Travers Brothership Return to Colorado After European Tour; Set to Play a Host of Local Shows

By: Mirna Tufekcic

Haling all the way from North Carolina, Travers Brothership will be gracing us with their unconventional, improv-driven live performance, playing gigs across Colorado this week. I had the privilege to chat with Kyle Travers, the guitar and one-third of the vocals of the band. Read on: 

Travers Brothership just finished their first European tour, and Kyle was pleased with the band’s shows abroad: “We were received really well, way better than I expected,” he says, “I think the Europeans are craving that homegrown American sound and because we have that jazz and rock’n’roll vibe, I think they really liked us. And some even knew who we were!” 

Travers Brothership.

Travers Brothership.

Kyle continues about the band’s current state saying, “It’s a somewhat unfathomable feeling to be where we are as a band at this point. Since we became more successful and were signed by Madison House, touring has become a serious part of our lives. I think all four of us love traveling, so being on the road is not a big deal. It’s a blast for me- I love adventure and meeting new people. But what’s really great about it is that we don’t have to do any side jobs anymore when we come home. It feels great not having to put up dry-wall or pick up a hammer or go work in a restaurant on our days off the road. Now, Eric and I will go play golf instead!”

Eric and Kyle Travers are twins. They were born into a musical family; their father Hurricane Bob Travers was a traveling, touring rock’n’roll musician.

“When we were about four years old, our dad gave us toy musical instruments. By the time we were seven, the toys were replaced with real instruments, and that’s really how it all began. Fast forward a few years; by the time we were 12 years old, we were playing biker bars and private events. I consider us really lucky to have had supportive parents who would drive us to these gigs when we were too young to go anywhere.” Kyle laughs. 

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Travers Brothership became a cohesive band when a group of friends, who happened to be neighbors, started jamming together in the Travers house basement. Kyle explains, “Eric and I didn’t want to be the focus of the group and we wanted to expand beyond just the two of us.  That’s why we’re called Travers Brothership and not something like ‘The Travers Brothers Band.’ We really see the band as a community and we all play a major role in the creative process.”   

From Jimmy Hendrix to Donnie Hathaway, Travers Brothership’s influences mesh succinctly, moving from rock’n’roll into soul both smoothly and precisely. The band’s latest album has moved from a harder rock’n’roll vibe into the soul realm more than ever before. 

“I think we owe it to my brother Eric and our bassist Josh Clark, more than anything else, for changing directions a bit. Eric was really getting into Wilson Picket and other 70s soulful artists, while Josh was into Donnie Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. Naturally, from listening to these artists, a lot of our sound started to morph. Aggressive, coming for you mentality will always be at the core of who we are as a band, but it’s important for a band to grow and evolve. Naturally, what you listen to will show in what music you write. And at the end of the day, we always like to challenge ourselves as musicians.” Kyle muses. 

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Eric and Kyle Travers, and the band’s bassist Josh Clark contribute to the vocals of the band and it’s their three-part harmonies, which have caught the eyes and ears of spectators over the years. Their unique three-part harmonies are their signature talent and what they’re most known for. Says Kyle, “Some people who have heard us play, even fans in Europe, compared us to Queen because of our three-part harmonies. It’s pretty crazy!” 

And when it comes to showing off their talent onstage, Kyle says, “We’re a high-energy band onstage. Our motto is to ‘break a sweat and play to the best of our ability, give everything we got from the heart.’ We’re kind of a jam band, so during our live shows, we improvise a lot. Improvisation is one of the most creative ways to be… if you listen to Sun Ra or Thelonious Monk, they’re breaking every rule in the book and they are held in high regard!” 

The band has already toured the nation with established bands like Charles Bradley, Taj Mahal, Moe, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Blues Traveler, Robert Randolph, Leftover Salmon, Trombone Shorty, The Marcus King Band, Dr. John, and many more. Their most recent album Let the World Decide dropped last December, and now they are embarking on a massive national tour in support of it. Among the Colorado gigs they have lined up, some of them are Denver’s Cervantes Other Side on July 12th, The Lazy Dog in Boulder (which is a free show!) on July 13th, and Hodi’s Half Note in Fort Collins on July 17th. 

Keep up with Travers Brothership here.

-Mirna

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artist featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Jaden Carlson Band Releasing New Record With Release Party This Saturday (04/28)

By: Mirna Tufekcic

Jaden Carlson Band is set to release their latest album on May 4th, 2018 and it’s going to sound very different from their earlier work. Heavily leaning into the electro-funk jamscapes, JCB’s upcoming album Keep It Moving is chock full of electric guitar and synth shreds, with groovy bass and drums to smooth it out and literally keep you moving.  The album release party is set to take place at The Lazy Dog in Boulder this Saturday April 28th, so mark your calendar and come for a free show with high quality music and talent!

JCB.

JCB.

Jaden Carlson, born and raised in Boulder, Colorado is known around the Boulder-Denver music scene as a young guitar prodigy who can really shred. Jaden’s undeniable wizardly guitar skills have gained her respect and a shining spotlight in the scene- and all of this before she was even a teenager! Today, at the age of seventeen, she is leading JCB into new heights while experimenting with hip-hop, synth-pop, and electro-funk jams. She has played a huge role in bringing Keep It Moving to fruition, from leading the band with vocals, guitar, and keys to producing the new record. The band has been raising money for their new album on PledgeMusic and they are 95% of the way to getting all or nothing on their campaign. You can help them with the homestretch by going to donate here.

And finally, for your listening pleasure and preview of what’s coming, here is a track titled “Outer Lands” off the upcoming album, exclusively shared with us for you to hear. The track features Adam Deitch (Lettuce; Break Science) on drums. Enjoy!

-Mirna

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artist featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 11/11 & 11/12

By: Hannah Oreskovich

If there is one thing we want to do after this week, it’s roll to local shows and celebrate art and music. Here are our picks:

Today (Friday 11/11/16):

TAARKA with Caribou Mountain Collective at The Wildflower Pavilion in Lyons 7PM-10PM

TAARKA. Photo Credit: Anne Stavely.

TAARKA. Photo Credit: Anne Stavely.

Earlier this week, we brought you a sweet feature detailing TAARKA’s performance tonight. The Lyons-based bluegrass and gypsy jazz band play Planet Bluegrass’ WildFlower Pavilion, and Caribou Mountain Collective will open the evening. Bring your bluegrass lovin’ buds, treat yourself to a beer or coffee, and spend the start of your weekend listening to a slew of talent on this semi-outdoor stage. The weather alone at this point in November should compel you. Tickets here.

Listen to TAARKA’s Making Tracks Home:

Colfax Speed Queen’s Album Release Party at Lost Lake Lounge in Denver 9PM-Close

Colfax Speed Queen. Photo Credit: Matthew Novak

Colfax Speed Queen. Photo Credit: Matthew Novak

Denver’s Colfax Speed Queen are dropping their latest release today, an 11-track record titled Talk To Your Doctor. We had a chance to preview the record earlier this week, and man did we like what we heard! This one is guaranteed to pull at your rock’n’roll heartstrings, and after watching CSQ at The UMS just a few months ago, we guarantee their live show will too. Fort Collins’ Serpentfoot will open the night, followed by The Golden Apples of the Sun. CSQ’s release is dropping on Heavydose Records; make sure to get yourself a vinyl copy of this bad boy. You won’t regret it.

Check out Colfax Speed Queen’s Talk To Your Doctor:

Envy Alo at Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Dance away the week tonight at a place we’re so happy didn’t close. Funk rock’s Envy Alo will be playing a free show at Conor’s, and have promised to groove you into oblivion (which may be exactly what you need right now). The trio also play The Fox November 30th opening for Jaden Carlson, so pick up some tickets while you’re there from the crew. Get to it!

Peep Envy Alo’s “When I Play”:

Coral Creek at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

Coral Creek.

Coral Creek.

Golden’s UllrGrass Festival is just a few months away, and tonight the music and beer fest is hosting a kickoff party for the event with Colorado’s Coral Creek at The Lazy Dog. The Americana/country and bluegrass jam band will sport their stringin’ sounds while you enjoy a brew and nab your discounted UllrGrass passes before they go on sale. Check out the full UllrGrass lineup here.

Listen to Coral Creek’s self-titled album:

Tomorrow (Saturday 11/12):

Silent Bear with Adam H. at The Gold Hill Inn in Boulder 7PM-Close

SILENT BEAR AND THE LATE PETE SEEGER. PHOTO CREDIT: SKYHOOK ENTERTAINMENT

SILENT BEAR AND THE LATE PETE SEEGER. PHOTO CREDIT: SKYHOOK ENTERTAINMENT

With the future of the DAPL looking more terrifying than ever thanks to President-elect Donald Trump’s current 100 Day Plan, tomorrow night’s show with DAPL protestor and artist Silent Bear seems like a perfect way to spend your Saturday in solidarity. SB, who has spent his musical career working for and with Native Americans and other marginalized populations, plays The Gold Hill Inn tomorrow evening. Singer/songwriter Adam H. will open the night, which sure sounds like a powerful one.

Watch Silent Bear’s recent protest video against the DAPL below:

Oscar Ross with Ol’ Hickory & M. Florea at Syntax Physic Opera in Denver 9PM-Close

Oscar Ross.

Oscar Ross.

Denver’s Oscar Ross recently released his latest album, Get Along. Known for his work as the frontman in Denver stoner metal band Lords of Fuzz, Get Along takes you for a whole different kind of ride in Ross’ solo country-esque project. Golden’s rowdy outfit Ol’ Hickory will share the stage; Megan Fong’s latest project M. Florea will open the night. Tickets are only $7, so get yours and make sure to grab a copy of Get Along for yourself after the show!

Give Oscar Ross’ Get Along a listen:

Music always feels like the right thing to do, Colorado. See you at a show!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See This Labor Day Weekend

By: Hannah Oreskovich

It’s a three-day weekend, so spend it at some shows Colorado:

Today (Friday 09/02):

A Shadow of Jaguar with The Red Petals at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

A Shadow of Jaguar.

A Shadow of Jaguar.

Colorado’s A Shadow of Jaguar officially announced this week that tonight’s show at The LD will be their last in CO for a while, as the delta rock’n’roll duo are moving to New York. We’ve enjoyed a number of live shows from ASOJ over the years, and they’ve promised they’ll still be playing Colorado on tour as regularly as their busy show schedule allows. But it will be a minute until they make their way back to our mountains, so make sure to stop in at their show tonight and say your goodbyes! They’ll be joined onstage by The Red Petals, a Colorado trio of the blues rock variety who we first covered here. We’ll be here tonight, and so should you.

Watch ASOJ’s music video for their track “Mama Needs The Bottle”:

R Michael Rhodes’ EP Release Party at Meadows Golf Club in Littleton 6PM-10PM

R Michael Rhodes.

R Michael Rhodes.

Just last week, we brought you the lowdown on R Michael Rhodes’ upcoming EP Release Party. Rhodes will be playing his new tunes tonight from After All These Years, as well as some of his older hits. Amy Kress will be making an appearance at the show as well, bringing her pop songs to the mix. So dress to the nines and head over to Meadows Golf Club to celebrate with these Colorado artists! Ticket packages here.

Check out R Michael Rhodes’ latest music video for his tune, “The Only Song”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 09/03):

Booster Pre-Phish Show at Vine Street Pub in Denver 1PM-4PM

Booster.

Booster.

Colorado’s funk fusion four-piece Booster recently switched up their lineup and added some new tunes to their repertoire. We sat down with them recently to learn all about it, so catch those details before you roll to their set tomorrow afternoon. The band blasts off before Phish’s show, so roll to Vine Street Pub for this funky pre-party. You can peep Booster’s new tunes, and get ready to groove to Phish. Now that’s a good combo.

Read our recent interview with Booster.

Jeremy Mohney’s EP Release Party at The No Name Bar in Boulder 4PM-7PM

Jeremy Mohney.

Jeremy Mohney.

Yesterday we brought you a whole feature on Jeremy Mohney’s new EP release, On The Mellowside. It’s a crooning, jazzy set of songs that really showcase all of the talented local musicians on it. And tomorrow, those artists will be performing the EP live at The No Name Bar. Head over for this special afternoon dance party and groove out. It’s gonna be sweet! The EP will also be available for purchase tomorrow here.

Read our review of Jeremy Mohney’s new EP On The Mellowside.

The Next Day (Sunday 09/04):

Gregory Alan Isakov with Ani DiFranco and Shook Twins at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison 7PM-Close

Gregory Alan Isakov.

Gregory Alan Isakov.

Boulder-based singer/songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is making his return to Red Rocks this weekend, this time as a headliner. Sunday’s show is Isakov’s last in the US for quite some time, as he’s jetting overseas in September for the remainder of his tour. Ani DiFranco shares this bill, and Shook Twins will open the evening. Plus, you don’t work Monday, so you’ve got no excuse not to be at the best venue in the world Sunday night. Get your tickets now.

Watch Isakov’s new video of “Stable Song” with the Colorado Symphony:

All Weekend (09/02-09/04):

Riot Fest & Rodeo in Denver- Various Sets and Times

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Denver’s Riot Fest & Rodeo is happening this weekend, and we’ll be on the scene bringing you awesome coverage courtesy of our contributor Sierra Voss. With a lineup that includes Jane’s Addiction, Death Cab for Cutie, Deftones, Ween, Sleater-Kinney, Julian Marley, The Original Misfits, this is going to be one fest for the books. Some tickets are still available, so get yours here!

Check out the full lineup for the weekend on Riot Fest’s website.

Head out for the holiday weekend Colorado!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

Boulder's Tenth Mountain Division Headline Fox Theatre Tonight

By: Hannah Oreskovich

It’s back to school season, and local “ski rock” outfit Tenth Mountain Division have made their way down from the slopes and back to Boulder to headline The Fox tonight. For a band with some of its current members attending CU for school, the timing for this evening’s “August Après”-themed show couldn’t be better.

We last caught up with TMD before summer began, when the group was closing out their time in Boulder with a Lazy Dog bash. The five-piece kept busy in their off-season, touring through Chicago, Columbus, and PA before playing shows in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. They even managed to play Illionois’ Summer Camp Music Festival on their way around the country, in a spot they competed for earlier in 2016.

TMD opening for Cold River City at The Fox earlier in 2016. 

TMD opening for Cold River City at The Fox earlier in 2016. 

Now, fresh off a night at The Aggie in Fort Collins, the Boulder-based band will take The Fox stage as headliners for their first time. Local prog rock/jam band Amoramora will hold down the second slot on tonight’s bill, and Durango’s bluegrass four-piece Streepland String Band will open the show. So whether you’re stuck in syllabus week at CU, or are looking for a great Thursday night show of local talent, head over to The Fox tonight. Tickets are only $10; get ‘em here.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See This Fourth of July Weekend

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Three day weekends rule, and so does ‘Merica:

Today (Friday 07/01):

Ramaya & The Troubadours at The Laughing Goat in Boulder 8PM-Close

Ramaya Soskin plays The LG tonight, and will share the stage with some of his talented friends. Soskin’s sound has been described assimultaneously blending echoes of Iron & Wine, Ryan Adams, Wilco and Jeff Buckley”, and he’s a familiar face on the Goat’s stage. Ease into the party-filled weekend with some good tunes from Ramaya and a glass of wine tonight. Can yah dig?

Check out a Ramaya original, “All In Good Time”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 07/02):

BANDITS Vinyl Release Party with Blanket Empire and Meeting House at Larimer Lounge in Denver 8PM-Close

Colorado favorite BANDITS are dropping their highly anticipated 7” tonight at the Larimer, and local talents Blanket Empire and Meeting House will also grace the stage for the show. We’ve seriously been diggin’ on BANDITS tracks “Kill Tonight” and “Wheels” lately, so we’re stoked to hear ‘em on wax. This is a sweet lineup and one of BANDITS’ last hometown shows before they hit the road for the summer! Come party!

PS: Make sure to catch our most recent features on BANDITSBlanket Empire, & Meeting House yo.

Listen to BANDITS’ tune “Wheels”:

Wow! Signal with Portobello Road and Hi-Fi Gentry at Lost Lake Lounge in Denver 8PM-Close

Denver’s Wow! Signal, self-described as “90s punk rawk with a bit of heavy throw in” are headlining a show at the triple L tomorrow evening which promises to “ROCK YOUR FACE OFF!” The band will be sharing the stage with Portobello Road, a blues and punk rock four-piece, and Hi-Fi Gentry, one of our favorite Denver indie outfits. Wear your best American flag memorabilia! It’s gonna be a fun one.

Have you peeped our recent Hi-Fi Gentry coverage? Iz right here.

The Next Day (Sunday 07/06)

Bud Bronson & The Goodtimers with Dirty Few and Lizard Police at the Hi-Dive in Denver 8PM-Close

Bud Bronson & The Goodtimers want to celebrate America with all the things they love this weekend, which means “hot dogs and domestic brews and good friends and rock and roll”. The crazy Denver rock group are sharing their show with local outfit Dirty Few (who just killed at Westword’s Showcase) and touring Tulsa group Lizard Police. Did we mention they’re screening Independence Day before and after the show? Yeah. This is gonna be a good one.

Check out BBATG’s album Fantasy Machine:

Tomorrow & The Next Day (Saturday 07/02 & Sunday 07/03)

Dead & Company at Folsom Field in Boulder 630PM-Close

Dead & Company are resurrecting the concert atmosphere that once existed at CU’s Folsom Field in Boulder this weekend. For the first time in 15 years, the field will host a public show for not one, but two nights in a row! Dead & Co. are currently on their summer tour, which has consisted of a slew of festival appearances. Anddd there are plenty of after parties following their performances if you missed your chance at tickets- check out Owsley’s Golden Road, Sancho’s Broken Arrow, The Lazy Dog, The Fox, and The Boulder Theater for some late night options Deadheads.

Watch Dead & Company’s live performance of “Bertha”:

The Holiday! (Monday 07/04)

Xavier Rudd with Dustin Thomas at The Fox Theatre in Boulder 830PM-Close

The ever-traveling Xavier Rudd plays The Fox Monday night, so spend your final eve of the weekend with him! He’ll be coming straight from his Mishawaka show on Sunday to the good ‘ol B and bringing lots of talent along for the ride. Plus, singer/songwriter Dustin Thomas is opening. Catch the show and walk outside for Folsom’s fireworks afterward. Should be a sweet end to a great holiday weekend of music. Tickets here.

Watch Xavier Rudd’s “Let Me Be”:

Happy Fourth Colorado!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 05/13 & 05/14

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Graduation is over and summer has begun! Let’s get to it Beaters:

Today (Friday 05/13):

Grandpa’s Gun Spring Party, featuring Open Space and Francis and the Wolf at Shine Gathering Place in Boulder 8PM-Close

Get yer gun grandpa.

Get yer gun grandpa.

Boulder’s Americana outfit Grandpa’s Gun are holding down the Shine stage tonight, joined by alt-country “outlaw bluegrass” band Open Space and Longmont’s rock’n’roll trio Francis and the Wolf. Grandpa’s Gun dropped their debut full-length album, Back Into Town, last October with critical acclaim. Tonight’s show offers a sweet local lineup to sip to, and it’s only $5 at the door. Head over and check these bands out!

Check out the video for Granpa’s Gun track “Snakebite”:

All Chiefs Release Show & Music Video Premiere at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 830PM-Close

All chiefs.

All chiefs.

All Chiefs is back! The Boulder/Denver indie rock and dance pop five-piece have returned to the local music scene after a hiatus, during which it’s rumored they were recording their new EP Fashion Forward. Tonight, the band is premiering their new single, “Pusher”, and its official music video, live at The Lazy Dog. Following the premiere, the band will take the stage (shared by Tyto Alba) for a night of new music, and old favorites. Fashion Forward will be available on CD, which gives you the chance to check out All Chiefs’ new music before it drops across the interwebs. Head over to this show and check out their new tunes!

Watch All Chiefs at Coupe Studios, recording their new EP:

Asalott at Taco Junky & Tequila Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

Local beatbreak and tribal dance favorite Asalott is ringing in the start of summer tonight at Taco Junky. The sometimes duo/trio/four-piece recently spent some time recording their first album, and tonight, they hinted to us that their new music might be available for purchase. So roll up to TJ’s on The Hill for a bumpin’ party and Asalott’s new sounds!. It’s gonna be a killer show. Want to read more about Asalott? Check out our exclusive sit-down with the crew.

Watch Asalott’s music video for their tune “Remedies”:

Realtalk at Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Boulder’s own funk rock/reggae jam four-piece Realtalk are taking over Conor’s tonight and partying with you until the sun (almost) comes up! The local band, who originally gained popularity by playing CU house parties, have had quite the year. They’ve released new music videos, played the Fox, and tonight, they’ll be playing some new tunes for you! Jump over to Conor’s on your Pearl crawl and see these guys live. Read our exclusive interview with the band.

Watch Realtalk’s live performance of “Tied Up”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 05/14):

The Pamlico Sound at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Funkadelic and dancin’ good time band The Pamlico Sound will be raging at The Lazy Dog tomorrow evening. The eight-member, horn-infused funk band always bring a massive crowd to their shows, and an energy that will make you move until the joint shuts down. TPS are stoked to have a local performance on their busy schedule, so come prepared for a crazy congregation! We’ll see you there! Check out our exclusive chat with TPS frontman Pastor Will B.

Watch The Pamlico Sound live on Radio1190:

Tilia Americana and All Hat No Horse at The Laughing Goat in Boulder 8PM-Close

Tilia Americana.

Tilia Americana.

Denver duo All Hat No Horse will be opening things up at the LG tomorrow. Their acoustic Americana sounds are sure to croon you into the start of Saturday night, followed by Longmont’s acoustic two-piece Tilia Americana, who weave elements of folk, blues, rock, and country into their sound. Grab a tasty latte and check out these local acts!

Peep Tilia Americana’s music video for “What Happened?”:

BCFM

Boulder County Farmers Market is every Saturday from 10AM-2PM. We’re working closely with BCFM to promote the music at the market, and this week, acoustic mountain blues group Ravin’Wolf will be providing your entertainment. Stop by to hear their “true folk rock traditions” and grab brunch from one of the many delicious vendors on site!

Listen to Ravin’Wolf:

GREEN LIGHT RADIO

This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Longmont’s Francis and the Wolf. The trio recently changed their name, added a new member, and are making new music. Tune in to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light Sunday night between 9-10PM to catch their song “Ol’ Lady” on the airwaves.

See you in the sun!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. 

Tenth Mountain Division: Ski Rock for Your Summer

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Tenth Mountain Division dropped their debut album recently, and it's taking off like a skier on fresh powder.

Ski Rock. That’s the sound Boulder’s Tenth Mountain Division have coined for themselves, and it fits. With rock, jam, and bluegrass influences, the five-piece have been picking up notable steam  in the local mountain scene and beyond. Just this spring, the band released their debut album, Cracks In The Sky, which quickly earned them critical acclaim, a summer tour, and a spot on Illinois’ Summer Camp Music Festival. Before this rockin’ crew hits the road, we decided to sit down with co-founder MJ Ouimette to get the full scoop on TMD’s formation, their record, and more! The boys play a hometown gig at The Lazy Dog tomorrow for Cinco de Mayo, which you should definitely check out. Read on:

Boulder's Tenth Mountain Division. 

Boulder's Tenth Mountain Division. 

So MJ- how did Tenth Mountain Division get started, and how long you have been playing together as a band?

Winston Heuga and I originally met in highschool in our hometown of Vail, CO. After practicing together for a year or so, and writing our first original tunes, we decided to legitimize our music from the ground up; from Winston’s Mom’s basement to the stage. We had the idea to perform as a bluegrass band, since our main influences included Sam Bush and Leftover Salmon. Eventually, we evolved into an electric adaptation of our prior selves, and our “ski rock” sound was fully realized at CU, where we met Connor Dunn, Tyler Gwynn and Campbell Thomas. In total, TMD has been a project for a year and a half.

Wow! That’s sweet that you guys were able to put out your debut album within essentially a year’s time. Where was Cracks in the Sky recorded? Did you work with a producer, and if so, who?

Cracks In the Sky was recorded at KMG Life Inc. Studios. The album is self produced, but has largely been successful thanks to our sound engineer Cameron Mannix. He worked with us tirelessly and off the clock to help us achieve what we desired. Mannix had actually been working with us for the year leading up to our recording process on projects, and because he had that knowledge of our sound coming in, his work really contributed to the authenticity of Cracks In The Sky.

Awesome. What’s behind the name of the album?

“Cracks In the Sky”, the album’s title track, is the first song Winston and I wrote together. For the most part, he wrote it and I helped arranged the music and the middle verse. But the title, in short, is the easiest explanation of everything we’ve done up to this point.

Cool. Talk to us about the other tracks on the album. How did you choose what to record?

The songs we decided on put on the album are mostly an amalgamation of the diverse talents in the group. Be it my own “Morning Drive” and “Fine Print”, Winston’s “By the Riverside” and “Matryoshka Mountains” or Campbell’s “Conspiracy”, there is a diverse yet coherent congruency from song to song that demonstrates both our varied backgrounds and influences, and the intersections between them all that make us Tenth Mountain Division.

Awesome. Does everyone in the band write?

Winston has written many of the basic outlines and lyrics for the group; he is a great lyricist. Although I have a few songs lyrically that I’ve written as well, the basic formula is Winston presenting a sketch that I solidify musically with arrangements. There is always constant interaction and influence between all of us in the band though.

Listen to TMD’s Cracks In The Sky:

LP versus EP is always a tough question. How did you guys decide on releasing a full length?

Ultimately, we decided that it’s far too common to release an EP as a first recording effort, and we had too much material that we wanted to exhibit. When I look at my biggest influences, I don’t think about their first EP, I think about their first album. We collectively wanted to create an all-encompassing piece of art rather than just a fraction of it.

Fair enough. What are Tenth Mountain Division’s plans for the summer?

“Eskimo”, one of my favorite tracks on the album, will have a music video that will be released in the very near future. Beyond that, we’re touring the Midwest and East Coast, along with our appearance at Summer Camp Music Festival.

We saw you were on that fest lineup- tell us more about that!

We won Summer Camp’s “On the Road” competition series at the Fox Theatre in January, which allowed us the opportunity to perform at the event. It is both humbling and exciting to have won the event and to perform among the heavy hitters of the vast and talented genre of “jam” music.

Make sure to catch Tenth Mountain Division jamming at The Lazy Dog tomorrow night! Join the Facebook event here. And keep with this talented ski rock outfit here.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured. This interview was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat. 

Rock and Roll: A Revival Hits The Boulder/Denver Music Scene

By: Mirna Tufekcic

At a coffee shop, “Take it Easy” by the Eagles plays over the speakers as I begin writing a piece about what the revival of rock and roll looks like from where I stand, and where I stand is somewhere around Boulder/Denver, Colorado. Like the age-old mathematical proof goes, IF rock and roll is dead, THEN it’s rising from the grave as we speak. But rock and roll never really died.  It’s been in a lull; now reawakening. Hence why I’m choosing to use the word revival over resurrection.  

The rock and roll revival is happening in the Boulder/Denver music scene. Not just because the music is hard, raw, and will make you sweat, but because people are living it heart first. Today’s rock stands on the shoulders of rock and roll giants, and that’s why I believe it has this potency and capacity to move you; to get under your skin. Boulder/Denver is the place to witness it firsthand, but you’ll have to seek it out before it’ll find you. Still fluttering its eyes from decades of sleep, rock and roll around these parts is slowly rising from underground, but underground it is still.

BANDITS. 

BANDITS. 

The recognition of this revival started for me a few weeks ago at Boulder’s Lazy Dog, when the BANDITS played their homecoming show after touring the country. Their hard rockin’ tunes injected a potent dose of “wake the fuck up, it’s rock and roll time!”, and I couldn’t help myself. Apparently, neither could the people around me, who found themselves rocking back and forth to the BANDITS music: reminiscent of the 70s, metal like the 80s, and with an in-your-face alternative flare of the grungy 90s; the latter you can partly, one-third precisely, thank the lovely LuLu Demitro for, the vocalist/bassist/keys of the band. As she sang, “Oh, baby, who’re we gonna kill tonight?”, I found myself remembering the days of women-led bands like Garbage, The Cranberries, and The Cardigans. Vocalist/guitarist John Demitro didn’t half-ass his presence on stage, either. Truly putting up a hard-rock performance, he jumped on the drum set, walked down into the crowd guitar-first, and played on his tip-toes at the edge of the stage, beckoning the crowd to move closer and closer to him.

The Velveteers.

The Velveteers.

After that night, rock and roll was in me; it was coursing through my veins. I remembered what I seemed to have long forgotten: rock and roll is life itself. I started fiending for another hit the very next day, where I found myself in Denver at the Hi-Dive for a Plum show, a rock and roll band based out of LA. But I was really there to see The Velveteers, a local duo who project some heavy, hard sounds right into your rockin’ soul. The Velveteers’ frontwoman Demi Demitro is nothing short of breathtaking. Not because she’s beautiful, which she certainly is, but because her guitar shredding and sharp lyrics ooze talent like raw honey off a fresh honey comb. (Warning: hearing them live will make your mouth water). There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a budding, 19-year-old female artist making music-lovers’ jaws drop. It’s powerful.  

Witnessing The Velveteers perform in admiration, I told myself to keep both eyes and ears open for their next appearance around town. Lo and behold, the very next day my music-loving compadre hit me up to tell me about an upcoming event with Denver’s beloved Yawpers at Lost Lake. “The Velveteers are opening for them at the Sunday BBQ show,” he added. He didn’t have to say more. I hung up and went straight to the Google app on my phone to buy tickets.

The author with #Nate from Denver's Yawpers, Cosby sweater and all. 

The author with #Nate from Denver's Yawpers, Cosby sweater and all. 

Sunday’s BBQ show at Lost Lake was a more intimate setting than the Yawpers’ sold-out Larimer Lounge show the night prior, which you can read more about here. There were mostly “friends with the band” peeps attending this event, and it made for quite the view into real rock and roll. Nate Cook, the frontman of the Yawpers, led a high-level, party-on-a-Sunday energy with vibrant, ridiculous antics particular to Nate. #Nate exists for a reason (thanks for this, Pete Simatovic!). Just to give you an example: At 2:30 pm in front of Lost Lake, Nate walked out wearing cutoffs just short of exposing his balls with a vintage sweater straight out of the Cosby show, cigarette in mouth. His energy attracted those around him to start chatting about music and his show at the Larimer the night before. The conversation moved back to the bar, where all involved shot whiskey.

Blackfoot Gypsies. Photo per BolderBeat by Hannah Oreskovich.

Blackfoot Gypsies. Photo per BolderBeat by Hannah Oreskovich.

Outside, Blackfoot Gypsies, who had been touring with the Yawpers, congregated around their van in front of Lost Lake to take pictures. And if you didn’t know what year it was, you would have mistaken it for being 1971: the group was outfitted in tight bell-bottoms, long unkempt hair, aviator ray-bans, and flowery t-shirts unbuttoned to the chest and all. But it’s 2016 and these guys were making a statement: “We’re bringing back the true rock and roll!” And that they did. The Yawpers, The Velveteers, and The Blackfoot Gypsies revived the sound of rock and roll with every tune they played.

The Yawpers. Photo per BolderBeat by Hannah Oreskovich.

The Yawpers. Photo per BolderBeat by Hannah Oreskovich.

As Sunday funday at Lost Lake slowly rolled on, people got more involved in the music: they danced and sang along, feeding off of the rockin’ energy each band emitted. And that’s when I realized rock and roll isn’t just about the music: it’s a lifestyle. You either feel it, or you don’t. And to feel it, you’ve got to be there. It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it will take a toll on you. It’s irresponsible sometimes, and it’s about living in the moment.

Whiskey Autumn at Studio 700. Polaroid per Becky Guidera.

Whiskey Autumn at Studio 700. Polaroid per Becky Guidera.

This past weekend I went to Boulder’s Studio 700 to feed my soul with rock and roll once again. A long list of musicians were paying tribute to The Beatles with short sets. Boulder’s Whiskey Autumn headlined the event, with members of Cold River City, BANDITS, and other singer-songwriters contributing to the revival of rock and roll through Beatles covers. It was, like the rest of my recent adventures, a night to remember.

Rock and roll, from where I stand, sure has a palpable energy ripe with life. Hope to see you there.

-Mirna

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 04/22 & 04/23

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Less snow. More shows. Here’s to the weekend!

Today (Friday 04/22):

Billy Shaddox Band at Vindication Brewing in Boulder 530PM-Close

Billy shaddox.

Billy shaddox.

We love easing our way into the weekend. And tonight you can do just that with Billy Shaddox and his band at Vindication! A Boulder transplant by way of California, Shaddox has been playing shows around the Front Range for awhile now. Last summer, he released the LP I Melt, I Howl, produced and engineered by Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter, Lake Street Dive, Langhorne Slim). We will actually be dropping an exclusive feature on Shaddox soon, so that’s all we’ll say for now! Start your Friday early and get to this show!

Check out Shaddox’s track “Let You Go”:

Midnight Strange at The No Name Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

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When the strange play the bar things get… more than strange. You never know what this indie country outfit will do when they hit the stage! But they always bring a hollerin’, dancin’ party, so you best make your way on over to the bar with no name. It’s gonna be a grand ‘ol time, yah hear?

Listen to The Midnight Strange’s live performance of “Ed Sentcha”:

Punch Drunk Munkey Funk with Boulder Sound Lab at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

Punch Drunk Munkey Funk.

Punch Drunk Munkey Funk.

Fort Collin’s PDMF are making their way to the B for a super funky set tonight with Boulder’s “transcendental brain massage therapy” five-piece, BSL. There will be jazz, there will be funk, there will be disco, there will be mambo, and there will be a party. That’s a guarantee. So head over and check out this crazy time!

Listen to Punch Drunk Munkey Funk’s “Montuna”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 04/23):

The Farmer Sisters at Jamestown Mercantile Co. Cafe in Jamestown 7PM-Close

The Farmer Sisters.

The Farmer Sisters.

If The Beach Boys taught us anything, it’s that siblings can harmonize like no one else. And Jamestown’s got some of those sweet harmonies happening tomorrow night thanks to The Farmer Sisters. With their voices, an acoustic guitar, and their playful stage presence, the duo will have you hushed and captivated in no time. And c’mon the Merc is the best, so make your way up the mountain tomorrow!

Watch The Farmer Sisters live performance of “No Apologies” for Front Range Explorer:

Cycles with Terrapin Flyer featuring Melvin Seals at Quixote’s True Blue in Denver 9PM-Close

Cycles.

Cycles.


Terrapin Flyer, one of the country’s most prominent Grateful Dead tribute bands, is taking the stage at Quixote’s tonight. The group has actually had several GD/Jerry Garcia Band members as part of their collective at various times, and tonight Melvin Seals is one such player. He’ll be joining the jammin’ band for a night of psychedelic transportation. And speaking of psychedelic, Denver’s psych/rock trio Cycles will be sharing the room on the side stage. It’s going to be an awesome mashup of sounds tomorrow night, so make your way to the True Blue.

Watch Cycles debut music video for their song “Soulf*ckah”:


Both Nights (04/22 & 04/23):

FoCoMX: Fort Collins Music Experiment Festival in Fort Collins


The annual FoCoMX fest is this weekend, and showcases talent mostly from Fort Collins, with a few other Colorado bands sprinkled in. With shows packed into more than 25 venues over the course of two days, there will be something for just about everyone! You can view the full lineup here and get your wristbands at this link. Maybe if you’re lucky, Slowcaves will let you crash on their couch after their set...

BCFM

Boulder County Farmers Market is every Saturday from 10AM-2PM. We’re working closely with BCFM to promote the music at the market, and this week, acoustic act Left Hand Market Boys will be playing near your favorite vegetables. Stop by to hear their strings and songs and grab some local treats from one of the many delicious vendors near the band!

GREEN LIGHT RADIO

This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Boulder’s Billy Shaddox. The talented singer/songwriter just sat down for an interview at David’s Desk, so we’ll be dropping that for you soon. Hopefully you’re planning to catch his show at Vindication this weekend (see above)! Make sure to tune in to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light Sunday night between 9-10PM to catch Shaddox’s track “I Melt, I Howl”.

See you in the sun!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 04/15 & 04/16

By: Hannah Oreskovich

TGIF! Another Six for the books:

Today (Friday 04/15):

David Sheingold and Sam Rae at Boulder House in Boulder 730PM-Close

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Boulder’s own singer/songwriter David Sheingold released his new album this week, Aquarian Dream. We’ll have a review up for you next week, but in the meantime, check out one of his last live local performances tonight at Boulder House. Sheingold is soon heading off on his Aquarian Dream Spring Tour but tonight, he’s promised an evening of “intimate sounds amongst great folks with a mix of live cello, acoustic guitars, and vocals; music intricately planned and freely improvised”. We can’t wait! Tickets here.

Watch David Sheingold perform his song “Wishing Well” at eTown Hall:

Soulful Songwriter Night at The Laughing Goat in Boulder 8PM-Close

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Dechen Hawk. Colin Robinson. Jarrad Menard. Andrew Sturtz. What a lineup! These four talented gentleman will all be under one roof tonight at The Laughing Goat, sharing the stage and croonin’ all of your favorite tunes for Soulful Songwriter Night. Sip on a latte or some wine and let their soulful sounds carry you into a smooth weekend. It’s gonna get hot in there ladies. See you there!

Watch Dechen Hawk perform his track “Conversations”:

Mipso, Augustus, & Ginny Mules at The Lost Lake Lounge in Denver 8PM-Close

We spent one hell of a weekend at The Lost Lake recently, and this lineup has us itching to get back there already. North Carolina’s string band Mipso is currently touring on their most recent release, Old Time Reverie. Tonight, they’re headlining the show at LLL, sharing the stage with Boulder’s rockin’ Augustus and Denver’s rootsy bluegrass band Ginny Mules. Sounds like a great time! Come hang out and get your tickets here!

Watch Mipso’s official video for “Marianne”:

Silent Bear Trio at License No. 1 in Boulder 9PM-Close

With Silent Bear on guitar and vocals, Bill Brennan on drums, and Sam Fuqua on bass, the Silent Bear trio united. And tonight, their groovin’ sounds will be taking over License No. 1. They play this joint somewhat regularly, and there are always people dancing when they hit the stage! So grab yourself a handmade specialty cocktail and get movin’.

Listen to the Silent Bear Trio:

Hunter Stone at Taco Junky in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Tonight you can listen to a man of blues, Mr. Hunter Stone himself. Stone will be belting out a set of fine originals and covers for you this evening at Taco Junky. And since it’s Friday Flight Night at TJ’s, you can get 3 infused tequilas and 3 classic tacos for $10. Yeah- you read that right. It’s gonna get fun fast. Make sure to drop by!

Check out Stone’s “Not Alone”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 04/16):

Moontang featuring Amoramora at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

Boulder’s future-soul group Moontang are headlining a show at The Lazy Dog tomorrow night! They want to “make you do the dirty moonwalk right on your mama’s clean kitchen floor” kids, so that’s sayin’ somethin’. Funk four-piece Amoramora will start things off for the evening, and they always know how to show you a good time. So go get funky with this whole crew!

Watch Moontang’s live performance of “Do What You Do” at The Fox Theatre:

PRESS

We now actively cover press at shows, and we do our best to promote those. This Saturday, 04/16, we will be covering  Snakehips' bangin' set at The Fox. Details here; full recap feature and photos drop on our site Monday! And next Tuesday, 04/19, Boatclub Music Collective is throwing a fresh festival party at Denver’s The Church Nightclub and we’ll be there, snapping away and checking it out! Get all the details from Annie here.

BCFM

Boulder County Farmers Market is every Saturday from 10AM-2PM. We’re working closely with BCFM to promote the music at the market, and this week, Boulder’s Foggy Tops Bluegrass Band will be under the red top tent. Stop by to hear their strings and grab some tasty treats.

GREEN LIGHT RADIO

This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Boulder’s Ben Hanna. Hanna just finished recording his second studio album, which will drop sometime later this year. Tune in to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light between 9-10PM to catch his track “It’s Just You & Me Tonight”.

See you out there this weekend!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured.

Get Funky Tonight with Orgone and The Pamlico Sound at The Fox Theatre!

The Pamlico Sound. 

The Pamlico Sound. 

One of Boulder’s favorite funk outfits, The Pamlico Sound, are baptizing souls again tonight at The Fox Theatre. The talented TPS have been playing a ton of hotspots recently, including Ophelia’s, Dickens Opera House, and The Lazy Dog. The eight-piece played The Fox back in February as well, opening for Denver’s Analog Son. Tonight, TPS is sharing the stage with California’s traveling funk/soul band Orgone. The also eight-piece group are touring on their most recent release, “Beyond The Sun”. Check it out below and get your tickets tonight to show here! We love supporting local openers and can’t wait to see The Pamlico Sound bring down the house yet again before Orgone takes the stage for a funkadelic performance.

Fans of The Pamlico Sound can get $4 off normal ticket prices by purchasing their tickets at the link above and using the promo code BRASS. Show your love for the band and save some money! Discount online purchase only.

Listen to Orgone’s “Beyond The Sun”:

Check out more from The Pamlico Sound on their Facebook. Visit Orgone’s website right here.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 04/01 & 04/02

By: Hannah Oreskovich

You know that spring has sprung when the Boulder County Farmers Market begins, and that deliciousness starts tomorrow peeps. We’ll be covering a lot of musical acts at the market throughout the season; get the details on our plan for that below! Make sure to stop by and say hi tomorrow morning, and spend the rest of your weekend at these local spots (there is so much new music being released- weeeeeeeeeee!):

Today (Friday 04/01):

Augustus at Twisted Pine Brewing Company in Boulder 7pm-Close

The rockin’ guys of Augustus will be playing their First Friday residency at Twisted Pine tonight, so come over and grab a tall boy with this crew. The trio have been working hard recording a ton of new music for you over the past month, and they’re rumored to drop a new music video sometime soon too. This is the perfect way to start your weekend. Get to it!

Listen to Augustus’ track “Iceberg”:

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Official Album Release with Aqueous & Booster at The Fox Theatre in Boulder 9PM-Close

Baltimore’s psychedelic funk outfit Pigeons Playing Ping Pong dropped their new album Pleasure today and they’re celebrating with you at The Fox tonight! New York’s groove-rock trio, Aqueous, will be joining these funky dudes, along with Boulder’s own funk/fusion/rocketfuel band Booster. Love when we’ve got a local act on the bill! This is going to be a wildly fun show with awesome new music, so get your tickets here before the show sells out!

For a taste of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, peep their live performance album below:

Open to the Hound EP Release Party at Syntax: Physic Opera in Denver 9PM-Close

Denver’s wilderness rock group Open to the Hound are dropping their new EP Way of the Critter tonight at Syntax: Physic Opera. We just brought you a feature on their new music video for the song “Liquid Lady”, and if this show is anything like it, it’s bound to be a trippy good time! Denver’s Tyto Alba will share the stage for a set, along with gutter glam band Blanket Empire. Tickets are only $7; get other details here.

Watch the “Liquid Lady” vid if you haven’t yet:

Technicolor Tone Factory Digital Album Release Party at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

Boulder’s improv/funk/jazz five-piece Technicolor Tone Factory are releasing their first full length album at their Lazy Dog show tonight! We’ve been told it’s “60 minutes of pure TTF goodness”, so that’s something to get excited about peeps. The group has promised to make you move at the show, so come get down and check out all of their new jams!

Listen to TTF’s track “Breakbeat”:

Hunter Stone at The No Name Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Hunter Stone hits one of our most favorite digs, The No Name Bar, tonight. He told us to “be prepared for some new stuff, including mandolins and drum sets and harmonies over new originals.” Joshua Thomas has been announced as special guest. Sounds saweeeeet! More new music? We’re game. Head to this show!

Listen to Hunter Stone’s song “Pedestal”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 04/02):

Eric Dorr, Sawyer Bernath, and Ben Hanna at The Laughing Goat in Boulder 8PM-Close

Three talented gentleman are holding down the lovely Laughing Goat stage tomorrow night. Indie folk/rock artist Eric Dorr is currently working on an EP “layered with harmonies, electric guitar, and keyboards”, some of which you can expect to hear at the show. Sawyer Bernath, a Boulder singer/songwriter describes his writing as, “bleak, occasionally redemptive, and usually about memory, aimlessness, and/or girls.” Cool. And one of our faves, Ben Hanna, who is dropping an album soon, describes his sound as “punchy folk” and “kids songs for adults.” We guarantee you’ll love it. So get over to the good ‘ol LG and see these three live tomorrow night!

Check out the event for videos of each performer. 

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BONUS: Every week starting meowww we’ll update you in The Six on who is playing the BCFM on Saturday through a new partnership we formed! Whiskey Autumn’s in the AM tomorrow. Maybe you’ll stop by after a productive morning bike ride, or maybe you’ll just be hungover scarfing down falafels. We don’t judge. We just hope to see you there.

And last but not least...

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This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Denver’s Open to the Hound in honor of their new music video and EP release for Way of the Critter! Tune in to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light between 9-10PM to catch their song “Liquid Lady” on Rocky Flats’ show!

All of these new sounds have me drooling. Tasty-

See you soon Beaters.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 03/25 & 03/26

By: Hannah Oreskovich

One blizzard over and another on the way! Get out there for The Six:

Today (Friday 03/25):

BANDITS with Brandon Hagen and the Inquiry at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

BANDITS.

BANDITS.

Fresh off a badass tour with several SXSW appearances, Boulder’s BANDITS are back in town kids! “Straddling the line between psychedelic and downright explosive”, this rockin’ three piece are bound to bring your head-bangin’ heart to its knees. Plus Boulder’s Brandon Hagen and the Inquiry will be opening the gig. So party down and get to this show at The Lazy Dog tonight! Details here.

Listen to BANDITS track “Wheels”:


Tomorrow (Saturday 03/26):

The Alcapones with Kyle Williams at Jamestown Mercantile Co. in Jamestown 730PM-Close

Boulder’s folkadelic six-piece The Alcapones are playing a show at one of our favorite mountain town venues, The Merc. They’ve promised to “cook up a special homegrown Spring Fling” for you, “party mountain freakk style”. So make the short drive in your well-equipped Subi and check out the show! PS: The Merc’s dinners are not to be missed…

Peep The Alcapones album Happy:

The Ugly Architect, Whiskey Autumn, & Michael McGraw at Downtown Artery in Fort Collins 8PM-Close

Whiskey Autumn.

Whiskey Autumn.

Join Boulder’s R&B/pop rock trio Whiskey Autumn at Downtown Artery with Colorado singer/songwriters The Ugly Architect and Michael McGraw tomorrow night. There’s a sweet printmaking exhibit up for view right now in the gallery and the venue has a tasty cafe attached. Sip on some wine, check out the art, and support these local musicians! Stoked. Tickets here.

Listen to Whiskey Autumn’s “07.04.07”:

Plum with The Velveteers and Josh Moorehead and the Guestlist at the Hi-Dive in Denver 9PM-Close

The Velveteers.

The Velveteers.

LA’s rock’n’roll four-piece Plum are hitting the Hi-Dive stage tomorrow with two of our favorite local acts, heavy rock duo The Velveteers and western swing outfit Josh Moorehead and the Guestlist. Now that’s a sweet lineup! We’re pumped for this one. Tickets here.

Press play on Plum’s Light Years, Dark Years:

Andrew Sturtz at The No Name Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

Andrew Sturtz.

Andrew Sturtz.

Ladies- we know it’s cold out, but Andrew Sturtz is just the man to keep you warm tonight. And he’s playing one of our favorite digs, The No Name. The Boulder transplant by way of Michigan will be croonin’ to you all night with special guest Sierra Voss. Come get down with these two and a brew. Can’t wait!

Check out Sturtz’s live performance of “Push to Fade”:

The Jauntee with Envy Alo at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Boston’s psychedelic/jazz/blues trio The Jauntee have a show in the B tomorrow evening. And getting the party started will be Boulder’s Envy Alo, who just dropped their sick debut EP this week! The four-song EP titled One Time is energetic and groovin’ from start to finish, complete with shredding guitar solos, wave-crashing cymbals, and jazzy piano bits. So come party with this crew as they celebrate their new release and support The Jauntee at the LD! It’s gonna be a funkin’ great time.

Check out Envy Alo’s debut EP One Time:

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PS: This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Boulder’s Envy Alo in honor of their new EP release! Tune in to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light between 9-10PM to catch an Envy Alo original courtesy of Rocky Flats!

See you in the snow.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 03/11, 03/12, & 03/13

By: Hannah Oreskovich

This weekend is jam-packed with awesome events! Check it out peeps:

Today (Friday 03/011):

Trout Steak Revival with Caribou Mountain Collective & Augustus at The Fox Theatre in Boulder 9PM-Close

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We’ve officially been talking about this show for weeks and it’s finally here! Come get down with us at The Fox tonight with one of Colorado’s favorite bluegrass bands, Trout Steak Revival! Nederland’s bluegrass quartet CMC will be sharing the stage, and Boulder’s rock trio Augustus will get the party started! We gave away free tickets to the show this week courtesy of The Fox, and some sweet Augustus merch from the boys themselves! So come boogie with us tonight. Tickets are only $14 and they’re right here.

Listen to Augustus’ EP Into Frames for a sweet show preview:

Asalott at The No Name Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Awesome four-piece Asalott is breaking beats behind the big brown door tonight! We just launched a whole feature on the Boulder-based band by our contributor Will, which you can check out right here. Come dance with us at the show!

Check out Asalott’s live synth set at a previous No Name performance:

Tomorrow (Saturday 03/12)

Apes of the State, My Friends Worship Satan, The Opiate Poet, Dead Work, & Patrick the Pirate at The Forge in Boulder 630PM-Close


Pennsylvania’s punk folk seven-piece Apes of the State are making a stop in Boulder tomorrow night at one of our favorite DIY spots, The Forge. My Friends Worship Satan, a punk duo, will share the stage, along with The Opiate Poet, and “the most metal folk band that plays ska punk”, Dead Work. Plus, local favorite Patrick the Pirate will open the show. Come one, come all. It’s gonna be a great night.

Listen to Apes of State’s “Things I never meant to tell you”:

WadiRum at The Laughing Goat Coffeehouse in Boulder 8PM-Close

WadiRum’s name and sound are inspired by frontman Stewart Erlich’s travels in the Middle East. The music is “raw, powerful, silent and loud in turns, and ultimately healing… with lush harmonies, warm bass and cello, and drums that move from subtle to explosive.” Sounds sweet! Come give the group a listen over a coffee or some wine tomorrow night! We get the feeling it’s going to be something you just can’t hear anywhere else.

Learn more about WadiRum here

Realtalk at The Lazy Dog 10PM-Close

Realtalk.

Realtalk.

Fresh off their first Fox gig, Boulder’s Realtalk are headlining tonight’s show at The Lazy Dog. We love this Boulder-based funky rock group, and are super stoked for this set. Realtalk always brings the party, whether they’re playing Nelly covers or jamming out thoughtful originals like “Freddie”. So make sure to hit the LD tomorrow evening and par-tayyyy!

Watch Realtalk’s official music video for “Freddie”:

All Weekend (03/11-03/13)

Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland -Various Times & Locations-

It’s that time of year again: time to get weird up in Ned this weekend at Frozen Dead Guy Days! There are tons of events happening and, of course, music! Some of the bands on the schedule include Gangsterish, In The Whale, Strange Americans, Intuit, Na’an Stop, Cold River City, The Samples, Dragondeer, Powerlung Rangers, Gipsy Moon, Lady & The Gentleman, Gasoline Lollipops, and a whole lot more. Peep the full schedule here and make your way up to one of our favorite mountain towns! It’s gonna get wild.

Watch Dragondeer’s “Don’t That Feel Good” video by Jam In The Van:

And for our radio feature: 

PS: This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Boulder’s Cold River City! The rockin’ funk and blues outfit are play Frozen Dead Guy Days this weekend (see above) and their new album Thank You. Sorry. Love You. is rumored to drop soon. Tune in Sunday night to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light between 9-10PM to listen to their recently released single “Could It Be”!

See you out there Boulder bros and babes.

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 02/26 & 02/27

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Picks! Picks! Here they are yo:

Today (Friday 02/26):

Analog Son featuring Jason Hann with The Pamlico Sound at The Fox Theatre in Boulder 8PM-Close


Denver’s funky duo Analog Son will rock your socks at The Fox tonight with Jason Hann (String Cheese Incident) and other special guests. And Boulder’s The Pamlico Sound will open this magical show, a spot they had to compete for in a recent Battle of the Bands contest. Go get baptized by all these talented funkadelics, and if you’re in Denver, catch both acts at Ophelia’s tomorrow night. Or be a rockstar and see both shows! What a sweet start to the weekend- get tickets to tonight’s performance here.

Listen to Analog Son’s “Shady Nights”:

Jaden Carlson and Friends Birthday Celebration at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Earlier this week, we dropped a sweet feature on Jaden Carlson and her headlining set at The LD tonight. Did we mention Jaden is 15 and has played with Michael Franti and SpearheadThe Revivalists, John Popper, and Blues Traveler? We might have, but you know what? This lady is insanely talented so it’s worth mentioning again! Come celebrate her birthday- she’s sharing the stage with musicians from TAUK, Eminence Ensemble, Lady and the Gentleman, The Drunken Hearts, Mama Magnolia, the Jacob Larson Band, and more. Get to her gig!

Listen to The Jaden Carlson Band’s album Polychromatic:

The Alcapones at Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Reggae/ska six-piece The Alcapones will take the Conor’s stage this evening. Formed on the Front Range, they “bring a new-school feel to what was made popular in Jamaica in the 1960s”. Righteous. The band plans to make you dance alllll night, so come by and get down. And grab an Irish brew while you’re at it!

Listen to their song “Molotov Dub”:

Tomorrow (Saturday 02/27):

Antonio Lopez CD Release Show at Swallow Hill Music in Denver 8PM-Close

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We just brought you a feature on Antonio Lopez’s Cloud 9000: Vol. 2: The Alamosa EP when it hit the interwebs a couple of days ago. And now it’s time for the release parties! The first one is tomorrow evening at Tuft Theatre at Swallow Hill in Denver. Get your tickets before they’re gone and celebrate with Lopez and opener Theresa Peterson. These two talents are going to put on one awesome show!

Listen to Cloud 9000: Vol. 2: The Alamosa EP:

ASA Martin, Ludlow, Patrick the Pirate, The Real Lyin’ Rohr, & Crust-E the Katt at The Forge in Boulder 630PM-Close

Look- we could give you the info on all of these awesome acts, but half of the fun of walking into a Forge show is not knowing what the h*ll is going on. So we’re not going to. If you just really have to know more, check out the event page right here and preview the bands.

And you know what, here’s ASA Martin’s new EP for your curious listening pleasure:

Anna Englander Trio at Johnny’s Cigar Bar 9PM-Close


Cozy up to some jazz, some bourbon, and a stranger at tonight’s Johnny’s show. Why? Because it’s fun. Anna Englander, Adam Sammakia, and Alex Heffron will light your jazz fire. And Johnny will light your cigar (only in the back room, of course). Read more about the event here.

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PS: This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Denver’s Miles Wide! The trio released their new EP this week, The Kindness of Strangers, and they’re throwing a release party next weekend. So tune in Sunday to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light between 9-10PM to listen to Miles Wide’s new song “California”!

Thanks Boulder- see you around!

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

 

15-Year-Old Jaden Carlson Headlines The Lazy Dog Friday with a Massive Cast of Local Talent Set for the Stage

By: Zach Dahmen

This young artist is a prodigy.

Formed in 2014, The Jaden Carlson Band is a Boulder-based trio led by frontwoman Jaden Carlson on guitar and vocals, Will Trask on drums, percussion and backing vocals, and Eric Luba on bass, keys and backing vocals. Their latest EP release, Polychromatic, is comprised of smooth sounds that invoke a lighter side of funk, jazz, and rock. The three-piece matches technical precision with laidback, sprawling songs. The guitar-centric compositions are made that much more impressive with Jaden still being in her teens. It’s obvious that she is beyond her years skill-wise, fronting a successful band who has shared the stage with Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Revivalists, John Popper, and Blues Traveler, to name a few.

Jaden Carlson.

Jaden Carlson.

This Friday is your chance to catch Jaden live, as she celebrates her birthday on The Lazy Dog stage. The event promises “musical soulfulness mixed with rockin’ funk and jazz jams”. Carlson will play with talented members of numerous local acts, including TAUK, Eminence Ensemble, Lady and the Gentleman, The Drunken Hearts, Mama Magnolia, the Jacob Larson Band, and more. Make sure you check out the show and stay tuned for what Jaden has up next by giving her website a look here.

Watch The Jaden Carlson Band’s live performance on Denver8TV’s Loft Sessions:

-Zach

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

The Weekend Six: Six Shows to See 02/19, 02/20, & 02/21

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Another awesome weekend of music is upon us. Check out our picks yo:

Today (Friday 02/19):

The Main Squeeze with Lady and the Gentleman & Booster at The Fox Theatre 9PM-Close

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Chicago’s post-funk five-piece The Main Squeeze is headlining a show at The Fox tonight. I was sold on it being a great time after checking out their groovy video for “Angelus” (see below). Bonus? Two local bands are also on the lineup! Boulder’s funky blues outfit Lady and The Gentleman will take the stage after Boulder’s “funk, fusion, rocket fuel” four-piece Booster open up this badass bill. Come out to support two awesome acts along with a sweet touring one. You’ll dig this.

Watch The Main Squeeze’s music video for “Angelus”:

Augustus and Paul Kimbiris’ BLVD at The Lazy Dog in Boulder 10PM-Close

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One of our favorite local rock trios will be holding down The Lazy Dog stage this evening: Boulder’s Augustus. These boys have a sweet set planned that’s sure to start your weekend off right. Join them with opener BLVD, Paul Kimbiris’ rock group. BLVD has a long list of cool originals and a couple of killer covers, including a Neutral Milk Hotel bit that will impress you. This is gonna be a fun one. Come get down!

Listen to Augustus’ track “Bloodbath”:


Midnight Strange at The No Name Bar in Boulder 10PM-Close

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Darryl and Jebediah Almond, Rusty DuFranz, and Jon De LeMonde are going to help you get weird tonight at The No Name. If you’ve ever seen a Midnight Strange show, you know you won’t be sittin’ still for this one. Boulder’s own Jeremy Baugh will also be making an appearance, so there’s a tasty treat on top of this Strange sundae. We can’t wait.

Learn more about this crazy crew here.

Tomorrow (Saturday 02/20):

Liebermonster at Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub in Boulder 10PM-Close

If your funk cravings are strong tomorrow night, get your fixin’ at Conor’s. Denver’s Liebermonster will be bringing their own brand of funkadelic fusion to the bar. “Dancing on the fringe of conventional songwriting”, this six-piece will be breakin’ it down. So go groove.

Listen to Liebermonster’s “Balkan Beatbox”:

The Next Day (Sunday 02/21):

Steal Your Sundays: Whose Band Is It Anyway? at Sancho’s Boulder Arrow in Boulder 6PM-10PM

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This Sunday marks the first of many improv evenings hosted by Natural Motives and Shantyman & The Speakeasies at Sancho’s - and it’s got a bit of a twist: Musicians show up and at 630PM, names will be drawn from a hat to put together bands. Once these supergroups of sorts are formed, they’ll have some time to decide how they’re going to roll with their improv set(s). Members of Lady and The Gentlemen, Boulder Sound Lab, Cold River City, Lula Granji, Corcione, The Lazy River Toad, and Intergalactic Radio have already committed to Sunday’s show, so a strong start to the weekly event is in store. Come jam out!

More info on this event here.

The Laughing Goat’s 10th Anniversary: Women in Song at The Laughing Goat in Boulder 8PM-Close

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The LG has been celebrating their tenth year on Pearl all month and the party will continue this Sunday with a fantastic all-lady lineup of songstresses. Come grab coffee or wine and listen to the talents of Monica Whittington, Molly KollierThe Farmer Sisters, Bonnie Sims, and Liz Berube. There’s a lot of talent in store for the evening with these Front Range women, so come enjoy it!

Listen to a few of The Farmer Sisters’ recently recorded tracks:

And in other local news:

It is with a heavy heart that we formally announce that Cafe Aion Music is no more. The shows for the remainder of the month and beyond have been cancelled. But hey- it was a great couple of weekends with those of you we saw at the shows and we were happy to support it! We enjoyed our promotional partnership with Aion and will keep you posted on any future music-related events at the good ‘ol Cafe.

PS: This week, our Sunday partnership with Green Light Radio and Streetside Productions will feature a track by Boulder’s Wilson Harwood! After dropping two awesome singles over the past couple of months, Harwood is playing all over the state before he sets out on a West Coast tour. Catch him at a show while you still can. And tune in Sunday to any of the Colorado Community Network Radio Stations here (95.3 or 95.5 Boulder) or stream Green Light to listen to Harwood’s “Roll Away the Day”!

Thanks Boulder- see you at a show! 

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.

An Open Letter to the Daily Camera & The Boulder Music Scene by Z2's Matt Banno

A note from BB Creative Director Hannah Oreskovich:

A couple of weeks ago, we shared an article from the Daily Camera’s staff writer Quentin Young entitled “Restriced access: How one company dominates Boulder’s live music scene.” We've heard from many industry players and artists with various positions about Boulder's music scene since then. Recently, we were in contact with Z2’s Matt Banno and he painted a very different picture of the local scene, Z2 as a whole, and Don Strasburg. We thought it only right that we bring you positions from both sides so that you can draw your own conclusions. That said, give Matt’s letter to the Daily Camera regarding Young's article a read:

To Whom It May Concern-

My name is Matt Banno and I am writing you in response to your article posted on 1/23/16, “Restricted access: How one company dominates Boulder's live music scene”. I had come to enjoy your publication in my few years as a Boulder resident, and after reading this particular article, I have had a strong change in my opinion of Daily Camera.

I consider myself fairly in tune and involved with the Boulder local music scene, and I would like to think that I have developed a good reputation as a strong contributor to it. I am currently employed in a variety of professions, all of which directly relate to the local music industry. I am the production manager and talent buyer for The Lazy Dog, I am a light designer and tech at Z2 Productions, and I am the owner of FieldView Productions. Some previous employments I have had here in CO include: an intern for Brownnote Productions, a talent buyer for a Denver venue, and a general manager/tour manager for a handful of Boulder based bands. I want you to know that I write you today, unsolicited by all the mentioned employers, and from a standpoint that is the combination of all these professions; as well as a passionate live music fan and Boulder County resident.

I feel this article was a very unfair and poorly sourced portrayal of not only Z2, but Don Strasburg as well. As a current member of their production staff, I find it insulting that an organization I take an immense amount of pride being part of was put into such a negative light. I relocated myself out here in pursuit of many things, one of which was to become a light designer at The Fox Theater. Prior to my move from Rhode Island in the summer of 2014, I worked as a member of the security staff at a small music venue in Providence, called The Spot. When the house light designer was absent for three shifts, I worked behind the lighting console. This is when I decided to pursue a career in music production. I came out here very unfamiliar with the national music scene. Parallel to my lack of knowledge about the industry, I was very familiar with the exceptional reputation that The Fox Theatre and Boulder, Colorado had in the nationwide spectrum. I did not have a full grasp on just how heavy Boulder and Z2 contribute to the nationwide music scene, but that does not mean their positive partnership went without notice to an amateur/aspiring light designer 2,000 miles away.  

In addition to my pride as an employee of Z2, I feel just as strongly about my currently held titles at The Lazy Dog. This local and independent business has attained a strong reputation as the stepping stone venue to The Fox Theatre within the local music community; and it was very much overlooked as that venue by the Daily Camera staff writer, Quentin Young, who wrote the article being discussed here. In the 28 months I have spent helping get The Lazy Dog the reputation it currently holds, I have never once felt the slightest bit of suppression that you imply Z2 and Don impose on small independent venues. Not only have I never dealt with any form of negative repercussion from Z2 for the success The Lazy Dog has seen as a local music venue, I happen to work in a very respectful, professional, and mutually beneficial capacity with them. I have had nothing but support and encouragement from all members of the Z2 staff, including their talent buyers, management, and owners. Their talent buyers, Dave Weingarden and Chris Peck, often send me bands that are unable to get on the very desired Fox Theatre calendar, both full well knowing that there is potential of that band drawing live music patrons to a concert that they are not hosting; this has oftentimes been the case. As a token of my genuine gratitude for the olive branch they often extend to me, I send them names and financial recaps of bands who are ready to move past The Lazy Dog and graduate to The Fox in a support or headline capacity.

One particular part of your article, which I found to be one of the more ironic points, talked about a talent buyer for a venue in Lyons that spoke about Don enforcing “far-reaching restrictions that blocked artists from playing competing venues”.  As the buyer for The Lazy Dog, I happen to work with a number of national booking agencies, one of which books an artist from South Carolina I have been trying to book here in Boulder at The Dog for over two years now. I was told in an email from that artist's agent, sent to me on 4/28/15, that his Denver and Lyons buyers frowned on and did not want him to do a Boulder play; as a result I have not been able to get him here for a show. There is an incredible similarity in their strong encouragement for this artist not to play Boulder and the “far reaching restrictions” that they felt deterred artists from playing their venues. In any market you go to in this country, buyers and bands are very familiar with a radius clause as a fairly common factor when booking shows consecutively in the same area. I think it is very unfair to highlight the fact that Z2 uses a radius clause, especially citing a source who has directly impeded a touring artist from doing a Boulder show by enforcing one of his own. There was another reason the artist wanted to hold off on a Boulder play I should mention as well, and that is because he wanted to wait until he was able to get into The Fox; I can only assume because the venue's exceptional reputation in the national scene also made its way to him out in South Carolina.

Up until a few months ago, I never included a radius clause in my booking at The Lazy Dog. Within the past year, a Denver venue owner made his way into Boulder to become a competing venue with us here at The Dog. Upon his arrival, I began to see a number of bands that I had confirmed upcoming shows with starting to get booked for a show at his venue within a week or two prior to their show with us. This happens to be another person you used as a source for your article, speaking to the unfair competitive edge Z2 has over him. This particular venue owner has established himself for many years in Denver and has used those years of experience, his Denver venue, and established connections, to entice bands to his venue over mine. Personally, I do not feel as if he is out of his rights to do this; and by doing so he clearly demonstrates an understanding of doing what you must as a business to stay competitive in such a demanding market. Once again, I feel that you have negatively highlighted Z2 and Don as a corporate conglomerate, that is executing some out of the realm business tactic, all the while using sources who execute the same tactics on a different scale.  

I also think it is important to point out that using the owner of a Boulder venue that is less than a year old as a source for an article on Boulder local music is not very fair to the numerous established venues in town that have been supporting this community’s music scene for far longer. I saw no mention of Mountain Sun, Southern Sun, Connor O'neill’s, the Biergarten, Shine, The Dark Horse, The Laughing Goat, 303 Vodka, Upslope Brewery, and last but far from least, The Lazy Dog. This town is a well known haven for artists, workers within the industry, and passionate live music fans. While Z2 operates the two major venues in town, the reputation that is held by Boulder is certainly not solely because of those two venues. It has been cultivated by the numerous establishments that host all types of, and levels of artists, local and national. By failing to even mention a single one of them does more to discredit all that we do for the community and only proves to be counterproductive for the point you are trying to make. Had your staff writer spoken with any member of the Boulder local music community, I have to imagine at least one of the live music establishments I mentioned would have come up. Those are also far from all the independent, small venues this town has to offer.  

You make mention of an anonymous music professional within your article that speaks to the lack of support for local emerging artists within Boulder. I personally just worked a show with my production company, at The Fox Theatre on 2/6/16, which was headlined by a local band, Na'an Stop. They were supported by two other local bands, Policulture and Realtalk. Realtalk just emerged as a new player in the scene within the last 6 months and is already playing shows at The Fox, by way of The Lazy Dog. The show was also sold out days prior to the event, which in my opinion speaks to the incredible support that is given by the community as a whole to the bands. It also leaves something to be said about the incredible effort some artists put into promotion, and the necessary marketing/business side of their band versus others. This is a business at the end of the day, and to imply that Z2 should take a more proactive role in fostering the success of local bands only ignores and discredits the bands that are able to earn their way into these historic venues. You relieve the artist of any responsibility to ensure that their show is also beneficial to the venue, and at the end of the day, all artists are competing with each other to get the slot at the venue, so why should the venue be held responsible for choosing to book a band that will turn into a better financial payout for them? In my experience, the bigger payout to the venue usually means that there were more people in the venue to see the artist, which means more music fans were able to see the artist that they preferred. At what point do we acknowledge that the fan is casting their vote of who gets to play the venues by way of their dollar?

Your article began with a Vail venue owner discussing disappointment that Z2 had acquired a venue he hoped to attain, and I know from experience that being on the losing end of any business deal is disappointing. I do not, however, think that you considered the various factors that come into play when it comes to operating a live music venue, which happen to go far beyond purchasing a building. I very much agree with Don in saying that the Boulder market cannot support another theater sized venue. Even if Z2 had given their blessing to the Vail venue owner, who is to say that the artist booking agency based in Burlington, VT or Chicago, IL is going to stop working with the Z2 talent buyers and move their bands to the other venue? This would again fall back to previously existing relationships that were formed over many years between the artists, buyers, venues, and agents that a simple real estate transaction cannot take the place of. You also seem to overlook the fact that Z2 has buyers which, upon hiring, open up the doors to The Fox for previous existing artist relationships they bring with them. Chris Peck came to Z2 with previous experience in the North Carolina and Tennessee market, and because he was there, the bands he is familiar with are afford a more feasible opportunity to showcase their talent on one of Z2's stages.  

I was, and still am, disappointed and frustrated by what this articles implies. The unfair nature in how it has been written negatively sways the mentality of the Boulder community toward a company that has brought, and continues to bring, some of the most amazing talent from around the country to our backyard. I am also insulted that as a contributor and member of the local music scene, my efforts and the efforts of my peer venues were so easily overlooked in an article that has the words “Boulder's live music scene” in the title of it. We are very much a part of what makes this music scene as great as it is, and Z2 Entertainment is a major contributor and a cornerstone of what attracts some of the unbelievable talent we get to see every week. We live in a time where generation X gets the majority of their news from social media and satire publications that are mistaken for real news. As a willing contributor and surviving member of the declining print media that is still being circulated, you have an obligation to this community to present unbiased and properly researched information, and this articles was neither.

As I sit here writing my final thoughts on this piece, I just received an email from Becca Yenney. She is the office and HR manager for Z2, and her email was to inform the staff that a member of Z2’s security team, Josh Elioseff, will be competing in a battle of the bands with his group, JC and The Deadly Sins at The Dark Horse tomorrow. She included a link to the event on social media, the time it starts, and strongly encouraged supporting one of our own. I could not have asked for a better example of how amazing the Boulder local music scene is, and what a wonderful part Z2 plays in it. Doors open at The Dark Horse at 7:30, and Josh's band goes on a little after 8. I would suggest swinging by and catching a local band at a local venue, being sponsored a local brewery, and supported by some Z2 staff. That to me is the more accurate picture of the Boulder local music scene.

-Matt Banno

Have your own thoughts on the scene? Contact us by clicking here.

This feature was edited for spelling and a few grammatical errors by BolderBeat. Thumbnail image per BolderBeat.

Why You Should "Ship It" Tonight at The Lazy Dog With Boulder's Envy Alo

By: Hannah Oreskovich

Ship it. Ship it good. 

If you take a smack of Booster, a sprinkle of Tenth Mountain Division, and toss in an accomplished guitarist who’s new to the Boulder scene, what Boulder band do you have? Envy Alo. Formed just a few months ago, members Aaron Pettine (keys) and Kevin Hinder (guitar) have actually known each other for years. They met while attending James Madison University in Virginia and then both moved to Boulder in the years following to pursue music. The two had wanted to form a project together for quite some time, so after linking up with Tenth Mountain Division’s Tyler Gwynn (drums), Envy Alo was born. The group has quickly become known for their “old-school organ-trio jazz funk and newer, heavier rock and fusion stylings.” And tonight, they’ve got a sweet gig at The Lazy Dog! So before you catch their funkadelic show this evening, read our chat with EA’s Aaron Pettine for the deets on the band:

We know that your trio formed last October, and that this is a new project for all three of you, so tell us a bit about what you’ve been working on since your inception.

We are so new that pretty much everything we are doing right now is a ‘new project’. [For our live shows] we are continuously writing new material while also coming up with our own takes on our favorite covers. We are very excited to be heading over to KMG Studios Boulder at the end of the month to record a 4-5 song EP. Because a big part of what we do is improvised live and in the moment, taking away that element and compressing things into this neat studio version is going to be a challenge. But it’s one that we are very much looking forward to tackling.

Righteous. When are you planning to drop that?

We are hoping to release that sometime in March or early April. We’ve got a lot of plans and goals for 2016 and are looking to expand our music and fan base while also performing as much as possible. We are in the early stages of planning a summer tour on the East Coast as well; roughly ten dates in late summer from VA to VT.

Kevin, Tyler, Aaron.

Kevin, Tyler, Aaron.

On the road is always a good place to be. That’s great! And we’ll keep an ear out for the EP. So we’re curious- what’s up with your name?

The short story is that it’s basically a play off of the Spanish word Envialo, which means ‘Ship It’. This has been a saying among the three of us, whenever we need to rock something or get something done, we’ll say “Ship It!”

Nice. Lots of plans to “Ship It” tonight we’re guessing?

Yes- The Lazy Dog is one of our favorite local venues and really a staple here in Boulder for the type of music we play, so we are beyond excited to play our first show there tonight. We’re also excited that we’re supporting a very badass Denver band, Cycles.

Sweet! So head over to The Lazy Dog tonight and get weird with Boulder’s Envy Alo! Keep up with all things EA here.

Watch Envy Alo perform their track "Hottentot" live:

-Hannah

Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured and those credited. This feature was edited for brevity and clarity by BolderBeat.