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Nate Cook and Josh Lee are Sick of Being Nice- The Yawpers and Eldren Speak Out With New Podcast by Jenn Cohen
JCohen@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Denver’s Nate Cook (the Yawpers), and Josh Lee (Eldren) are sick of people being nice, so they’ve formed a partnership, a “cross-genre, unholy marriage of men,” they say collectively, laughing. “It’s more than just playing shows together,” says Lee.
most white-washed pedantic bullsh*t you can imagine,” says Cook. “A lot of that boils down to [the fact that] there’s not a lot of criticism. If you’re in a band that’s trying to make it in the Denver music scene, you would never say to another band, ‘Hey, you guys weren’t that good tonight.’ And we (Yawpers and Eldren)
“We started talking about doing a podcast together in a general effort to speak up [about the music scene], and hopefully inspire musicians to raise the bar a little bit,” says Cook. “There is this glad-handing element to the music scene, that you feel like you have to kiss the other band members’ babies in the hope they’ll give you a show.” Eldren and the Yawpers are playing many shows together as of late and while it’s not your typical partnership for a billing, that’s precisely why they’re doing it. “There’s no one on the planet who would go to an Eldren show and then to a Yawpers show and say, ‘Oh, those are similar bands,” says Cook. “They are totally different. We put on psychedelic, prog rock country shows,” says Cook. “Why the f*ck not?” Concerning criticism, Cook says, “I’ve gotten bad reviews from every side of the board . . . bring it on! It crushed me for a few days, then I came to certain realizations about what they were talking about, and it created a desire to get better. If you’re above reproach, as an artist, then get the f*ck out of the game. “There’s a movement in the music scene at large, kind of a pontification of musical identity to the point where people are playing the
try and do that with each other. There’s this whole attitude of just being nice to the point that it doesn’t allow for any growth or inspire people to be more creative or interesting, or more honest. If you continue to let shitty art to be represented because it’s cheaper, then you cheapen the scene; it demeans the true value of music. “There has to be some sort of scale, you’re either above it or you’re not. There’re plenty of weekend warriors out there who watered down the music scene to the point that it’s hard to
get a $600 guarantee,” Cook continues, “and you’ve spent 30-40 hours a week practicing, nine months on the road, six months recording a record, and then you go out and play a show-you should be able to make a living off of it, if you’re good enough.
“The venues need to change their attitudes about it, too,” he says. “Think about the hidive. The hi-dive has a built-in crowd because they’re exclusionary; they get good bands to
play there, so people go there to see good music. Cervantes Other side, on the other hand, has no built-in crowd because any jerkoff who is willing to play for $80 for three hours can get in there.” They hope to stir up a little bit of controversy, get people talking, and angry, even, if it means that bands will be more selective of who they play with, so as to not saturate the scene with the same thing over and over. “What happened to the Jim Morrisons?” asks Lee. “What happened to all the fanatics who actually brought rock and roll to what it was?”
“During the process of making the pilot, we were able to lure in some pretty great cast members that were some of our famous friends including Kyle Kinane (voice of Comedy Central) who plays the crotchety Rod Knorr, MTV’s Nikki Glaser and Rory Scovel in addition to Ben, Adam and Andrew,” says Juett.
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
A collection of Denver-based filmers, actors known as The Grawlix, and even Air Dubai drummer Nick Spreigl, have come together on a web-based TV series called “Those Who Can’t.” Entered into Amazon.com’s brand new Amazon Studios, the show is based around three high school teachers plotting revenge on a student who has made their lives a living hell.
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Andy Juett, of Indie 101.5 fame in addition to being a big comedy producer here in Denver, worked on the pilot episode with the Grawlix crew. “The Grawlix pilot, Those Who Can’t, is grateful to be a part of the launch of Amazon Instant Video’s “Amazon Originals” batch of pilots. Those Who Cant’s pilot episode is FREE for the next month or so on Amazon Instant Video. It’s pretty rad because you can watch the show a lot of places including computers and via Amazon Instant Video on video game systems.,” says Juett via email. Denverites may be familiar with The Grawlix, an alternative comedy show featuring Adam Cayton-Holland, Andrew Overdahl, and Ben Roy. In addition to their live comedy shows and web series (which can be viewed at funnyordie.
“It’s more about creating awareness. There is a lot of good music out there, music is not as subjective as you think it is,” says Lee. “Good food is good food. You will feel it when you eat it. You might not prefer it over everything else, but there’s no way you can deny that this plate in front of you is the most amazing style of that cuisine.” And if you don’t like? “Then you should tell someone.” “Unsolicited criticism would be borderline asshole behavior, which is definitely not the goal,” says Cook. “There is a real lack and need for honesty in the scene that doesn’t exist.” Adds Lee, “We’re tired of musicians being nice, just to kiss ass. There is 80% marketing and 20% productivity because we’re not speaking up; we’re not doing our job.” Adds Cook, “If the end goal isn’t to make art, then you’re really just a corporate piece of shit cocksucker.” Feel free to comment; in fact, bring it on! Upcoming Shows: May 2, Oskar Blues; May 4, Shine Boulder; May 17,�Stoney’s Bar & Grill�� Online: yawpers.com and eldrenmusic.com
“If you think about it, every great scene that has com/thegrawlix), this group of comedians, writers, and producers is responsible for the “Those Who Can’t” pilot episode, which they submitted to Amazon Studios during open submissions to Amazon Studios for an original comedy series. The pilot was directed by the Nix Brothers.
Denver Comedic Team The Grawlix Launch Web-Based TV Show, Debut Pilot on Amazon Studios
ever really been burgeoning has always been a scene of exclusion,” says Cook. “Scenes of inclusion generally tend not to be good scenes. Scene of exclusion tend to have really strong ethos attached to them, really stringent musical ideas, and that’s where you see these breakouts of punk, grunge, hardcore—they’re scenes of exclusion.”
Cayton-Holland had the idea of using a drum line as the main musical focus, to coincide with the show’s ‘school’ theme. The music for the pilot was written and recorded by Spreigl, who came into contact with the group through Juett. Spreigl teaches drum lessons to Juett’s son and Juett, upon learning that Spreigl played in Air Dubai, approached him about doing the music for the program. “We started talking and he was like, ‘I have this pilot, and we need some music for it,’” says Spreigl. “It’s about teachers, so we were thinking a drum line.” Spreigl wrote all of the music for the pilot. The pilot is currently streaming on Amazon’s website. The link is as follows: amazon.com/gp/ product/B00CBNPCZ2. Viewers can vote for this pilot, or any of the others that are entered in the competition. “This is the part where we wait and see,” says Spreigl. “It’s important for people
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
to check it out, vote, and support Denver. It was cool to collaborate with some other Denver people,” he adds. “Comedians with their own thing going on, I’ve got my own thing going on, but being able to come together and be able to do something together that pushes Denver into the spotlight is exciting. The comedy scene and bands are blowing up, people are starting to pay attention to Denver a lot more.” Online: facebook.com/thegrawlix
Dark Matter Showcase Unique For of Progressive Rock Hit Denver Scene With Intense Live Performance
by Torch
Torch@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
We may all need to stop and catch our breath as we head into the summer concert season. April was such an intense month with all the events that occurred, including the 4-20 shooting in Civic Center Park. Everyone got a giggle when first time newscaster A.J. Clemente started his on camera career with cussing, and less than 24 hours on the job he was unemployed after saying “shit,” and then dropping the “FBomb” live. Oops. On the same weekend, the bassist from 3 Doors Down, Robert Todd Harrell, is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, violation of the implied consent law, contraband, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Not funny. In the twisted world of the fallout of the Boston bombings, Amanda Palmer wrote a poem to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Seeking publicity at any cost may just cost her, her career. On a lighter local note, I was on a float in the St. Patrick’s Day parade with a band. The parade came to a momentary stop and the lead singer was talking to the streets lined with parents and children, and said the “F” word out of habit. I looked around, and the cheering instantly went silent; everyone was wide-eyed, and once the shock wore off, the parents were angry. It was like that horrible moment waiting for a spanking, while your comrades stand around going “UMMMM”! The band was not asked to return, the lead singer has moved on to politics. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with stepping out in front of people, a responsibility that extends beyond yourself, and your career. There are a lot of ways to destroy your career in music, with drugs and alcohol at the top of the list. Don’t believe your own hype. Ego is another great way to screw up a good thing; for example, “Diamond” Dave aka David Lee Roth, (I know some of you will ask, “who?” which proves the point). Van Halen was at the top and he got so full of himself that the band voted him off the stage and into obscurity. Axl Rose is guilty of the same sin. He is known for pitching a fit and walking off stage during a performance, or being hours late. GNR showed up late to a show in Dublin in 2010 had bottles thrown at them, and the crowd booed. They walked off stage and an hour later, after much debate, the promoter made them stick to their contract, get back on stage, and finish the show to an almost empty venue! Guns and Roses have been plagued with riots resulting from Axl Rose not being able to control his temper. GNR fans have been trampled, beaten by police, and hospitalized after trying to attend a concert. Local concert promoter Barry Fey called the limo driver that Axl Rose called after he had a temper tantrum and left in the middle of the concert. Fey reminded the driver of who paid the
bill and demanded he bring Axl Back. Upon his return, Fey surrounded the stage with security to keep Axl on stage to finish the show. He said if Axl were to try to leave again, he would have to go through the fans, and they were already pissed off. (Note: a few members of Metallica joined the remaining members of GNR on stage while Axl was gone, showing that you can help out another band, the promoter, and the fans. Metallica surely prevented another riot, which would have ended up with more people getting hurt).
There is a lot of responsibility that comes with stepping out in front of people, a responsibility that extends beyond yourself, and your career. The number one rule in any business is: Don’t be an asshole! As a musician you have the opportunity to get your art out there, entertain, hopefully make some money doing what you love, and have fun doing it. Summer Concert Season 2013 is almost here! The venues are booked, the vendors are preparing, fans are planning their summer concerts and festivals, tickets are selling, and we all can’t wait to see you!
1. Party all you want, just take a cab! 2. Know when it is not about you or your career such as is the case with the Boston Bomber. 3. Watch your mouth; be conscious of your audience if playing in open public. (Playing G rated) 4. Remember to be professional, you are on stage to do a job for which you are being paid, and your fans paid for, to see you. 5. There is a difference between being wild and cool, or destructive, and that difference is when others are getting hurt because of you. 6. Wear your Helmet, and hang on!
by Charlie Sullivan
CSullivan@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Dark Matter is Michael Zucker (guitars, samples), Scott Hill (bass), and Ryan Eschenbach (drums). Together they form one of the more unique acts on the local scene. The crew churns out what can be best described as experimental progressive rock with a heavy dose of improvisation. To date, all of their music is instrumental. “When we’re rehearsing we just start jamming. One of us will start playing and the rest of us will jump in, and we’ll see what it turns into,” states Zucker. “If it’s something we’re digging and we think we can work with, we’ll take it and start fine tuning the piece. “All of our music starts out as an improv of sorts,” says Zucker. “Nobody comes in to the studio and says, ‘Hey, I have a song I want us to work on.’ It’s all real loose, and we just start playing and see what we can harvest from the session. I like to push the envelope and sometimes things can get a little weird,” Zucker adds. “Scott’s the one that holds the fort down and keeps it from getting too out there.”
progressive roots (King Crimson) to more modern progressive grooves (The Mars Volta). As you read this, the crew is actively working on new material to fill out the live shows and squeeze out another release, as attested to by the release of a single track “Omnipotent” a few weeks back.
“All of our music starts out as an improv of sorts,” says Zucker. “Nobody comes in to the studio and says, ‘Hey, I have a song I want us to work on.’ There are those who will say that this is a musicians’ band, but I’ll venture to say that if you like talented musicians performing great music, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Dark Matter. Put them on your radar and check out a show. Music is experimental by nature, always exploring a band’s creativity. Online: differential-productions.com
The band is relatively new, with very little exposure to the local Denver music scene. They’ll be playing their first (of what will be many) live show at the Lion’s Lair on May 19, 2013; they’ll be on the ticket with Eat The Sun. “We’re still working out the logistics of how we want the live shows to look,” relays Zucker. “We do know that we want the act to be a live vehicle for the music we’re developing.” I’d plan on the live shows having a few improvisational jams worked in with the set list. What better vehicle than to cut loose and see how the masses react. Eschenbach is no slouch when it comes to live shows. As a still-active member of local rockers Yerkish he’s well versed in live performances. Yerkish is a band that knows well how a band can interact with an audience by stimulating the audio and visual senses of those in attendance. The crew has already completed their first EP, Parallax, with Differential Productions. It’s an ambitious six-song endeavor that melds nicely. “Pixilated” and “The Watchmaker” are standout pieces from the EP. When you’re listening to the outfit’s creations you pick up on a mix of styles ranging from classic
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
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ReverbNation Featured Artists of the Month have consistently been proof of the diverse music scene we have here in Colorado- Each month, as we peruse the submissions, it gets harder and harder to select only five artists. Here are this month’s Featured Artists, as selected by CMB through our ReverbNation Opportunity posted back in March. Look for more next month!Policulture is a seven-piece roots reggae band from Boulder, Colorado. Policulture emanates heavy drum and bass, roots rhythm, a melodic horn section, and conscious lyrics. They represent reggae music by blending culture, identity, and musical freedom. Established in 2010 out of the University of Colorado this group of musicians quickly developed their foundation and continues to grow and evolve as a band. Policulture creates music to bridge the gap between generations and unite all under one sound. Their message is created to enlighten you and music made to move you.
For a little over a decade, Something Underground has been consistently bringing universal love through their music. Born, rooted in musical families, this trio was has always been shaped to become the musical force they are today. The Larson brothers, Josh and Seth, with their capacity for harmonies that are seemingly out of this world, create a sense of amazement in each listener. The strong beats brought by drummer Trevor Mariotti, drive the sound that some might call hypnotizing, others divine. One thing is for certain; this trio has the ability to move you physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally on this musical journey through the human experience. Bang! Bang! Crisis members have played everywhere from Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands to New York, L.A., and Oklahoma. Musical influences of this Denver based altrock band range from “that one time I watched the Labyrinth soundtrack” to “I kind of liked the second Killers album once.” Nonetheless, technical influences include a wide scope of modern music, including The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Pixies, Ani DiFranco, R.E.M., and The Kinks. Their debut album will be released in July 2013 followed by a summer tour to the west coast. Jammin Joe Van Dyke was born a poor black child (at heart) and found the guitar at the tender age of 7. At the age of 16, Joe married his high school sweetheart, loaded up his guitars and went into the coal mines in Pineville, WV. It was a very trying and dangerous time. He was almost killed “twice” while employed there. After leaving the mines due to the extended stikes in 1978, Joe joined the U.S. Army during the Irianian Hostage Crisis to do his patriotic duty. Joe has performed at over 300 hundred venues in Western Europe, Canada and the US. Joe’s songs now being produced are a direct result of his life experiences. You can’t beat a true story!
Bringing together the traditional sounds of roots reggae, dub and dancehall, HIGHLINE is an energetic band dedicated to creating a truly authentic reggae sound. The band members come from diverse musical backgrounds, and together now make their own infectious brand of reggae music. Thumping bass-lines, hard hitting drum beats, jabbing horn lines and soaring vocal harmonies combine with the edgy, often politically charged rapid-fire vocals of 14
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Eric Martinez
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Eric Martinez, of Dyrty Byrds fame, brings out a side of himself containing a high dose of rocking, while still remaining mellow, on his new solo record Baptized in Ice. Elements of blues and classic rock mesh with Martinez’ own signature driving rock sound, to create an album that sounds very different from the majority of the music coming out of Denver these days. The tracks “Nightly Chivalry” and “Lucifer” have a darker tone than the rest of the songs on the disc. “Survival” has a strong bluesy tone, relying heavily on intricate guitar licks to highlight the vocal lines. Cohesively, the record flows well, holding true to Martinez’ rock-and-roll roots while highlighting what he does best--rip his guitar to shreds underneath a powerful voice that demands not only attention, but a keen desire to listen. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of quality rock and roll. Online: ericmartinezmusic.com
DJ HeadfridgeSpace Honky
Hi-StrungMalfunction
CSullivan@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
by Charlie Sullivan
This is Grammynominated DJ Headfridge’s first release in nearly seven years. Headfridge and T-Bone Records have teamed up with Differential Productions to release this trip hop/funk/vinyl mash-up from beyond the cosmos. The album marks a departure from previous Headfridge releases in that the entire album was recorded live on two turntables (with a few exceptions). I threw Space Honky in the deck for a little ride up to Vail and let it play through twice. With its sound bites, at times trance like feel, and funk jams, it made for a nice ride. Usually I’m moving through CDs like a Formula 1 driver, I tend to get a little ADD when the music isn’t catching my ear. This release caught my ear and kept me tuned in. The opening track, “Re-Bone” sets the tone for the album, which moves along at an eerily spacey pace. Moving along through some standout pieces, namely “Microdong” and “Aural Closure,” the album definitely has that trippy feeling. Check it out and throw it in for a long ride, whatever kind of ride it is you like taking.
by Tim Wenger
I am not sure what the appropriate mood would be to listen to Hi-Strung, Denver’s take on ominous indie rock with hints of orchestra and pop vocals. Perhaps it would be right before heading out on a date, to take your mind off the anxious thoughts plaguing your brain. Or perhaps it would be afterwards, setting the mood for what is to come next. Either way, the band’s solemn record Malfunction is an entertaining presentation of indie music in general; the vocals feeling far away at points, but the lyrics hitting right at home over top of shadowy melodies that bring into bright light the emotion that the band puts into their music. Online: hi-strung.com
Plan B Rejects
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Hardcore punk rock has held many names in the Mile High City, and Plan B Rejects are establishing themselves as one of the players currently carrying that torch in this town. Their debut EP throws six hard-hitting tracks smack into the face of the (probably not unsuspecting) listener. The track “Breaking Point” exemplifies the band’s style; thrashing drums and guitar, disconcerted lyrics, and an abrupt end, crashing into the track “Die For This” faster than you realize the end has hit. They stand apart from many of Denver’s older, more melodic punk bands, filling the gap for the pissed off youth who aren’t ready to let go of the sound that got their blood moving when they were just old enough to get into shows. Online: facebook.com/planbrejects
Online: headfridge.bandcamp.com
Rufus -The Wednesday Night EP
by Jonathan McNaughton & Darnell Teague JMcNaughton@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
The Wednesday Night EP is the latest mix-tape release for Rufus. Rufus has an amazing voice that gets exemplified by the masterful beats that are produced by Sunniebeats. Rufus has a sound that is a blend between Musiq Soulchild and Maxwell. His soulful voice is showcased on the track “Heaven,” where Rufus sings his heart out to a particular lady about how she looks like heaven. Rufus’ smooth and passionfilled voice continues throughout the album, hitting you with track after track of R&B gold. Then Rufus shows his musical diversity on the track “Outta Control.” This song has more of an upbeat, almost party vibe feel to it, and he flips his voice to a sound that is reminiscent of Cee-lo Green. I don’t want to play spoiler too much, so go get this album. This EP is definitely an album for the R&B enthusiast who enjoys easy-going, feel-good music. Online: soundcloud.com/#youseerufus
Boldtype- IkuTurso
Glowing HouseThe Down & Out
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
by Tim Wenger
Denver punkers Boldtype have been hittin’ it for ten years, and they have struck again with their new album Iku-Turso. The disc kicks off with the anthemic but hard-hitting track “What I Did For Love,” showcasing the band’s signature guitardriven street punk sound with strong backing vocals. Boldtype does what many modern punk bands don’t, or can’t, do very well--keep their songs catchy and singable without compromising any “punkness.” The band’s dedicated fan base screams the lyrics along with front man Mike Waterhouse, and it is easy to picture all of those kids doing the exact same thing with this record while in the car. The catchiest song on the album is “10 Years,” with a bit of a pop-punk feel, palm-muted guitar, and well-placed vocal harmonies. The Colorado music scene will continue to benefit from these guys, hopefully for a long time to come, and this new record gives the band another magnum opus to take with them on the road.
by Tim Wenger
Kingman BrewsterStarving Artist
by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ ColoradoMusicBuzz. com
Glowing House kicks off their new EP The Down & Out, with the title track; a mellow, folky tune with catchy harmonies that Steve Varney and Jess Parsons clearly spent some time perfecting. The song is the perfect prelude to the record, a collection of slow folk tunes that are perfect for two things: drinking away your sorrows on a rainy day, and chilling out after an intense experience.
Kingman Brewster is one of those groups that can cross genre lines with ease, and they demonstrate that ability on their new EP Starving Artist. The four songs on the disc demonstrate influence from, and bring to mind, the sounds of hip-hop artists such as Atmosphere and Tupac, and the group throws in elements of rock and electronic for good measure.
That being said, the record serves its purpose well, and displays a hefty amount of both focus and talent by both members of the group. They share vocal duties as well as emotion, and the lyrics swim with the melodies in a way that solemnly demonstrates the intricacy of the music. “Nobody Follow Me” is another, like the title track, where both Varney and Parsons are featured on vocals, adding extra character to the music.
Online: facebook.com/kmbmusic
The track “Look to the Sky” demonstrates some clean singing as well as rapping, and contains a solid, steady beat alongside the rest of the tracks on the disc.
Online: glowinghousemusic.com
Online: boldtypemusic.com
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Want your music reviewed? Send 2 copies to: P.O. Box 2739 Littleton, CO 80161 15
by Tim Wenger
twenger@coloradomusicbuzz.com
photos: Canvas4d.com / Aurelio Mireles It takes a lot to scratch any kind of surface in the music business. Dedication is only the beginning, and nobody knows that better than Qbala and her main man Dominic “Deadbeat” Welch, the dj behind emotional, potent rapping that took the Bandwagon 4 crown on April 14. The eclectic duo packed the Lava Room at the Reserve Casino Hotel for each of their three performances in the competition, displaying nothing less that immaculate hard work, and promotional mastery, to take home the prestigious title and $10,000 in cash. “We met at the Aggie at a show,” says Welch. “I saw her opening up and doing her rehearsal at sound check and I thought she was on tour . Then, all of a sudden, the DJ comes up, and I know the DJ.” Not a bad was to meet. “I secretly plotted in my head to steal her,” he laughs. Their original meeting took place in 2005. “He had asked me to listen to some beats of his, and I was like, ‘man these are awesome!’ and he played a set with me; it was on from then,” says Qbala. Shortly after, she moved to Utah and then Anchorage, AK, to play basketball at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The team made it to the NCAA Division II Final Four following a 30-5 season. Following the season, she returned home. “I played in a combine in North Carolina and made a team to go overseas, and I fractured my ankle hooping with a buddy,” Qbala says. “I made the decision that I’m tired of being injured. What do I really want to do? Do I want to continue to play basketball the rest of my life, or do I want to do something that I really love doing, that I’m just as passionate about, but allows me to be myself a little bit more? As soon as I came back and we played our first set, it felt like a puzzle piece that was missing. Now it makes sense, it feels right, and we’ve been killing shows.” Some of the first places they got into as a performing duo were the former Starlite Theatre in Fort Collins, now Hodi’s Halfnote. The Aggie Theatre, Mojo’s, Road 34, and many other Fort Collins venues were also among the first places they performed. Down in D-Town, they broke into Casselman’s and Cervantes. Efficient networking has been the key factor to their success. “It comes down to networking,” says Qbala. “That’s the thing I love about music; you meet so many people, and there are so many different opportunities out there, and when you take advantage of them, things are endless. You get not just your hometown behind you, you get the state behind you.” Qbala and Welch used their people skills to secure two dates on last year’s Vans Warped Tour, being scheduled in Portland and Seattle. The Seattle date ended up falling through due to equipment factors out of their control, but they rocked Portland, then headed to Montana to perform at a festival before ending up back home. They have aspirations of more touring if the right opportunities present themselves. “Until we are at a point where money is coming in, and we are being asked to go on tours, I think it is really important that we build from within Colorado and get the support of a lot of people,” says Qbala. “I feel like that is a little ways down the road, and we have so much room to grow. What we have is so young, and I love it. I’m looking at it like the sky is the limit. We can keep working, continuing to put better music out. I like giving away our merch for free. People pay to come and support and watch us, and they should get something in return.”
Working hard to not let their fans down is extremely important to Qbala and Welch. During the second round of the competition, Welch’s first child was born two days prior to their performance. He left from the hospital to come do the show, then headed back to his family immediately afterwards. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to make it at first, but it worked out,” he says. “It was good. I was tired. Thanks to Red Bull, I was pretty lively on stage.” Welch first got into music back in the nineties. “I just kind of fell into [DJing] back in the goofy rave scene of the late nineties,” he says. “A friend had some turntables, and one night of partying and drinking I took my old drum coordination and applied it differently. I figured it out that night, started scratching right away, and I kept just going back to his house to do it.” The talent stuck with him, he has put out multiple solo records, and intends on continuing to make music at one level or another for quite awhile. “A lot of people quit and start again and quit,” he says. “I’ll probably always be around in some sort, making music of some kind, until arthritis kicks in and I can’t scratch anymore.” “I’ve always had a passion to perform and entertain,” says the 30-year-old Qbala. “When I was a kid, whether it came down to singing other people’s lyrics or just dancing around, I was always passionate about it. I first started writing around the age of 17-18. That late nineties rave scene into 2000, a lot of eye opening experiences that I wasn’t sure that anyone else felt, and to be able to get them out, I would write it down on paper. Then all of a sudden I started listening to beats, and it started to progress into hip-hop and I really started pushing it. I was like, ‘wow I can put these lyrics to these beats!’” Qbala’s lyrics are deeply personal. She went through the struggle of coming out as a lesbian while being a musician, and writing lyrics helped her express her emotions and thoughts in a personal matter while making it relatable to a listener. “It was empowering to me,” she says. “You have a lot of stuff bottled up inside of you. You are sharing things on a stage that you might not be able to say in a conversation.” Even today, with that behind her, she prefers to keep her music personal and intimate, exposing herself in a way that might not be possible otherwise. “Through the years, that has progressed. The things that I have talked about have gone as far as sexual commentary, to things that I have achieved in my character,” she says. “Always personal stuff. I think that is important. I think it has helped me be more me. Being able to share those things with people feels so good. It allows me to walk around and be myself.” The money they walked away with from Bandwagon 4 is going towards purchasing more (and newer) recording equipment so the duo can continue to progress their sound, and put out higher quality music on their own schedule. They also hope to get some new merchandise to put into the hands of their fans. Catch them opening up for Big Boi at Cervantes May 7. Other than that, they plan on getting a lot of recording done this summer. They are being selective about the shows they take on, not wanting to oversaturate the local market and ruin their draw. “Networking with the right people, you’ve really got to make sure you are moving your chess pieces wisely with the people you associate with,” Qbala says. “For a while there, I felt we could play any show we wanted to, and now I feel that we’ve really got to think about who we’re working with and if you want to take that next step.” They also plan on making their already immensely entertaining live performances even more awesome. “Our live set is very live,” says Welch. “I’ve worked with a lot of rappers in the past, and this is definitely the most energetic. It’s definitely worthy of being seen by the masses, but it could always get better. Once you get content, then that’s when you fall off.” Don’t count on Qbala and Deadbeat to fall off anytime soon. Online: facebook.com/qbala.music
Between The Lines: Mother Cluckin’ by James J. Krefft by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
The book is a vicious collection of ideas that, if done properly, will stop any witnesses square in their tracks, sheepishly putting their hand to their face as the oh-so-common thought “WTF” transitions from their brain to their facial expression. My personal favorite is as follows: “Gain access to other people’s calendars. Schedule them in meetings that don’t exist with things that don’t exist from movies or children’s books,” pg. 38. This is one of several creative ways to prank your coworkers and keep them on their heels each time they get up to refill their coffee. The book contains an entire section on ways to annoy your lover; two sections, as a matter of fact, one for a spouse, and one for earlier on in the relationship. Here is one of the better high jinks from the chapter “Bad Make-Out Sessions, Devious Deeds to Define Dating”: “246: One-night stands are a part of American culture. If you are one of these girls, you know that after the coital act, most men will simply try to go away. If they do this, and instead of getting angry, thank them and say their money is on the table. When they look at you baffled or say no, scream at them ‘take the damn money, whore’,” pg. 80. Clever, huh?
We ventured outside the box for a book that is even more outside the box for this month’s Between the Lines. “Mother Cluckin’” by James J. Krefft seeks to become the new bible for the modern avid prankster. The book is a collection of pranks for just about any situation imaginable, and many that aren’t.
Strainwise Bring TopNotch Service, Products by Leah Fay
editor@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Located all around the Denver metro area, Strainwise is a name you don’t want to forget. After opening their first location, The Sanctuary, back in 2009, the owners knew it was time to expand with more shops. Strainwise has since opened The Retreat, The Ridge, The Shelter, The Reserve, Annie’s (in Black Hawk), and soon, The Grove; located off Federal Blvd and 1st Ave. The goal when first stepping into a Strainwise location is to provide each and every patient with a warm welcome and the feeling of home. From our friendly customer service to our quality bud; we want to assure every individual that it’s worth the stop every time. You can find top strains, such as their Cannabis Cup 2013 entries, Tigers Milk, Bruce Banner, Master Kush, and Flo, inn addition to some quality favorites like DeathStar, Cherry Skunk, Headband, Sour Diesel, and Grape Ape. They also carry some fabulous boutique strains like Purple Nepal and Ultra Sonja. Each location has between 15 and 20 strains
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Whatever the situation, this book has a prank to go along with it, and Krefft keeps his descriptions brief and light hearted, if at times filled with personality and humor that may be tough to pick up on during the first read through. “Mother Cluckin’” is a needed escape from the monotony of this tortuous world. Online: amazon.com/Mother-Cluckin-JamesJ-Krefft/dp/1480260355
on the shelf to choose from. If flower isn’t your thing, edibles are a great substitute! They carry different brands that range from The Growing Kitchen to Incredibles. They have medicated drinks such as Keef Cola and CannaPunch, and several hash and concentrate products like three different styles of vape pens from the Skyda, to disposable; which offers a 75 to 100 hit life span depending on size of hit you take. They have many options to meet every patient’s needs. Choosing a Strainwise location for your caregiver has many benefits. You receive $25 1/8th’s, $50 1/4, $100 half ounces, and $185 ounces. After each purchase, members earn rewards points, which give you a chance to receive free product. They also do daily and weekend deals that differ from store to store. Not to mention, once you are a member at one location, you’re automatically a member at all locations. 2013 is the year of “Patron Payback” at Strainwise. Each month they are giving back to their patients with even more deals! Keep and eye out and drop by for the rest of this year’s monthly specials! Online: strainwise.com
Kory Brunson Works on New Record, Hits Coors Field This Summer by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Kory Brunson is a man with a vision. His country/rock outfit has reached #76 and #63 on the National Country Radio charts in the last couple years, and things continue to look up with their upcoming release. Not everyone has the guts to throw away the luxuries and convenience of a steady job in order to dive head first into the abyss of the music world, but Brunson knew that was what needed to be done. The group is working on a new record to follow up on recent triumphs, and Brunson is all in. “I used to run an insurance agency,” says Brunson. “About three years into that, my wife and I went to New York. It was about six months after 9/11. We went and looked at ground zero and all that stuff. It had been building up at that point anyway; I’d been doing music my whole life part time and playing in bands in high school. We were sitting at JFK and I looked at her and I go ‘Babe, I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to make music full time.’ We flew home, spent the next six to eight months shutting down the insurance agency, we sold the house, sold the truck, sold bikes, and moved in with her parents into a 10x10 room in their trailer. She worked full time, and I started making music.” Brunson’s first release was a pop-rock album, which he says was basically more of a learning experience for him than anything else. The album did not sell much, and certainly did not turn Brunson into an overnight star. The time spent on that initial recording did, however, spawn what has become one of the Kory Brunson Band’s trademark hits, “We Know You’re Out There.” “At the low point of all that, I wrote this song,” says Brunson. “I was sitting there waiting in the trailer, my wife was getting ready on a Saturday when we were going to go out. I watched this movie, and I was really thinking about the soldiers. I started thinking, ‘If I was over there, what would I want to hear?” Brunson put the song together in about 20 minutes, and began sending out demos. He received an email from the choir teacher at Northglenn High School replying to his interest
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
in having a choir on the recording. “I said ‘Great, why don’t you guys come to the studio,” says Brunson. The choir came down and recorded with him, and Brunson immediately started sending the song out. It came into the hands of a small station called Point of Faith, 910 AM. A connection there got the song to the Program Director at KYGO, which provided some great exposure for Brunson. “All of a sudden I’m getting airtime on KYGO and I’m not even a country artist!” says Brunson. Brunson decided to carry on with more of a country style, relying heavily on the priorities of God, family, and country. As he finished the record, his newfound style and direction guided the band into the direction they are heading now. Kory Brunson Band performed at both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention in 2012, has done a couple appearances at Coors Field (and will be making another in July), and performed for a joint session of the Colorado Congress. The band hopes to break down some more boundaries with their upcoming album, due out later this year. “The new guitarist has a degree in orchestration,” says Brunson. “I’m interested in how that’s going to play into the new record.” The first single released will be called “Freak.” Additionally, the band hopes to put together some music videos. They just put out a song called “Oh Sandman, Where Art Thou?” This may sound familiar, because it is. “It’s [Metallica’s] “Enter Sandman” done in the style of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” The video is available on YouTube. Brunson enjoys doing fun stuff like that in addition to constantly writing new music. “I think everybody is always writing because everybody is always thinking,” he says. “It’s just a matter of stopping long enough to put it on a napkin.” Fans can see what he’s up to on Facebook and pick up the band’s music on iTunes. Despite the hard work they do, Brunson is satisfied with where he and the band are currently. “It’s cool that because of music, I get to stand out on Coors Field and I get to go to Colorado Congress and do all this cool stuff,” Brunson says. “The beauty and the gift of that have come full circle after ten years. I enjoy it.” Online: korybrunsonband.com
Late Night Denver Brings Evening Talk Show Style With a Twist by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
If you’ve been around the Denver scene for a while, you may know of (or at least have heard some stories involving), John Rumley. He has been playing in bands in the Denver scene for thirty years, including performances with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club.
Chimney Choir Want You To Find Their New Album
what is going on at that day, astronomically as well. We looked into historically what is going on, on this day.”
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
They looked up at the sky as well as into the history books to put together the themes for each show. “Kind of just go with whateverthe date, what’s happening in outer space, and bring it all down and funnel it into what is happening in the room,” says Kevin Larkin. “The shows are different than anything we are doing live. Usually at a club or something, we do songs and that’s it, but this is really messing with the performer and audience roll. The whole idea behind the show is that we all meet there to look for this part of the compass, like we haven’t found the songs yet.” “We say [at the release shows] that we haven’t found the album yet, we have to look for it,” says Rynhart. “On this [first] show we looked west, and we find this piece of it. At the next show, we all get together and we look south, and we find that piece of it. We keep meeting and looking in different directions until we find the whole thing.”
by Tim Wenger
Denver’s Chimney Choir is in the very long process of releasing a new album, and they are taking their time. It could almost be said that they are teasing their fans, giving them just the tip four separate times before they get the full orgasmic experience. It could also be looked at in a way of anticipation; by releasing an album in four separate parts, they are keeping a steady level of hype around their work and maintaining a steady desire from the masses for more, more, more. They are tracking the four points on the compass, doing a release party for each direction featuring three songs that will be “found” at each event. Putting on full stage shows, the band will rely heavily on the crowd, and themselves, for these shows are not the typical “go see a band, buy a cd, and go home” type of event. “Every release should be a completely different experience and adventure,” says the band’s David Rynhart. The band has released two of the four parts to the album thus far; with the second being the South direction part released April 21 at Leon Gallery. The four parts of the album were recorded live in one take at San Luis Sound in Broomfield. “Beautiful space,” says Rynhart. “It’s a studioquality live album, and we kind of made experimental collages out of the banter between songs.” Guests can acquire one disc containing three songs, representing one direction of the compass. “We wanted to release the album in parts,” says Rynhart. “A lot of people are doing things like this, where you subscribe and you get a song a day or a song a week until the album is completed. I think it’s sort of embracing the disintegrated state of the music industry lately. Why does a coherent album even matter anymore?” Recording an album is a huge experience for a band, and part of the reasoning for doing four independently themed releases was that Chimney Choir wanted their fans to have an exceptional experience as well. “We wanted to have people go through an experience with the album before just getting it,” says Rynhart. “It’s a way of having people go through this entire experience, and then having the album at the end. It’s risky because it’s over four months, but in the meantime things adjust around (the symbols). “There’s a kind of presentation about the deeper significance of events going on, on that day,” says Rynhart. “We looked into astrologically
Each show is a combination of spoken word, visual imagery, and music, which is why the band wanted to do the releases in gallery settings instead of traditional venues. “It’s a different experience,” says Larkin. “There is a lot that can happen. It’s not a bar; you’re not competing with noise. It reminds me more of like a theatre.” The parts to the album are “found” differently at each show, providing a new experience for guests.
His latest venture, Late Night Denver, is a variety show focusing solely on the Mile High City and the people, bands, and events that add culture to our already beautiful cityscape. The show launched in January, with a new episode every other month, the third being featured in May. “I’ve been doing all these little film projects,” says Rumley. “I’ve been collecting all these props and ideas, different camera equipment. Been shooting a lot of different scenes and helping with special effects with some friends of mine that are doing that “Hot Lead Hard Fury” movie. I’ve always been looking for different projects to do. “I had this idea that I wanted to do like an old SCTV thing, where you’ve got your soap opera, you’re sitcom, your talk show with your own commercials and all this stuff. I had Heather Dalton over one night and was going through that, showing her a couple things I had recorded, and we got on the variety show one, and she was like, ‘You should be the host,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, well you should be my co-host.’ The next day I wrote out the monologue for our first episode.” The show features different segments in addition to Rumley’s monologue. Theresa Mercado hosts and produces a segment called “Live via Satellite” with the help of Ian O’Dougherty that is filmed off location, and features different guests on each episode. “I like to get it in the first few takes,” says Rumley. “Not only for time, but because it has a live element to it, even though everything is fake about it.”
Rumley’s initial goal for the program was to make six episodes, enough for one year.”Every time we do another episode I start thinking six is going to be totally easy, and I start looking at twelve. I want it to be successful, I want to see somebody, whether it’s Theresa, or someone in one of the bands or something get something bigger out of it, and help expand Denver to the next level.”
Rumley himself grew up around theatre.
Episode 3 will be live May 4.
“The album is fairly cohesive in its style,” says Larkin. “We’ve done some ambient tracks. The bulk of the songs are similar in style.”
don’t. This month, I saw four bands that blew my mind and really impressed the crowd.
At the conclusion of the four parts, guests will finally be able to have all of the songs on one disc, representing the album finally being “found.” “We want to create a situation in which people have no idea what is going to happen next or what is going to be required of them,” says Rynhart. “I think, in the long run, if you put people in that position, they have to pay attention a little more and they get more out of it.” Chimney Choir has developed a reputation for being artsy and putting a lot of thought into their music and shows, and this project is pushing the envelope even for them. “It’s very experimental for us because we haven’t done anything like this before,” says Rynhart. Stay tuned at coloradomusicbuzz.com for news on the upcoming release dates and locations. The big finale takes place June 23 at The Warehouse, 389 S. Lipan. Online: chimneychoir.com
His father worked in the department at the University of Denver, and began making videos with Slim Cessna on Final Cut Pro. “We made some pretty silly videos back then and I just got hooked to it,” says Rumley. “I did a bunch of Tarantela music videos, and then I wanted to start doing something more dramatic.” He started working with some friends to incorporate acting and more intricate film work. “That was fun and all, but I didn’t like the process of trying to organize this huge movie or something, the logistics are just ridiculous. “As far as putting it on local access or something, I don’t want to be restricted,” says Rumley. The satirical show does feature the crew smoking and drinking, along with using coarse language. “On T.V., I’d have to think about that.”
Bullet For My Valentine Light Up Fillmore by Ryan Edwards
REdwards@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Fillmore Has Another Solid Line-Up One of my favorite things about going to a show is having the privilege of seeing the opening acts. While many fans might not be interested in the first or second act, I love seeing bands that I have never heard of in a live show at an amazing venue like The Fillmore. As a diehard music fan, I learn a lot about a band when they sound good live as well as when they
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Stars in Stereo, an Los Angeles based group grabbed my attention when they jumpstarted the Bullet for my Valentine show. Towards the end of their set, they covered the Nine Inch Nails song “Closer,” and put their own hard rock twist on it that set the tone for the rest of the night. Great Britain natives, Young Guns, who currently have one of my favorite songs on the radio, “Bones,” had the crowd gossiping once they recognized the song and realized who they were. Next up, Halestorm‘s lead singer, Lzzy Hale hit the stage rocking a dress and high heels, and they crushed their radio hits like “I Miss The Misery” and “Love Bites.” Bullet for my Valentine has been a band that I have followed the last eight years, and is one of those bands that I have been itching to see live. When they came out, the crowd went nuts and their hard-rock vibe capped off the night perfectly. The best part of the night however was at the end when they played “Tears Don’t Fall.” Fans were air-guitaring and singing word-for-word at the top of their lungs. As the night ended and I left the Fillmore, I thought to myself, ‘Those four amazing bands just made my Friday night.’
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but we’ve had to be super picky about stuff,” says Roy. “I think we have a chance (to sell out @Cheers).”
Novus Folium Reunite For String of Shows, Sans Jonathan Lee by Tim Wenger
TWenger@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Novus Folium is back, at least for a little while. And by back, they are back without the vivid personality of Jonathan Lee holding down the duties of front man. Instead, Anthony Hamilton, who in addition to his spot in the band Nemesys has sung in a handful of Denver acts, will fill vocal duties. The band will be doing a reunion show May 3 at @Cheers Pub with Blind Strike, Resonance and Your Own Medicine. The show is presented by Trevor Rocks Denver. Remaining members David Roy, Aaron Sittner, Matt Rivera, and Van Verhoevan, had been in court with Lee over disputes over the company that was formed in the name of the band, and its assets, ending in an out-of-court settlement. This settlement has put the band in a place where they can play a few shows in a limited time frame in hopes of giving fans one last look at the band. “Unfortunately, we weren’t willing to play together as the original five piece,” says Roy. “We’re running the business again for a short amount of time. It’s our goal to get as much of the money back with the assets that we have.” Those assets, in addition to playing shows, are merchandise and equipment sales.
“The best thing for us was to play a handful of shows.” “With the problem being that we were looking at this mountain of debt, starting to look at legal fees to figure it out was only compounding the problem,” says Roy. “It made sense to settle out of court and come to an agreement amongst us. It took some time. We actually walked from a mediation table without an answer and figured it out later.” The band hopes to perform four or five shows in the near future. The gigs will be spread out, and the band hopes to make quite a big deal out of each one. “The core of our fan base is up in Longmont, and that is a place where, financially, we have always done really well,” says Roy. @Cheers Pub is a logical choice for the band’s reunion show because, among other things, it is about half way between Longmont and Denver, requiring just a short commute for fans in both places. “That’s either going to work really well, or they both won’t come out,” Roy says with a laugh. The band will be performing in Longmont on July 6, with a couple other dates to be announced. As can be expected with a limited amount of time to play these shows, the band is being very selective about where and when the gigs take place. “We’ve got a lot of offers,
“Our fans really got the raw end of the deal,” says Roy. “There was a tremendous amount of disappointment for us not being able to keep it going and get along. I know that that hurts everyone in our band. They wished us well on the tour, which was supposed to be the next big thing, and we came home early and then announce that we are playing our last show. It was a super awkward show for our fans. The camaraderie that they really used to soak up when we were onstage, and how much fun we had together, wasn’t there. It was the most awkward show we’ve ever played, that’s for sure. I feel like our fans kind of got stiffed on that, and I’d like to show them a few more good times. I know it’s not going to be the same thing. There is a tremendous amount of fans that resonated to Novus because of Jon.”
have expressed that they wish him well. “I don’t feel bad blood,” says Sittner. “We take everything with a grain of salt. There’s no real reason to do any personal attacking.” “In terms of our internet presence, I’ve been trying to keep things really diplomatic,” says Roy. “I barked at a few of our fans who had some negative stuff to say about Jon. It’s not a forum for people to bang on Jon. It’s just to inform our fan base of when the shows are and what’s going on with us. We’re trying to keep things super neutral. I don’t have ill will towards Jon at all.” Stay up to date on the happenings on their Facebook page. “I hope [the fans] will continue to support us for this next little while,” says Lee. Online: facebook.com/NovusFoliumBand
Novus Folium, on both sides of their disagreements, has dealt with the disappointment expressed by their fan base. The remaining members hope that these upcoming shows go over well despite the lack of their charismatic original front man. “There are some folks that are really disappointed that Jon’s not a part of it anymore, and there’s some folks that are ready to see something new,” says Roy. Working with interim lead singer Hamilton has been a breath of fresh air for the guys. “He brings a little levity to the situation,” says Roy. “At a time when we all came back with our tail between our legs, to have someone around like Tony who’s really gregarious and fun to be around, it’s lightened the mood up again and made the practice room fun again.” Following Lee is not an easy task. “[Jon] will always be the right vocalist for our sound. It’s a difficult task, what Tony’s up against. I’m excited to see how it comes together onstage.” As far as the split with Lee, the band members from local and regional artisans, and food from top area vendors and restaurants. Tickets for Early Bird Two-Day, Single Day, and Camping passes will all go on sale March 15th at 10:00 a.m. (MST). Early Bird Two-Day passes are $60 each (a savings of $20), Friday Single Day tickets are $35 each, and Saturday tickets are $55 each. Two-Day camping passes are $30. Snowmass lodging partners will be offering Snowmass Mammoth Fest lodging specials. For festival information and updates, please go to www.snowmassmammothfest.com or call 1800SNOWMASS (1-800-766-9627).
Snowmass Mammoth Fest Announces Festival Line-Up June 7 and 8 2013, Snowmass Village, Colorado by The Swami
Swami@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
A weekend of great music awaits concertgoers who venture up to the Snowmass Music Festival. The June festival’s lineup will include Friday headliner Return to the Dark side of the Moon, a legendary group of all-star funkand-fusion musicians, featuring Melvin Gibbs (Defunkt, Henry Rollins); singers Corey
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Glover (Living Colour, Galactic); Nona Hendryx (Labelle), plus guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight (Parliament Funkadelic, Red Hot Chili Peppers); saxophonist Karl Denson (Lenny Kravitz); keyboardist Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads); and drummer Sim Cain (Henry Rollins), as they explore the 40th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark side of the Moon. Saturday night’s headliner will feature Red Bull Records Los Angeles based indie-rock artist, AWOLNATION. Additional festival weekend performances will include JJ Grey & Mofro, the Joy Formidable, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, STRFKR, twenty | one | pilots, Lord Huron, Fierce Bad Rabbit, and You, Me & Apollo. Tickets for the Snowmass Mammoth Fest went on sale March
15 (MST). For a complete schedule and lineup, please visit www.snowmassmammothfest. com. Along with an amazing weekend of music and entertainment, the Snowmass Mammoth Fest will host the renowned chili and brew competitions and tastings on both Friday and Saturday, with a jam-packed weekend of music to complement both events. Friday night kicks off the festival weekend at its new venue, Snowmass Town Park, with chili and brew tastings, and main stage music until 10:00 p.m. Festivalgoers can prepare for a full day of music on Saturday, with another chili and brew tasting kicking off at 1:00 p.m. The festival offers on-site camping, late night shows, crafts
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
The Snowmass Mammoth Fest is officially presented by the 10th Annual Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest. Snowmass Tourism is proud to announce this year’s new festival location, featuring more great music, on-site camping, and new event managers, SBG Productions, the founders and producers of Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in Telluride, CO. The 2013 festival will feature two days and nights of music and continue the traditional weekend of specialty chili and microbrew competitions with tastings. Official Snowmass Mammoth Fest lodging partners include the Westin/Wildwood Snowmass and The Crestwood Condominiums. ‘Like’ on Facebook: SnowmassMammothFest ‘Follow’ on Twitter: SnowmassFest
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The 2013 Capitol Hill People’s Fair – An Art and Music Festival with Something for Everyone! by Andrea Furness Capitol Hill People’s Fair Assistant Director andreafurness@chundenver.org
On Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, Denver’s Civic Center Park will once again come alive with the sights and sounds of the annual Capitol Hill People’s Fair. The People’s Fair is produced by Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, a registered Denver neighborhood organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who live and work in Greater Capitol Hill. The People’s Fair is an Art and Music Festival with a focus on giving back to the community. This family-friendly community celebration was first held in 1972 at Morey Middle School. It moved to Denver’s East High School in 1976, and then to its current location in Civic Center Park in 1987. Live local music is a major component of the People’s Fair, and once again the entertainment lineup will include some of Colorado’s favorite acts including the Wendy
Woo Band, P-Nuckle, Buckner Funken Jazz, Vices I Admire, and many more! Additionally, this year’s Ultimate Music Xperience (UMX) – the official live auditions of the People’s Fair – uncovered new and exciting talent such as Drop Switch, Tickle Mafia, SF1, and many others. The entertainment at the 42nd annual People’s Fair is sure to please attendees no matter what genre you prefer! Handcrafted art is also an integral part of the People’s Fair. Hundreds of local and regional artists will be onsite offering unique, eclectic gift ideas! Get your holiday shopping done months ahead of time, or find something special and unique for yourself. �The People’s Fair Mural Project returns with five confirmed teams as of the end of April (YING Art Education Program at St. Charles Recreation Center, Humanex Academy, Colorado’s Finest Alternative High School, Boys and Girls Club - Wilfley Branch, and Access Gallery). The theme for the Mural Project is “Health & Wellness – Be Your Best Self” and each team will create a 6’ x 8’ mural live onsite during the People’s Fair. Be sure to vote for your favorite team to win the People’s Choice award! Visit the Mural Project at its new location on the Ralph Schomp MINI Parkway, behind the Greek Amphitheater on 14th Ave.
by Kingmi Baby
KBaby@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
In the new age of tech, connection with people from all over the world has become easier than ever before. Artists, musicians, poets, etc.,
have moved online to bring attention to, and distribute, their work. However, with such a large amount of people doing this in an attempt to get recognition, the environment has become increasingly competitive. The new project by J Todd Underhill and Michael Amidei tries to find an elegant way around that. The new project is World Poetry Open Mic.
by Nathan Schmidt
Join us for one evening – or for all nine! One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit our youth music programs
Get Ready for Music Matters May – A Benefit for Youth Music Programs For years, Flobots.org has been looking for ways to collaborate with Denver’s Arts District on Santa Fe, and now we finally get the chance. Music Matters May is just around the corner, a three-weekend concert series that pairs 18 local musicians with 9 galleries throughout the month of May.
Friday May 10th Opening “Music Matters May” is Flobots. org partner artist Melissa Ivey @ Sync Art Gallery followed by staff member Adrian Molina performing as Molina Speaks @ the Colorado Arts Center. The final performance features VARLET with lead singer Lilly Scott of American Idol fame @ the Artwork Network.
A suggested donation of $40 gets you in the door for three performances, beer and wine, and food from Osage Café – Denver’s youth culinary academy. Visit our website and click on Music Matters May to reserve your spot.
Saturday May 11th The second night of “Music Matters May” opens with Fort Collins singer-songwriter Brittany Devens @ Sync Art Gallery followed by award winning spoken word youth group Minor
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Also new, the People’s Fair will feature a Health & Wellness Area (just off Broadway on the west side of the street). Try demos of yoga, Pilates, and zumba, get free health screenings, and talk with doctors and holistic health providers and more. Join us June 1 and 2 at Civic Center Park (Saturday – 10am-9pm and Sunday – 10am8pm). Online: peoplesfair.com
Broadcast off of KZKO, a local online radio station, it is the first online show of its kind. By running an online radio show in the same way one would run an open mic, it hopes to attract an audience of other artists and fans that would be more receptive than the regular web surfer that might happen upon your work.
lyrics. It’s really something that’s been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and there are literally millions upon millions of poets around the world, so I guess the question is really, why not poetry?”
“There have been a lot of attempts to unite the poetry community and put other poets work out there, but on a poetry website, you have to read through all these pages and compete for attention. An open mic puts the poet in front of an audience,” said Amidei, the other co-founder and creator of Iedima. But one could ask the question, why poetry?
While open mics have been around for many years, this is the first time that it has been attempted online as well as on an international scale. “Because we’re new, we aren’t expecting much, but we hope that eventually poets will start flocking to us,” said Underhill. “In the future, we want to grow it to a multi-hour show where we can showcase more poetry for people that really enjoy it; we also want to bring in poets of all variety of styles.” You can catch the World Poetry Open Mic on Fridays between 8-9 pm on either kzkoradio. com or worldpoetryopenmic.net.
“Poetry is really a big part of our lives anyway, but we just don’t notice it, it’s mostly in song Disturbance @ the Colorado Arts Center. The final performance of the night features virtuoso violinist Josh Lee and Friends @ the Artwork Network.
NSchmidt@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
New this year at the People’s Fair – attendees will be able to download a FREE mobile app (available on all smart phones) to help navigate the festival! Find your favorite artist or festival food; discover new local bands, scope out locations of ATMs, ticket booths, restrooms, first aid, and more.
Since 2008, the People’s Fair has focused
“It’s something we’re experimenting with,” said Underhill, co-founder, and poet who has hosted poetry open mics throughout Denver for years. “It’s a way to give poets across the world a new venue to display their work.”
World Poetry Open Mic Hits KZKO
on sustainability efforts and each year diverts more and more waste away from the landfill as well as working to educate fairgoers on how to live sustainably and make less of an impact on our environment. Last year, a compost pilot program was started at the People’s Fair. This year, Zero Hero will be onsite at the People’s Fair, helping to educate fairgoers, manage the recycling/compost/waste, and work toward the People’s Fair’s goal of diverting 40% of waste created onsite away from the landfill.
Saturday May 18th Weekend two of “Music Matters May” is highlighted by an opening performance from Holly Lovell, a wonderful local singersongwriter performing outdoors @ CHAC Gallery, followed by “femcee” and Flobots. org partner artist Bianca Mikahn @ the Art Students League. The night’s final performance features an acoustic performance from local troubadours Grayson Gerhard and John Runnels @ Space Gallery. Sunday May 19th The night kicks off with award-winning singersongwriter Drew Schofield @ CHAC Gallery, followed by hip hop/spoken word artist Mike Wird @ the Art Students League. The eclectic Bonnie and the Beard bring their Americana/ Blue Grass/Rock style to Space Gallery to end the night.
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Friday May 24th Indie Rock Trio Lionized opens with an unplugged set the final weekend of “Music Matters May” @ 910 Arts Gallery followed by a performance from guitarist Dave Preston @ Vertigo. The night closes with indie singer songwriters the Maykit @ the Center for Visual Arts. Saturday May 25th Fresh off a performance at South by Southwest, singer-songwriter Sarah Slaton helps us to bring to a close our month long “Music Matters May” partnership with Denver’s Arts District on Santa Fe @ the Center for Visual Arts, followed by spoken word artist Ill Seven @ Vertigo. The final performance of the night features Indie Rockers Red Fox Run @ the Sky Lite Station at 910 Arts. Online: flobots.org
The Manager’s Corner by Chris Daniels
CDaniels@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
I’ve managed my own band since the 1980s and despite the amazing change in technology, success in the music business is built around four tried and true elements: great music, really hard work, and timing (often mistaken for luck). The other key element is getting the help you need to make that luck happen. These days, that help is everywhere. The book I wrote for my UCD class on artist management is called “DIY: You’re Not in it Alone” and that is exactly what you need to understand. Booking yourself: a band, a DJ, or a solo artist; any kind of music gig that requires “you” gaining the interest of a ‘buyer’ is both a blessing and a curse. The curse is the easy part to understand “believing your own hype” and not understanding the buyer’s world. Unless you are Madonna or Prince or Justin Bieber or any number of music stars who appear to have mastered the art of “I’m so fabulous,” there is an amount of natural discomfort about ‘tooting your own horn’ all the time that most of us possess. Those of us who are successful at booking, gain a pretty healthy sense of humor about the process. “I’m so fabulous” is often a necessary posturing, but the buyer has a worldview that is completely different. Like inflating your resume from cashier to “customer relation specialist,” it does come with the territory of getting the gig. But you have to UNDERSTAND that your buyer may not share that reality. And if you KNOW you are doing hyping, your chances of believing your own ‘hair-flip’ are greatly reduced, which is a good thing. If I talked to my friends and families the way that it is necessary to talk to potential festivals, venues, and concert series promoters, my friends would, I hope, laugh me out of the room. But it IS a necessary part of
the business. You DO have to believe in your talent, and you DO have to be fearless in letting others know that it has ‘drawing power;’ that you have the ability to “put butts in the seats,” BECAUSE you do such a fabulous job when you perform. But here is the trick for getting good at booking yourself: don’t take it personally! Every buyer, whether club owner, concert promoter, casino, college buyer, or festival talent coordinator, has a vision, a budget and an agenda that may seem like a ‘snub’ to you and your efforts to get booked. But, in point of fact, it usually has nothing to do with your talent. They almost always have a ‘reason’ they are looking for something that is NOT you. It could be budget restrictions, it could be the theme of the venue’s shows, it could be the venue’s need to CHANGE the way that the audience perceives the music being presented. One quick example: like bands from Mumford & Sons to the Eagles, I play at casinos. And here is the important part, music or comedy acts at a casino are about drawing people in to gamble, play the slots or the tables, and if the management changes or the casino changes hands, I might be out of a gig. Did the quality of my band decrease? NO! It had nothing to do with me. A whole lot of artists do not get that basic fact. A “buyer” has an agenda, and you might fit it perfectly TODAY, but next week, month or year, you may not fit their agenda. It’s a hard lesson for self-booking artists to get because they spend so much time learning to
‘believe’ in the product they are presenting, they sometimes lose sight of the fact that not getting the gig is almost always not about the quality of your work, but about the buyer’s needs.
you should be channeling Spinal Tap’s great line “It should be Spinal Tap top billing and then Puppet Show.”) That usually doesn’t happen when you get good at booking yourself.
So that is the curse part. What’s the up side? YOU! You have one concern: booking your talent in whatever venue that makes sense. It should excite you to be there, not exhaust your physical and mental resources, and pay you some damn money! Because that is your paramount concern – your lasar-like focus on the task of getting “work” is a much more
The only tiny drawback to this rosy assessment is the reality that YOU are asking for work. And whether it is Tom Jode in Grapes of Wrath or Oliver Twist saying, “Please sir, I want some more,” you are not in a position of POWER to negotiate the best for yourself (money, hotels, meals, equipment etc.), and that is why - when you can - it really does make sense to turn your booking over to an agent once you have reached a certain level of success. What is that level? Depends upon the artist and the music. What is essential is that you DO NOT FALL ASLEEP at that point. THE IS HUGE, once you have an agent, you are literally placing your life in that person’s hands. They are your travel agent, your survival provider, and your happiness or misery provider, depending upon on how well they listen to your needs and match those with market reality (the buyer’s needs), and your budget. In Colorado, we have some exciting new booking agencies like Fairfield or Sweetwine and some national agencies like Madison House. We also have a whole lot of ‘middle agents’ or brokers who work between buyers and artists to put the two together. And then there are some classic long-time agents like Road-Dwag who have been around and doing it well for years.
powerful force than the booking agent with seven or ten acts that they are responsible for keeping on the road. YOU take the gigs that advance your career. You search for the ways to expand your fan-base AND keep yourself working to perfect your craft. YOU have uppermost in your mind, the constant cycle that is booking, (in case you don’t know, this is May, and smart booking people are now booking September through January). This is the reality YOU live with and YOU ARE #1 on your list of tasks to do today, not one of 12 or 14 acts on an agency roster. This is really powerful stuff. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “Well we signed with agent XYZ and after about three months we were just not a priority for him/her and so things started to go wrong.” (At this point was consumed with the need of helping others ensure the health of their voices. My training to become a certified vocal coach began. It’s been over twenty years now, and I have been blessed to own a teaching studio for the past seven years, doing exactly what I set out to do that serendipitous day…to help others.
Vocal Talk with Carin Dawn Please help us welcome our newest contributor to Shop Talk, Colorado Native, singer-songwriter, Carin Dawn. In her own words, she describes what has brought music to her life: CDawn@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Remember bell-bottoms, lava lamps, black light posters, foosball, and tie dyed t-shirts? Now, throw in the influence of Grandfunk Railroad, the Eagles, Bread, a little Pink Floyd and a lot of Carole King, and you have the soundtrack of my childhood. When my parents told me that I would be taking piano lessons at the age of eight, surprisingly, I balked at the idea of having to “study” music. However, my grandmother purchased a piano for me, so off to lessons I went. Over the next year, my appreciation for music deepened, leading me into school and church choirs, and eventually to singing my first solo when I was nine. Continuing my quest to know more, I
kidnapped my sister’s acoustic guitar, taught myself chords from an Amy Grant songbook, and wrote my first song at the age of 13. My passion grew into the steadfast journey I’ve pursued for the past twenty years. As a vocal performance major in college, I dreamt of a life filled with the dusty roads of touring, late nights of writing, recording and sharing my stories in song. However, life has a way of throwing out curves balls just as we embark on such pursuits. In my early twenties, I was diagnosed with my second round of vocal nodules, thus putting any thoughts of long-term singing on hold. My stubborn spirit would not allow me to take my doctors advice to undergo a procedure that would potentially damage my voice permanently. One might call it fate, destiny, or serendipity; whatever it was, a dear friend encouraged me to meet his vocal coach. It was a long shot in my mind, but I took the chance, and that meeting changed the coarse of my life permanently. After only six months of training with a renowned vocal coach, and having to re-learn how to sing, my true passion was revealed to me. Rather than a life of traveling and performing, I
My desire is not only to help others with their voice, but also to encourage them to discover who they were created to be. I believe there are few places in our world, where we can go and just be in the moment; be in the now, be free to make mistakes, be free to question yourself, explore all that you desire, and let go of any hint of judgment or expectation. When we eliminate the obstacles that hinder us from seeing our true nature, we become more confident, and put an end to negative thoughts and behavior. Dragonfly Vocal Academy is just that. It is my mission to provide a place of comfort and safety for a dreamer to discover what makes them who they are. I will help design a path of freedom into the life you choose to pursue. Dragonfly Vocal Academy is in the heart of Highlands Ranch, CO and more information can be found at dragonflyvocalacademy.com. Feel free to shoot me a text and/or ring me at 720-447-8816. I have continued to follow my performing dreams over the past decade, writing new songs, recording and performing in the acoustic duo Under Cover Sunday with David Starck. As a special introductory offer, mention this ad when you schedule your appointment and receive 10% off!
May 2013 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
So don’t be afraid to book yourself, and also don’t ever let go of the controls on your career when you do sign with an agent you trust. In the long YOU are responsible for YOUR career, no matter who you hire to help you achieve success.
Mad Libs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Name a profession Noun Name an element Adjective Plural noun Adjective Plural noun Verb Local venue Song title Verb Verb Name a sex toy Noun
Advertisement for a New Band Member Needed one (1._______________) who can play a (2._______________) with wicked precision. We are a top (3. ____________) band with our own (4. ____________) sound. We like to share our (5. __________) with our fans who we refer to as (6. _____________) (7. _____________) because they are always (8.___________) into (9.________________) screaming (10._________) when we (11. _______________) on stage. If you want to audition you can (11. ___________________) us at the studio. You can listen to our latest album, it’s called (12. ________________) under the (13._______________) if you want to get a better idea of our sound.
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SUNDAY MAY 5 YELLOW RED SPARKS w/ THE BELLE JAR / IAN COOKE / GET ALONG Sun, May 5, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Devendra Banhart w/Rodrigo Amarante Sun, May 5, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO IZCALLi (CINCO DE MAYO BBQ SHOW) Sun May 5, 1:00pm @ Larimer Lounge, Denver CO MONDAY MAY 6 SHABAZZ PALACES , THEESatisfaction Mon, May 6, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge, Denver CO GOROD w/ VALE OF PNATH / KAMIKABE / INANIMATE EXISTENCE / ARTEMESIS Mon, May 6, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO TUESDAY MAY 7 Yngwie Malmsteen with Special Guests Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Radio 1190 Presents: METZ w/No Joy, Accordion Crimes Tue, May 7, 8:30 PM Hi-Dive, Denver CO Ben Rector w/Alpha Rev Tue, May 7, 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO MAPS & ATLASES Tues, May 7, 7:00pm, Larimer Lounge ,Denver CO WEDNESDAY MAY 8 BLEEDING RAINBOW , Shady Elders , Salads & Sunbeams Wed, May 8, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO The Appleseed Cast w/Varlet, Doubters Wed May 8, 9:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver, CO Retox with Special Guests Wed, May 8, at 8:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO THURSDAY MAY 9 IAMX Thu, May 9, 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO Shelby & Athina with Matt Chimes Thu, May 9, at 8:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Making Movies, Soundrabbit, War Over Water Thu, May 9, 8:30 PM , Hi-Dive, Denver CO VIETNAM w/ASHEN EMBERS Thu, May 9, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO FRIDAY MAY 10 CAITLIN ROSE, DANIEL ROMANO , BARE BONES Fri, May 10, 7:00pm, Walnut Room , Denver CO RL GRIME Fri, May 10, 9:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO The Meter Men feat. Page McConnell, George Porter, Leo Nocentelli and Zigaboo Modeliste Fri, May 10, 9:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO Facial with Ghosts of Glaciers / TripLip Fri, May 10, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Kinky Fingers + Mechanical Roots Fri, May 10, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO Cutthroat Drifters, Dead Pay Rent, The Patient Zeros, the Jane Thatcher Band, The Rusty Harrows Fri, May 10, 7:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO The Nadis Warriors, Proper Motion, Digital Beat Down Fri, May 10, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO SATURDAY MAY 11 The Thermals / The Builders and The Butchers Sat, May 11, 2013 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO No Good Reason, The Coffeemakers Sat, May 11, 9:00pm, 12 Volt Tavern, Arvada, CO T Shirts For Tomorrow EP Release Show with Special Guests Sat, May 11, at 8:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Josh Dillard CD Release, Joshua Novak, Miss America Sat, May 11, 8:30 PM , Hi-Dive, Denver CO Sigma Chi presents: BRIGHT & TIGHT feat. Kill Paris Sat, May 11, 9:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO REAL MAGIC w/ MANCUB Sat, May 11, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Strong Survive Promotionz Proudly Presents: Twisted Insane, Scum, Leaders of the Lost, Grimmace, and Stevie Miles Saturday, May 11, 7:00pm, The Roxy Theatre , Denver, CO SUNDAY MAY 12 BLACK PUS Sun, May 12, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Speedwolf, Negative Degree, Gravetorn, Civilized Sun, May 12, 8:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Cauldron , 18 Squeeler Sun, May 12, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO MONDAY MAY 13 Radio 1190 Presents: Damien Jurado, Patrick Dethlefs, The Maykit Mon, May 13, 8:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO DAUGHTER Mon, May 13, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO TUESDAY MAY 14 MOON KING Tue, May 14, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Twist & Shout Presents: Marina And The Diamonds w/ Charli XCX Tue, May 14, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO Natural Disaster Tour Tue, May 14, 8:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO
Mushroomhead with Final Trigger / Lydia Can’t Breathe / Ionia / Kill Syndicate Tue, May 14, at 6:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO MTV Jams Presents Fabolous & Pusha T Tues, May 14, 8:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO Boris w/Pallbearer and Black Sleep Of Kali Tue, May 14, 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO WEDNESDAY MAY 15 LAURA STEVENSON Wednesday, May 15, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Stornoway, Horse Thief, Porlolo Wed, May 15, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO THURSDAY MAY 16 Radio 1190 Presents: Digitalism (LIVE) w/Flashlights, Boyhollow Thu, May 16, 10:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO The Echo Chamber with Solterra Thu, May 16, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Champagne Charlie, Two Tone Wolf Pack, the Hooks and the Hollows Thu, May 16, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO CHROME SPARKS w/ RUMTUM Thu, May 16, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO FRIDAY MAY 17 BROWN BIRD Fri, May 17, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Official Flux Pavilion / Excision After Party: Zomboy, BARE, ETC!ETC! Fri, May 17, 11:30 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO The Jekylls, Faking the Dream, Saturn Cowboys Fri, May 17, 9:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Tattooed Strings with Two Fisted Tango Fri, May 17, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Shining Wires , Spells Fri, May 17, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO Twist & Shout, 88.5 FM/1390 AM KGNU and Radio 1190 Present: Black Moth Super Rainbow, The Hood Internet and Oscillator Bug, Fri, May 17, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO SATURDAY MAY 18 The Royal Aces, The Johnny Kongo All-Star Show Sat, May 18, 9:00pm, 12 Volt Tavern, Arvada, CO Kate Nash , Dresses Sat, May 18, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO Wandering + Smokestack Relics Saturday, May 18, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO TECH N9NE with Krizz Kaliko / Brotha Lynch Hung / Ces Cru Sat, May 18, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Lipgloss Presents: Known Pleasures: A Joy Division Tribute for the Benefit of Mike Marchant, Emerald Siam, Hindershot, Hearts in Space, Flash / Cub, The Royal, Violent Summer Sat, May 18, 8:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO The Presets / Dragonette Sat, May 18, 9:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO THE TECHNICOLORS Sat, May 18, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO SUNDAY MAY 19 MONROE MONROE Sun, May 19, 1:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Out Front Colorado and HipChicksOut Presents: Sarah & the Meanies, Coles Whalen, Sarah Slaton, Mesha Reynolds, Sun, May 19, 7:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO MONDAY MAY 20 HALF MOON RUN w/ THE CENTENNIAL Mon, May 20, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO Turbonegro Mon, May 20, 8:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO Illegal Pete’s and Radio 1190 Presents: Telekinesis, Deep Sea Diver, The Whicker and Pine Mon, May 20, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Twist & Shout and Channel 93.3 Present: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club w/ Thenewno2 Mon, May 20, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO TUESDAY MAY 21 Cadaver Dogs, Warhawk, Twin Peaks Tue, May 21, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO FILLIGAR Tue, May 21, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO WEDNESDAY MAY 22 IDES OF GEMINI , IN THE COMPANY OF SERPENTS Wed, May 22, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge Denver CO THURSDAY MAY 23 Harlequin Dreams, Oro Oceans, the Host Club Thu, May 23, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Abstract Rude & Musab with Special Guests Thu, May 23, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO 106.7 KBPI Presents: Lola Black / The Dreaming (Members of Stabbing Westward), Glass Delirium and Broken Image, Thu, May 23, 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO FRIDAY MAY 24 Green River Vibe CD Release w/One Drop, ATOMGA, Drop Switch Fri, May 24, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO Chelsea Crowell + Faux Ferocious Fri, May 24, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO Black Lamb with Special Guests
Fri, May 24, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Radio 1190 Presents: Land Lines, The Seven Hats, Esme Patterson Fri, May 24, 9:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Channel 93.3 presents the DANCING WITH STRANGERS TOUR: Capital Cities w/Gold Fields Fri, May 24, 9:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO SATURDAY MAY 25 Skewer.biz, RWBH, Get It Gang present: Chief Keef Sat, May 25, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO The David Mayfield Parade, Oliver Bravado, The Longest Day of the Year Sat, May 25, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO Trapt with Special Guests Sat, May 25, at 8:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Averse To The End w/Accretion, SWAMI, G.L.E.N. Sat, May 25, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO JET EDISON Sat, May 25, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO SUNDAY MAY 26 Your Own Medicine w/Dimmer Switch, Random Hero, Ashfield Sun, May 26, 2013 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO Marianas Trench with Air Dubai Sun, May 26, at 6:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO 97.3 KBCO Presents: Dawes w/Sera Cahoone Sun, May 26, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO MONDAY MAY 27 Radio 1190 Presents: Beth Orton w/James Bay Mon, May 27, 8:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO TUESDAY MAY 28 DETROIT COBRAS Tue, May 28, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO WEDNESDAY MAY 29 TORCHE Wed, May 29, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO 97.3 KBCO PRESENTS: ZZ Ward Wed, May 29, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO THURSDAY MAY 30 Reggae Movement Presents: The Green, The Expanders, Long Miles Thu, May 30, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO The Neighbourhood w/Lovelife Thu, May 30, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO FRIDAY MAY 31 Casey Veggies / Travi$ Scott Fri, May 31, 8:00 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO In the Whale, the Hate, The Yawpers Fri, May 31, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO HOME BODY Fri, May 31, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO SATURDAY JUNE 1 Miles to Mountains Sat, June 1, 8:00pm, Lost Lake Lounge, Denver CO Strong Survive Promotionz Proudly Presents: The Roxy 2 Year Anniversary Party featuring: Prozak Sat, June 1, 7:00pm, The Roxy Theatre , Denver, CO IAMTHESHOTGUN TOUR KICKOFF SHOW! with Forty Fathoms / Rather Dashing / Cattleist and Hemingway Hero, Sat, June 1, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO CHANNEL 93.3’s E-LEVEN PRESENTS: Official Bassnectar After Party: Zion I / Ill.Gates Featuring The Church of Bass, Jantsen Sat, June 1, 11:59 PM, The Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO The Tallest Man on Earth Sat, June 1, 9:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO Radio 1190 Presents: Baths, Houses and D33J Thu, Jun 1, 9:00 PM, The Bluebird Theater, Denver CO FLY GOLDEN EAGLE w/ DIRTY FEW Sat, June 1:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO The Cattle Axe, The Cages Sat, June 1, 2013 at 9:00pm, 12 Volt Tavern, Arvada, CO SUNDAY JUNE 2 You Like This Presents: Qwel & Maker, Deca, Aklock & Deadbeat Dom, Man Mantis, God’s Side Project Sun, June 2, 8:00 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO MONDAY JUNE 3 PEACE Mon, June 3, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO White Trash Promotions and Strong Survive Promotionz Present: Errly Birds Tour featuring: J Hornay, Skywriter & MENIone, Oops, DeathStarr, Dirty Bong Water, J Kid, Genocide, Albeez 4 Sheez, and More Mon, June 3, 6:30pm, The Roxy Theatre , Denver CO TUESDAY JUNE 4 Alkaline Trio Tue, June 4, at 7:00pm, Summit Music Hall, Denver CO Foals Tue, June 4, 8:00pm, The Ogden Theatre, Denver CO THURSDAY JUNE 6 Roniit, Lost Optical, The Ever Thu, June 6, 8:30 PM, Hi-Dive, Denver CO FRIDAY JUNE 7 VITAMINS (REUNION SHOW) Fri, June 7, 8:00pm, Larimer Lounge , Denver CO