,” their impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable. Despite several hiatuses over the years, EPMD is as active as ever and plan on releasing new music soon. As EPMD makes their way to Northern Colorado for their May 22 show at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Parish Smith took some time to talk ‘80s hip-hop, working with Mantronix and, of course, business. BandWagon Magazine (Kyle Eustice): In the ‘80s, the hip-hop scene in New York was exploding. What was it like to be a part of that and witness the birth of an entire culture? Parish Smith: One, it was like if you were to get the respect of your peers in the hip-hop community, you knew you had arrived. Back then, it was based on your skills as an emcee, beat maker, dope graffiti artist or dope DJ— all the elements of hip-hop. In our case, we were the last guys to come in.

That’s an eye opener. Strictly Business came out in 1988. Why do you suppose so many people cite this album as your most influential? I think because we were outsiders observing the growth of the hip-hop community and hip-hop culture. All we wanted was a shot and an opportunity. Some of the music we were listening to were on things like RAP Attack and DJ Red Alert’s show. Back then, hip-hop only got showcased for one hour. Listening to the radio, coming from Long Island and being up against the five boroughs, we knew we had to come correct. The heart and soul was put into the first album with different kinds of loops and music than hip-hop culture was used to hearing. We came with the tag team because Erik was my partner. Once we released that album and was immediately invited on the Run tour, it was like ‘bang.’ It was the best looks you could possibly get. We were out there with some superstars. You use some really interesting samples from The Zapp Band to Eric Clapton’s version of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” What was your process like when you were constructing these songs?

I was a DJ before I was an emcee. I was always on the turntables. I was with a group my older brother started called Smitty D and the Rock Squad. Being a DJ and DJing at house parties and stuff, you had to be well rounded. You had to have the rock, the hip-hop. I grew up in a multi-cultural environment. I had all nationalities. The same thing in school. In the dorm, one morning you could wake up and hear Beastie Boy’s “Brass Monkey,” Run DMC’s “Rock Box” or Public Enemy’ s first album. Or you could hear ZZ Top or Eric Clapton. That’s just how it was. Being a DJ and being around all that stuff, once I got in the studio and started producing, it was fresh on the mind.

had, our love of hip-hop keeps us coming back. We have a solid body of work, not only with EPMD, but also with the Hit Squad and the Def Squad, you know what I mean? To know we have the power within to make a difference and not utilize that is kind of selfish. No, it is selfish [laughs].

With a DJ background, it seems it would be a lot easier to come up with ideas because you have such a vast knowledge of music. That’s kind of the essence of hip-hop, right?

What was it like working with Kurtis Mantronik?

That’s right. That would be a great piece, too. How many famous artists started off as DJs [laughs]? Dr. Dre [of N.W.A. fame] was a DJ and I was a DJ before I started rapping, too. You and Erik have split up as EPMD quite a few times. Erik seemed to gain some traction with his solo career, but you guys always end up back together as EPMD. What’s the force that keeps you coming back to each other? We’ve had a friendship since eighth grade so there’s a bond there. Regardless of what indifferences we’ve

Don’t deprive us. To know we are one of the few groups that came up on Def Jam, under Run, Public Enemy, and others from that era is incredible. We knew the hip-hop community was lacking some leadership. We felt that hip-hop was great to us and made us who we are so we had to give back. That was incredible. That’s kind of crazy. Mantronix and Joyce Sims were two of the few artists on Sleeping Bag Records before we got signed. Did you read about Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow taking Afrika Bambaataa’s record collection on the road? That would be so dope. I was around Bambaataa back in the day because my brother was friends with him in 1979 before hip-hop was called hip-hop and before “Planet Rock.” I was around this at 13 as a young kid. At that age, I already loved it. My brother would have block parties out here in Long Island and Bam would come out with Zulu Nation.

defining part of the culture yourself? It’s a super blessing, but also we’re still active. We’re working hard and still focused so we don’t really get to see that because we’re still in it. Let’s talk about that. What are you doing now? We were on the Masters of Ceremony Tour with Slick Rick, DMX, Big Daddy Kane, and Rakim. Then we were on the Golden Era Tour and The Hip-Hop Legends Tour, which was in Las Vegas. Now we’re coming full circle with the Def Jam Recordings 30th Anniversary show at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. We are working on some EPMD music and our own solo projects. It’s kind of up in the air when they will come out because we’re not rushing and we are really taking our time. We want to make some really good music because that’s what hip-hop is lacking now. Is it a different feeling playing to such big audiences? To me, it’s the same whether it’s 10,000 people or one person. I always come from the point of view like this fan took the time to purchase a ticket and come see us so I give it all I’ve got.

Oh my god. Exactly. That’s the way I was [laughs]. That’s what I wanted to do. You’ve accomplished so much in your career. How does that feel to come from being a 13-year-old fan to

TIP:

IN CONCERT @ MISHAWAKA amphitheatre MAY 22ND

Photo By Vasily-Konstantin

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

NATHANIEL RATELIFF ELDREN THE EPILOGUES

BEN PU

BILL SMITH

HOUR BONES MUHRONI

THE BURROUGHS

TUESDAY NIGHTS AT 7PM

A NEW WEEKLY SHOW PLAYING ALL OF THE BEST LOCAL MUSIC

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

1ST PLACE

BASSIX BY: ROSE HEDBERG

Wrapping up the evening and snagging the grand prize was bass and drum duo, Chris Arias and Ben Heroux. No strangers to the stage both are key figures in other projects around town such as Primary People and Electric Stair Child, but Jager’s Got Talent was the debut for the duo. Bassix may have been last to play, but they held nothing back and drew in the late night fans to the front of the room as they jammed together. The music commanded an epic scene

2ND PLACE

This year’s wild card, Israel Jacobson, took stage as an electric and acoustic guitarist. His insistent and strategic rock was gladly meet with crowd excitement and votes bringing him in at runner up. Jacobson has been playing the guitar for 17 years and it certainly showed as he filled the room with his skills. The judges commending him highly on his

exceptional technical abilities as his quick fingers strummed effortlessly on the guitar. He was a man of few words on stage, playing his whole set instrumentally and melding one song into the next, but his facial expressions and wildly extensive technical notes made it very clear that he’s passionate and ready for the next level of musicianship. Jacobson’s set also integrated

of dance as the crowd tried to keep up with the rhythmic drum and musical madness of Arias on the six string bass that he’s been playing for 15 years. Just as the crowd thought they had got into the rhythm of the Bassix, the performers switched instruments as Arias took over drums and Heroux took stage on the keys an instrument he’s been playing for 17 years. This switch allowed a dynamic to the bands performance as they highlighted their skills,

BY: ROSE HEDBERG

top 40 music as he transformed Taylor Swift into grungy rock. He exploited the beauty in the fundamental notes and when asked who his musical influences were he said Andy Mckee, Steve Vai and Christopher Parkening. He expressed his great appreciation for his family and friends that turned up to support him and Mr. Money that sponsored him in the

competition. He enjoyed how the competition forced him to play better and be more technical as he pursues the ‘rites of passage’ to gaining musical exposure. It shouldn’t be long till we see Jacobson turning up around town and on stage to shred some light on the musical scene.

3RD PLACE

BY: ROSE HEDBERG

Performing solo Mike Ring opened up the evening with his smooth vocals and strong guitar melodies. His set list for the evening was well balanced with originals and some covers of artists such as Miley Cyrus where he made “Wrecking Ball” his own and polishing

The final night for Jager’s Got Talent most certainly rocked with a diverse collection of sounds from every artist, but futurebabes was definitely the most unique of them all. This synth pop band lead by Jed Murphy and guest artist Brandon Vela took us on a journey of fun and unpredictably buoyant beats paired with subtle vocals and a solid bass line. One of the most memorable songs, “Spreadsheets In Bedsheets”

brought about dreamy space-like images, circling like the rings of Saturn. The name futurebabes is entirely fitting of their sound, as it is a little bit strange and alien in composition. Several audience members mentioned never having heard another sound like it. Brandon Vela of Silver & Gold on bass said, “I had a great time stepping out of my genre.” The band is almost three years old with influences like The Presets, Future Islands, Chad Valley and

meant that the authenticity was more present and the songs weren’t over rehearsed or beaten senseless before they were giving life on stage. Arias stated that the competition was awesome in the sense of working to be a better musician, striving to be better than the next. The band will certainly be making rounds in Greeley and jamming out in the mean time.

Israel Jacobson

MIKE RING

4TH PLACE

drawing from inspirations such as Les Claypool, the Doors and Umphrey’s McGee. Breaking from routine and not strictly sticking to one style allowed the two to create a well rounded identity as a new band. Being a new band allotted the two some room for fun improvisation, something the two enjoyed creating on a time constraint and under pressure. Heroux said it made them dig in deep to bring out the good stuff and filter through the garbage. It

it with an indie rock feel. Ring finds inspiration from artist such as Bon Jovi and Gregory Alan Isakov which is evident in his vocal style and lyrical strength when writing songs. Ring’s been playing his own music live for the last seven years, but his witty

humor allowed me to believe that since the playground days he’s been creating music. This humor certainly gives him a presence on stage and highlights his ability to interact with a crowd, most of which he said were friends. Ring enjoyed the competition

FUTUREBABES BY: ALEX JOHNSON

Kraftwerk. Jed Murphy reflected on being in a competition, rather than at one of the many shows they have played in the northern Colorado area, as riling up a competitiveness that made this experience a different one from other sets they have done. “I really wanted that brewery tour,” says Murphy. However, as competitive the spirit of the event may have been, it didn’t overshadow the camaraderie between all of the

competitors and the audience, “We are all friends here, it’s a great community and tonight had a great vibe, and it’s nice to play with some really awesome Greeley musicians,” The band won fourth place in the competition overall, and had a great time doing it. Be sure to keep an eye out for futurebabes and their music in Greeley, Denver, and Fort Collins this summer.

as it was a chance to tell stories, hang out with friends and enjoy the company, “kind of like the time you spend around a campfire,” Ring says. The competition was a break from the single he’s set to release later this month.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

COLORaDO CONCERT CALENDAR Friday, May 1st May Play Music Festival @ 9th St. Plaza & Moxi Theater Greeley - 5:00pm w/ Silver & Gold, The Epilogues, Ivory Circle, Hypnotic Vibes, Leash of Foxes, Racing On The Sun, Mike Ring, and more! Danny Shafer @ Cranford Cove Greeley - 7:00pm Hip hop in the 970 @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Royal Fam, Y/o, Nvmee AER @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Jez Dior and Packy Poudre River Irregulars Party @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 4:00pm Elise Wunder @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm FREE Home-Fried Boogaloo @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 10:00pm

SILVER & GOLD

Rock For Youth: Air Dubai @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm w/ Amanda Hawkins Total Ghost @ The 1-Up Denver - 7:00pm w/ Gin Doctors, n810, Caramello Hydraform @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Solterra, Necropanther, Eat The Sun Face To Face - Triple Crown - “Don’t Turn Away” @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 7:00pm Tortuga @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 9:00pm w/ TKETTLE, N3U35, HARHIGH The Diplomats (Feat. Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey) @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 9:00pm DEAL Feat. members of Shakedown Street @ Quixotes True Blue Denver - 9:00pm RAH @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ The Arturo Complex, Good Touch

May 1st @ May Play Music Fest

Saturday, May 2nd Mortuary Whore & Draghoria @ The Moxi Theater Greeley - 8:00pm w/ Horse Feat. Uncle Nasty, Arise In Chaos, Morbid Asphyxiation

Emerald Siam @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Pale Sun, the Outfit Face To Face - Triple Crown - “Big Choice” @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 7:00pm

Genetics Album Release Feat. Chuck Morris and Stanton Sutton (Mountain Standard Time) @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Lady Lamb The Beekeeper @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 9:00pm w/ Rathborne, Bluebook

ZOOGMA @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Kinetik Groove

Sunday, May 3rd

The Stanleytones and The Sweet Lillies @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm TELLERPALOOZA @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 4:00pm w/ Wild High, Kitty Crimes, Rose Quartz, Blake Brown & American Dust Choir, The Dendrites, Teller Advanced & Beginning Band, Covenhoven, Teller Choir & Violins

Rise As Legends with History Of Hope @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm w/ Hemingway Hero and Arras

Face To Face - Triple Crown - “Face To Face” @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 7:00pm Mastodon & Clutch @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Graveyard

Monday, May 4th FREE Stand - Up Comedy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm FREE Funk Jam @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 10:00pm Vetiver @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ EDJ (Eric D. Johnson of Fruit Bats)

Andrea Gibson @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Tuesday, May 5th

Strange Americans @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Ben Ballinger, Gun Street Ghost

FREE CID Initiative Presents: Open Deck Freestyle Tuesdays @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

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BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015 Young Fathers @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Mas Ysa, Input James Bay @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:30pm w/ Elle King Primus and the Chocolate Factory with Fungi Ensemble @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 7:30pm w/ Special Guests Beats Antique

May 8th & 9th @ Moxi Theater

The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley - 9pm

Wednesday, May 6th

Open Jazz Jam @ Pourhouse Loveland - 7:30pm w/ Pourhouse Jazz Trio

Bloodgeon, Genocide Method, When Darkness Falls, Citadel, Retract @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Bobby Bare Jr. @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Rorey Carroll

FREE Bluegrass Wednesday @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm

Buckcherry @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 7:00pm w/ Lola Black, Resonance

Luke Wade @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Koa

El Javi @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Duran, Raul Matt and Kim @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ Waters

Two Fresh @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm Chui Wan @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Tjutjuna, Ricky Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre)

Thursday, May 7th

Adventure Club @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm

The Burroughs @ The Moxi Theater Greeley - 8:00pm

FREE The Deadwood Saints Final Show - A Farewell to Jeremy C. Grant - @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm Waka Flocka Flame @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 7:00pm w/ Ben G, Thin Air Crew, DJ Gabe Real, St. Paul, Starving Youth, Y-O & OG $wagg Chain Station @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:30

Filibusta @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Special Guest SoDown, LER, and illBanks

Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm w/ Tracksuit Wedding

The New Mastersounds @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 7:00pm w/ Trichome and Dechen Hawk’s Jus’ Sayin

Pickin’ On Cancer feat. Allie Kral’s Bluegrass Band @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:29pm

John Moreland @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Grayson County Burn Ban (members of Bud Bronson & the Goodtimers), Chris Dismuke

The Orb @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ Govinda, MILK

Saturday, May 9th

Electric Stair Child @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm w/ Primary People

FREE Dead Jam @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 9:00pm

The Royal @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Rootbeer and Mermentau

Friday, May 8th

Hog MaGundy @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 8:00pm

THE BURROUGHS (LIVE ALBUM RECORDING)

Builders and the Butchers @ Hi-Dive Denver - 9:30pm w/ Doves & Wolves Caramel Carmela @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 6:00pm w/ The Coast Is Ours, High Tide Low Tide, Bitter Kids, Bastards

Vertical Arrays, Frozen Tide, and Cobary Jam @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm Lunde Station and Dan Tedesco @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 9:00pm The Wombats @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm w/ Life in Film, Cheerleader Builders and the Butchers @ Hi-Dive Denver - 9:30pm w/ The Longest Day of the Year Red Fox Run @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Viretta, Slow Caves The Pump and Dump: A Parentally Incorrect Comedy Show and Night Out For Once @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm Gramatik / Special Guest Cherub & More. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Opiuo, Russ Liquid, Luxas

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BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

Lana Del Rey @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Courtney Love

Wednesday, May 13th

Sunday, May 10th !MAYDAY! @ The Moxi Theater Greeley - 7:00pm w/ C-Bo & West Coast Mafia, SkyJonez, Dalima, Flawless Koa @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm The Moody Blues @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm

Monday, May 11th FREE Stand - Up Comedy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm

Casey Veggies @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ Papa J

The Bright Light Social Hour @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Talk In Tongues, Eldren

Friday, May 15th

FKJ (LIVE) @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm w/ Darius

May 10th @ Moxi Theater

FREE Funk Jam @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 10:00pm

The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley - 9pm

90’s & Service Industry Night Feat. Gin Doctors @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm

Open Jazz Jam @ Pourhouse Loveland - 7:30pm w/ Pourhouse Jazz Trio

The Jesus and Mary Chain @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ The Black Ryder

Dan Deacon @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Prince Rama, Ben O’ Brien

Tuesday, May 12th

the Donkeys @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Josh Moorehead and The Guestlist

FREE CID Initiative Presents: Open Deck Freestyle Tuesdays @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Thee Oh Sees @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ Rubedo, Dirty Few

Twin Peaks @ Hi-Dive Denver - 7:00pm w/ Plum, Ned Garthe Explosion

FREE Bluegrass Wednesday @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm

Cure for the Common & Zeta June (Late Set) @ Cervantes’ Other Side Denver - 8:00pm w/ Special Guests

¡ MAYDAY!

Alison Wonderland @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ SteLouse

The Red Paintings @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm Jesse J @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:00pm

Thursday, May 14th The Panoramic @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm w/ Disguise The Silence, Sound The Ruin, Harkener Victor & Penny and Their LOOSE Change Orchestra @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Stumble Monkey (FREE SHOW) @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm Punch Drunk Munky Funk Project Boruk @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ royGbiv FREE Jakubi @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 7:00pm FREE Just Jazz Quintet @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 5:00pm Jalan Crossland -Outdoor Show @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 9:00pm w/ J. Shogren Carrie Newcomver - Indoor Show @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm William Elliott Whitmore @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm w/ Esme Patterson An Evening with The Chris Robinson Brotherhood @ Cervantes’ Denver - 8:00pm

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015 A Tribe Called Red @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Digital Connection, Need & Necessity Cowboy Mouth @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm Global Dub Festival 2015: Excision, Zomboy @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 5:30pm

Saturday, May 16th Freestyle Rap Battle @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm w/ DJ Dabble, Marble Cake, & The Moxi Freestyle Crew William Elliott Whitmore @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Esme Patterson Coles Whalen and Veronica May @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm Other Lives @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm The Knew @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ SPELLS, Dragondeer, Varma Cross Smallpools @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 6:00pm w/ Grizfolk, Hunter Hunted Head For the Hills Presents: Pickin’ on the Poudre @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 6:00pm w/ Bonnie Paine & Daniel Rodriguez ( Elephant Revival) and Caribou Mountain Collective Tipper @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Alex Grey & Allyson Grey, Ott, Quixotic, Android Jones and Jonathan Singer

Sunday, May 17th An Evening with Chris Robinson Brotherhood @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 5:00pm Alan Jackson @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 5:30pm w/ Jon Pardi, Brandy Clark

The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley - 9pm Open Jazz Jam @ Pourhouse Loveland - 7:30pm w/ Pourhouse Jazz Trio Purity Ring @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Braids, Born Gold

Wednesday, May 20th Anti-Flag @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins - 7:00pm w/ The Homeless Gospel Choir, War On Women and Wiredogs FREE Bluegrass Wednesday @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm Bad Manners @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ The A-Oks, Kult of Skaro Snakehips @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm Heavy Dose DJs @ Hi-Dive Denver - 9:00pm B-Side Players @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Mono Verde E-40 @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Stevie Stone, Necessary, Cool Mutz, Red Dot, A-Meazy

Thursday, May 21st Earth burnt BlackFront Country and Blue Grama Bluegrass @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm Bondax @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm Side Effect @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ Horse, Flood of Souls The Grow Wild Tour Feat. IM5 @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 6:00pm w/ Sam Pottorff Official Host - , Austin Jones, Bailey McConnell, The Weekend Riot, The House on Cliff

Monday, May 18th

Pigpen Theatre Co. @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Goodnight, Texas

FREE Stand - Up Comedy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm

Migos @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ OG Maco, Rich Kid

FREE Funk Jam @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 10:00pm

Friday, May 22nd

Ximena Sarinana @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Alex Ferreira

RETRO Back to the 80’s Party @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm

Vinyl Mondays - Tiana Matsuko Bernard & Chase Ambler @ Hi-Dive Denver - 9:00pm

EPMD @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 6:00pm w/ DJ Scratch

Today is the Day @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Lazer/Wulf

Haystak @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Big Snap, THC, Gem-In-Eye, Jay/R, Dee Gee, Cientifik, St. Paul, Vibesone, Main Course, ScotFree

Kamelot @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ DragonForce

Tuesday, May 19th FREE CID Initiative Presents: Open Deck Freestyle Tuesdays @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

FREE The T-Band Bluegrass Show @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 5:00pm Finnders & Youngberg @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:30pm

DEMISE UNSEEN May 23rd @ Hodi’s Half Note

Orbiting Blue @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm w/ The Lavellas, Intra Venus & The Cosmonaunts The Lavellas @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 7:00pm w/ Dark Orchid, Orbiting Blue Strung Out @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Red City Radio, La Armada The English Beat @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ P-Nuckle

Saturday, May 23rd DEMISE UNSEEN @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Moloch(MN), Mortuary Whore, Elete, Doubted Minds Paul Chet & The Whiskey Chickens @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm

Fruition @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm w/ Gipsy Moon

Sunday, May 24th The Stray Birds @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:30pm Walk Off The Earth @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 7:30pm Ex Cult @ Hi-Dive Denver - 8:30pm The Deceived @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 7:30pm w/ Perpetual Dementia, Dead Dream Escape, No More Excuses, Paths to Necropolis Fruition & Grant Farm @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 6:00pm w/ Gipsy Moon

Red Dirt On The Rocks: Randy Rogers Band & Casey Donahew Band @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 5:00pm

Monday, May 25th FREE Stand - Up Comedy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 7:00pm FREE Funk Jam @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 10:00pm 36 Crazyfists @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 7:30pm w/ Sleepwave, Toothgrinder, Nuns Will Shudder, Public Display of Aggression

Tuesday, May 26th FREE CID Initiative Presents: Open Deck Freestyle Tuesdays @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

SEAN CURTIS BAND May 29th @ Moxi Theater

The Stubby Shillelaghs @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley - 9pm

The Mountain Goats @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Blank Range

FREE Steve Johnson Group @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 5:00pm

Open Jazz Jam @ Pourhouse Loveland - 7:30pm w/ Pourhouse Jazz Trio

Chromeo & Odesza @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 5:30pm w/ Cashmere Cat, Classixx DJ SET

Friday Night Follies @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 9:00pm

Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Federation Sound Superheaven @ Hi-Dive Denver - 7:00pm w/ Diamond Youth, Rozwell Kid Miami Horror @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm Passion Pit @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ HOLYCHILD

Wednesday, May 27th

Amaranthe @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ I Prevail, Santa Cruz

FREE Bluegrass Wednesday @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm

Copeland @ The Summit Music Hall Denver - 7:00pm w/ Ivory Circle, Valise

FREE Cosmic Mesa - Outside Show @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 5:00pm

Of Mice & Men @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 7:00pm w/ Crown the Empire, Volumes

Temples @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Fever the Ghost, The Blue Rider

Tab Benoit @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm

Mija @ The 1-Up Denver - 8:30pm

Euforquestra & Juno What?! @ The Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue - 6:00pm

Kate Tempest @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm Yelawolf: The Love Story Tour: Chapter 1 @ The Gothic Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Hillbilly Casino The Decemberists & Spoon @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Courtney Barnett

Thursday, May 28th Mike Ring @ Moxi Theater Greeley -8pm Etana @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins - 8:00pm w/ Gonzo Old Town Pickers @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm Chris Stapleton @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm Hot Chip @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 8:00pm w/ Slow Magic Lindsey Stirling @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm

Friday, May 29th Sean Curtis Band @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm

Bassnectar @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Joker, G Jones & Late Night Radio

Saturday, May 30th Bonnie and the Clydes @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 8:00pm Nico & Vinz @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 8:00pm w/ Jason French, SirenXX Speedy Ortiz @ Larimer Lounge Denver - 8:00pm w/ Palehound, Alex G, Accordion Crimes Tame Impala @ The Ogden Theatre Denver - 9:00pm w/ Kuroma Bassnectar @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison - 6:00pm w/ Benga, Son of Kick & Jacklndn

Sunday, May 31st Arias @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 4:00pm FREE Slamogadro Poetry Slam @ Avogadros Number Fort Collins - 7:00pm Jon Bellion @ The Bluebird Theater Denver - 9:00pm Bassnectar @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

For More Info: BandWagMag@gmail.com

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado’s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

GAMES

CROSSWORDS Summer Music Festivals

Hint: Every answer has to do with the name of a famous music festival, Colorado and elsewhere included.

Sodoku

WORD SEARCH

ACROSS 1 • This Greeley festival will reach its 9th year in August and began as a way to introduce incoming UNC freshman to the city. 2 • This 40+ city touring festival made waves by letting parents in for free. 3 • This Denver culture magazine hosts a festival every June to showcase the hottest bands in Colorado. 4 • Electric __________ DOWN 1 • Sonic ______ 2 • Takes place in Loveland at the Sunrise Ranch 3 • Island Grove Park hosts the Greeley ________ 4 • This iconic music festival first took place in 1969, then again in 1999 only to end with the ‘80s kids rioting. 5 • UMS brings hundreds of local and touring bands for three nights in this Colorado city. 6 • This rock festival took place last year in the parking lot of Mile High Stadium, this year they added a rodeo and moved to the National Western Complex. 7 • This jam band festival takes place in Nebraska.

Complete the grid so that every row, collumn, and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1-9.

SUDOKU © 2013 Knight Features. Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved. WORD ROUNDUP by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek © 2012 Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved. CROSSWORDS © 2015 BandWagon Magazine. Reprinted with Permission of BandWagon Magazine. All rights reserved.

BandWagon Magazine northern coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & entertainment MAY 2015

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