From the Basement Up: Slug on Art, Grief, and Home

“I’m sitting in a basement in South Minneapolis right now, the day after an event [the murder of Renee Good], and it’s, uh, it’s really a… interesting time to try to promote anything. But I’m gonna do my best. I’m gonna meet you where you meet me.”

Sean Daley, otherwise known as Slug, the lyrical half of the group Atmosphere, has been writing and rapping about the human condition for over thirty years. His authenticity came from being an up-and-coming rapper in Minneapolis in the 90s; to be noticed, he needed to be himself, explaining that no one was going to notice an artist from the Midwest who was just copying their favorite rapper from one of the coasts.

Daley reminisces, “I followed the rule of, I guess you would say, keeping it real. I know it’s a cliché at this point, but at the time, in the 90s, it wasn’t a cliché—it was everything. I was young, and authenticity was all I had. I didn’t grow up with much.”

He goes on explaining that he never felt adequately educated or resourced, having to work two jobs at a young age. Daley explains he felt like part of the machine; his heroes and mentors encouraged him to dig deeper into his mind. “Chuck D from Public Enemy wanted me to reach into my brain. Aaron Swan wanted me to reach into my brain, and my brain didn’t have a lot […] So I went into the heart and that shit worked.”

As he aged, his music began to speak to what he was struggling with, what he was angry about. But it also spoke of love, of fatherhood, of joy. Daley’s words are a postcard to those moments in his life—who he was and who he would become.

In his authenticity, Daley was able to define success. It was not a mansion or a lavish life he dreamed of; it was a reliable car that could start during the harsh Minnesota winter, it was food in the fridge, it was being safe. From this core, he wrote what he believes to be his breakout album, Lucy Ford.

The album spoke with raw vulnerability, helped shape by his musical partner, Anthony Davis. “I think he saw something in me that I had not yet seen as far as just what he thought would be my ability to communicate from this space, as opposed to trying to compete with all the other rappers who were occupying one small space. He wanted me to step into a space that wasn’t occupied by so many.” Their partnership has flourished and grown over the past three decades, combining life experiences and sounds as they have evolved as humans.

To Daley, his albums are like offspring:“It’s like I have 30 kids and I love them all, but I also know they’re not perfect. None of them are. They’re all flawed, just like me, and I embrace that. I don’t do a lot of looking back.” It was with this belief that he released Atmosphere’s newest album, Gestures.

He explains the album is not perfect, and he doesn’t want it to be. He wants to show people what he has been going through for the past two years—that it is okay to have extreme joy and extreme paranoia in today’s world.

“I want to show people that what I experience, health or emotions, is just part of this human experience. I feel like that’s the only way that I get to connect with humans.” He then relates this back to how the interview started, with deep sadness for what is going on in Minneapolis, the killing of Renee Good. “I am writing a song in this basement today. I get off the phone with you, which means that I can go to the grocery store and actually be a human with these other humans, and I can interact with these other humans, because I proved my humanity to myself with the eight bars I wrote, or a full song I wrote before I went there.”

Daley, who has paid homage to his hometown of Minneapolis in multiple songs, goes on to speak of troubling political times that have impacted his state over the past few years: “Just like anything that you love, there’s a lot of room to be let down, because you put it on a pedestal. You, you, you know, you look, you adore it, and then if it does something that upsets you, it hits hard. It’s, you know, very destructive.”

Daley ends with a note of heartbreak: “I love this city, obviously, but also, I would really love a farm at this point: a couple of animals, grow some food, and maybe an underground bunker. [Minneapolis] is not a big city. So, for us to continue to be so active in the news cycles, it drives me crazy.”

This interview was conducted before the shooting of Alex Pretti. Atmosphere’s new album is Gestures, released in September 2025. They will be performing at the Boulder Theater February 20th.

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The post Spotlight: Sean Daley of Atmosphere talks about the Human Condition appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

When I was younger, I read a book by a renowned Civil War historian. I remember thinking John Brown was an outright crazy man—at least, that’s how he was described in the book. Now, 166 years later, his deep devotion as an abolitionist is finally recognized through a different lens.

The way Brown’s legacy was distorted then echoes the way history is being manipulated now. The current administration is seeking to sanitize the nation’s past by erasing stories of struggle, resilience, and resistance.

It took 150 years after the 13th Amendment to open the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. That was more than 50 years after the end of Jim Crow and the passage of the Voting Rights Act. And now, in Project 2025’s America, even these hard-won rights are under attack.

Jeff Campbell proves that no one person can resist alone, but that each act we take makes a difference.

Jedidiah Blackstone is a different kind of performance—part history lesson, part poetry, part storytelling, and part hip-hop. It defies the boundaries of a traditional play, blending poetry, storytelling, song, and dance into something unforgettable.

It features an all-star cast: Jeff Campbell, playing one part as himself, but through the persona of Jedidiah Blackstone; the indomitable Erica Brown, whose pipes sent chills down my spine; joined by her daughter, Merrian Johnson, herself a commanding singer; and dance performances by DeAndre Carroll, and Jared Hill, with DJ Musa mixing the sound. Shayla Micole directs the production, and Joseph Graves Jr. created the set design.

Billed as The Dark Side of The West, we learn the stories of remarkable Black pioneers from Colorado, Clara Brown—who the administration is currently trying to erase from the National Museum of African American History and Culture—along with Jeremiah Lee, Lorenzo Bowman, and Ramblin’ Roy.

These are more than characters in a performance—they are real people from American history who rose up against all odds, including slavery, and embodied Black excellence long before the phrase existed.

Jeff Campbell, Emancipation Theater, Jedidiah Blackstone

There are only eight more shows, with the run ending on October 5, 2025. Tickets are $30, and every purchase supports Black arts.

But you’re also learning the real history of our state and country. This matters to all of us, no matter the shade of our skin. The soul of the United States is at a crossroads: do we return to the brutality of the past, or continue the fight for liberation for all?

History lives not just on stage but in our public spaces. Earlier this year, Clara Brown’s highway marker in Gilpin County was taken down—a plaque that, even in its original form, reduced her freedom to a metaphor about striking gold. Today, a petition calls for its return, with words that finally reflect her real legacy. Add your name here, but first go get your tickets. There are only eight performances left, counting tonight.

The post Jedidiah Blackstone: Storyteller. Poet. Hip-Hop Historian appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

North Mississippi Allstars is coming to Colorado, making rounds from Boulder Theater on March 11th, to Washington’s on the 12th, and the Gothic Theater on the 13th with the band’s “A Team,” according to Luther Dickinson.

The band, which has been around for nearly 30 years, has gone through several different group pairings. This chapter of the tour will include the group’s founding members, Luther and Cody Dickinson.

Joey Williams, and Rayfield “Ray Ray” Hollowman will also be joining, “Usually it’s one or the other. But we’re bringing both,” says Dickinson.

Dickinson’s excitement is obvious from across the phone when he explains the powerhouse of a team that’ll be gathering in Colorado.  “Ray Ray operates at such a high level,” explains Dickinson. Hollowman has toured with artists like Eminem, Ne-Yo and the Jonas Brothers. “With Eminem and Ne-Yo he plays huge shows all over the world. He has a really intense vibration. He just makes people dance. I’ve seen it with musicians. If you become accustomed to playing for tens of thousands of people, musicians became like superheroes,” says Dickinson.

“Joey is the band leader of the Blind Boys of Alabama. I mean fantastic. Another world class musician. He’s just a true showman and entertainer,” he adds. The duo will be trading instruments, switching from bass to guitar.

“We just love a Colorado audience. So, we want to bring ‘em our best,” he explains during a recent interview. In addition to getting amped up for Colorado, this is also the 25th anniversary of the band’s first record. The upcoming concerts will feature a variety of material, featuring some of the band’s foundational music. Dickinson also adds that his brother, Cody, retired his electric washboard for a while, but it’s back!

Like Hollowman and Williams, the Dickinsons brothers’ pasts were steeped in music. The duo  grew up watching their father, legendary producer and musician Jim Dickinson, take the music industry by a storm. From a young age, he instilled an appreciation of American Roots music in his boys. Luther Dickinson reflected, “Yeah he was a first generation Memphis rock ‘n’ roller … He went on to make records with Aretha Franklin and Albert King. He played on the Wild Horses Rolling Stones song. He had a great career. We grew up playing music with him and his friends.”

Back in those days, rock ‘n’ roll was self taught, according to Dickinson, “I’m 52 now. I grew up in the 70s and 80s. When I was teaching myself guitar I was watching VHS, or moving the turntable needle.” Now it’s easy to find music teachers in school or private studios that guide creative types through any genre.

While developing skills under the tutelage of a teacher is a great way to become a skilled musician, “Being innocent and naive on an instrument is so totally creative,” says Dickinson. “Even on the guitar I do certain things to trick myself. Lately I’ve been collecting super old cheap guitars that remind me of my childhood. I’ll play a guitar in a different tuning. Or I’ll play a left-handed guitar.” Removing himself from his standard musical settings seems to boost his creativity.

There’s something invigorating and inviting in change — which North Mississippi Allstars will celebrate with its new release of music.”We have a new Allstars record coming out this year to celebrate the anniversary of our first record,” reveals Dickinson. “It’s classic. Similar to ‘Up and Rolling.’ And it’s definitely representative of where we’re at now because Joey and Ray Ray are all over it ,and they added so much to the project.”

While the record will show off North Mississippi Allstars’ classic sound, the band’s sound has changed as well. “We’ve got one boot in the Mississippi mud but other influences have crept in.” Dickinson also has a solo record coming out this year.

With loads of new music coming out, and a tour ahead of the band, the group is buzzing with energy. “I’m really excited about the band right now. This lineup is so fun and inspiring. These guys are just utterly world class. And it keeps getting better and better,” says Dickinson.

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The post North Mississippi Allstars Comes to Colorado appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

This Valentine’s Day, Big Richard will take the Boulder Theater stage to celebrate love with traditional bluegrass and old-time tunes. The four-piece band joined forces in 2021 for a festival and has stuck together ever since. Now, Bonnie Sims, Joy Adams, Hazel Royer, and Eve Panning are taking up the music industry with brilliant genre mashups and a little bit of irreverence. 

“In the bluegrass world, there’s a lot of tradition, which is wonderful. I love those aspects. We honor them and kind of ramcom them in the same moment. It’s definitely a contradiction, and I recognize that,” Sims told Yellow Scene, “We don’t have the same bowed head good girl approach. There’s a lot of traditional things in the way of other things like gender. So we’re breaking those by being four women who aren’t behaving or presenting in the way you might expect.” 

Royer added, “Also, we’re playing music that isn’t traditional. That, in its own way, is irreverent. We’re playing pop covers and really pushing the genre.”

Big Richard has been on the road full-time for the past two years and will continue the trend into 2025. “It’s been a lot of driving,” said Sims. 

Now, the group is using the momentum it has gained over the past few years to usher in a new chapter. The band’s debut album will be released on January 24th. Although they formerly released a live record, this is their first studio offering. 

Sims explained that the band creates a big party for the audience members, which can make the atmosphere a little rowdy, “but this record is more of a vulnerable moment. It’s a more mature offering, if you will.” The band’s ability to explore the capacity of human emotion is one thing that’s led to their success. 

With decades of collective experience between the bandmates, Big Richard’s rise to success doesn’t feel sudden to Sims and Royer. Yet the group has garnered national attention in just three short years. The band’s biggest struggles have been a flat tire, questionable Google Maps directions, and the general finesse it takes to adapt to a tour’s needs. 

“Touring is just a challenge in itself. Imagine you’re in a car with 5 people, and you’ve driven 17 hours, and everyone has to share a bed and a hotel room. You have to choose to have a good attitude at that point,” said Sims. 

Big Richard performs at the Ogden Theater on Jan 20th, 2024

Royer added, “You also have to carry like 75 pounds of instruments.”

In the same breath, music is the platform on which the group explores universal themes. It’s such a powerful outlet that the division between the self and music can become blurry for some bandmates. Sims said, “I feel like music has always been very much a huge piece of my identity. Growing up and through my life, I’ve always been associated with it. It’s my livelihood. It’s how I make money. But – don’t tell anyone, I’d do it for free.”

Artistic expression is not just an emotional outlet; it’s a societal need, “It’s where we turn in our moments of need as a culture and society,” said Sims. “People scratch notation on concentration camps in their darkest moments. That is so powerful. I love being a part of something bigger than me. It’s as close to magic that I’m ever going to get.” 

The Colorado-based band is excited for its tour as well as a number of un-released events in its home state. Releasing its debut album is a significant step in the band’s evolution. Royer also noted that the group’s momentum is picking up, “Our new album isn’t released, but we actually just were in the studio making another album.” While the days begin to grow longer, Big Richard continues to concoct new dreams and plans for their future. 

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The post Denver Bluegrass Band, Big Richard, Takes the Stage | Spotlight appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The band brought their famed high energy – this time with wheelies and flame throwers.

American rock band Cage the Elephant took the Red Rocks stage on September 18th in their typical electrifying fashion — this time with a thrilling, potentially hazardous display of wheelies and flame throwers.

Band members Matt Shultz (vocals), his older brother Brad Shultz (rhythm guitar), Nick Bockrath (lead guitar), Matthan Minster (guitar, keyboards), Daniel Tichenor (bass), and Jared Champion (drums) are known for putting on a show. Frontman Schultz’s eccentric performances have historically included stripping down to his underwear and fishnet tights, so he addressed the other “elephant in the room.”

 “Captain obvious here – I broke my foot.”

He promised the crowd it would not hinder his performance, and the crowd’s affirmative roar after each song confirmed that. Schultz did not hesitate to perform wheelies, using the scooter as more of a stage prop than a health-care necessity. Fans fed off his high energy, cheering him on and encouraging him to use the Red Rocks stage as his personal skate park.

Schultz continued to engage the crowd throughout the evening with a vulnerability that quieted the crowd.

“I’ve had some rough years for 5 years…as everyone did,” Schultz said. “If you see someone struggling, don’t be afraid to tell them you love them.”

Fans cheered in agreement, many knowing about the band’s struggles and the meaning behind the band’s release of their most personal album to date, Neon Pill. Schultz has explained that the album – specifically its title track, Neon Pill – is about his struggle with psychosis after being prescribed a pill for his ADHD. 

Schultz explained in an interview with the New York Times that at the time he wrote the song, he was convinced someone was tampering with his medicine in an attempt to poison him. His paranoia was extreme — to the point that he divorced his wife, Eva, later remarrying her, and in 2023 was arrested under illegal gun possession charges. 

The arrest marked a turning point that saved his life. 

Now back to releasing music after their 5-year hiatus, Cage the Elephant is on a global tour. They brought openers Bakar, Girl Tones, and Willow Avalon to Red Rocks.

The band closed out the evening with nothing but continued high energy and gratitude for their fans. 

“Thank you for making space for us in our life. It’s a big deal to make space in your heart for something, so we really appreciate it,” said Schultz.

To read more about Cage the Elephant and upcoming shows, visit their website here.

The post Red Rocks Set Ablaze: Cage the Elephant’s Unforgettable Night appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The 502s wrapped up their 2024 Americas tour – but we are still thinking about their stop at Boulder Theater

The 502s, deemed “the happiest band on earth” by fans, played a contagiously enthusiastic, energetic show at the Boulder Theater this summer. The 6-piece indie folk band used every inch of the stage, literally dancing to the beat of their own drums with a crowd matching the same energy.

The band released their sixth album, “The 502s,” in April of this past year. The release of this past album expanded their discography to include more than 50 songs, allowing the band to take a different “on-the-fly” performance approach.

“We have adapted our set list to have a list of songs that are upbeat and a list that are more mellow tempo. Lately, we have been playing based on the vibe of the room,” said Ed Isola (lead on vocals and banjo).

The band did not play the same set twice throughout their Americas/Canada tour this year, which wrapped up in September. The band is now on its fifth  European tour and will close out the year in Australia.

This artist-audience connection extends beyond reading the energy at shows. The band fosters its relationship with fans through an active email and Discord, an instant messaging and VoIP social platform.

“We have always put ourselves on equal footing with anyone who listens to our music or supports us in any way. We love connecting with fans and have done a lot of live-chat stuff. We are still figuring out how to use Discord to connect and the plan is to continue doing that and whatever makes people happy, ” Matthew Tonner (keyboard).

As for future plans, the band is “in it for the long game.”

“It is beautiful because every year, every tour, there is always something new – it is not something I could have understood years ago. It is more than counting blessings. Every year has gotten better. Being in it for the long game – and one could say six to seven years could be considered the long game – but for us, it is beyond that,” said Joe Capati (saxophone).

“The long game is most reflected in how we have approached our recordings and videos. Something that impressed me from the beginning is that there has to be a reason for us to put something out into the world. Everyone is 110% in it,” added Tonner.

The band recently announced the release of The 502s Live, 2024, available on a limited edition vinyl, and plans to record a new album in February or March 2025. 

Read more about the 502’s, view their tour schedule, and join their discord through their website.502 Band members: Ed Isola on lead vocals and banjo, Joe Capati on saxophone, Matthew Tonner on keyboard, Graci Phillips on guitar, Nicholas Dallas on bass, and Sean Froelich on drums.

The post An Interview with the “Happiest Band on Earth” – The 502s appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The indie folk band discusses the feel of their new album and song, “Arrow,” ahead of their October 16 performance at Boulder Theater

American indie folk band The Head and the Heart finished mixing their new album this month, marking the band’s sixth album since its conception in 2009. The band has collected multiple Grammy nominationns and platinum records over the last 15 years. Their new single, “Arrow,” debuted this past week.

When asked about their new song, John Russell, vocalist, and songwriter, believes that art does not need to be explained but rather interpreted by the listener. But Russell cannot help but describe the song as an ode to empowerment.

“When I perform the song Arrow, I feel like I am 10 feet tall – I feel confident, grounded, and proud of where I am at. It is almost like an exclamation point. A superhero costume for your mind to celebrate your achievements”, said Russell. “Maybe like a…brain cape.”

“Yeah, maybe that is the new album title – brain cape,” added piano player Kenny Hensley.

The band seems to be taking some personal liberties with “brain cape.” Hensley explained that for the first time in three albums, the band created this one without outside noise.

“It just feels like this album had equal slices of the pie between the six of us. Everyone’s hands were together in the making of the record – probably the most since our first record,” said Russell.

After 14 years and many “Rivers and Roads,” the band is returning back to their debut sound.

“In this record, we have kind of gone back to our roots in the sense, where it was just us in the studio.

We self-produced [the record] and called all the shots. I think our fans are really going to enjoy it because – at least the fans of our earlier stuff – it is going to feel like they have their band back. We have returned home in a sense,” Hensley said.

Since finishing their tour, the band spent the past two months “neck deep in mixing and finishing the record,” making the final tweaks and edits to each track. This process is highly collaborative for The Head and the Heart, as every band member has a say in all business and creative decisions.

The completion of the album itself comes with many emotions, but mainly feelings of accomplishment and relief.

“It is so cliche, but [the record] really feels like our baby. We have this deep connection to it, and we want it to be loved and nurtured – it is a weird thing,” said Hensley.

The band’s first event since concluding their album creation was last week at the Boulder Theater, where they collaborated with Teton Gravity Research at their film screening.

For more information on The Head and the Heart’s schedule, visit their website here.

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The post The Head and the Heart Returns Home with New Album appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Band members talk about tour, double album, short film, and Ayers eventual departure

Indie rock band Local Natives decided to take their performance from stage to screen with the debut of their short film, “BIWFY,” released alongside their new album “But I’ll Wait For You.”

The band hosted a special screening at the Landmark Greenwood Village in Denver on May 16 ahead of their show in Boulder. “BIWFY,” directed by Jonathan Chu, originally premiered on April 19, 2024, at Brain Dead Studios in Los Angeles. 

Taylor Rice (vocals, guitar) described the film as a visualization of the creative process of making a record with your bandmates, citing the 1971 Harry Nilsson BBC Special and the 3 Stooges as sources of inspiration. 

“Our record [“But I’ll Wait For You”] was coming up, and we were brainstorming what kind of art we could make. The idea of encapsulating the headspace of making a record, the joys and the ups, the psychedelic nature of it, being stuck in this liminal space, came up. We brainstormed on that concept, and it spun out into this 30-minute film,” Rice said.

Local Natives behind the scenes. Photo by Matthew Frazier.

Nik Ewig (bass) added that the goal was to “… really capture what it is like to just make an album with your boys. How fun and frustrating it is… and the different parts of the creative process.”

The album’s accompanying short film was not the only thing that made it unique.

The band wrote the album after going through the longest separation since they formed. The record was created during a time of “metamorphosis.” Each individual was experiencing many life changes with a plethora of emotions – the state of the band was fragile.

But they rose from the ashes and once they began making music together again, it poured out of them. So much so, LN felt their work should exist as two records, living as compliments to one another – “an exhale to an inhale.”

“Even though it’s all one body of work, it felt like two separate albums to us. Kind of like a book, where we have ‘time will wait for no one”’ as the first lyric in the first album and ‘but I’ll wait for you’ as the last lyric in the second one. It is just a bigger, more ambitious project than we have ever done,” said Ryan Hahn (guitar, back up vocals).

On April 29, following the April 19 release of “But I’ll Wait For You”, Local Natives announced on social media that their 20+ year brotherhood will undergo a big transition next year, with Kelcey Ayer (vocals, keyboard, guitar) leaving the crew following the tour to pursue independent projects.

Local Natives at the Boulder Theater. Photo by Jamie Miller.

Although Ayer is excited about embracing this new era in his creative career, deciding part from LN was difficult.

“It was a really hard decision. I don’t think a lot of bands could [separate] the way we are doing it and I think that speaks to our character. It feels good to be able to have navigated this as well as we have and I could not ask for a better group of guys to deal with such a crazy thing,” said Ayer.

The band said that Ayer’s separation from Local Natives has been a topic of discussion amongst them for a while and they are supportive of his decision to step away.

“We are family, so it is all love. Kelcey has been wanting to focus on new things and we are going to continue as Local Natives. It will be a new energy, new process, and a different one for us. But we still have this whole year together and a lot in the near term, and we will figure it out as it comes,” said Rice.

The short film seems like a celebration of their decades long familial bond and a tribute of sorts to the art and gratitude for the creative process that has kept them together all these years.

Appropriately, joyful nostalgia was evident between LN band members at the Denver screening, especially during one of their favorite portions of the film — an “outrageously goofy” unscripted scene of them playing music, unaware the cameras were rolling. The theater was a comedy hall as 100+ fans became privy to the chemistry of a brotherhood fueled by years of creativity and inside jokes. 

“We have inside jokes that are now going on for like 20 years. It’s crazy because for many jobs people just clock in and clock out. But ours is so wrapped up in our friendship, creativity, and it’s just the most bizarre thing to do for a living. I think the older we’ve gotten, the more grateful we are,” said Ryan Hahn (guitar, backing vocals).

The short film is available for streaming on Veeps and features band members Taylor Rice (vocals, guitar), Kelcey Ayer (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Ryan Hahn (guitar, backing vocals), Matthew Frazier (drums), and Nik Ewing (bass). Fans can view upcoming shows at localnatives.com

The post Local Natives Go From Stage to Screen with “BIWFY” During Last Tour with Band Member Kelcey Ayer appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Composer John Clay Allen and pianist Er-Hsuan Li collaborated to bring the concerto to the stage for the first time

In April 2020, John Clay Allen was preparing for the premiere of his original piano concerto, ‘The Stone Harp: Concerto for Piano and Strings,’ when the world went silent. 

Nearly four years to the day and a pandemic later, Allen finally brought his music off the sheet and onto the stage of the Gordon Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center on April 13, 2024. 

“I’m really pleased with how it went,” Allen said afterward. “I’m happy with how everyone played, it’s not easy music and I’m really impressed with how it came together.”  

The piece was paired with the 1933 Piano Concerto No. 1 by 1933 Piano Concerto No. 1 and performed by an orchestra and piano soloist Er-Hsuan Li, a graduating doctor of musical arts at UC Boulder. It was a celebratory night for Allen and his supporters, who have waited years to finally hear the piece live, and for Li, who will officially graduate from his doctoral program on May 9.

Performing two piano concertos during one concert in itself is a novelty, due to it being incredibly taxing for a pianist to learn and perform. Both pieces are lively and virtuosic, and Li was a well-met match for the music, bringing an almost dancer-like flair to his piano playing that granted him command of the stage.

(From right to left) Composer John Clay Allen, pianist Er-Hsuan Li and conductor Renee Gilliland take a bow at the end of ‘The Stone Harp’ at The Dairy Arts Center on April 13. Photo by Natalie Kerr.

Erin and Tony Moore are friends of Allen’s, but ‘The Stone Harp’ was their first time hearing his work live. It was an emotional and exciting night for them to hear such amazing music, especially knowing the person who created it. 

“The music is really complex, when I listen to it, it’s like when you’re living in a moment but your brain is trying to balance the internal and the external, that’s what I was feeling during the concerto,” Erin Moore said. 

Allen completed The Stone Harp in 2018, after deciding to challenge himself by composing for a piano, which he tends to avoid despite mainly playing piano himself. Though Allen is an accomplished composer whose music has appeared on stages across the United States, South America, and Europe, ‘The Stone Harp,’ was a chance to get out of his comfort zone and prove to himself that he could successfully compose for piano, he said. 

Thematically, the work is a representation of personal struggles with faith and religion, and parts of its musicality draw from protestant hymn tradition. The name of the concerto comes from a John Haines poem of the same name, in which the author makes the metaphor of the Earth as a stone harp and the writer as the harpist. 

“I thought it was a beautiful metaphor, the piano itself is not that different from a harp once you open it up and look inside,” Allen added. 

Allen returned to the piece last year when he began planning the concert with Li, and the two of them spent nearly six months revising the piece to align more with Allen’s current taste and the technical nuances of Li’s playing style. 

As for the Shostakovich piece, Li has performed several versions of it since he first learned it ten years ago. 

“I’ve had that in my fingers for a long time,” Li said.

Er-Hsuan Li warms up for his performance at The Dairy Arts Center on April 13. Photo by Natalie Kerr.

Li began playing piano at age five and studied piano performance throughout high school, college, and now his graduate program, which he completed this month. He is already an accomplished musician, having performed throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. in renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Harris Theater in Chicago, Mozarteum in Salzburg, and the Taiwan National Concert Hall. 

Li came to the U.S. from Taiwan at age 18 to study piano, and his family, who still lives in Taiwan, will be traveling to Colorado to celebrate his graduation on May 9.

Andrew Cooperstock, Li’s piano teacher at CU Boulder, came to the performance to see one of Li’s final performances as a doctoral student. Li came to Cooperstock as a phenomenal pianist but his growth during the last six years turned him into a mature and accomplished concert artist, he said. 

John Clay Allen addresses the audience at The Dairy Arts Center on April 13. Photo by Natalie Kerr.

“I thought he was brilliant,” Cooperstock said of the evening’s performance. “It was energetic, just so expressive and I’m very proud of him.” 

The evening was also a long time coming for Allen’s biggest supporters, including his parents who came from New Mexico for the performance. 

“It fills my heart with joy to get it out there, it’s been one of his babies,” said Allen’s mother, Paula Allen. “During Covid, everybody just shut down, but during that time he wanted to do this, but he couldn’t. It’s much better now that he got it out there.”  

Li felt the performance went smoothly and that the music sounded great. The timing was poignant for him, as he had just wrapped up his final assessments and officially became a doctor of music the week before. 

“This is a very special thing personally, for me, since that’s a huge achievement,” Li said. “But also, I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to go through this higher education and be able to pursue a career in a field that not everyone wouldn’t necessarily go for.” 

Allen’s next commercial album, which features solo piano, will be released in late 2024.

The post “The Stone Harp” Makes its Debut at Dairy Arts After Four-Year Wait appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Nature is often said to be the source of inspiration for many artists.

For Cary Morin, an Indigenous fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter based in Fort Collins, inspiration struck him while on a perch overlooking the Colorado River at Rancho Del Rio nestled in the Rocky Mountains. The musician, with his wife, Celeste Di Iorio, and two golden doodles, Bia and Bishké, in tow, had made a stop at the spot while traveling back from a tour a couple of summers ago. 

The first song of Morin’s newly dropped album, “Innocent Allies,” titled “Big Sky Sun Goes Down” emerged as he soaked in the natural landscape. 

“When the big sky sun goes down, when the spectrum of the light of a skyline and a distant memory beneath us is a song to me, this land is talking to me, I cannot falter now,” Morin croons in the song.

That song set the tone for the rest of the album, which commemorates the artwork of Charles Marion Russell — who produced several paintings of Native Americans, cowboys, and the western U.S. terrain — and Morin’s life in Montana.

Cary Morin, an Indigenous artist based in Fort Collins, released a new album called “Innocent Allies.” Courtesy photo from Backstage Flash.

“All of the time I spent in Montana and pretty much [anywhere in] Montana is surrounded by Charlie Russell’s work,” Morin said. “His sculptures and his paintings are in a lot of different places. It kind of became a part of life seeing his work… It was almost like his art was just for us. And it was about us. And it was about the land I was surrounded by all of the time.” 

A longtime resident of Colorado, the 62-year-old artist and Crow tribal member was born in Billings, Montana. But he grew up in a town northwest of his birthplace called Great Falls, near the Missouri River, and spent his childhood days watching and admiring local musicians on stage whether it was a gifted piano player strumming strings of the instrument at a downtown venue or bands performing at house gigs in country bars. 

“Some of the lines in the album come from my relationship with my grandfather, and some of it comes from memories of being around him and being around the Crow people and being around Crow country,” Morin said about “Innocent Allies.” “You know, it’s mostly, when I saw Native people depicted in Charlie Russell’s paintings, whether he was depicting Crow people or not, I always thought about Crow people. I thought about my family. It was almost like it was my family in the paintings.” 

Morin’s Americana roots music not only blends sounds of the countryside, but mishmashes elements of several genres including folk, soul, and bluegrass.

Morin credits Matt Lyon, a friend and bandmate from his high school days, for helping to influence his musical stylings by introducing him to albums from artists such as Dan Hicks and Kelly Joe Phelps. Records from musicians like Cat Stevens and Neil Young, to name a few, further fueled Morin’s interest in learning to play the guitar, a self-taught skill.

However, it wasn’t until his family moved to Colorado in 1982 that Morin decided to pursue a music career. The family first settled in Windsor before Morin moved to Greeley, where he met new friends whom he performed with at open mics. The migration to the Centennial State also led to his discovery of more artists and exposure to musical movements and trends. 

Morin’s music career blossomed in the late 1990s with the formation of a rock-reggae-blues band called The Atoll, which toured the U.S. for decades. During the span of his career, he’s won several awards including the Indigenous Music Award for Best Blues CD in 2017 and 2019, the Native Arts and Cultures Fellowship in 2018, and the Independent Music Award for Best Blues CD in 2018. He was also named the Telluride Blues and Brews Blues Champion in 2019. 

Nowadays, Morin performs as a solo artist, with his wife and music partner, Celeste, and with his roots-rock band, Cary Morin & Ghost Dog. Occasionally, he works jointly with Pura Fé, an Indigenous blues artist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

This year, Morin and his band have tours scheduled across the U.S., including two in Colorado in March. They are scheduled to perform at the Armory in Fort Collins on March 8 and at the Stewart Auditorium in Longmont on March 14.  

For his latest album, the lyrics came before the melodies. Morin jotted down words on paper before dedicating special attention to the notes. Sometimes, his creative process is reversed. Other times, the words and melodies materialize simultaneously. 

Although he may be a veteran musician, the desire to continually evolve as an artist still tugs at him.

“I want to improve on what it is that we do, whether it’s touring, recording, writing songs – that’s like a lifelong quest I think for me,” Morin said. “I always continue to learn….I still learn chords. I still learn new ways of doing things. [With] recording, you’re never going to know everything there is to know.”

“Every time we put out an album, I want it to somehow top the last one,” he added. “It’s creating art and the effect that the art is going to have on people. I hope it has an impact on the listener.”

The post Cary Morin Honors Life in Crow Tribe Country and Works of Western Artist in New Album appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Tickets are on sale now at RMPtix.com & reason2rhymemusic.com/events/

Boulder, Colorado: Reason to Rhyme Music and Loose Leaf Talent Agency is excited to present one of the most unique and talented national touring Artists at Roots Music Project supporting his Guitar Head album release tour.

Known as a Master of Jazz improvisation and a seasoned artist of the sit-in, Rezak is a frequent call among bands and musicians. Rezak’s 2018 debut as a bandleader saw him collaborating alongside Kris Meyers and Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee, Arthur Barrow of Frank Zappa’s band, and legendary saxophonist Bill Evans. Since then, he has toured across the US with eclectic lineups featuring the likes of Robby Kreiger, Ike Willis, Wally Ingram, Kris Meyers, Jay Lane, Scott Page, and more. Marcus led his band through two tours on the US Virgin Islands, spearheaded official Umphrey’s McGee afterparties, and continued to hone his chops in his home studio and licensing endeavors.

CONCERT: Saturday, March 9th (Doors at 8PM – Show at 9PM)

WHERE: Roots Music Project
4747 Pearl, Suite V3A
Boulder, CO

TICKETS: $15 pre-show/$20 day of show

About Reason to Rhyme Music
Reason to Rhyme Music is a full-service, boutique music production company headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Reason to Rhyme Music is a music publishing company, record label, A&R firm, national talent agency and personal management company advocating for artists.

The post Marcus Rezak comes to Roots Music Project on March 9, 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Shaking off demons and the optimism of punk

Yellow Scene Magazine sat down with Gasoline Lollipops frontman Clay Rose to talk about wrapping the year on NYE at the Fox theater, what’s to come in the new year, and how it’s punk to be optimistic at this point in history. The Gas Pops, consisting of Clay Rose (vocals, guitar), Donny Ambory (lead guitar), Brad Morse (bass), Kevin Matthews (drums), Scott Coulter (keys), are a local band renowned for their eclectic mix of punk-infused Americana music. Spanning over a decade, their genre-defying sound delivers raw yet soul-stirring performances that captivates audiences.

“For the show on New Year’s Eve, the intention is to shake off the demons of the year. Like all the vampiric shit, to shake that off and kind of be reborn again.” Rose’s words encapsulate the band’s ethos, aiming to create an experience, transcending individual struggles to embrace a fresh start. When asked about the magic that happens between the band and the audience, Rose talks about the alchemy between the band, set-list, audience, venue, and mystery of the night that, ultimately, completes the music. He concludes that “the thing that makes me feel the most alive is music and [to be] in a room full of people…together as one.”

Looking ahead, Clay shares that they’re working on a new album set to release in 2024. Listeners at the Fox can look forward to the Gas Pops “debuting a bunch of those on New Year’s Eve.” Next year, we can also expect a third ballet for Wonder Bound with thirty entirely new songs written by Rose. The ballet is the story of Samson and Delilah set in late 70’s East Texas. Taking on so much writing marks a shift in his creative process where, as he put it, he is knocking on inspiration’s door instead of waiting for the knock. “I’ve been writing pop, classic country and some really hardcore punk stuff that I haven’t written since I was like 18. I just keep collecting like a butterfly net.”

When asked about the writing process with the band, all of whom are grads in music while Rose is self-taught, he noted the unique perspective they each bring. “I realized we’re all music scholars. But I went to the school of punk clubs and honky tonks.” Rose also describes the order that comes with collaborating with the band and even an audience, comparing the creative process to the observer effect demonstrated in the “double-slit experiment.” The ideas come together in a way that can be enjoyed by those outside of the landscape of Rose’s mind.

Clay expressed that the new material demands that he “flex [his] optimistic muscles… with young kids now, I’m getting punk rock about being optimistic because I don’t see it anywhere.” While angst and resistance typically come to mind in tandem with punk rock, it’s actually about being anti and embracing the opposite of what’s mainstream. Lately, pessimism and sorrow that can lead to apathy tends to rule our headlines, radicalizing a brighter outlook. This new message of optimism isn’t a rejection of realism though; We can expect rage and catharsis in the new music in clear political stances and raw lyricism, followed up with a path forward. Rose is clear about the intention on the new album by adding “I just want to say up front, before I sing any of these songs, my intention is all inclusive, universal love. And I’m going to be taking a roundabout way of getting there.”

The band also hopes to make up for lost time during the pandemic. “We took such a major hit from the pandemic. It knocked us back a decade and it almost killed the band.” After necessarily taking on a day job, Rose shared that “I’d rather be broke and happy doing what I love than be financially secure and fucking miserable. So, we rallied and we put together a new game plan.”

The Gasoline Lollipops’ music is beyond entertainment; it’s a vessel for transformation, a conduit for catharsis. As they gear up for their NYE show, it’s not just a concert, it’s a collective ritual to shed the past and look toward the promise of a new beginning, all through the power of music. Catch them at the Fox theater with Bonnie & Taylor Sims and Phoebe Hunt at 8:00pm on Dec, 31st.

The post NYE Show at the Fox with the Gasoline Lollipops appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider legislation next session aimed at providing project permits while still protecting wetlands, which were left vulnerable after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in May.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act has protected the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) since 1972. But exactly which wetlands and water bodies fall under the definition of WOTUS has long been the subject of litigation and policy that changed with each presidential administration. In Sackett v. EPA, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the definition of WOTUS did not include wetlands adjacent to streams. Only wetlands with a direct surface water connection to a stream or permanent body of water are now protected under the Clean Water Act.

While it is not always clear whether a wetland has a direct surface connection to a qualifying stream, experts say the decision removed federal protections from at least half of Colorado’s wetlands. The ruling also excludes from protection many ephemeral streams that run only seasonally during spring runoff or summer monsoons.

The state will have to decide how to protect the wetlands that now fall outside the purview of the Clean Water Act, which water policy experts are calling “gap waters.”

According to a policy brief by Andrew Teegarden, a water fellow at the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment at the University of Colorado Boulder, “the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett created a gaping hole in Colorado’s program for protecting and regulating discharge and fill activities and the current state of the law in Colorado is inadequate to fill the gap.”

“Sackett was more devastating than anyone envisioned it being,” said Alex Funk, director of water resources and senior counsel at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Basically, if it’s not continuously flowing stream or interstate river, it’s no longer protected.”

The main way many wetlands had federal protection under the Clean Water Act in the past was through a permitting process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Developers and property owners had to get a 404 permit — also known as a dredge-and-fill permit — if they wanted to undertake certain projects that involved wetlands. The corps applied guidelines and criteria for making sure the project would not destroy or degrade the waters.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is now expected to present to lawmakers a state-level permitting process that would step in to fill the regulatory gap left by Sackett v. EPA. Last summer, CDPHE enacted a new policy that requires notice of discharge into state waters and allows the agency to take enforcement actions when unpermitted discharges of dredge and fill materials takes place.

This policy was intended to be temporary while the state comes up with a permanent program. CDPHE has also been meeting with and taking input from stakeholders — including environmental groups, agriculture interests and water providers — to explore creating a more permanent regulatory program to protect Colorado’s streams and wetlands to the same extent they were protected before the Sackett v. EPA decision.

In August, Trisha Oeth, CDPHE’s director of environmental health and protection, told lawmakers at a meeting of the Water Resources and Agriculture Committee that the agency has been hearing from stakeholders that any program should have a clear scope and also avoid permitting delays. She said stakeholders want to maintain the status quo and do not have an interest in developing a program that goes beyond the scope of what was federally protected prior to Sackett v. EPA.

“We are going to need to be creative here in Colorado to address those concerns about balance — preserving the status quo with having an efficient program,” Oeth said. “We’ve also been hearing it’s really important to protect source waters.”

One example of those source waters is a type of sensitive, high-country wetland now potentially left vulnerable: fens. These are groundwater-fed wetlands that form peat over thousands of years, are home to rare plants and insects, and cannot be easily restored if destroyed. Fens are sometimes isolated with no stream as an outlet.

“All of our groundwater-fed wetlands are outside of the Clean Water Act regulation now,” said David Cooper, a senior research scientist at Colorado State University and a fen expert. “In the San Juan mountains, we did a project and I think we estimated there were about 10,000 fens, and most of them, because of the Sackett decision, would not be considered adjacent to navigable waters.”

Cooper said most of the water that feeds streams in Colorado goes through fens in the highest part of watersheds, which remove sediment and pollutants. They are also a key piece of the ecosystem that support biodiversity, he said.

“Fens occupy a 10th of 1% of our landscape, but they support probably 25% of species in Colorado,” Cooper said. “Their importance greatly exceeds their tiny presence on the landscape.”

 Aaron Citron, a senior policy adviser for The Nature Conservancy, said any new state program should provide regulatory certainty, redirect development to less environmentally sensitive areas and be consistent with the best available wetlands science.

“Every presidential administration has kind of redefined the scope of the 404 program,” he said. “And that’s not good for regulated entities; it’s not good for the natural environment. It just makes everything more complicated. So, one of the goals is to just set a standard and decide that Colorado knows what’s best for Colorado waters.”

Aspen Journalism is a nonprofit, investigative news organization covering water, environment, social justice and more. Visit http://aspenjournalism.org.

The post Colorado Lawmakers Expected To Consider State Permit Program Protecting Wetlands appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

For Immediate Release                                                                                  October 23, 2023

The Colorado Sound Presents

GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS with Support from Bonnie & Taylor Sims

and Phoebe Hunt

FOX THEATER, Boulder CO

NYE DECEMBER 31^st, 2023

GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS confirms their return to the Fox Theater for a headline performance on December 31st. Tickets for the show, with support from Bonnie & Taylor Sims and Phoebe Hunt, are on sale now.

Gasoline Lollipops stitch scraps of American roots music to patches of their own tattered hearts to form an all-new tapestry of bleeding rock n’ roll.

Front man, Clay Rose was raised between an outlaw, truck-driving father in the mountains of Colorado and a song-writing mama in the sticks outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Clay’s penchant for open roads and trouble making are the backbone of the Gas Pop’s sound. The rest of the and consists of Don Ambory, Scott Coulter, ‘Bad’ Brad Morse, and Kevin Matthews who all come equipped with music degrees from Chicago, Boston, Jacksonville, and Denver, respectively. They each add flavors of their own background and heritage, further diversifying the band’s signature sound.

Gasoline Lollipops are three-time winners of Colorado Daily’s ‘Best Local Band’ award, two-time winners of Denver Westword’s ‘Best Country Band’ award, and winner of Colorado Sound’s 2022 ‘Colorado Spirit’ and ‘Band You’d Drive 105.5 Miles To See’ awards. Over the last several years they have toured throughout the U.S., Belgium, the Netherlands, and Belize. Today, the Gas Pops continue to bend genres and electrify live audiences with ferocious sincerity.

“Clay Rose’s voice immediately reminded me of the likes of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen; deep, gritty and dark, yet sustained with unwavering intensity and truth.” The Denver Post

“With its barrage of influences, Americana can take many forms. Gasoline Lollipops exemplify this as the Denver-based band combines the unlikely forces of folk and punk into a singular sound.” Pop Matters

“Somewhere in between punk provocateurs and folk storyteller, these talented musicians managed to combine engaging riffs and straight-forward arrangements with personable lyrics and quintessential arrangements that feel organic and diverse.” Colorado Daily

According to the Denver Post, the unique sounds of Gasoline Lollipops (fronted by singer-songwriter Clay Rose) are like “the Coen Brothers and Nick Cave holed up in Nashville after a near-death experience.” Denver Post

“Somewhere in between punk provocateurs and folk storyteller, these talented musicians managed to combine engaging riffs and straight-forward arrangements with personable lyrics and quintessential arrangements that feel organic and diverse.” FolknRock.com

https://gasolinelollipops.com/

For more information, please contact Ryan Bonvillian 303.396.9834
ryan@tunedmanagement.com

The post Gasoline Lollipops with Bonnie & Taylor Sims and Phoebe Hunt, New Years Eve 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Rocky Mountain PBS (Via AP Storyshare)

By: Elle Naef, Peter Vo

Photo from previous Dazzle show

DENVER — On a recent Thursday night at Dazzle, guests filled the chairs while servers skillfully weaved through aisles between songs, skirting their way around composer Chie Imaizumi who was conducting her “Little Big Band” from the floor in front of the stage, just feet from the audience.

“Gift of Jazz Presents: Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band feat. Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert,” was part of an exclusive two-night concert series at Dazzle Denver’s new location in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

The series was a collaboration between jazz artists who have experienced challenges with mental wellness. The artists aimed to bring the conversation of mental wellness to center stage, creating a sense of unity and belonging for all involved — including the audience.

A trumpet solo stunned the audience, and Imaizumi grinned and clapped along with them. Her reaction was not only that of a proud composer, but one of a lifetime fan.

The trumpet player was none other than Randy Brecker of the jazz fusion band “Brecker Brothers,” as well as one of the original members of Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Imaizumi was first introduced to Brecker’s work as a preteen studying music in Japan. According to her, most of the lessons were focused on classical and Japanese pop, until a teacher encouraged her to continue her studies in Tokyo. There, her teacher took her to a concert in a giant, brightly lit concert hall booming with music. Imaizumi recalls telling her teacher, “I don’t understand what’s going on on-stage, but I want to do something like that.”

“Now I’m here having him, my star, playing my music,” Imaizumi shared, smiling at Brecker. “And that’s a dream come true.”

Full-circle moments like this one are far from a rarity at Dazzle Denver. One could even say that venue owner Donald Rossa orchestrates them.

Thanks to a vast network grown from authentic connections and a healthy dose of vulnerability, connections that develop at Dazzle go much deeper than musical collaborations. In many ways, it creates a community that supports one another in the journey of mental wellness.

The event was an excellent example of this. Rossa reached out to friend and collaborator Greg Gisbert to fulfill the first residency at Dazzle’s new location. This event was one of many Gisbert helped piece together, this time with the theme of mental wellness.

The group was curated not only for their talents, but because of their unique bond. Rossa had supported the career paths of Imaizumi and Gisbert however he could, and Gisbert had inspired Imaizumi to try a collaboration with him in a project that, with Rossa’s help, landed them on Capri records.

Even presenters The Gift of Jazz had personal investment in these relationships, as they had partnered with Dazzle to help keep Imaizumi in the U.S. to finish her studies.

Here, lifetime friendships were born. One close enough that, while in crisis, they knew they could reach out to one another to feel less alone — all thanks to music.

“I wish the world and world governments could operate more like a jazz group,” said Gisbert. “We have so much love to give and share, and we want to share it with the world.”

Rossa shared this sentiment, stating, “We all come from music and we met through music, but we share a common bond after that. And is mental health and mental wellness. That is our own personal struggles, that is struggles within our community. It’s kind of our support mechanism that we can rely upon each other, but also try to invite other people into our circle.”

The shared intent to invite audience members into the circle of healing these friends had cultivated was clear. Imaizumi composed the lineup of songs so that they align with the stages of a mental breakdown and the recovery that follows.

In the first piece of the series, entitled “Adversity,” the music begins with a dark and lonely bass solo. Imaizumi said this was meant to depict the feeling one gets when they simply can’t get the energy to wake up in the morning and face the day. From there, the songs bring the audience on a journey to hope and healing.

“It’s okay not to be okay all the time,” Imaizumi said about the piece’s message. “It’s music that everyone can relate to. I think everyone has different stories to tell, but they can relate to those dark places, traces of pain.”

The performers were just as impacted by the audience as the audience was by the music. “I saw the audience felt that as well, so it was such a beautiful moment,” Imaizumi continued. “I saw color change in the whole room.”

Needless to say, audience feedback aligned with Imaizumi’s intuition. “Some women came up to me in tears,” reflected Imaizumi, “And they’re like, ‘I didn’t know you until today, and I don’t know why, but I keep crying.’ I said, ‘I’m glad that happened for you.’”

Once again, music united once-strangers in a way that only music can. Take it from Randy Brecker himself, who concluded “Music is really the great unifier of the world.”

The post At Dazzle Denver, mental wellness is an ensemble effort appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

BY: Sarah and A.J. Kornely

Fans lined around the corner the 117-year-old Boulder Theater, huddled together tightly blanketed by a fast-moving snow squall, waiting in anticipation for the doors to open to the sold-out “20 Years of Kona Town.” Joe Samba and company. Inside, the crowd was just as eclectic as the theater itself with a blend of new and old technology, architecture, and music lovers spanning generations.

Samba has a soulful presence that demands attention. His voice as dynamic as the blend of music genres he generously pours into his craft, a mix of reggae-rock with some soul and funk mixed in. With the drummer singing backup vocals and the electric organist also playing the trombone, the band effortlessly enticed the crowd into rhythmic swaying. Samba played his cover of rapper Joyner Lucas’ “I love.” Samba’s rendition radiated with emotion and sincerity.  It would be inaccurate to say Joe performs, because he sings with his heart on his sleeve. You can feel it in the soles of your feet, tingle through your body and wrap tightly around your heart and soul. His song, “Create Something,” will inspire you to persevere through any hardship and make something productive out of it. The Boulder Theater is the perfect venue to host artists like Joe. It’s an intimate setting in which any seat in the theater makes you feel like the music is being performed solely for you. Joe wrapped up his set by asking the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to his son. They enthusiastically obliged. Happy Birthday, young man! 

Both bands performing tonight played off the “House that Bradley Built” album which is a tribute to the late Sublime front man, Bradley Nowell. Bradley’s influence was evident throughout the evening.

Courtesy of Sarah Kornely

Pepper, typically a trio, came on stage busting with energy and toting an additional member who played guitar and some keyboard as well.  Their mission for the evening, to play their 20-year-old sophomore release, “Kona Town,” in its entirety, the album to mainstream success.  Pepper, originally from the big island of Hawaii, now hailing in San Diego, has enjoyed success in the reggae rock genre, gaining a sizable following touring along other popular artists such as 311, Slightly Stoopid, and Snoop Dogg.  A grittier, heavier approach sets Pepper apart from other groups in the growing genre.  Brett came out wearing a plaid coat with sunglasses and a beanie hat.  Kaleo wore a white t-shirt and sunglasses while Yesod, wore a red, white and blue Hawaiian flag shirt and matching shorts.  

“Kona Town” opens with an intro titled “The Good Thing,”which leads into the bass line opening plucked by Brett Bollinger, on one of their more recognizable songs, “Stone Love.” The Vocals by Kalleo Wassman, and Brett, are clean and full of slides throughout the song, reminiscent of Bradley Nowell, which continues throughout the whole album.  “Stormtrooper” is a fan favorite, about standing up to oppression and injustice, which uses the never-hit-their-target soldiers from Star Wars, as an analogy.  Pepper would have undoubtedly been a part of the resistance.  During this song, clusters of lasers came on over the crowd’s heads, creating an entrancing atmosphere in the venue. At one point, the lead singer proclaimed to the crowd that this show had been the best of their tour thus far. Pepper abruptly stopped playing at another point to get the crowd to calm down, so an emergency crew could attend  to a person on the floor who needed medical attention.  After they were escorted to safety, Pepper dove right back into the show headfirst.

The first set ended with “Office” which contained a drum solo from Yesod Williams who was referred to by Brett as “the Dave Grohl of Reggae”.  The solo was backed up with parts of the song “Stand Up” by rapper Ludacris. With a couple songs left on the album, the band left the stage.  A crowd member quipped it was a weird time to take a break.  When they returned, they started back up with an acoustic set with only the bass plugged in.  This set was filled with fan favorites hits like “Rent” and “Bring me Along” as well as “Brand New Day”, an upbeat song about moving forward from a bad day off  their 2019 album, “Local Motion.”  During “Ashes” Pepper encouraged the fans to sing along and the theater was filled in an abundance of harmonical unity, the kind that leaves one’s cup full.

Courtesy of Sarah Kornely

Pepper left the stage after the acoustic set and returned  to cheers for their encore which was a few fan favorites.  The set was capped off with their newest single “Warning” which was recorded with the band Stick Figure, but tonight, Joe Samba and his band returned to the stage to fittingly cap off the evening.  It was an energetic rendition with members of both bands jumping around the stage, dancing, and interacting with one another.  After the song Joe and his bandmates waved goodbye as the crowd roared their approval. Pepper remained on stage as Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line” poured over the speakers and the house lights came up. As the audience began to disperse, the artists mingled with the fans who adoringly refrained from leaving, signing autographs for them.  They welcomed the crowd and played into them waving, smiling, and striking poses. Brett even tore off one of his white sneakers, licked it and threw it at the fans!  

Pepper is coming back to Colorado on June 18 to play at Red Rocks with Stick Figure and The Elovaters.

The post Pepper and Joe Samba entertain fans at historic Boulder Theater appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

(All photos courtesy of Alexi Molden.)

As a journalist, there is a vast range of topics to pursue, but when I was asked to review my first Opera, I did not know what to expect. I didn’t want to spoil the show by watching other performances of “Manon.” Rather, I indulged in the experience as something new in an unfamiliar setting to me. 

“Manon” by Jules Massenet, presented by Boulder Opera, had showings at the Dairy Arts Center on February 18th and 19th. Located off of 28th Street and Walnut Street in Boulder, Colorado, the show’s devoted cast and crew ingeniously incorporated traditional elements of drama and tragedy into their reimagined show.

Manon is a French girl sent by her father to Paris to join the Convent. With a rebellious need to be free, Manon runs away with a man who offers her the prospect of marriage. She then finds herself fleeing once again to live amongst Parisian elites. After a series of reunifications, mishaps, and illness, Manon — bound for deportation— dies in the arms of her lover: The Chevalier Des Grieux.

The Dairy Arts Center offers a few different theaters with the largest housing 250 guests. For reference, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center of Performing Arts can hold 2,200 spectators. This cozy setting is one of the many reasons to attend the Dairy Arts Center. The size of the theaters wasn’t a hindrance to the performance at all.

In fact, “Manon” was a much more intimate experience than any other musical or play. The performers and audience were separated by only a few feet of carpet. There were many times during the show when protagonist Manon, played by Amy Maples, seemed to be singing directly to you. Her eyes would lock onto someone in the audience, and with the swift movements of her voice, you would become entranced in the sound.

Brief pauses in between the show’s acts and scenes allowed the audience to watch the changing of the scenery. This is often done off stage or behind a closed curtain, but Stage Manager, Courtney Navarre, made an experience of this crucial behind the scenes work.

The theater’s acoustics made this incredible performance possible. I was immersed in the story because of the singers. Their high notes would hit the walls and create beautiful overtones that  layered perfectly. The notes’ arms wrapped themselves around the audience. Their energy exposed our emotions as we empathize with poor Manon.

The audience’s proximity to the orchestra gave a similar feeling. Located on stage with the other performers, the depth and range of tone in each instrument was heightened. The music played would become unimaginably loud, and in the moments following would return to its quiet melodies. The distance between instruments was noticeable and it played into the set-up and use of the whole stage and theater.

A projected image and a few interchangeable tables and chairs comprised the set. With the space provided, the set design was able to masterfully portray the Opera’s various locations. Additionally, this made the show more accessible because an English transcript at the top of the screen allowed non-French speaking people to gain insights into what was being sung outside of the raw emotion found in the singing.

Each of the character’s costume designs was another well thought out move to give context to the audience. Again, these costumes were simplistic, but their simplicity conveyed the most accurate depiction of the characters and the moderately wealthy socialites in Paris during the time period. Were they the most accurate, period costumes? No, but I was able to get a deeper understanding of Nicholas Navarre’s character, Guillot, based on his costume design.

The Dairy Arts Center’s welcoming approach to its audiences made my first opera a one-of-a-kind experience. Uplifting local artists and presenting them to Boulder and the surrounding communities is important to maintaining and developing a thriving arts scene. Students and community members alike can share their love and appreciation for these organizations by simply attending these shows that are created by world class artists.

The post REVIEW: “Manon” by Jules Massenet appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Courtesy of Paiste

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sampson Hellerman, drummer from the LA-based funk and soul band Ripe ahead of their show at the Boulder Theater on Dec. 5. Insightful, open and funny, Hellerman spoke to me about the realities of being a working band on the road, the importance of trust when building songs, their new singles and upcoming album, and much more.

I want to start out and talk about your history a little bit. What’s your background in music? How did you first get on a kit and how did Ripe come together as a band?

I grew up in New York City and my dad is a big music guy. So for me, I was exposed to, I guess what you could call the “classics” early on, you know, the Keith Moons and the John Bonhams and all that. From a very young age for me, it was sort of like, “Whoa, drums are crazy.” It was always a trip, playing drums in New York City, because we were living in apartments and all that. But my dad would get first floor apartments that have basements and we’d build a soundproof wall. And we’d still get kicked out every year. It was really through discovering great drumming that made me think “Oh shit, you got to do that.” And then I had a bunch of bands growing up. I was always playing in bands. I had one band that I was feeling pretty invested in that sort of fell apart last minute right before college. So I got into Berkeley. I was living with a guy who used to be in the band who’s not in the band anymore. We had an apartment, we didn’t dorm. We were sort of too late to dorm. And we quickly realized we had no idea how to meet people. So we would have these open door parties. The first party we ever had, there comes Robbie [our lead singer] walking in. The three of us just sort of sat down and did a little jam, wrote a little song and put it up on SoundCloud and it got some good love. We were just like, “Alright, well, I guess we gotta do that again.” And here we are 11 years later.

I got to say, you guys are one of my all time favorite festival finds. I came across you guys at Summer Camp in 2016. How does the festival experience compare to a more standard show?

I very much came from Grateful Dead jam. That was really where I had my inception. So, I think that for me– and I do think I speak for everybody when I say this– we’ve always had the idea of being a crossover band, you know, a band that has songs on the radio, but has that die hard  level of live show commitment. We don’t want to just be a radio band or just be a jam band, There was always going to be both and we’d always straddle the line. I think those festivals obviously have different identities. We just did Austin City Limits, some very different festivals from Summer Camp. Summer Camp has a very different energy and a very different vibe than Bottle Rock in Napa or Austin City Limits. I think that it’s those jam festivals, it’s Summer Camp, and it’s Moe.down or Tumble Down, all these festivals where you find these people that live and breathe music and bands in a way that normal humans don’t. And I feel comfortable saying that because I am one who has seen 75 Phish shows and sees every Grateful Dead iteration that comes around. When you fall in love with a band the way that these fans do, you’re in it for life. And that is the kind of fan that we want because that’s the kind of fan we are. I think those festivals were so vital for us early on, too, just sort of start cultivating that community.

Your shows are so communal. They feel like everyone’s in it together. That fully stems from the energy y’all bring to the stage. Every time I’ve seen y’all, it’s jumping, sweating, arms around the people next to you. Those are the kinds of shows that really stick with a person. Could you speak to what you think creates a great performance? And would you share any major onstage moments that really stick out to you?

When we play our song “Little Lighter” and we get to the last chorus. Robbie says “jump” and everyone jumps. Everyone’s partying and everyone’s jumping, and everyone is doing the same thing, everyone is on the same wavelength, everyone is on the same page. But you’re right. I love all sorts of music, right? And I’m not even gonna say a band. But you know, you’ll go to a show and it’s a band that you really love and you’re just sort of watching the album, right? You’re just watching the song being played, which is great. Not shitting on it. I think that is its own sort of thing. But for us, it was always and still is that we want it to be this cathartic release. It’s an experience. It’s not just a concert. It’s not just a show. It’s not just an event. It is an experience with the people around you. It is a moment in time to put away everything that isn’t right. There it is. It is a moment to be completely present. Because on our best nights, we are completely present. I said this before to my bandmates, like the best shows, the show ends and you walk off the stage and it’s like you’re snapping out of a fugue. Like, “I don’t remember a single thought I had for the last 90 minutes.” You’re just so present. I think the goal is very much for the band to feel that way and for crowds to feel that way. It’s that symbiotic relationship that does go back to that jam band sphere. But you elevate it a little bit. It is a party and it is this high energy, cathartic release of energy.

One thing that I’m interested in is the general public’s idea of what being in a band is. People think “sex, drugs, rock and roll” all the time but really, it’s late nights, hard work, and rather rough living. So could you maybe clear up some of that? Or share something that you think that the general public should understand about touring? And then also maybe a couple of tips for maybe some younger bands who are still trying to find their footing? 

Absolutely. It’s funny, you say that, man. It’s so true. I just started in the early stages of a relationship with this girl, and she was telling her parents and her sister about me. And they were all totally skeeved out. They’re like, “A drummer guy? Are you sure? You know what they do.” But it’s like, “no, no, you guys have no idea.” I think it’s tough. And we’ve sort of all found that in our lives, even with our family members. You hear someone’s in a band and, like you said, you think “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” But what it really is is running a small business. Nobody really thinks about that. It is very much running a business. We have a daily meeting every day at 11am because we have so many decisions we need to make, from merchandise, to tour routing, to crew, to scheduling writing sessions, scheduling recording sessions, scheduling in general.

To me, the most important work in the band is making sure we all like each other and that we’re all friends. Because touring is really, really hard. Touring is long, long hours over long stretches of time. You’re away from your home or away from your family or away from your partners. You’re out there. And it’s hard. It’s really hard. Running any business is hard and this is no different. I think it starts with love, friendship and respect. If you don’t have those feelings towards your bandmates and towards the people you work with, then it’s not going to work in the long run. Our mentality is very much based on longevity. How do we make sure that we can do this for a lifetime to come? I have always felt that the real work is making sure that everybody is copacetic on a personal level. Me, John and Robbie are gonna go on a hike in Malibu today. And while it is very much a day off, for me, that is really important. Going to grab coffee with your bandmates or going to have dinner, going on a hike and just making sure that you have these people’s backs and they have your back. Because when you’re out there, and you’re on tour, and it’s week 8 of 10 and you haven’t seen your own bed in a long time, just barely gripping the sanity, these are the people you turn to. Especially when you’re in a touring band, you finish the show, you drive back to the hotel, you probably get to sleep for four or five hours, wake up, drive to the next city, do it all again. There’s no time for sex, drugs and rock and roll. That’s the thing that nobody tells you. You’re working hard. It’s not how it was in the 1980s. It’s just not the world that we live in and operate in.

To any young touring band, I think all I can say is that the most important thing is you have to really, really love the music that you’re playing. You have to love it. Because you’re going to be playing it night after night after night. Same songs night after night after night for years. So you have to love the music. You have to love the people you’re touring with. We’ve had amazingly talented people on both crew and hired guns for the band. They can be the two best players in the world, if you don’t vibe with them in the right way, it doesn’t matter how great they are. You need to be able to sit in a room with someone for weeks on end, and not get sick of them or get sick of them and be able to work with that.

We joke around, like, we all went to Berklee College of Music. They should have had a class called Touring 101 where you just sit in the van for 14 hours. Because that is very, very real. You got to love the music. You got to love the people you’re dealing with. You got to love life. You got to love the lifestyle. You gotta get a kick out of leaving the hotel room at 5am with your bags on your back, getting in the van to drive to the next show. You gotta have that feeling of like, “you know, this sucks, but damn, I get to do this. I’m lucky that I get to do this.” We all have that. I think we’re lucky that we ended up with a group of people who really get off on the life. You gotta love it. That’s really what it comes down to.

Great answer. I really appreciate that. I think that comes through very well, just the sense of camaraderie that y’all have. I’m interested in the songwriting process as well. From a lyrical standpoint and musical standpoint, your music is very joyous but also is not afraid to talk about the darker aspects of life. You’ve got lighter songs like “Little Lighter,” but also songs like “Brother Sky” that talk about some pretty heavy stuff. Could you talk about the philosophy you have when building a song?

Yeah, absolutely. Admittedly, Robbie is the one. The lyrics come from his brain. When I say he’s a bro, that is the understatement of the century. There’s so much depth, and wisdom in that guy.  I remember when he wrote the lyrics to “Pretty Dirty,” we must have been like, 19. I just remember thinking “he hasn’t experienced any of this? What is he talking about?” But it’s this old soul wisdom that he has. I mean, he’s just such a really remarkable human. I think that we all trust in his brain and his ability to explore life. And that’s really what he’s talking about. He’s talking about life. He’s talking about his experience of living, he’s talking about our experiences of living. He and I were in a room yesterday writing a song with some songwriters out here in LA. I was in real time going through, I don’t want to call it a crisis, but a thing I was going through, and he was taking what I was going through, and he was putting it into the song. And even though I wasn’t the one writing the lyrics, here was this extremely cathartic experience of my real time experience being put into these words that I so deeply resonate with. I just fully trust him to speak on my behalf and to speak about my life on my behalf. We all do. The trust there is pretty unshakeable. I think we really just, we believe in him and we believe in his worldview, and we believe in who he is as a person and what he has to say, and what he has to say on behalf of all of us. And it’s very, very rare that we would be like, “Hey, why don’t you try this word here?” Because it’s just almost never been necessary.

What’s your philosophy with supporting those lyrics musically?

Songwriting has really developed and changed for us over the years. It used to be we all got into a basement and just sort of yelled at each other for a couple hours and then all of a sudden there’s a song. Then we started getting involved in the writing scene out here in LA. We sort of started discovering smaller group writing. Like, “Let’s take two guys from bands and put them in a room with a producer or writer and really highlight that person’s ideas and trust that. So if John and Robbie and a producer are in the room, it doesn’t make that song, any less of a Ripe song, or my song. It is our music collectively. The ability to trust each other, whether it is the lyrics, or the guitar part or the drums, trusting your bandmates that we all know how to convey what we’re trying to convey for the larger group for the band. We go into the studio, and it’s like, “Okay, I had no part in writing those words or that guitar part, but I’m trusting these people to speak on my behalf.”

On the business behalf and talking about what I can tell young bands, for me, you have to be able to trust people that you are working with. I mean, it’s America, you’re putting your license with these people. If you don’t trust them to speak on your behalf, whether that is lyrically, or musically, you’re gonna have some problems.

Just to piggyback off that question, one of my favorite things about you guys is that you have some great bridges. I mean songs like, “Follow Through” and “Brother Sky,” there’s so many good ones. Is there a secret to a great bridge?

I feel like a lot of our bridges probably started as the chorus and we were like, “You know what, I think we can beat that. But we still want to keep that section so let’s make it the bridge.” I don’t know. I feel like most bridges don’t get written as a bridge. They were probably something else first and ended up getting beat.

I appreciate it. And that brings me to my last question. Just to touch on some of the new music, do you think of it in a sense of  evolution or  a continuation? You mentioned that your approach has evolved quite a bit over the years. So are there things that you’ve done in the past that maybe you try to avoid now? And also, could talk a little bit about what it’s been like being back in the studio since your last release in 2018?

I think for us, stagnation is death, right? Like you stop growing, you sort of end right there. Because, you talk about longevity, we have to stay on our toes. We have to stay creatively interested. And we are changing as people. We are growing, we’re maturing. So naturally, our creativity follows suit. As much as I really love that first EP we did in 2013, it’s like, we are so far past that in so many ways. We recorded that in a classroom at Emerson College. I hope we never ever have to record an album in a classroom at a college ever again because we want to do it right. I think it’s so important to grow. It’s so important to allow your creativity to mature and blossom. A lot of our processes have changed and a lot of the things we have to say have changed.

I look at Joy in the Wild Unknown and I look at this new album that we’re going to be putting out in a couple of months. There is a sense of realness, and a sense of darkness and a sense of pain and heaviness that we didn’t have in 2017. We lived five more years of life and we went through a pandemic. We went through changes within the band, and we went through some very challenging personal growth as individuals. That feeling of “let’s go find joy in the wild unknown” doesn’t make that go away. It doesn’t negate that, but it’s now a more complex feeling. Now there are more colors in our lives. We’re not in our early 20s anymore anymore. I turn 30 tomorrow and it feels different and there are more colors to it. It’s the necessity to be able to say that in the music and to put that into the music, I think is part of why we’re able to still do this.

To any fans out there who just want to hear the joyful stuff, it’s not even like tough luck, because I want to hear what they need to hear. But at a certain point as artists, we do have other things to say. Man, it’s been a really tough few years. It’s been really, really hard to write. You’re not just writing songs about, you know, “I feel a little bit lighter now.” Because we don’t, you know. Now it’s like, “waiting for things to get better/ feels a lot like settling.” We need to go out there and talk and do something about it. It’s just a very different time and we’re different people. You sort of have to let the creative process grow with who we are as individuals. And I think that that made the studio process of recording this new album really special.

It’s the Time Capsule moments where I can think of recording Joy in the Wild and then I can think of recording Hey Hello and how we all felt and how we all were as people. I remember when we recorded “Settling” and “Noise in the Forest,” it was two days after the George Floyd murder. There were protests in the streets. We were terrified that those of us who had gone to protests were bringing COVID into the studio. It was like, “Okay, but we’re here. We’re here to make this music. Let’s make it.” But there was an intensity in the air. I mean, it was thick. Now when I listen to those songs, I think back to that, and I remember that, and this whole album, I remember writing and recording it in the middle of like, we don’t even know if we’re ever gonna get to play shows again. So all we can do is create and make music like we know we can and get into the studio together. We’re allowed to do that. We all took our tests. We all quarantined for two weeks to make sure we could and it felt— I feel like I’ve used the word “cathartic” a bunch in this interview— but it did feel cathartic because it was like, “this is something we can control. We can get into the studio and make music. We can’t play shows right now. We can’t tour, but we can record.” And that album ended up getting us the record deal with Glassnote and has really been our jumping off point to getting back into the world.

COVID, which, I know a lot of people feel like it’s over, but let me tell you from the touring side, it’s not. We are still very much in a post-pandemic world where a lot of people don’t want to go back and a lot of people don’t have the money to go back to shows. Ticket sales are suffering across the board. We’re still there in a lot of ways but it gave us the ability to get into the studio. That was the most normal feeling thing we could do. It was like pressing pause on everything else. We can still record. We’re not dead because it felt like we were. It felt like “Holy shit, we’re a band who tours. That’s who we are.” When that stopped, it’s like, “Who the f*** are we? Who am I?” We all had to go through that individually and collectively. So being in the studio during that was pretty, pretty vital, I’d say.

Thank you for that. That was the last one I had for you. For what it’s worth, I think the world needs bands like Ripe right now, so congratulations on the Glassnote signing and happy birthday, man.

Awesome, man. Thank you and thanks for taking the time.

The post A Conversation with Sampson Hellerman, drummer from Ripe appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally when masses of Americans come out of their winter shells and start stretching toward the sun and other activities to get their blood pumping. This year, we are “especially hungry,” in the words of Erin Barnes of Meow Wolf, to experience something more socially connecting than just a BBQ or hike. That’s why, as public relations manager, she scheduled their Danceportation PARTY PORTAL event over this long holiday weekend, and it was a hit. Over four floors, a rotating cadre of DJs pumped music into arenas of art that seemed designed for this endeavor. Partygoers danced, explored, laughed, talked, and breathed all throughout the different metaverses created inside that awkward-seeming white building sitting hunched between the freeways in downtown Denver.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

Choosing to embark in social gatherings again like dance parties is a big decision after two and a half years of living with Covid. Meow Wolf has been especially cognizant of how COVID has shaped our world, since the Denver installation opened during 2021; they began their life at 65% capacity and have been sitting there since. The PARTY PORTAL series of events isn’t a stunt to try and up those numbers, though: all other Meow Wolf installations have raves once a quarter, and we’re well behind the curve because of COVID.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

There is no pushing the envelope when it comes to safety. Every employee is tested every two weeks, and training for other potential risks is ongoing. Every employee recently underwent training to recognize when someone has been rufied or when someone may be attempting to roofi another. That sense of safety was very tangible among the partygoers throughout the night, a distinct difference from a regular club setting. Meow Wolf staff is also equipped with appropriate overdose countermeasures (such as Narcan or Naloxone) to assist in the rare case someone would need it. Security and other staff say drug use at Meow Wolf and their special events is rare, and the experience at Danceportation bears that out. Partygoers were all about immersing themselves in the pre-prepared psychedelic experience of the installation, elevated by the added art of the DJs. What a truly ecstatic communal experience, without the need for any additional stimulants. Although regularly placed carts provided alcohol, there were mocktails, coffee, and even MoonWater (it’s locally bottled Denver water). 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

The entirety of the art encompassing the visitor to Meow Wolf was enhanced exponentially by the talented performances of the DJs and the expert sound systems. The seamless joining of each area of the installation made Convergence Station transform into the living piece of art it truly is; the dancers in their exciting and artful club wear only heightened the entire experience. The respect and joy present in this environment was almost startling after such a long time apart from social outings. Six hours dancing and playing Disco Bingo at this event will fill your cup for a long time.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

From the time we entered the installation to when we left, we were greeted with joyful beings tangibly excited to share this experience with us. Watching dancers break dance for the first time since we were in high school provided a nostalgia shot. The communal feeling of serenity and happiness as we traversed each area of each floor is definitely an experience worth repeating. The installation seemed to throb and bounce itself with the beat of the DJs and the heartbeats of the partygoers. The costumed docents were full of life and energy, their smiles and engagement almost contagious. We left feeling tired but uplifted, excited to share the next Danceportation event with friends and family. 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Checkout the Meow Wolf website for future Danceportation and PARTY PORTAL events.

The post Danceportation: Just the Ticket to a Joyful Trip appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

I talked with Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Musselwhite from his home, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. We talked about his latest release, which was his first solo album in seven years, touring in Colorado, how COVID lockdowns affected him and his ability to enjoy whatever creative gifts come his way. 

Outside of his music on blues harmonica and guitar, Musselwhite has developed deep collaborations and friendships with industry legends. Two highlights include a classic and productive partnership with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Elvin Bishop, and a life-long friendship with John Lee Hooker who was the best man at his wedding to wife Henrietta. He’s shared the stage with many more and his career is rich enough that he’s credited as the inspiration for Dan Akroyd’s character Elwood Blues in the legendary Saturday Night Live recurring sketch — and later 1980 comedy film — Blues Brothers. 

photos courtesy of Charlie Musselwhite – Mississippi Son

Throughout the interview, Musselwhite was incredibly gracious and at the end talked about his on-screen acting role in Martin Scorcese’s first western, Killers of the Flower Moon. It’s a film that’s packed with Hollywood royalty and Scorcese veterans, but more personally, has a connection to a gun in his office and Musselwhite’s great grandfather and namesake. 

YS: Congrats on your new release and your tour. You’re coming to Colorado later this month, but you’ve played in the state before. We’re glad to have you back.

CM: I’ve been playing Colorado for decades … a  lot of the ski resort towns and places like Boulder and Denver. I’ve been to Greeley Blues Jam, too. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Winter Park, but I’m looking forward to it. 

YS: It’s a beautiful place. And you’ll be playing from your latest release, Mississippi Son?

CM: Absolutely.

YS: When I listened to it the other day, one track stood out to me. Probably because I’m a Guy Clarke fan. It was his song you re-did, “The Dark.” When you played it, I felt like you stripped away the music so listeners could focus on his images and your voice. Can you tell me about your process for choosing and recording it?

CM: I don’t remember where I first heard it, but I really liked the song and the thought behind the words and I thought that’d be a good tune for me to do if I could kind of blues it up. 

YS: You’ve played with Guy Clarke?

CM: Sure. We’ve done some shows together before in the past. I think the last time I saw him was in West Virginia on a radio show.

YS: How did you pick the other songs for Mississippi Son? 

CM: It was just kind of a spontaneous thing and it was when the pandemic was going on. I had some time on my hands and my friend of mine, just three blocks from my home, has a studio. We’re just fooling around and I was playing guitar and he said he wanted to tape some of these tunes, you know, just to have on hand. That’s how much planning went into it. 

We started recording some tours and at some point somebody said, you know, this could turn out to be an album. So, we brought in a drummer and a bass player for a few tunes. It just turned out so easy. It’s like falling off the log.

YS: With this release, your productivity continues. Can you tell me more about that? 

CM: Well, I like what I do and even if I never had a career in music, I’d still be playing. I’ve been real lucky to have a career in music, but it wasn’t what I set out to do. The music took me where it wanted.

YS: And it’s still taking you.

CM: Yeah, I enjoy it. And I don’t ever think about it from the point of view of what’s commercial. I just play what I like. And I hope somebody else will too.

YS: Do you feel like your productivity could even be increasing? Or how has your art changed in the last couple of years or last decade or so compared with your earlier self?

CM: Well, a few days ago, somebody called and asked me what I was doing. I said, I was just practicing. I think I’m starting to make some progress. It seems like the more I learn, the more there is to learn. It’s just fascinating. I’m always looking for new twists and turns to the music and to be able to play it and get it across to the people.

And I’m still doing duo shows with Elvin Bishop. We had a lot of fun. We just sit down side-by-side and I’ll play and they’ll play and we’ll tell stories or about things that happen to us and often amusing stories. So the audience really enjoys it. And we do two months. I already have another album in the can, as they say. So there’s all kinds of stuff to do.

YS: So, as we’re talking, I’m curious how COVID-19 lockdowns affected your work. All that time while the world took a giant pause. 

CM: So for me, it was a tremendous break. I didn’t even realize how great it would be at home for that long. I’ve been on the road, you know, 60 years or something living out of a suitcase. I didn’t miss my suitcase at all. 

It was really great to be at home and I could actually start a project and end it. And I got to sit around and just played guitar. I didn’t have to have any kind of structure. I got a lot of ideas doing that.

YS: I’m also curious about your collaboration with Ben Harper. Can you tell me more about what it was like for you?

CM: He’s a great songwriter. He’s written tons of songs and he’s very young, creative, and he loves blues. I just adapt myself to his style on this album, which is a slow blues. We were so kicked-back and relaxed in the studio. You can actually bring me laughing and talking because I didn’t know what to do when we were recording. I just thought we were having a good time. And when somebody left the studio, you can hear him slam the door.

photos courtesy of Charlie Musselwhite – Mississippi Son

YS: Does this remind you of any other collaborations?

CM: It can be a fun and interesting challenge to find myself in different situations and figure out how I can fit in with that. Like, when I was on the road with Cyndi Lauper for a couple of years and she loves blues but we were doing her hits too. And so, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” had a harmonica still.

YS: And you played with INXS.

CM: “Suicide Blonde.” I didn’t even know —I never heard of them. I was in Australia, doing a tour and somebody would be in my hotel and they said, “we hear you’re coming to Sydney and we’re recording in the studio and would like for you to come in and record with us. if you’d like.” I said, “oh yeah. Sure. I’ll come over after I get off the phone.” I said, “who is this ‘in excess?’” They said, “You never heard of them?” They only sold 15 million records last year.” Well, I’ve heard of them now.

YS: And anything interesting coming up that we can look forward to? I read you’re going to be touring again with Blind Boys of Alabama?

CM: Yeah, and with my own band and with Elvin Bishop and things like that. Oh, and I’m in a movie. A Scorcese movie.

YS: A Scorcese movie?

CM: Yeah. With Jessee.. Jessee…

YS: Plemons?

CM: Yeah. Jessee Plemons. And DiNero, and DiCaprio.

YS: Wow. What’s the movie about?

CM: It’s based on the book called Killers of the Flower Moon, which is a true story about murders that happened in Oklahoma. The book is a picture of an outlaw named Al Spenser. He had a gang and they robbed banks and trains. Well, Spencer’s rifle is right here in my office because he died in the shootout with my grandfather, whose name was Charlie Musselwhite.

YS: That’s quite a story and an amazing connection. How did you get involved with the movie?

CM: One of the ladies that does casting saw me and a video about the 60th anniversary of Arhoolie records where they had all the artists that recorded with them doing a tune and talking or something. And she saw that and thought I’d be perfect for this part and I think she was right.

YS: Are you playing music in it?

CM: No, I’m not playing anything. I’m acting. 

YS: Aside from music and film is there any other art form you like to do?

CM: Sure. I read a lot. I don’t know if you call that art, but I enjoy it. My mom was a painter, and I go to museums when I have a day off in a foreign city— Amsterdam, Paris. To the museums and see real good art.

YS: Is there anything else you’d like people to know? 

CM: You know, things are maybe getting back to normal and it feels like I’m getting back out on the road. Now coming to a town near you. And I hope people will come out and see us and bring it and dance.

YS: And you’ll just keep playing, right?

CM: Yup. Will do. 

Charlie Musselwhite is appearing in Colorado at Winter Park’s Blues from the Top on June 26. Read his bio or purchase past music at charliemusselwhite.com/about or download his album, Son of Mississippi, from Alligator Records at alligator.com/albums/Mississippi-Son-CD

The post Charlie Musselwhite on the Blues, Creative Longevity, and a New Film Role appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Erie, CO (June 13^th, 2022) – Being Better Neighbors, a local non-profit and community organization in partnership with the Town of Erie and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board, is proud to present the 2^nd Annual Juneteenth celebration on June 18^th, 2022 from 12pm-4pm. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, and the newest federally-recognized national holiday.

This event will be held in historic downtown Erie, on Briggs St. The Juneteenth Celebration will include live entertainment, food trucks, a beer tent, vendors, kids’ activities, and more. The event is free to attend, so bring your friends and a water bottle, and take in the festivities!

The Juneteenth Celebration will feature musical and dance acts from DJ Digg, Mokomba Ensemble, Raw Groove, and Soul School. For a full schedule, please see our Facebook event or our website.

Being Better Neighbors is a non-profit organization established to embrace Erie’s growing diversity and to ensure we live in a welcoming and inclusive town. The organization began from a resident’s effort to host a march for racial justice in spring of 2020, which attracted 1000 residents from Erie and surrounding towns. Seeing the interest in racial justice and inclusion, the organizers of the march created Being Better Neighbors, which hosted the first annual Juneteenth celebration in Erie in 2021, shortly after Juneteenth was declared the newest national holiday. The organization hopes to continue hosting events and raising awareness for all of our diverse population.

The post Being Better Neighbors hosts the 2nd Annual Juneteenth June 18th, 2022 in Erie Colorado appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Todd Snider spoke to us about his tour, his new album, and a few things in between

Throughout his storied career, Todd Snider has been something of a standout in the folk scene due to his easy-going storytelling and unique sense of humor. Ahead of his May 22 stop at the Boulder Theater on his Pickin, Grinnin’, Tellin’ Stories, Taking Requests tour supporting his latest album, “First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder,” Snider spoke with us with humor, honesty, and insight. We spoke about storytelling, songwriting, putting an album together in the midst of the pandemic, as well as friends that have been lost along the way. 

Hey Todd, how’s it going? 

I’m doing good, man, thanks for calling. 

No problem. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. How are you feeling about coming back to Colorado in the next few days? 

Oh, I always love playing Colorado. Got a lot of friends up there. Just a lot of music friends. And then Jeff Austin is an old friend from there. So it’s always bittersweet to be back there without him. I really miss having him to talk to.

Absolutely. 

But I mean, it’s a great, great place for music out there. You know, there are so many great musicians there, and you know, people really love it.

So to talk about your tour, you’re doing kind of a storytelling, interactive kind of thing, right?

Yeah, a little bit. I don’t really have a big setlist. I play from all over– I’ve made too many albums and I play a little from all of them. And yeah, if I can hear real clearly what someone yells for, I do it. Sometimes they’re all yelling at the same time, it’s hard to hear one at all. But yeah, take requests, tell a bunch of stories and shit. Usually, the stories are just about how come I made a song. 

Right on. I guess if you’re doing that way, I assume that there are some stories that you find yourself telling more often than others. 

Yeah. The thing I do with that is, for 20 some years now, we’ve kept track of every setlist in every town I’ve done. I have it all. And so I’ll make sure that with the story part, I just make sure I’m not gonna tell the one that I did last time. It seems like usually, I’ll get a new story because I can’t really tell the old one anymore, or you know, they’ve run their course. So that part is usually like, this year, there’s been a couple of stories I tell a bunch. George Bodecker, who does Crocs and he’s from Boulder, is one of the stories that I’ve been telling repeatedly. I have this other story I kind of have told a bunch of times this year. And then, every once in a while, somebody will yell for some story from a live record and I’ll tell it again if the mood’s right. 

Are there any stories that you wish you had the opportunity to tell more often, stories that you feel like you haven’t shared as much?

No, it’s more like, where am I gonna get more of these things? They’ve suddenly become like songs. At first, I was just babbling. And then it started when I was like, “Well, I just did America last year. And I told that one story, I gotta think of another,” and then all of a sudden, it became like songs, you know? So, what I do is, I just keep trying to live them, you know? 

Yeah, totally.

You just try to be someone who’s willing to go do stuff, and then usually some shit will happen.

Right on. You’re talking about taking requests. Is there one song that gets requested more often than others?

No, actually, you’d be surprised. You’d think it might be the beer one. I’ve got a song called “Beer Run,” but for some reason, people don’t yell for that one very much. I get that sometimes. But usually, it’s like always odd and different. There’s one called “Play a Train Song” I’ll get pretty much every night if I haven’t played it in a while. But there’s not really a “Free Bird” in there.

That’s got to keep it interesting for you, to have a bunch of variety?

Yeah, that way, when I do it like that, it has been making the setlist more unique and just listening to them and just going “yeah,” and it’ll usually be stuff I haven’t played in a while.

Personally, my favorite of yours is “Alright Guy.” I love that song.

All right. Yeah, I think that I did that before I made my first record. I got signed to, I think it was like Capitol Records. So I did one demo session and got fired. On the way back home from the session, I made up, “Alright Guy.” 

That’s awesome. It’s got a great chorus and, you know, it makes me laugh, too. 

Hey, thanks, man.

No problem. To talk about your latest album, I’ve listened to it a few times now and I really dig it. It deals with, and a lot of your other work does this too, it deals with a lot of these really big, existential ideas. You talk a lot about faith, your place in the world, life and death, and stuff. But you do it with a real sense of humor that I appreciate and makes these ideas much more relatable. I was just wondering if you could talk a little bit about how you keep that sense of humor going when you’re dealing with those huge concepts.

Oh, man, thank you. You know, I’m a stoner, and I think it’s a trait that potheads maybe do that a little. For me, I’m really trying to be aware that I don’t have information to pass on. I can talk. But it’s not for any reason. And if I keep that in mind, it keeps me from talking myself up or telling people what to do. There are folk singers that, I mean, we learn like four chords and rhymes and words and that’s it. It doesn’t make us a person who should be educating groups. That’s my opinion, I try to avoid trying to speak with authority, and then if I can do that it usually ends up being funny.

I really appreciate the way you handled things, especially on the second to last track when you’re talking to God. I was really moved by what you’re saying. But also, I was chuckling along the way. I think it really helps those ideas go down easier. 

It means a lot to me. Thank you for telling me that.

Yeah, of course. So, just moving on with more of the album questions this one sounds a lot different from a lot of the other stuff that I’ve heard from you. You’ve said that you’ve taken a lot of inspiration from people like Parliament and James Brown and those kinds of guys. But you still keep that kind of folky politicism going pretty strong as well. I really liked how you melded that and put that over some really funky grooves. I was wondering if you could talk about the decision to merge genres in the way that you did. 

Oh, man, you’re making me happy today. I’d always wanted to try it and because we had nowhere to go, I had all that time at home, I knew it was gonna take a long time to get it up and going because it would either lean to be too folky or too funky. And then I wanted to do like, I wanted to play all the music and try to do, like, I’ve always heard about people who sort of make the music first. I always wanted to try that, which makes it hard to learn the songs because I’m just kind of just winging them. And yeah, they’re gonna have to go back and learn them when they’re done. It was fun. I’ve always wanted to try that. I always figure that’s what the big rock groups do. I have this little studio that’s mine. It’s not the greatest studio in the world, but it didn’t cost me any money. With all that time off, I could really take my time. Good bass players could do that in one try. I was having to do it all day to get that little bit. 

Did you play drums on it too?

No, but I did create those parts. I would come up with these rhythm patterns like the kick part, and that would be the beginning of it. [The drummer] was so fun. His name is Robbie Crowell, and he would start with a click track, but I would play it anyway. I just like get a kick, snare, kick, snare, and then I would sing and he’d do that. And then he’d do a whole nother drum part over that, and then sometimes a whole nother one over that. And then we’d asked, and then we’d also put percussions on it. Our work was all about drum stuff. And we would put all kinds of stuff on and then take it off and, like a different drum kick kit will come in here and go out there. It was so fun. You know, I think young people make records like that, you know? But I mean, old folk singers never get to jerk around with that kind of shit.

You don’t hear a lot of the beats that you’re using in typical folk songs.

That makes me happy. I was getting into all those drummers like Stubblefield. Yeah. And then there was another one. [Laughs] You’ve got me rambling. I was on the idea and all I thought I needed was a drummer and then I couldn’t get any drummer to get into the idea. Then this one guy,  Robbie was the first guy to say, “Oh, yeah, man, I’ve been playing that. I was in a James Brown cover band.” So I said, “Sounds like you might be my guy.” It was awesome. 

Right on. Yeah, that’s super cool. Did you record it in Nashville? 

Yeah, it’s called the Purple Building in East Nashville. It’s always been a rehearsal hall. And then when the pandemic came, we bought a bunch of mics and cameras, so we could do our podcast, or whatever, we did every Sunday. Almost like cyber busking, you know?

Yeah, that’s cool.

Then we realized we had this. We were like, “Shit, we have great microphones, and we didn’t have any separation. But we had good mics and good gear, and so we did it. Robbie would play drums, and I would sing, and then we would take that vocal off, but we’d get a drum track and then we’d start piling on. 

That’s so interesting, repurposing places and using getting creative with recording and things like that. Nashville is a great town for that.

I love it. I wish I was better at it. And I really appreciate that you really spent a minute with our record, that makes me feel good.

Absolutely. I mean, I really dug it. So, one other thing about the record, and we don’t have to get too deep into this if you don’t want to, but obviously on the record, you talk a lot about lost friends. You mentioned Colonel Bruce [Hampton] and you mentioned Jeff [Austin] earlier and obviously John Prine. I just want to ask about not how their deaths impacted you but how their lives impacted you and your music and your career.

No, no, I don’t mind. John, John was like my mentor from the time I was really young. Before I made records, and then when I made records, he really got in and helped me, you know, with the lyrics and stuff or, would help edit that, and then later in life, I met Jeff. We got so close and he turned me into a jam band person almost overnight and he was a tripper, too. I mean, I had been on some trips, but that man was a pro. And then on the album, there is a song called “Sail Along,” which is based on my last conversation that I had with Jeff, and he just needed a break. And, you know, everyone always says, “we’ll just do the show, just do the show, and we’ll work it out after” and that was the one time I wish I’d have said, “don’t do the show. Let’s not work it out after.” And that was the night. I mean, I talked to him the night. I talked to him, you know, a few hours before he took his own life. And that, that song, it’s about I talked to him right before like the last gig he played, right? And that song felt like we finally came up with it. It felt like it came really fast after he died. I always thought that I should have tried to make some phrase better than “sail on” but I just couldn’t top it. And I always thought he’s in heaven going “man, you should’ve topped it, man.” 

Well, it’s a beautiful song. It’s very, like, it’s obviously sad, but it’s also quite hopeful at the same time is what I got from it. And it’s really, really moving. And so yeah, I appreciate you sharing that with me.

Yeah, and then there was Neal Casal as well. That was just really a hard few years. It’s been good, too. We’ve been on the road since August. All of us, our whole crew, we just needed to get out of there. Now we have a live record it’ll be out in the fall.

Cool, well I really appreciate you talking to me about all that, man. Any final message you want to put out there before I let you go? 

Let’s see. Something Hunter Thompson. When the going gets weird, the weird go pro.

I love it, man. 

Yeah. Hunter Thompson rules.

Catch Todd Snider at the Boulder Theater on May 22nd and check out his latest album, “First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder” wherever you get your music. Get tickets here: 

https://www.z2ent.com/boulder-theater-venue

The post A Conversation with Todd Snider-Boulder Theater May 22nd, 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Marianas Trench, the Canadian band not the trench in the ocean, has five albums to their name. They are best known for their concept albums, collections of songs that have an interwoven storyline, and on Ever After (2011, 604 Records) even play through as one long song. While they have made it big at home, they are less well known in the U.S.

Marianas Trench on the SPF 80s tour (2016)

The irony of their relative anonymity is that Josh Ramsay, the lead singer and guitarist of Marianas Trench, has had a hand behind the scenes in creating some of these better known artists’ music. He was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2012 for co-writing “Call Me Maybe” with Carly Rae Jepsen. He also co-wrote “Satellite” and “She Keeps Me Up” on Nickelback’s album No Fixed Address (2014, Republic Records).

Josh Ramsay on the Suspending Gravity tour (2016)

In 2015, Ramsay wrote “Story of Another Us” with Luke Hemmings for Hemmings’ band 5 Seconds of Summer. It’s no surprise then that Ramsay’s solo song “Reckless Heart” is reminiscent of 5 Seconds of Summer’s song “Youngblood.”

“Reckless Heart” is track 15 on The Josh Ramsay Show, Ramsay’s debut solo album, dropping April 8 on 604 Records. On this album, Ramsay tries his hand at anything and everything that called to him while he was writing it. The album has been labeled pop, but each track samples its own genre.

Josh Ramsay on the SPF 80s tour (2016)

He brings in nine other artists to feature on some of the songs, including his sister, Sara Ramsay. Together, the siblings pay tribute to their father with the song “Miles and Miles.” On Instagram, Ramsay explained  how he wanted to arrange the symphony in this song to honor his father who taught him to arrange music.

Since both of his parents died last year, Ramsay has a song for his mother on this album as well, “Spellbound.” Ramsay wrote: “I didn’t want to give them sad songs about loss. Instead I wanted to show off the things I can do, because they taught me, and make it about love.”

There are certainly strong beats on this album to love. There’s no mistaking them throughout “You and I” feat. Fionn or in “Try Me,” not to mention the song “Blame It On The Beat.” Almost every song is eminently danceable, long before the first tune that features a DJ plays, “Like There’s Nobody Watching” feat. DJ Sharkpocalypse. 

Things slow down a little for “Delirious” feat. Fefe Dobson, “Like You Do,” and “Can’t Give It Up” feat. Tyler Shaw. For the vocalists out there, Ramsay and Shaw deliver something to appreciate with their runs. Compared to the sing-alongs Ramsay does live, showing off his vocals, these are tame, but they’re certainly more complex than most people could manage.

One of my personal favorites is a song called “Painted Faces.” It’s one of those songs with lyrics that aren’t super straightforward, leaving you to mull over its meaning. A commentary on fame perhaps? 

Similar to Marianas Trench’s 2015 outing  Astoria (604 Records), Ramsay’s compositions on this album evoke the sweeping grandeur of a film score. “Army of One,” “The Ballad of Cheeky Valentino,” and “The Deep Woods” are all instrumentals which should turn the heads of filmmakers looking for the next Mark Mothersbaugh.

Josh Ramsay on the Suspending Gravity tour (2016)

The Josh Ramsay Show is Ramsay’s first full-length solo project, but these are not the first songs he has written and recorded outside of his band. Until the album drops on April 8, check out the singles, “Lady Mine” feat. Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), “Best of Me” feat. Dallas Smith (Default), and “Spellbound.” If those aren’t enough, there are always some of his older projects like “Hit Me Up” with Danny Fernandes or “Sour Candy” with Carly Rae Jepsen.

The post The Josh Ramsay Show: After over a decade of musical collaborations Ramsay is striking out on his own. appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. 

BRINGING MUSIC BACK TO LIFE IN BOULDER OPERA’S FAMILY SHOW: L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES

Boulder Opera performs L’enfant et les sortilèges (Sung in French) in Boulder for ages 6 and up

Boulder, CO – Boulder Opera announces their Family Series performance of L’Enfant et les Sortilèges in December 2021. Boulder Opera brings the enchanting L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Spells: A Lyric Fantasy in Two Parts) by Ravel with stage direction by Dana Kinney, and music direction by Steven Aguiló-Arbues. A lazy child has been grounded. Ordered to stay in his bedroom until dinner time, he takes out his anger on the animals and objects around him. He knocks over a tea service, torments a squirrel and a cat, tears up the tapestry and then his books. Suddenly, as if by magic, these innocent victims come to life and decide to get their revenge. The Opera is one hour long, sung in French with English subtitles. Don’t miss the talented Boulder Opera singers who will turn this story into a display of magical and adventurous opera. Just one hour and followed by a Q&A with the cast. For ages 6 and up.

Mezzo-soprano Jenna Clark, who will be singing the title role in L’enfant (the Child), shares her excitement for Boulder Opera’s Family Series, “I am so excited to help bring Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges to life for both adults and children! It is such a fun & fantastical experience to be drawn into some of the most unique musical storytelling opera has to offer. Being only an hour long, this opera is totally accessible to all ages, providing an imaginary world where kids can react to all the funny characters alongside L’enfant, a small child who throws a tantrum and finds himself in a world of magical beings, while adults can enjoy the deeper meaning behind the music. I will be singing the role of L’enfant, or the child, in this production and I cannot wait to dig deep into the world of this little boy and his big emotions trying to make sense of the world around him.”

Stage director Dana Kinney adds, “I love bringing opera to new audiences, especially young children and their families! I’m so excited to be directing L’enfant as it’s such a magical show that isn’t any longer than an hour. This is the perfect production to bring your little ones to see ordinary things come to life!”

Image courtesy of Boulder Opera

L’enfant et les sortilèges Family Series – Information at a glance

What: L’enfant et les sortilèges by Maurice Ravel. The perfect introduction to Opera: This beloved story will be sung in French with English subtitles. It will feature Boulder Opera’s very own opera singers. Just one hour long and followed by a Q&A with the cast. Stage Director: Dana Kinney

-more-

Contact: Lydia Arnhart | Phone: (512) 574-9304 | Email: lydia@boulderoperacompany.com

When and where:

Friday Dec. 17th, 7:00pm
Saturday Dec. 18th, 7:00pm
Sunday Dec. 19th, 1:00pm & 4:00pm

Dairy Arts Center: $30 general admission, $25 children, students, & seniors
2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302

Tickets: For tickets and more information, please visit www.boulderoperacompany.com/lenfant-et-les-sortilges

The cast for this production:

L’Enfant: Jenna Clark
Maman, A tasse chinoise, la libellule: Kelly Riordan
Le Fauteuil, basse Arbre: Allen Adair
L’Horloge comtoise, Le Chat: Nnamdi Nwankwo
Le Petit Vieillard, La Théière: David Silvano
La Princesse, Le Rossignol, Le Feu: Alice Del Simone
Une pastourelle & chouette: Sarah Kochevar
La Chauve-Souris, pâtre: Casey Clopp
L’Écureuil, La Chatte: Kim Stanish
La rainette: Alexis Haro
Stage Director: Dana Kinney
Pianist: Maggie Hinchcliffe
Conductor/Music Director: Steven Aguiló-Arbues

About the Boulder Opera Company

Founded in 2012 by Artistic Director/Executive Director Dianela Acosta, the Boulder Opera is immersed in its tenth season with a fresh, vibrant approach to the ancient art of Opera. With the intention of developing new audiences, Boulder Opera operatic interpretations are modern, eclectic and fun! The Boulder Opera is committed to making opera accessible, inspiring and engaging to the community. Our goal is to develop new audiences for this old art form, enrich the lives of our community, and provide opportunity to local musicians. Through our Family Series, we explore repertoire in reduced versions with a narrator and an ensemble orchestra. Our full-length productions, which include standard, contemporary, and rarely performed works, are experimental in nature, seeking to reach and entertain new audiences and delight the old. In addition, our outreach program is designed to inspire and educate the young generation about opera and to make connections to other disciplines through our study guides and workshops.

The post Bringing Music Back to Life in Boulder Opera’s Family Show: L’Enfant et les Sortiléges | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

I’ve heard them called by a variety of names including “Los Mocosos”, “The Cochinos” and my favorite “Los Chicharrones”. The last one was used by a friend who knew their name yet enjoyed calling them by her favorite snack. Not many musicians are comfortable being called a “snotty-nosed kid”, yet mocos is Spanish for snot or booger. In the same way we refer to someone as a “snotty-nosed kid”, we would use the term mocoso. The last part of their name refers to a machete, known in Chicano culture as a long-bladed knife used for combat, hunting, or agricultural purposes. Combine these two terms together and you have the meaning of their band name, “snotty-nosed kids used for good”.

If you haven’t heard of them, get to know their name because they are showing up everywhere. Known for their energy and sense of humor, they have a regalo to bring people together and form a community. Unlike any other band in the Colorado music scene, they magically merge Latino, Indigenous, and Chicano cultures while also raising awareness on social issues. Their ability to bring attention to situations that matter to people of color, while also making people laugh and dance, is cosmic. The band is Los Mocochetes and they are right on time for what this world needs.

Los Mocochetes @ La Raza Park PC: M. Cedillo

The band consists of Joser “Jozer” Guerrero (lead vocals and percussion), Joshua Abeyta (guitar, vocals, and horn), Jon Rubio (drums), Elias Garcia (guitar and vocals), Diego Florez (guitar, vocals, and percussion) and Eli Bass Montoya (bass). Watching them perform, it’s obvious they are familia. Their humility and respect for each other is sacred. When asked who in the band they would switch talents with, there was no hesitation to name Eli. A graduate of the School of Denver Arts, Eli is a multi-talented instrumentalist, known for not just his talent, but also for his involvement with the community. He often uses his personal social media to promote fundraisers and other artists.

Spend enough time with them and it’s easy to see they don’t just love what they do, they love they can do it together. “I think we recognize, if we don’t see each other and play music for too long, we feel bad. Even just coming into rehearsal helps us to get ourselves straight. It’s part of our self-care program,” shares Joshua. Eli confirms, “We’re definitely blessed. And we want to give it out for all of our ancestors and all of our elders. For all the bands that came before us here in the city, years before us. We’re always humbled and thankful for the people that came before, so we always try to honor and respect that.” A good example of how they give is their personal commitments to education. Joshua is a freelance educator for private, public, and non-profit settings, Diego is an educator and works with Birdseed Collective, and Jozer is known as a mentor working with youth through Su Teatro. 

Despite their busy schedules, they welcomed an opportunity to gather for an interview. Between the infectious laugh of Diego and Josh’s claim that the Chupacabra inspires him, it’s no mystery as to why so many people love this group. When asked what makes their group so unique, Joshua begins, “When you really speak to that wide lens of assimilation and the intentional destruction of our families, people think about it as being in the past, but families are being separated today. They’re actively still tearing us apart, whether it’s through direct family separation or influencing our communities to stay in poverty. This was an intentional choice on our parts, to create, to bring our family back together. We call each other brothers because we know that any one of us would get up at three in the morning and go pick someone up from the other side of the town if they needed to. That’s really powerful. When there’s so many cards stacked against us, and you have help, that is just amplified.”

Listed in “The Top 27 Best Shows We Saw This Year at UMS” by 303 Magazine, this talented group rocked the stage with their top songs and fan favorites. Brian Loma, a resident of Colorado who runs “Cut the Plastic EMS”, is a known activist and fan, “This year’s Underground Music Showcase, the singing and performing from the mainstage, was AMAZING. If there’s five people, 500 or 5,000 in the audience, they’re going to perform with the same energy and vibrancy for the five people, as they would if there were 5,000. To bring some light into all of the struggles, that stuck with me. Because of them and their music, I danced nonstop this year.”

Los Mocochetes @ UMS 2021 PC: Ean Tafoya

Indigo Rocabado, a musician and previous student of Jozer, shares the importance of Indigenous people in the music industry. “For most of my life, I was in environments with kids that didn’t look like me. I had the cultural aspects like the foods, holidays, and famous people, but no point of reference for what that meant for me in the world. Then I found artists like the Mocochetes and everyone from their circle who gave me a historical understanding. I learned it’s necessary to be loud about your culture and something that I hope everyone in the struggle finds, because it’s so healing to your soul. Whatever release that is, for them to feel genuine and beautiful. To take up space in a world that they deserve and have been denied.”

The Mocochetes have no problem with taking up space. They have played venues all over including the Hi Dive, Raices Brewing Co., Roxy on Broadway, and Mercury Cafe Denver. They’ve also performed at the Westword Music Showcase, Sunnyside Music Festival, Cherry Creek Art Festival, Five Points Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Boulder Arts Outdoors, and Denver Does Denver. Elias shares, “Our music is for everybody, not just one race or one particular person in general. When we play shows, it lets people know that people of color are here in this city. We have a voice and we’re not going to be silenced. Every time we play, people come up to us after the show and share it was a new experience that opened their eyes. It lets them know, we’re here to stay and we’re not going anywhere.”

Los Mocochetes-Joshua & Jon @ La Raza Park PC: M. Cedillo

Los Mocochetes-Elias @ La Raza Park PC: M. Cedillo

Diego confirms, “What was done to us was exclusion. To do that back, is using that colonizers tool against them, that isn’t healing. We’re talking about medicine. How we can bring everything back together as one. That is what is powerful about when we all come together. We’re all contributing in our own way to this one song, this one vision. It’s divine to be able to get six people in the same room, consistently for five years. We all want to be here. To manufacture something that they can feel, something ancient, more powerful, and connecting with their ancestors. Using the music within us, the rhythms of the earth, we express how we think. Once we start vibing, we are all that. We’re thankful for that opportunity, the Creator makes way for that. It’s not we who are giving the shows, it’s what the Creator’s giving.”

Indigo has experienced that connection, “They always make space for me. They’re not stingy with their shine. They don’t have that ego about them where they can’t share the spotlight. They see they have a platform and now it’s time to do the work of uplifting other people with it. It’s definitely different, you don’t see that a lot. I can honestly say, they’ve never made me aware of the fact that I was a woman, in the sense that I’ve always been given the space around them to speak. To contribute and to just be a part of their creative family.”

The band is also known for its generosity. During COVID, they gave a virtual performance in “For the Love of Locals”, a fundraiser to help struggling musicians. Even more impressive was their work with the Fort Collins Musicians Association. The group participated in a sit-down discussion focusing on mental health within the music scene. Jozer explains, “I think medicine, most of the time we think about some sort of pill or injection. We forget that you can heal in many different ways. Music and sound, in the vibrations that we put off, it’s scientifically proven, that is vibration therapy. It’s similar to the energy we send with the lyrics or harmonies we’re playing. Often that can be healing on its own. Every person takes it in their own way. When we’re on, we have that ability to really impact folks and that can be considered medicine.”

Steve Abeyta, who considers Jozer a mentor and father figure, shares, “I just love how deep their music is and how much they voice their opinions on so many different topics. They really care about not only themselves, but the community that they live in.” He shared his favorite memory of the band, “They were performing and started cleaning up. I asked them if they could perform a song for me, which is my favorite song by them. They actually said yes and got everybody back on the dance floor, dancing again!” He continues, “I think all of their songs are healing. They have a message to you. Some of their songs can be goofy and some of them can be very serious. It always comes out in a positive way though and makes you want to reflect, to become a better person and help the world.“

Los Mocochetes-“Giving land acknowledgment.” PC: Hilda Nucete

A long-time friend of the band is Ean T. Tafoya, a known advocate for human rights and the environment. Ean is also a Radio DJ, known as Mr. Denver on “Colorado Culture Connection” on KGNU. He often plays the Mocochetes, “The band is involved and shows up at community events. Showing up is so much of that work! They are building a community and they give me a chance to partner with them. At the UMS, they included photos of my trip to our homeland, of our culture, sacred sites, and sacred places.” The band is known for doing a land acknowledgment before their performances, which are usually done by Ean. He explains, “That’s something that they’ve consistently asked me to do. It’s not just acknowledging the people who were here before us, it is acknowledging the people who are here now. A way of making people hear us. It is a way to educate people, to connect the past with our present in hopes for a better future.“

Brian agrees, “These musicians have a history of telling the stories, transitioning painful histories to the knowledge and mindfulness of honor. We have this big fight right now in the United States over education and about telling the truth. It is telling the true history of humans and what we have the capacity to do toward our fellow humans. You know, there’s an old saying that history forgotten will be repeated. They are a band that speaks true history. It’s paramount we have these voices lifting up the scars of our past, so we can acknowledge them for what they are and move on in a way that doesn’t repeat.”

Elias believes everyone is their own storyteller, “We’re in a place in history where we’ve been resilient and refused to be eradicated. We can tell our own story. That’s what’s at the crux of what we’re saying, that people just want the agency to live their own good life. Part of that is keeping that cultura together, it’s what feeds us. We feed the culture, we preserve it, we’re caretakers and stewards of it. We are continuing that story that was attempted to be erased. A lot of it has been lost, but we’re refining those ways.”

Jozer says their approach to storytelling is intentional, “I always think about it. I tell my students this all the time, especially if they’re writing something. What is the goal of this poem? What is the goal of the song? I often think, what are we doing with our songs? We’re trying to find a way, because we’re not sugarcoating many things. We’re pretty blunt about some of it, but it’s in the delivery, right? It’s how we present it. Like this song about tacos. The song essentially is about why you want to consume our culture but you don’t want to accept our people? We present it in the recipe of my grandmother’s tacos. The message still gets out pretty clear. Most folks are able to digest that a little bit easier and not even realize they’re digesting it until they go home and think ‘Oh, maybe I was thinking about this in the wrong way?’ That’s what art is and that’s why it’s such an important vehicle.”

Los Mocochetes @ The Roxy on Broadway PC: M. Cedillo

Considering their music to be medicine, they were asked if they see themselves as healers. Jon replied, “I’ve got called that a few times myself. People tell us it is a medicine and it does heal people. People want from the music, something they can relate to and have some sense of hope. Whatever people are going through, music is medicine, it has definitely helped me. When I was learning the songs it was very healing. I remember telling Josh, ‘Hey man, this music has healed me. The tough spot I was going through, it really is a medicine!” Music is not just art and art forms, it’s something beyond that, especially if you can reach one person. Then they reach 10 people and those 10 people reach 100 people and you build a community. It’s definitely a blessing to have that platform and to be able to do that. “

Elias adds, “Every single person on this planet has a connection to indigeneity. Every person comes from a culture that was living with and off the land. A culture that had different spiritual practices, hunting, and healing. Different ways of surviving within climates which their body’s adapted to. Culture ties us back to what makes us human. Everybody has culture, how your grandma cooked her soup, how your grandpa prepares their tea.”

“This is a revolution,” proclaims Jozer as he stands, ”I know there’s certain places and certain times where I go up there and it does feel uncomfortable to sing. That’s active evolution. Most importantly though, at the end of the day, it is our duty to continue this work. If you talk about how it used to be illegal for us to do this. Illegal for us to be who we are, then what are we doing if we’re not practicing that? If we’re not taking advantage of what our ancestors and those who came before us fought so hard to do? It doesn’t feel like an obligation, but in a positive way it is. It’s like this duty that our ancestors gave us. This is a talent that we’ve been given for a reason. We hope that it will inspire folks. We hope that impacts other people, in the same exact way that impacted me. We are the actual manifestations of our ancestors’ prayers. We are brought to do this, to be here, to do something positive in our lifetimes.”

The Mocochetes will be the first performance at the Perplexiplex Convergence Station for “La Posada IZCALLI” on December 11, 2021 at Meow Wolf Denver.

Follow Los Mocochetes on Instagram.

The post “Tacos, Rocks and Lucha Libre”: Los Mocochetes- Native American Heritage Series appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. 

Saddle Up With Love Stallion

Glam Rockers Announce Album Release Concert & Party 

Break out the big hair, the tight pants, and the unforgettable music of glam rock. It’s that 80’s sound, reimagined and reinvented  by the legendary Denver band, Love Stallion. A living ode to the glory days of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, the Rockers are at it again, releasing their new album “Hot To Trot” and announcing a new national tour.

On November 12th at the Oriental Theater,  it all kicks off with an album release party and concert. The band will perform their all original music from the forthcoming album “Hot To Trot.”  “We can’t wait to rip your eardrums new a**holes.” Says lead singer Aaron Hart.  “ Get ready to have multiple eargasms.”  Love Stallion will be joined on stage by opening acts Poison’D (tribute to Poison) & Fire And Ice (tribute to Pat Benatar).

“Hot To Trot” is the band’s sophomore album, a follow up to their first in 2018, produced by  Emmy Award Winner and Certified Gold Record producer, Steve Avedis.   From that moment, it’s been a ride as wild as their hair. Love Stallion went on to play The Fillmore Auditorium Denver,  a string of shows promoting their album, and capped it off  taking the stage at the  world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Following, they played at the famous Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, and played their covid comeback show at Levitt Pavilion in June 2021.

Named “One Of the Top 8 Bands Owning Glam Metal,” by Ultimate Guitar, it’s always a night to remember (if you can) and the party is sure to be “Hot To Trot.”

WHO: Love Stallion   www.lovestallionrocks.com

WHEN: Friday, November 12th, 7:30 – 11:45 pm

WHERE: The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Avenue, Denver.

COST: $15. Tickets can be purchased in advance at theorientaltheater.com

Love Stallion

Official Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Spotify
Soundcloud

The post Saddle Up With Love Stallion: Glam Rockers Announce Album Release Concert & Party | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Alexander Roy by Rachel Neville for Colorado Ballet

TICKETS

Tickets range from $40 to $175. Visit COLORADOBALLET.ORG or call Patron Services at 303-837-8888 ext. 2 to purchase tickets.

To continue to reduce the number of ticket resellers, please purchase directly through Colorado Ballet via the website or phone number listed above. Tickets purchased through resellers may not be valid.

Performance Attendance Policy

To protect audiences and the community from illness and to slow transmission of COVID-19, Colorado Ballet has joined the resident companies of the Denver Performing Arts Complex in implementing a COVID-19 performance attendance policy that went into effect on Oct. 1  for all performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For more information and to read the full details of the policy, please visit our website.

SPONSORS

Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker is presented by PNC Bank. Colorado Ballet receives support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

EVENT LISTING FOR THE NUTCRACKER

Colorado Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Nov. 27 – Dec. 24, 2021 | Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Tickets start at $40 at COLORADOBALLET.ORG

The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one’s ever seen, featuring all new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.

MORE UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Romeo and Juliet | February 4-13, 2022
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

The Wizard of Oz | March 11-20, 2022
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Ballet MasterWorks | April 15-24, 2022

Featuring Theme and Variations, Petite Mort and Nine Sinatra Songs
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

ABOUT PNC BANK
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com

ABOUT COLORADO BALLET
Presenting exceptional classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance through performances, training, education and community engagement, Colorado Ballet continues to inspire and grow an increasingly diverse audience base in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 61 years of excellence. As a world-class professional company serving over 100,000 national and international patrons, Colorado Ballet presents 55 performances annually to sold-out audiences in the 2,000 seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Company’s 32 professional dancers and 20 studio company dancers come from all over the world. Colorado Ballet’s The Armstrong Center for Dance, a 35,000 square foot building, boasts eight state-of-the-art professional dance studios and amenities for the professional Company. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet performs classical ballet masterpieces, full-length story ballets and its critically acclaimed repertory production Ballet MasterWorks, featuring varied works from neoclassical ballets to world premieres. The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy serves over 1,200 students from toddlers to seniors each year. Colorado Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement offers programs to students and community members, making over 25,000 contacts and reaching over 200 schools and organizations annually. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses including youth, families, teachers, and people with and without disabilities. For more information, please visit coloradoballet.org.

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The post Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker Returns This Holiday Season with Brand New Sets and Costumes | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

By Silver Sepmeier, special to Yellow Scene Magazine

All images courtesy of The Infamous Stringdusters

Award winning bluegrass and The Infamous Stringdusters has just released their first single since 2018. “Toward the Fray” is the band’s newest song and the namesake of their album to be released in February 2022. Yellow Scene had the opportunity to sit down with The Infamous Stringduster’s Andy Hall for an exclusive interview about the upcoming album.

Yellow Scene: Let’s start with the album title. What does “Toward the Fray” mean, how did you come up with it, and what’s the backstory?

Andy Hall: “Toward the Fray” is a song that Andy Falco wrote, and it encapsulated the idea of a lot of the album. It was written during the pandemic, and during the civil unrest and [Black Lives Matter / George Floyd] protests over the summer of 2020. Toward the Fray means essentially to turn toward the problems of the world, particularly social injustice, and to face these problems and deal with them. To help make people aware of the issues in the world and not shy away. It’s our way of attempting to be part of the solution.

YS: How do you feel the title song reflects the meaning you guys were trying to embody with the album?

AH: The song itself is like a ballad, and we’re known as more of a bluegrass pickin’ band. The song is very different from our usual style, which is more high energy. The lyrics really speak to the injustices going on in the world. And it speaks to a lot of the systemic racism that white or privileged Americans maybe didn’t really know about. It strays away from our usual musicianship and focuses on the words. There are a few other songs on the album that embody similar messages. Toward the fray is about facing these problems and addressing them personally. It’s kind of a battle cry, its all about facing the issues of the world. The album art also speaks to that, and we want to show that there is love and hope and we as a band want to address these issues.

YS: What were some of the challenges of creating the album during the pandemic and how did the band navigate them?

AH: We all contribute to writing the music. In the past we all would write songs separately and then get together to share our work. This year we didn’t have the ability to get together, really, so it was a lot of zoom meetings and sharing what we were working on virtually. It was challenging because this time we only had about two days to rehearse together before going in to record the album. Thankfully we have been playing together for so many years as a band that a lot of the music fell together relatively easily. We have developed a lot of tools to play together as a band and we share a bond musically that allowed us to be able to put our work together even without much time to rehearse together as a band.

YS: Did the shutdown, and closing of the venues, benefit the album creation in any way? Was there any kind of silver lining for the band?

AH: Sure! We’ve been a band a long time, and we have spent a lot of the last 16 years traveling and touring, so some time at home was welcome. How it came about was scary, and we probably wouldn’t have chosen to take a year off. However, a lot of the band members have families and kids at home. It allowed us all to take some time to rest and reflect and spend time with family that we never really had before.

YS: Was there a particular emotion you were trying to embody with this new, slightly darker style? Is there a particular way you wanted to make listeners feel?

AH: It is definitely a more intense vibe, and most of our records are about uplifting and positive emotions. The album is definitely a bit darker than our usual work in that way. We like to uplift people as a band, but this is the first time that we publicly wanted to display that we all go through dark times. We also wanted to show that there is hope, and there is a desire to face these issues individually, acknowledge them, and come together to address them. There are a lot of different vibes on the album, and our band is very diverse sonically and lyrically. Because we all write music, we are hoping to take the listener on a bit of a journey.

YS: What is your favorite song off the new album?

AH: That’s a tough one, the album is so new and a lot of times it changes over time. I think my favorite right now is called “I didn’t know.” It’s the only song on the album that has full drums. It’s got a different sound than the rest of the album and it has a powerful message lyrically. We also did a song called “When will I ride again.” It’s a sequel to a story song from our first record called “Tragic” so I think it’s really cool that nine records later we are continuing that story.

YS: Do all the band members tend to agree on their favorite songs to play or does it vary a lot?

We definitely don’t all agree on our favorite songs to play. We are a five piece band with a lot of different influences and backgrounds. People all have different preferences and things they’re into. Our band is very democratic, which can be a weakness because it can be hard to come to conclusions sometimes, but there’s also a huge strength to it because we balance each other out. All of those things can push and pull but it brings us together to create what is The Infamous Stringdusters. It helps us trust each other and learn how to disagree.

The Infamous Stringdusters

YS: Do you think the vision for your album was fully realized, or was there anything you wish you did differently?

AH: I think it was more than realized, I think it came together more than we thought it would. We don’t usually say in advance what the album will be like. Usually we bring together what everyone has come up with and the vision for the album kind of comes along with that. The theme, or vision naturally came from what everyone had been feeling and writing about at the time.

YS: What were some of the most memorable moments for the band during the creation of the album?

AH: Well, it was a very delicate time. We trod a bit more lightly because when we were able to get together to record it was the first time a lot of us had been traveling in six months or so. I think the most memorable thing was that we were all together, and were able to hang out and play music together after not seeing each other for months. It was kind of magical to come together and play music after so long. It showed us how much we missed that interaction and playing together and as musicians how much we need to play music.

YS: Can you tell us about the symbolism behind the album art? What does the little girl represent, and who is the artist?

AH: Add Noise Studios is a company here in Denver that we have used in the past. The main artist there – Mike Tallman – does some wonderful work and knows a lot about social justice so we felt he was the right person to create the cover. The burning city represents a lot of what was going on at the time in regards to the protests and political injustice. And the little girl represents an innocence lost. She is wearing a gas mask, which could be because of protests or because of COVID. It also shows how it was a lot for children to take on. I think the little girl also represents hope because the children are the people who are going to help us navigate the problems of the world going forward. But also she is standing there with strength. She’s not scared and she is looking on to face the world and face these problems to make a difference.

YS: Does the band have any surprises in the works for the upcoming shows?

AH: Yes! Fans will probably be hearing a couple of new tracks, and a couple of new covers we have been working on. We are also just really excited to be back performing. We will be coming to the stage with a lot of energy and we are hoping to dust off a couple of older songs to perform as well. I think that there will be something for everyone at the upcoming shows.

Finally, The Infamous Stringdusters have worked very hard on this new album, and hope to bring a little light – on a slightly darker album – to a world that has been difficult for many of us to navigate. Fans, like me, are excited to get deep with this beloved bluegrass quintet. They will be playing at the Mission Ballroom in Denver on Nov. 12th with The Sweet Lillies. Tickets can be purchased here.

The post Innocence Lost: The Infamous Stringdusters New Album Goes Toward The Fray | Interview appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The post Performance artist Cellista adds dates to Pariah tour – Longmont | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado

November 30 / 7:30pm

For Immediate Release: 

The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver proudly presents Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, ArtistiCO, and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30pm at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall. Tickets start at $19 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale now at newmancenterpresents.com or by phone at 303.871.7720. 

Kick off the holiday season with a feast for the senses! In this performance, Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, ArtistiCO, and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra take the audience on a tour of Christmas celebrations throughout the country of Mexico. The dances performed will feature original choreography based on traditional dances from the Mexican and Spanish dance masters. The performances represent the many dance traditions that are now a part of the rich cultural roots that make up the state of Colorado.

The colorful Mexican dances performed by the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company are directed by Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, while the ArtistiCO performances are directed by Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza. The extravaganza is accompanied by the lively music of Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra, under the direction of Juventino Romero.

About the Artists:

Fiesta Colorado Dance Company is the premier and most recognized Hispanic dance company in Colorado. Originally formed in 1972, the company is directed by Denver native Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, receiving the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1997 and 2006 for its service to the community and its preservation of the Hispanic arts. Trujillo-Lucero received the Living Legend of Dance in Colorado award by the University of Denver Dance Archive Library, in addition to such accolades as the Latina Trailblazer Award from the Latina’s First Foundation and the Luminaria Recognition Award from the Latino Leadership Institute throughout her career as a performer and educator.

https://www.facebook.com/fiestacoloradodance/

Founded by Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza, ArtistiCO was created as a bridge to connect professional artists in the community through dance. Both Rosales and Meraza are former principal soloists of the internationally renowned Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez and have participated in hundreds of performances including international dance festivals, collaborations with the most prestigious orchestras and mariachi in Mexico, along with stints in the legendary Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Most recently, Jose received the 2021 EY Next Wave Leadership Award from CBCA. The ArtistiCO Dance Academy is based in Denver and works with students of all ages.

https://www.artisticodance.org/

https://www.facebook.com/DanceArtistico/

Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra was formed in 1999 to show people something fresh and different in mariachi throughout the state of Colorado. With the expert leadership and musicianship of founder Juventino Romero, they have accompanied many artists from Mexico, while representing Mexican culture through collaborations with the National Western Rodeo, the Mexican Culture Center and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra offers their love and passion for music for all people to enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/mariachidenver/

2021-2022 Newman Center Presents Season

Veronica Swift Nov 19, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Fiestas Navideñas with Fiesta Colorado, Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, and ArtistiCO Nov 30, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Christmas with The King’s Singers: Finding Harmony Dec 9, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience Jan 4-9, 2022 (various times)
Kronos Quartet Jan 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Dance Theatre of Harlem Jan 14-15, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Compagnie Hervé Koubi Jan 29, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Joey Alexander Feb 2, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Nat. Geographic Live: Spinosaurus-Lost Giant of the Cretaceous with Nizar Ibrahim Feb 9, 2022 at 7:30pm
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Feb 19 at 7:30 pm, Feb 20 at 2:00 pm
National Geographic Live: When Women Ruled the World with Kara Cooney Mar 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party Mar 22-23, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Nashville Ballet with Rhiannon Giddens: Lucy Negro Redux Mar 29-30, 2022 at 7:30 pm
B – The Underwater Bubble Show Mar 31, 2022 at 7:30 pm
National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales with Brian Skerry Apr 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm
New Morse Code Apr 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm

Additional information, including individual show descriptions and ticket prices can be found at newmancenterpresents.com.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Procedures

The University of Denver (DU) has taken a multi-layered approach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a primary focus on protecting and promoting the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, patrons, and visiting artists.  In consultation with DU’s health care partner, National Jewish Health, and consistent with guidance from federal, state and local public health agencies, DU has implemented a variety of mitigation measures across campus, including requiring face coverings, as well as mandatory testing and vaccination requirements for students and employees.  Throughout the Newman Center, DU is using a high-volume, low-velocity ventilation system with HEPA air filtration.

As of September 17, all patrons ages 12 and older attending a Newman Center performance must present:

(1)     Proof of full vaccination by showing a physical copy or photo of a vaccine card or by using the MyColorado app; or

(2)     For those who are not fully vaccinated, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance.

Please note that (a) full vaccination means 14 days after receiving the final dose of an FDA authorized or WHO listed vaccine; and (b) results from antigen tests and home testing kits will not be accepted.

In addition, all visitors must wear a face covering at all times while inside the Newman Center, including during the performance, except when an individual is actively eating or drinking.  If you or a member of your party is not feeling well and/or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.

Newman Center Sponsors and Partners
The Newman Center is supported in part by the Bonfils- Stanton Foundation, The Dance Archive, Porter Adventist Hospital, The Denver Post, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts 

Opened in 2002, the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver is a multi-disciplinary arts venue that provides innovative, diverse, and thought-provoking performance and education opportunities, enabling the Denver and Colorado community to be engaged, inspired, and connected through the performing arts. Newman Center is home to the Lamont School of Music, DU Theatre Department, the Newman Center Presents series, over 150 hosted events, and approximately 500 performances each year. More information can be found online and on Facebook. 

About the University of Denver 

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is committed to engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge. The University strives to educate the 21st-century citizens and leaders needed in its organizations and communities. For additional information, visit the University’s newsroom or follow the University on Facebook and Twitter. 

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The post Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado on Nov. 30 | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. SNRK are playing Hi-Dive on October 27th.

All images courtesy SNRK

SNOTTY NOSE REZ KIDS RELEASE NEW SINGLE “NO JESUS PIECE” A SONG ABOUT SELF-BELIEF ABOVE ALL OTHERS. NEW ALBUM LIFE AFTER OUT OCTOBER 22
 

INDIGENOUS CANADIAN HIP-HOP DUO TAKE LISTENERS THROUGH THE DARKS DEPTHS OF THE PAST 18 MONTHS & EMERGE STRONGER THAN EVER
 

WATCH + SHARE “NO JESUS PIECE” VIDEO VIA YOUTUBE
STREAM VIA ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS

New York, NY (September 24, 2021) – Like everyone else, the past 18mos. has been a challenge on many levels. Snotty Nose Rez Kids takes listeners through their own experience, dealing with depression, isolation, and their career arc being railroaded on their upcoming new album, Life After, out October 22. Darker in its production and lyrical content, Life After is an expression of all those feelings and a chance for Yung Trybez and Young D to talk through the process of dealing with them. Today, the Indigenous Canadian duo share a fourth single + video from the album, “No Jesus Piece.” Watch + share the video via YouTube. Pre-order Life After here.
Discussing the track, Yung Trybez and Young D stated, “’No Jesus Piece’ is a reference to embracing our own spiritual symbols. The Catholic church and the government of Canada used Catholicism as a tool of annihilation of Indigenous culture, practice, teachings and ways of being. We want to identify the connections between the the importance of putting our faith in a sacred metal. While we respect people for having their own religions and religious symbols, we’d rather rock our Copper Shield.”

“No Jesus Piece” is also about SNRK ignoring the critics around them, betting on themselves and not stressing about external pressure to be anything other than themselves. The duo have seen some fans of their first two albums criticizing them for embracing trap, experimenting with autotune, and developing their sound, but SNRK want to continue to evolve and they’re going to keep making the music they want to make, and put faith in themselves that the fans are going to appreciate what they continue to create.

The more upbeat nature of the lyrics are a reflection of when they wrote this song. Early in COVID times of 2020, they hadn’t yet dealt with everything that ultimately led them to creating the track… no suicides, family struggles, uncovering of mass graves at residential schools, loneliness and isolation of COVID and depression.

SNRK have experienced a lot of highs and lows from 2019 until now. From releasing TRAPLINE and playing 100 shows in 2019, winning and receiving nominations for various awards (WCMA’s, Juno’s, Indie’s, Polaris), and booking their first 23 city headline US tour, the guys were riding high with the expectation of having a breakout year in 2020. COVID derailed their U.S. tour, stunted the release of their EP, Born Deadly, kicked their summer festival touring into the unknown and both Yung Trybez and Young D soon realized that life after such a heavy year of activity and then to watch a lot of opportunity wash away was hitting them hard. Struggling through the last 18 months, the band did manage some wins with sync placements (Resident Alien, Trickster, Monkey Beach) and saw some highlights over the year, but internally, life after such a long time of isolation was affecting them and they were seeing it affect their communities too. A low point hit when their friend, Taran Kootenhayoo, (their tour dj, DJ Kookum’s, brother) took his life at the end of 2020. It brought up a lot of past traumas of suicide in their own lives and it was months before they began working on music again.

As the world began to ease up a bit and the end to restrictions and return to live music was back in sight, SNRK were invigorated. They set aside a whole other concept album project that had been in the works for two-years and the guys decided to just write about what they had gone through, things affecting them, and decided on the theme of Life After. The duo will return to the road immediately following the release of Life After, hitting the West Coast starting October 24 (all dates below).

Snotty Nose Rez Kids Tour Dates [Tickets Here]:

10/25 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
10/27 – Denver, CO @ Hi Dive
10/28 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
10/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
10/30 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
11/03 – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation
11/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge
11/07 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Atrium
11/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
11/10 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
11/11 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/12 – Victoria, BC @ Capitol Ballroom
11/19 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom ^
11/20 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom ^
12/16 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Concert Theatre ^
12/17 – Toronto, ON @ History ^
12/18 – Toronto, ON @ History ^
12/30 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
^ USS

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“The Boulder Opera presents an evening of Latin Opera Night at Cafe Sole”

Boulder Opera is back with a live performance at Cafe Sole with a program of Italian Opera classics and Spanish popular songs. The concert will feature Resident Artists singers for our 2020-2021 season, Ecuadorian tenor Alexis Haro, Ecuadorian mezzo-soprano Natacha Condor, and soprano Sarah Kochevar, with Maggie Hinchliffe at the piano.

The Boulder Opera singers will be performing arias and duets from Boheme, Elisir of Love, Cavalleria Rusticana and during the second part of the concert they will sing Boleros, and Zarzuela pieces.

“We love performing at Cafe Sole -i t’s intimate, the food is delicious, and we are able to really connect with our audience” says tenor Alexis Haro.

Come and hear some favorite Italian opera and latin songs performed by the Resident Artists while enjoying dinner and drinks at Caffe Sole!

Natacha Cóndor, Mezzo-Soprano. Artist-in-Residence. By Tian Lopez.

Dinner starts at 6pm and the performance begins at 7:00pm.

There’s a suggested donation of $15 at the door.

Opera Latin Night @Cafe Sole

6:00 PM  Friday, October 8th, dinner

7:00 PM Concert begins.

The post The Boulder Opera presents an evening of Latin Opera Night at Cafe Sole | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Digital flyer via Boulder Symphony

Grace Commons Church

September 10, 2021; 7:30 PM

 

Simplicity and beauty are on display with Max Richter’s Four Seasons reshuffled and remixed for 2021. Britten’s Simple Symphony is a child’s imagination and recreation of the fun and ingenuity that a symphony can become. Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Pisachi brings to the life the dances of Pueblo and Hopi cultures.

We are excited to bring together the seasons of life, dance, and music for a diverse array of programming that will bring joy and reflection to our audience.

The Four Seasons Recomposed by Max Richter, is a deconstructing and remix-ing of the traditional Vivaldi. The original score gets opened up note-by-note. The addition of the harp and piano to the original score, and the added colors and textures that Richter imbues create a new breath and depth to bring the score into the ears of the contemporary listener. Still highlighted are the bitter cold, and intense heat of Vivaldi’s masterwork.

Violinist Charles Wetherbee returns to Boulder Symphony bringing a wealth of experience and expertise from his varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral concertmaster and teacher. Performing the Seasons Recomposed will accentuate and highlight Wetherbee’s consummate skill as a versatile artist across the spectrum.

Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a classical composer and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma and is dedicated to the development of American Indian classical music. Pisachi draws specifically from Hopi and Pueblo Indian music, rhythms and form. The music brings together sounds and spirits of the American Indian Southwest, and was originally commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Documerica.

You couldn’t get any simple than a child’s song! Benjamin Britten drew on melodies he wrote or heard between the ages of nine and twelve to compose his Simple Symphony. His descriptors impart the joy and innocence of creating this amazing work for strings: boisterous, playful, sentimental, and frolicsome – the dances, twists and turns of life!

The Boulder Symphony has moved back to Eventbrite to lower ticketing service fees for all of our patrons! Click HERE for tickets.

The post CONCERT TOMORROW!! Featuring a reimagination of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

UMS, baby. After a long break, for every venue and musician on the planet basically, the Underground Music Showcase made its triumphant return on the South Broadway stretch it calls home. Featuring over a hundred live bands playing at 12 different venues across 8 blocks of Denver concrete for a three-day show from August 27th through 29th, one of the most important things that happened was it sold out. Was that a problem of capacity, given Coronavirus, or was that because we had less venues than last year, or maybe organizers just had less expectation? Maybe it just sold out because Coloradans fu*king love live music and UMS is a bad*ss show. The point is, before I belabor the point, it sold out. And the people showed up. 

While the days were as quiet as we recall in past years, given the late summer Colorado heat pounding down, the afternoons and nights lit up with fervor and flavor and feisty performances from, as expected, bands we know and bands we don’t but are damn glad we were introduced to. 

Big shout out to the organizers for an incredible array of performances, diversity of venues, and making sure everybody was safe. We were there taking photos and hanging out, having a blast, and this is what we saw.

All images by De La Vaca for Yellow Scene Magazine with support from Alissa Smithers.

The post UMS 2021: Underground Music Showcase Sells out, Slays, and Reminds U that Live Music is King (Photos) appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Photo Credit: Tamara Susa

September in Snowmass Features Two New Events & Many Returning Favorites

Mall Jam and the September Music Series Join Fall Favorites Like JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, the Snowmass Balloon Festival, and Snowmass Wine Festival 

Snowmass Village, Colo., (August 30, 2021) – Snowmass’ September event lineup features two new events and some of the best fall experiences in the Valley. With two new music focused events – Mall Jam and the September Music Series – Snowmass’ music scene is prevalent throughout September. Local returning favorites such as JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, the Snowmass Balloon Festival, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon, and the Snowmass Wine Festival, not to mention a variety of biking events, round out the month and cap off the spectacular summer 2021 season.

“September is going to start with a bang and end strong with fabulous lineup of events,” says Rose Abello, Tourism Director, Snowmass Tourism. “Guest occupancy is high, locals are out to play, and we have had so much interest in September that we have extended programming unlike ever before to ensure we have great, fun variety for visitors and locals alike.”

September 2021 Event & Activation Lineup

*New – Mall Jam – September 2: Kick off Labor Day Weekend with music, Music, MUSIC! From 3:00pm-9:00pm on Thursday, September 2, three bands of various genres, shapes, and sizes play tunes on the Tower Stage, located midway down the Snowmass Mall. Jam out to the sounds of local musicians The Confluence, featuring Chris Harrison on saxophone and Dustin Lutomski on trumpet, as well as Rob Drabkin, a rock group out of Denver, and El Loco Fandango, the definitive tribute to ZZ Top, as they kick off the festive music-filled weekend in Snowmass. Enjoy lawn games, a cornhole tournament, raffles and prizes, extended business hours, and special entertainers. www.gosnowmass.com/event/mall-jam/

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience – September 3-5: JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience features three days of world-class performances on multiple stages, eclectic food and beverage vendors, a kiddie corner, and more. 2021 acts include Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Eric Church, Kings of Leon, Maren Morris, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Larkin Poe, and Yola. www.jasaspensnowmass.org

*New – September Music Series – Thursdays – September 9 – 30: Summer may be over, but the music keeps on playing in Snowmass! Every Thursday afternoon throughout September, local bands keep the music alive on the Tower Stage on the Snowmass Mall and on The Rink in Snowmass Base Village from 4:30-6:30pm. Bands include The True Story Band, The Colorado Curry’s, Echo Monday, Wade Waters, Smuggler Mountain Boys, the John Carlin Trio, and Sweet Temerity. www.gosnowmass.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=29468&preview=true

Snowmass Balloon Festival – September 10-12: The Snowmass Balloon Festival celebrates its 46^th anniversary in 2021. The long-standing Rocky Mountain tradition features three days of 30+ festive balloons launching into the air on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings from 7:00am-9:00am and a Friday evening Balloon Night Glow from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Spectators are encouraged to experience the festival grounds and Gitsie’s coffee and provisions food truck, or drive in, hike up, or bike around to take in the sights and sounds of the morning balloon launches. Click here for a “how-to” guide to hiking and biking Snowmass’ trails for best balloon viewing. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis at Town Park Station, Rodeo Lot and along Brush Creek Road (between Horse Ranch and Meadow Drive). For more information, please visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-balloon-festival-2020-09-13/2021-09-10/

Axes & Arms Walk – September 11: Join local first responders for a walk from Town Park Station to the Top of the Village, 956ft, the highest number of feet that the brave New York first responders climbed inside the first tower of The World Trade Center. Following the walk, return to Town Park to enjoy food, drinks, yard games, and more, provided by Roaring Fork Fire Authority. The climb is free and open to the public; donations to the Axes and Arms Foundation are accepted and appreciated. www.gosnowmass.com/event/axes-and-arms-9-11-climb/

Snowmass Wine Festival – September 17-18: Experience an incredible afternoon of food, flavors, sights, and sounds at the Snowmass Wine Festival, hosted by Rotary Club of Snowmass Village, on September 18. Returning for its 19^th year, the festival features 20 tables of light food from local providers and 35 tables of wine vendors under the tent at Snowmass Town Park. Tickets are $105 / person in advance, and $115 / person at the gate. An Evening of Food and Wine, a wine pairing dinner at The Collective Snowmass, on September 17 at 6:00pm, is $120. All proceeds are used for scholarships, local, and international grants through Snowmass Rotary. www.SnowmassWineFestival.com

Golden Leaf Half Marathon – September 18: Chosen by Trail Runner magazine as one of “America’s 14 Most Scenic Races” this classic trail running race from Snowmass to Aspen is an annual sell out that provides 980’ elevation gain and a 1,712’ descent over its 13.1 miles. aspenspecialevents.com/golden-leaf/

Collegiate CU MTB Races – September 18-19: The University of Colorado’s mountain bike team takes over Snowmass Ski Area for a weekend of elite collegiate mountain biking amidst the stunning backdrop of changing aspen leaves. Events and competitions include short track, downhill, cross-country, and enduro, with plenty of spectating opportunities. www.gosnowmass.com/event/cu-snowmass/

VIDA MTB Series Flagship Clinic – September 18-19: Supported by YETI Cycles, Yeti Cycles VIDA MTB Series presented by Shimano returns to Snowmass for the second of two clinics this summer. The VIDA MTB Series Flagship Clinics are two-day women’s only mountain bike clinics. The clinics provides women with the opportunity to increase their mountain biking confidence, learn new skills, and to connect with VIDA coaches on proper biking technique. www.vidamtb.com

CO High School Cycling League – September 25-26: This fall, the Colorado High School Cycling League returns to Snowmass to host cross-country mountain bike races for over 1,000 student athletes from Colorado and New Mexico. coloradomtb.org

Ongoing Summer 2021 Events & Activations

Snowmass Mountain Mission – Any Time: The Snowmass Mountain Mission is an app based, village-wide scavenger hunt designed to challenge creativity, test Snowmass knowledge, and enhance selfie skills. Download the Eventzee app from the App Store, enter an email, username and password, and the event code: Snowmass. Hit different point thresholds to win fun Snowmass prizes. www.gosnowmass.com/snowmass-mountain-mission/

Snowmass Art Walk – Any Time: The free Snowmass Art Walk features Village-wide outdoor art installations including murals and sculptures that complement the beauty of Snowmass. The Snowmass Art Walk showcases the work of six local Roaring Fork Valley artists with walkable installations spread out between the Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Base Village, the Brush Creek Trail, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. For the full map of these permanent installations, download the Eventzee app or visit www.gosnowmass.com/activity/snowmass-art-walk.

The Collective Snowmass – Any Time: The Collective Snowmass, the hub for community activity in Snowmass Base Village, features a robust summer lineup of weekly programming including chess club, bingo night, and yoga with King Yoga. The Collective also features yard games, splash pads, fountains, and pop-up events. This summer visit the new Selfie Den, located adjacent to the Game Lounge. For a full calendar and fall hours, please visit www.TheCollectiveSnowmass.com. 

ACES Guided Hikes – through September 26: This summer, join a Naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) for a free, guided hike amongst the flowers and fields of Snowmass. Guests can choose to join the Wildflower Walk, which takes place at 10:00am on the Nature Trail, or the Ice Age Discovery Hike at 1:00pm on the Discovery Trail. Both hikes feature facts, tips, and trivia from a knowledgeable ACES Naturalist, as well as the chance to explore and get to know the flora and fauna of Snowmass. Hikes leave daily from the Ticket Pavilion on the Snowmass Mall, through September 6; Weekends only throughout September. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/aces-tours

Elk Camp Gondola – through October 3: Enjoy a ride on the Elk Camp Gondola in Snowmass! Elk Camp Gondola gives access to the Lost Forest, Elk Camp Restaurant, and Snowmass Bike Park. Use Elk Camp as a base to ride 90+ miles of Snowmass trails, part of the Aspen Snowmass/ Roaring Fork Valley IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, the only Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado, only the 5^th in United States, and the 7^th in the world. Open daily through September 6. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only through October 3. www.AspenSnowmass.com

For the full Summer 2021 Event Calendar, please visit www.gosnowmass.com/events. For summer and fall photos of Snowmass Village, click here. Please credit the photographer listed. For a video of September events, please click here.

—-

About Snowmass Village, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant summer community just 9 miles from Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best winter ski areas and summer mountain biking destinations in the world. Ski Magazine named Aspen Snowmass the #1 “resort of the year” in the West in 2020, and Snowmass, along with the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley, is the first IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado, only the 5^th in United States, and the 7^th in the world. Snowmass offers guests incredible views of mountain vistas, in addition to 2.8 million adjacent acres of wilderness, open for activities and exploration. Snowmass is home to 30+ restaurants, 95 percent slopeside lodging, shopping, unique special events and music – all year round. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit www.gosnowmass.com.

The post Snowmass September 2021 Event Lineup | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Boulder Opera returns with a free family open air concert – Opera in the Park: Potions and Gypsies

Boulder Opera is excited to announce our big return on stage with “Opera in the Park 2021” at the Boulder Bandshell on August 14th at 7:00 PM. With the support of the City of Boulder, we will present a concert with a focus on love, tragedy, gypsies and potions in Italian opera. The concert will have two parts: the first one with love and tragedy scenes from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and Verdi’s Il trovatore and La Traviata; the second half will present comic and love scenes from Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love.

This concert will feature local singers and artists such as Phoenix Gayles, Dianela Acosta, Nathan Snyder, Benjamin Boskoff, Nnamdi Nwankwo, Alexis Haro, Linsey Duca, Eve Orenstein, and more, under the music direction of Jorge Salazar, stage direction of Dana Kinney, and Nathalia Kato at the piano.

Stage Director Dana Kinney, tells us about this concert “I’m thrilled to be directing with Boulder Opera Company this summer, not only to be rehearsing again, but to reconnect with the music community that I’ve held so dear. I’m looking forward to bringing Opera back along with human connection that isn’t behind a screen.”

You can bring your family, friends, or a date! which is part of what makes Opera in the Park one of our most popular events of the year. It allows the Boulder community to experience opera in a unique, casual setting while providing performance opportunities for local musicians.

You can also enjoy the concert with a picnic basket and drinks. VIP seating and picnic tables are reserved for patrons who have purchased a picnic basket. The sales will help the Boulder Opera fund the production of this free concert.

This event has a capped attendance and registration is required. Please visit http://www.boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-2021 for more information. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe! While this is a free event, we will be selling opera t-shirts, drinks, and accepting donations.

7:00 PM Saturday, August 14th, Boulder Bandshell

6:00 PM Doors Open
7:00 PM Start Time
8:00 to 8:15 PM Intermission
8:15 PM Second Half

1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302

For more information and to register for Opera in the Park, visit http://www.boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-2021.

Opera in the Park – Information at a glance

What: Free Opera in the Park
When: 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM Saturday, August 14th, 2021
Where: Boulder Bandshell (1212 Canyon Blvd)
How: Register here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=124254
Purchase picnic baskets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?retail=bldro

For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-2021

About the Boulder Opera Company

The Boulder Opera is committed to making opera accessible, inspiring, and engaging for our community. Our goal is to cultivate new audiences for this old art form, enrich the lives of our community, and provide opportunities for local musicians. Through our Family Series, we explore abridged repertoire with a narrator and an ensemble orchestra. Our full-length productions, which include standard, contemporary, and rarely performed works, are experimental in nature, seeking to reach and entertain new audiences and delight the old. In addition, our outreach program is designed to inspire and educate the upcoming generation about opera and connect to other disciplines through our study guides and free workshops.

The post The Boulder Opera returns with a free family open air concert – Opera in the Park: Potions and Gypsies | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

The Big Dream’s Imagination Collaboration Promotes Community, Creativity, and Social Change

Boulder, Colorado – On July 10, 2021, The Big Dream will be hosting the Imagination Collaboration, a Creativity Accelerator focused on community-building, creativity and social change. Part festival and part conference, the one-day event features five hours of interactive workshops, immersive art and a night time music and dance event. The Imagination Collaboration will be hosted at Junkyard Social Club, a new community-built adventure playground, immersive art hub and gathering space. The Big Dream is a socially regenerative project based out of Boulder, Colorado. Proceeds from Imagination Collaboration will support the year-round free programming that The Big Dream provides for the community.

The event features local workshops and speakers who are in line with The Big Dream’s mission of promoting more creative and adventurous living. Legendary and internationally renowned local artist Android Jones will take the stage for an interactive workshop, as will Big Dream Founder Diana Sabreen and the founders of Junkyard Social Club. Other workshops include fun and creative subjects such as group yoga, songwriting, poetry and breathwork. Participants can take a deeper dive by choosing the events based on personal empowerment, and inspirational stories by diverse local leaders who have overcome great challenges. 

The Big Dream and Imagination Collaboration founder Diana Sabreen is a life-long female entrepreneur and activist based in Boulder, Colorado. Her life’s work is to help people empower themselves to create the lives they want to be living, and to help those people pass on that empowerment to others. She is a performer, immersive artist, educator, wilderness guide, professional photographer, and founder of Shoot Cameras Not Guns. Sabreen says, “I’ve never lived a ‘normal’ life and I want people to know that they too can create their new normal. I thrive on inspiring people to actively choose a life that fulfills them and creates positive social change in the world. We can choose to do things differently, to learn and change from the last year, and to actively create the world we want to live in.” 

The event runs 1pm-10pm with tickets starting at $50 for a full-day pass. Tickets, info, a full schedule and presenter bios are available at https://thebigdream.life/imaginationcollaboration. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available for anyone who would like to get more involved in creating the event. Interested parties should contact info@thebigdream.life.

The post The Big Dream’s Imagination Collaboration Promotes Community, Creativity, and Social Change | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press releases in whole.

Northern Colorado Music Nonprofit Bands Together with Partners to Bring Live Music Back to the Holiday Twin Drive-In

FoCoMX: Drive and Jive returns for another season at the historic Holiday Twin Drive-In. This innovative music concert series launched in 2020 in response to live music shutting down worldwide and was one of the first live series to return. It provided Northern Colorado residents with aCOVID safe and entertaining live music experience throughout the summer and fall of 2020. This year, FoCoMX Drive & Jive is innovating once again! FoCoMX Drive and Jive is back for a reimagined summer concert series showcasing Colorado bands. The series will feature a diverse array of both established and discovery artists in keeping with Fort Collins Musicians Association’s mission to “Support Northern Colorado musicians at all stages of their careers by providing performance opportunities, offering connections to health and wellness resources, and building engaged audiences for local music.”

The series takes place on Sundays with a mix of daytime and night shows. The daytime shows are provided free of charge to the community and will feature live music, food trucks, and a makers market. In addition to the FREE shows, the series will offer three (3) ticketed evening shows with live stage performances and vivid video of the show broadcast onto the big screen to complete the full drive-in experience. The nighttime shows will be ticketed and feature heavy-hitters The Burroughs, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, a special Blast N Scrap showcase, and more. Patrons have the option of sitting in their car or lawn chairs or dancing in a roped-off area just for pedestrians near the stage.

“FoCoMA believes music is for everyone and has the power to change lives. With this commitment, we decided to offer our daytime concert events for free to help our musicians and community reconnect.” Greta Cornett, president of the Fort Collins Musicians Association (FoCoMA), the organization producing the FoCoMX Drive & Jive Series.

What: FoCoMX Drive & Jive at The Holiday Twin
Presented By: FoCoMA – Fort Collins Musicians Association and Odell Brewing Co
Where: Holiday Twin Drive-In (2206 South Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526)
When:

-Sunday, July 11 – School of Rock Showcase w/ AF2, Wrenn & Ian, House Bands and more (youth showcase) – Daytime Show – FREE to attend
-Sunday, July 18 – Venture Still, Pappy Longlegs Band, and Los Toms – Daytime Show – FREE to attend
-Sunday, July 25 – Fiesta Colorado and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra- Daytime Show – FREE to attend
-Sunday, August 1 – Featuring The Burroughs and Cast Iron Queens (soul/jazz) – Nighttime Show- Ticketed Show
-Sunday, August 8 – Lineup TBA – Nighttime Show – Ticketed Show
-Sunday, August 22 – Featuring 12 Cents for Marvin and Swashbuckling Doctors (Ska) – Daytime Show – FREE to attend
-Sunday, August 29- Featuring Slim Cessna’s Auto Club (Goth Rock) – Nighttime Show – Ticketed Show
-Sunday, September 5- A special “Blast N Scrap Showcase” (Indie Rock) – Daytime Show – FREE to attend

Times: Daytime Shows: 1 PM – 4 PM, Doors at 12 PM
Nighttime Shows: Start at dusk, Doors at 6 PM

Cost: Daytime Shows: Free
Nighttime Shows: $12 per person / $10 for students Kids Under 10 Free
Tickets: and additional information: https://www.focoma.org/focomx-drive-jive

SHOW INFO:
Live music performances from the stage will be projected to the Holiday Twins Drive-In big screen for nighttime shows and broadcast via FM radio transmitter for fans to enjoy from the safety of their vehicle. Concert attendees will be allowed to bring lawn chairs for seating next to their cars, and onsite snacks/beverages can be purchased online through the drive in website during the nighttime performances.

Tickets to nighttime shows are available at holidaytwin.com. Customers are advised to buy their tickets in advance, ensuring the drive-in can get everyone in as quickly as possible. For details on the Holiday Twin Drive-In COVID-19 Operation Procedures, patrons can see the Holiday Twin website for more information.

Series sponsored by: FoCoMA – Fort Collins Musicians Association, Odell Brewing Company, Holiday Twin Drive-In, City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, Bohemian Foundation, Organic Alternatives and Music City Hot Chicken. With contributing support from 105.5 FM The Colorado Sound and Built 13. For all general questions, please contact info@focoma.org.

The post Northern Colorado Music Nonprofit Bands Together with Partners to Bring Live Music Back to the Holiday Twin Drive-In | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Editors’s Note: The Reminders played the Yellow Scene anniversary party in 2015 and remain one of our favorite CO hip hop groups. 

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

The Reminders perform at the Anythink Backyard Concert Series

WHAT:           The Anythink Backyard Concert Series kicks off its 2021 season with soul and hip-hop duo The Reminders on Friday, June 11. Presented by Mountain States Toyota, the Backyard Concert Series is a family-friendly tradition that celebrates music and community while also raising funds for the Anythink Foundation. Hosted at the beautiful one-acre park adjacent to Anythink Wright Farms, these concerts are just one way that Anythink continues to establish itself as a cultural destination in Adams County and the greater metro area. The show is free and open to all ages. Food from Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, as well as beer and seltzer from Great Divide Brewing, are available for purchase on-site. This year, the Anythink Foundation will use proceeds raised from food and drink sales and individual donations will help fund The Anythink Box, a free book subscription service for kids ages 5-12. Supporters can donate online, in-person or by texting BACKYARD to 50155.

WHEN:           Friday, June 11; doors at 5:30 pm, performance from 6:30-8:30 pm

WHERE:           Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120^th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602; shows will also be available to stream live on Facebook at facebook.com/ilovemyanythink or YouTube at youtube.com/ilovemyanythink.

About Anythink

Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Anythink serves the residents of Adams County, Colo., with seven libraries and a bookmobile. With a focus on innovation, Anythink’s award-winning approach to library service is recognized by industry leaders and organizations across the globe. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org.

The post The Reminders perform at the Anythink Backyard Concert Series | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Colorado’s largest summer calendar, 3 months of everything happening now that we’re returning to “normal.” This is your guide to concerts and festival this Summer 2021. There are two parts to this massive calendar of events, by day and then at the bottom by multiple venues. Keep scrolling or select either select a month/check out the area’s major venues!

June • July • August • September

• Major Venues •

June 2nd – Wednesday

Y.E.S. Golf Tournament – 10:30 a.m. – Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, Steamboat Springs

Open Mic Night – 6:00 p.m. – School of Rock, Broomfield

Mass Hipsteria – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

June 3rd – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Moonlit Wild – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Boulder Bach Festival Summer 2021 – June 3-24 – Boulder

Rock & Rails – June 3 – August 26 (every Thursday) – Whistlestop Park, Niwot

Thursday Night Live – June 3 – August 19 (every Thursday) – 7:00 p.m. – Downtown, Fort Morgan

June 4th – Friday

Annual Telluride Balloon Festival – 6:00 a.m. – Telluride Town Park, Telluride

Town Picnic – 11:30 a.m. – Rainbow Park, Crested Butte

Unspoken – Spoken  Word Poetry for Teens – June 4 – August 20 (every Friday) – 12:00 p.m. – OMH Patio, Breckenridge

Dairy at the Bandshell: Hazel Miller and the Collective – 6:30 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Live Theater: The Land of Milk and Honey – June 4-27 – 7:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Shoenberg Farms, Arvada

Jeff Dye – 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Food Truck Grab N Go – June 4, 11, & 18 – Various Locations, Northglenn

Plein Air Event – June 4-11 – Boulder

Ring of Fire – June 4 – August 27 – Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake

Yampa River Festival – June 4-5 – Steamboat Springs

June 5th – Saturday

Walk with a Geologist at Triceratops Trail – 9:30 a.m. – Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison

Do You Love Your Dog? – 1:00 p.m. – Buena Vista Roastery – BVEC Stage, Buena Vista

Wellington Brewfest – 2:00 p.m. – Centennial Park, Wellington

Manitou Music Foundation Deck Festival – 2:30 p.m. – Lulu’s Downstairs, Manitou Springs

An Evening of Jazz with Sheryl McCallum – 3:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. – Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver

Derek Dames OHL & Friends – 5:00 p.m. – The Caribou Room, Nederland

Grateful Dead Tribute Band June Jam – 5:00 p.m. – Wibby Brewing, Longmont

Saturday Night Stand Up – 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. – Colorado Sake Company, Denver

Dairy at the Bandshell: Los Chicos Malos, with Elisa Garcia and Aldolfo Romero Duo – 6:30 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Like This Tour – 7:00 p.m. – Aztlan Theater, Denver

Purple Party – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Tiny Beautiful Things – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Young Buck – 7:00 p.m. – The Coast, Fort Collins

Jeff Dye – 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Dyablo, El Cacho – 8:00 p.m. – Moxi Theater, Greeley

The Emo Night Tour – 8:00 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

Mike Massé Trio – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Adrian Chaparro, Jesus Chaparro, La Virtud Norteña, Grupo Kaoba, Tito Torbellino Jr. – 9:00 p.m. – Stampede, Aurora

Brady Smith: (Don’t be embarrassed by) your trouble with living – June 5 – August 22 – Arvada Center, Arvada

Little Women – June 5-6 – Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown

Melody Epperson: 100+1: Women and the Vote – until August 22 – Arvada Center, Arvada

Million Dollar Quartet – June 5 – July 2 – 8:00 p.m. – Arvada Center, Arvada

June 6th – Sunday

Basalt Half Marathon – 6:15 a.m. – Lions Park, Basalt

Steamboat Marathon – 7:30 a.m. – Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs

The Resonatorz High – 1:00 p.m. – Platte River Bar & Grill, Littleton

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra – 2:00 p.m. – Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood

Dylan Miles Experience – 2:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Cities In The Sky – 3:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Cory Pearman Duo – 3:00 p.m. – Jake’s Roadhouse, Arvada

Jackson Lundy and Chloe Southern – 3:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Sunday Swing Supper Club – 5:00 p.m. – Buffalo Rose, Golden

Back Porch Series: Gen 3 – 6:30 p.m. – Dairy Arts Center, Denver

Jeff Dye – 7:00 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Purple Party – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Tiny Beautiful Things – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Colorado College Music Festival – June 6-25 – Colorado College, Colorado Springs

June 7th – Monday

1st Annual #KidsNeedKiwanis Charity Golf Tournament – 7:30 a.m. – The Ranch Country Club, Westminster

The Westway Bells – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Vlad Girshevich – 9:00 p.m. – Herb’s Bar, Denver

June 8th – Tuesday

Anima/Animus: The Art of Molly McCrosson – 5:00 p.m. – Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

Toodeloo Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Bailey Hinkley Grogan Quintet – 7:00 p.m. – Dazzle, Denver

Electronic Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – The Black Box, Denver

Brant Williams & ManyColors – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Revolution Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – HQ, Denver

June 9th – Wednesday

My Blue Sky – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Summer Concert Series – June 9 & 23, July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18 – 7:00 p.m. – Broomfield Library, Broomfield

New Talent Showcase – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

June 10th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Shanna in a Dress – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Creating Community During Covid – 6:00 p.m. – Museum of Boulder, Boulder

Dakota Blonde – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Ben Hanna – 7:00 p.m. – Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

Carlos Mencia – 7:30 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

NTGUILTY | CEEJ | FLAWLESS MONEY – June 10 & 11 – 8:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

GoPro Mountain Games – June 10-13 – Multiple Locations, Vail – Schedule

Mountains of Music – June 10-13 – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Snowmass Free Concert Series – June 10 – August 26 (every Thursday) – Fanny Hall Concert Stage, Snowmass Village

The Stubborn Influence of Painting – June 10 – September 6 – Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder

June 11th – Friday

Deadphish Orchestra – 5:00 p.m. – The Caribou Room, Nederland

Friday at the Farm Concert and Annual Kickoff – 5:00 p.m. – Historic Turner Farm and Apple Orchard, Buena Vista

Queer Contenders (LGBTQ Video Game Tournament) – 6:00 p.m. – Westview Church, Boulder

Anythink Backyard Concert Series: The Reminders – 6:30 p.m. – Anythink Wright Farms, Thornton

Dairy at the Bandshell: Innastate – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Mojazz Trio Live Music – 7:00 p.m. – 300 Suns Brewing, Longmont

Pete Lewis Quartet – 7:00 p.m. – Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

Rowdy Shadehouse w/ DJ Buddy Bravo – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Tiny Beautiful Things – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Carlos Mencia – 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

The Strange Parade – Tribute to The Doors – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Dairy Drive-In – Tiny Tim: King for a Day – 8:30 p.m. – Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

48th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 11-12 & 17-20 – Telluride

Fridays on the Mall – June 11 – August 27 (every Friday) – Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village

Aspen Fringe June Festival 2021 – June 11-12 – Wheeler Opera House, Aspen

Monster Truck & Freestyle Mania – June 11-12 – Middle Park Fair & Rodeo Fairgrouns, Kremmling

Mountain Archery Festival – June 11-13 – Purgatory Resort, Durango

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure – June 11 – July 3 – Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora

June 12th – Saturday

Walk with a Geologist at Dinosaur Ridge – June 12 – August 21 (some Saturdays) – 9:30 a.m. – Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison

Highlands Ranch Classic Car Show – 10:00 a.m. – Cherry Hills Community Church, Highlands Ranch

2021 BrewHaHa Beer Festival – 12:00 p.m. – Arista Place, Broomfield

NoBo Second Saturday – 1:00 p.m. – NoBo Art District, Boulder

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver

Dairy at the Bandshell: Brothers of Brass – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Tiny Beautiful Things – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Carlos Mencia – 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m. –  Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Ballet in the Park – 7:30 p.m. – Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch

17th Avenue All Stars – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Music and Movies featuring Zeppephilia – Centennial Field, Dacono

EB Erie Brewfest (RESCHEDULED) – Coal Creek Park, Erie

Aspen Saturday Market – June 12 – October 9 (every Saturday) – Aspen Saturday Market, Aspen

RiverWonderGrass – June 12-15 – Yampa River, Steamboat Springs

June 13th – Sunday

Dyonn James – 5:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver

Back Porch Series: Jayme Stone – 7:00 p.m. – Dairy Arts Center, Boulder – thedairy.org

Ballet in the Park – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Beauty and the Beast JR – 7:00 p.m. – Arts Hub, Lafayette

Ms. Amy and the Jet Set – 7:00 p.m. – Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

DisAbility Film Festival – 8:00 p.m. – Aspen Art Museum, Aspen

Boulder County Pride Motorcades – Longmont, Boulder, and Lafayette

June 14th – Monday

Golf 4 A Precious Child Tournament – 8:00 a.m. – The Ranch Country Club, Westminster

The Westway Bells – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Vlad Girshevich – 9:00 p.m. – Herb’s Bar, Denver

June 15th – Tuesday

Annual Bergman Hoedown – 4:00 p.m. – Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum, Aspen

Mountain Music Showcase – 5:00 p.m. – Paddler’s Pub, Fort Collins

Dragons & Demons – Could They Be Real? – 6:00 p.m. – Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, Fort Collins

Toodeloo Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Electronic Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – The Black Box, Denver

Brant Williams & ManyColors – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Revolution Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – HQ, Denver

June 16th – Wednesday

Jyemo Club – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Brotherhood for the Fallen – 7:30 p.m. –  Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Open Mic Comedy Night – 8:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

HayCup Open – June 18-20 – Haymaker Golf Course, Steamboat Springs

June 17th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – SunshineMelody – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

John Eric Farmer – 5:00 p.m. – Blake’s Taphouse, Broomfield

Un Trago Con Frida/A Drink with Frida – 5:00 p.m. – Steamboat Creates, Steamboat Springs

Cary Morin & Ghost Dog – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Jo Ivester – “Once a Girl, Always a Boy: A Family Memoir of a Transgender Journey” – 7:00 p.m. – Online Live Stream

Brotherhood for the Fallen – 7:30 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Boulder Chamber Orchestra: Mini-Chamber 1 – 8:00 p.m. – Boulder Seventh Day Adventist, Boulder

COMPTON MENACE – 8:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Chamber Music Series – July 17-20 – Sculpture Park, Denver

Free Outdoor Concerts at the Museum – June 17 – July 29 (every Thursday) – 6:30 p.m. – Longmont Museum, Longmont

The Little Nell Culinary Fest Featuring Relais & CH TEAUX Chefs – June 17-20 – The Little Nell, Aspen

June 18th – Friday

CloZee – 4:30 p.m. – Terry Bison Ranch, Cheyenne, WY

Dairy at the Bandshell: Colorado BrazilFest – 6:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

An Evening with Funkiphino w/ Special Guests – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Hold The Line – A Tribute to Toto – 7:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Dairy Drive-In: Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema – 8:30 p.m. – Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Mile High Groove – 9:30 p.m. – Herb’s Bar, Denver

2021 Grand Classic – June 18-19 – Pole Creek Golf Club and Grand Elk Golf Club, Tabernash

Colorado Shakespeare Festival – June 18 – August 15 – Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Boulder

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – June 18 – August 28 – Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake

Juneteenth Music Festival – June 18-19 – Historic Five Points Neighborhood, Denver

Pikes Peak Celtic Festival – June 18-20 – Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Colorado Springs

Vail Arts Festival – June 18-21 – Lionshead Mall and the Arrabelle at Vail Square, Vail

June 19th – Saturday

37th Annual Chevy Show ‘N Shine – 9:00 a.m. – Fowler Chevrolet, Broomfield

Bailey Day – 10:00 a.m. – Main Street & McGraw Park, Bailey

June Jubilee – June 19-20 – 11:00 a.m. – Acacia Park, Colorado Springs

Celebrating Juneteenth – 2:00 p.m. – Coal Creek Park, Erie

Sammy Mayfield – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

CloZee – 4:30 p.m. – Terry Bison Ranch, Cheyenne, WY

Loveland Haunting History Tour – 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Loveland

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver

The Newsboys – 8:00 p.m. – Elitch Gardens, Denver – FREE with Park Admission, Pre-K Pass or Season Pass!

STARS Biking the Boat and Beyond – West Lincoln Park, Steamboat Springs

Park Hill Dance Academy’s Youth Ballet Company presents Giselle – June 19-20 – Arts Hub, Lafayette

June 20th – Sunday

Ian Huschle/treeline/Sprout – 3:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Cities In The Sky | Fat Brando | The Sleep Demons | Jade Sky | Vatic – 6:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver

The Slacks – 7:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Precious Okoyomon – June 20 – October 16 – Aspen Art Museum, Aspen

Station Street Brewfest – June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19 – 12:00 p.m. – Station Street, Lone Tree

June 21st – Monday

“Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies” – 8:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

The Westway Bells – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Vlad Girshevich – 9:00 p.m. – Herb’s Bar, Denver

Paddle Fest Week – June 21-25 – Scott Griffith Lodge, Breckenridge

June 22nd- Tuesday

Toodeloo Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Fanflex Showcase – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Historical Table: Summer Picnics – 7:00 p.m. – This is an online event at Zoom Video Conferencing.

Electronic Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – The Black Box, Denver

Revolution Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – HQ, Denver

June 23rd – Wednesday

Ladies Night! – 6:00 p.m. – Stampede, Aurora

Mama Magnolia – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Bread & Jam VIP Jam Session – 7:30 p.m. (every Wednesday) – Dazzle, Denver

Gabe Mervine Quartet – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Sister Neapolitan – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Alex Fostar Band – 9:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Snowmass Rodeo – June 23 – August 18 (every Wednesday) – Town Park Station, Snowmass Village

June 24th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Opera on Tap – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Blood of Lilith | Burning Sister | Lounge Fly | Slap Happy | Canyon Sounds – 6:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Extra Gold – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

2021 Greeley Stampede –  June 24 – July 4 – Greeley

Boulder International Film Festival – June 24-27 – Boulder

Bravo! Vail Music Festival – June 24 – August 4 – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience – June 24-27 – Multiple Venues in Downtown Aspen

June 25th – Friday

Paa Kow – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Dairy at the Bandshell: The Burroughs – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Central Bandshell, Boulder

Paizley Park – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Bearracuda – 8:30 p.m. – Summit Music Hall, Denver

Banff Mountain Film Festival – June 25-26 – Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge

Colorado Lavender Festival – June 25-27 – Riverbend Park, Palisade

JCC Pride Weekend – June 25-27 – 5:00 p.m. – JCC Denver, Denver

Ouray International Film Festival – June 25-27 – Wright Opera House, Ouray

Snow Bowl Music Festival – June 25, July 2, 16, 23 & 30 – Snow Bowl Plaza, Steamboat Springs

Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show – June 25-26 – 5:00 p.m. – Telluride Regional Airport, Telluride

The Ultimate Monster Hunt Experience – June 25-27 – 13th Floor Haunted House, Denver

Vail Craft Beer Classic – June 25-26 – Vail

June 26th – Saturday

The Colorado Firecracker Run – 8:00 a.m. – Erie Community Center (North Lawn), Erie

Front Range Makers Market – 9:00 a.m. – Outlets at Castle Rock

4th Anniversary Hootenanny – 2:00 p.m. – Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont

Book Signing with Author Jenny Balagna – 3:00 p.m. – 300 Suns Brewing, Longmont

Flock Party – 5:00 p.m. – Denver Zoo, Denver

PRIDE Night – 5:00 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Super Pride – 5:00 p.m. – Buckley Park, Durango

Women of Rock Show – 6:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Dairy at the Bandshell: Fresh Air, Fresh Fashion Runway by Creative Nations – 6:30 p.m. – Boulder Central Park Bandshell, Boulder

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver
Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Out Boulder – Boulder Comedy Festival – 8:00 p.m. – Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Stone Beat Invasion – Tribute to The Beatles & Stones – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Cirque de Minuit – June 26 -27 – Cousins Plaza, Denver

Denver PrideFest – June 26-27 – Civic Park Center, Denver

Snowmass Art Festival – June 26-27 – Snowmass Village

Unicorn Festival – June 26-27 – Clement Park, Littleton

June 27th – Sunday

Taking Steps for Cancer “Spirit Polar Plunge” – 12:00 p.m. – Gene Stover Lakefront Park, Grand Lake

Paint the Town: RED – 3:30 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

The Allman Betts Band – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Equinox Events – 5:00 p.m. – Boulder Circus Center, Boulder – Schedule – bouldercircuscenter.net/calendar

Joyous Wolf w/ Straight Six – 6:30 p.m. – The Venue, Denver

Skullduggery – 6:30 p.m. – Firehouse Theater Company, Denver

James and the Giant Peach JR – 7:00 p.m. – Arts Hub, Lafayette

June 28th – Monday

Amplify curated by Lynne Holman – 7:00 p.m. – Arvada Center, Arvada

Zach Hammond – 8:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Vlad Girshevich – 9:00 p.m. – Herb’s Bar, Denver

18th Annual Telluride Plein Air – June 28 – July 4 – Sheridan Opera House/Elks Park/Oak St. Park, Telluride

Paddle/Climbing Week – June 28 – July 2 – Scott Griffith Lodge, Breckenridge

Taiko Chandler: At Twilight – June 28 – September 26 – Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder

June 29th – Tuesday

Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies – 11:00 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Toodeloo Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. – So Many Roads Brewery, Denver

Brant Williams & ManyColors – 8:00 p.m. – Appaloosa Grill, Denver

Electronic Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – The Black Box, Denver

Revolution Tuesdays – 8:00 p.m. – HQ, Denver

June 30th – Wednesday

Ladies Night! – 6:00 p.m. – Stampede, Aurora

Tab Benoit – 7:00 p.m. – Stargazers Theater & Event Center, Colorado Springs

Discount Ghost Stories: Songs from the Rockies – 8:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Chicago The Musical – June 30 – July 22 – Aspen Hurst Theatre, Aspen- Schedule and Tickets

July 1st – Thursday

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Shakedown Street – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park,  Denver

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Giovannie & The Hired Guns – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

SOURCE/Snublock – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

4th of July Celebration – July 1-4 – Multiple Locations, Winter Park

Cattleman Days Celebration – July 1-18 – Gunnison Valley

Colorado Music Festival – July 1 – August 7 – Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder

Funkin’ On the Beach Concert Series – July 1 – August 19 (every Saturday) – 6:00 p.m. – The Marina at Pelican Bay, Greenwood Village

Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series – July 1-4, 9 – August 28 (every Friday/Saturday) – Steamboat Pro Rodeo, Steamboat Springs

July 2nd – Friday

Randy Rogers Band – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Dairy at the Bandshell: Chris Daniels and the Kings – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

The Pot: Tribute to Tool – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Tab Benoit – 7:00 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Zagriculture/Matt Weiman – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

The Aristocats, Kids – Arts Hub, Lafayette

Granby 4th of July Celebration – July 2-4 – Multiple Locations, Granby

Josh Blue – July 2-3 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Lettuce – July 2-3 – Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

Summer at Sculpture Park – July 2 – August 12 – Sculpture Park, Denver

July 3rd – Saturday

Carolina Story – 3:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

High Country Hustle – 5:00 p.m. – Belleview Station, Denver

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

El Regreso del Romanticismo 2 – 8:00 p.m. – Stampede, Aurora

Octopus Tree – 9:00 p.m. – Globe Hall, Denver

Central City Opera 2021 Festival – July 3 – August 1 – Central City

Cripple Creek District Museum Carnival – July 3-4 – Cripple Creek District Museum Parking Lot, Cripple Creek

Garden of the Arts – July 3-4 – Memorial Park, Manitou Springs

Little Shop of Horrors – July 3 – August 26 – Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake

Renaissance Festival – July 3 – August 22 – Larkspur

William Topley – July 3-4 – Buffalo Rose, Golden

July 4th – Sunday

BV Fourth of July Celebrations – 9:00 a.m. – McPhelemy Park, Buena Vista

Fourth of July Parade – 10:00 a.m. – Main Street, Grand Junction

Superior 4th of July Festival – 10:00 a.m. – Community Park, Superior

Evergreen Music Festival – 12:00 p.m. – Buchanan Park, Evergreen

Deadbeats July 4th Backyard Jamboree – 1:00 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Park Hill 4th of July Parade – 1:30 p.m. – Park Hill Neighborhood, Northeast Denver

Pinkalooza – 4:00 p.m. – I Bar Ranch, Gunnison

July 5th – Monday

2021 USA Cycling National Championships – July 5-14 – Winter Park Resort, Winter Park

Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo – July 5-10 – Granny May Arena, Estes Park

July 6th – Tuesday

Summer Splash – 1:00 p.m. – Clem Dufour Park, Dacono

July 7th – Wednesday

The Powell Brothers – 6:30 p.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Jackie Venson – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Onward – at dusk – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Reels on Wheels Drive-In Movie – July 7-30 – Alamo Drafthouse, Westminster – cityofwestminster.us/specialevents

Summer Concert Series in the Park – July 7 – September 1 (every Wednesday) – Grand Lake Town Park, Grand Lake

July 8th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Rick Pruitt – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Brothers Osborne – 6:00 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

Possessed by Paul James – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Lindsey Stirling – Artemis Tour – 7:00 p.m. – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Kaptain – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

The Losers Club/Years Down – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Rocky Mountain Ukefest – July 8-11 – Durango

Vail Jazz – July 4 – August 22 – The Arrabelle at Vail Square

July 9th – Friday

Goose – 5:30 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Anythink Backyard Concert Series: SuperMagick – 6:30 p.m. – Anythink Wright Farms, Thornton

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Honey Blazer/Heated Bones – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Whitney Rose – 9:00 p.m. – Hi-Dive, Denver

Longmont East Side Historic Tour – Longmont

CU Presents: The Odyssey – July 9 – August 14 – Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater, Boulder

Van Gogh Alive: the Experience – July 9 – September 26 – The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, Denver

July 10th – Saturday

Walk with a Geologist at Triceratops Trail – 9:30 a.m. – Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison

The Heartland Boom Festival – 12:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Summer Brew – 1:00 p.m. – Purgatory Resort “Beach” Area, Durango

Cous – 3:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Concert on the Rooftop with Kingdom Jasmine & Zoe Berman – 5:00 p.m. – Museum of Boulder

Goose – 5:30 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Cirque de Minuit – 6:00 p.m. – Arts in the Park, Boulder

Starry Evening Gala – 6:00 p.m. – Budd Barn, Crested Butte

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Roger’s River Run 5K – 7:00 p.m. – Rogers Grove Park, Longmont

Trapt (Rare Acoustic Show) – 8:00 p.m. – The Venue, Denver

Michael “Chip” Chipman – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Waxcat x ENZI – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Longmont West Side Historic Tour – Longmont

Music & Movies featuring FACE Vocal Band – Centennial Field, Dacono

Art in the Park – July 10-11 – West Lincoln Park, Steamboat Springs

Rigoletto – July 10-30 – Hudson Gardens & Events Center, Littleton

Winter Park Alpine ArtAffair – July 10-11 – Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park

July 11th – Sunday

Ferel Suits/Motel Frunz/Pollinator – 6:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

The Stanleytones – 7:00 p.m. – Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

In the Whale – Salt of Sanguine – 8:00 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

Cabaret Series – July 11, August 8, 9, & 15 – Aspen Hurst Theatre, Aspen

Music in the Mountains – July 11 – August 1 – Multiple Venues, Durango

Stanley Live Concert Series – July 11 – November 2 – Stanley Hotel Concert Hall, Estes Park

Sunday @ 6 – July 11 – August 29 – Legion Park, Gunnison

Vail Family Fun Festival – July 10, 17, 22, 31 & August 7 – Lionshead, Vail

July 12th – Monday

Recognition Week – July 12-16 – Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village

July 13th – Tuesday

7th Annual Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering Outdoor Concert and Barn Dance – 5:00 p.m. – River Bend Ranch, Durango

Longmont Taste of History Tour – 6:00 p.m. – Longmont

Mesa County Fair – July 13-17 – Mesa County Fair Grounds

String Cheese Incident – July 13-14 – Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon

July 14th – Wednesday

Black Panther – at dusk – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

July 15th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Chris Bosch – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Wine Night at the Fair – 6:00 p.m. – Mesa County Fairgrounds, Grand Junction

Harry Tuft – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Blue Water Highway – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Foxxes/Black Cell  – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Music in the Mountains Classic Music Festival – July 15 – August 1 – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

July 16th – Friday

Summer Series: Simone Leigh – 12:00 p.m. – Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Take3: World Music Concert – 7:00 p.m. – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

Gaines Brothers – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Bleach’d/Porno Addiction/Second Hand Sublime (Ultimate Tribute Bands) – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Andrew Schulz – July 16-17 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Boulder Creek Festival – July 16-18 – Boulder Creek, Boulder

Boulder Creek Festival – July 16-18 – Pearl Street Mall, Boulder

The Great Gatsby – July 16-18 – D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn

Snowmass Rendezvous Craft Beer Festival – July 16-18 – Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village

July 17th – Saturday

Blues & BBQ Festival for Better Housing – 10:30 a.m. – Citizens Park, Edgewater

Ann Lincoln Outdoor Magic Show – 11:00 a.m. – Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette

Castle Rock WineFest – 2:00 p.m. – Butterfield Park, Castle Rock

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Chocolate Indulgence Benefit Event – 7:00 p.m. – Reising Stage Event Center, Durango

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Jenny Shawhan – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Live Wire (ACDC Tribute) & Maiden Denver (Iron Maiden Tribute) – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

38th Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival – July 17-18 – Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park

Aspen Arts Festival – July 17-18 – Downtown Aspen

Elizabeth Celtic Festival – July 17-18 – Casey Jones Park, Elizabeth

Wine & Jazz Festival – July 17-18 – River Run Village, Keystone

July 18th – Sunday

Sunday Picnic at the Pond – 2:00 p.m. – LePlatt’s Pond Event Center, Bayfield

Pandas & People – 3:30 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver

They Pretend/Zach Robinson/Goodsmiles – 5:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Rob Schneider – 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

An Evening Benefiting the Sheridan Opera House – 7:00 p.m. – Sheridan Opera House, Telluride

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

July 20th – Tuesday

Taming Chaos: Centaur Myths from Ancient Greece Through Today – 6:00 p.m. – Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, Fort Collins

Carnifex – 6:30 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

July 21st – Wednesday

Dinner & Family Concert – 5:30 p.m. – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

Jacket of Spiders | Despairia | Messiahvore | Rumble Young Man Rumble – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – at dusk – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Bands on the Bricks – July 21 – August 11 – Downtown Boulder

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo – July 21-24 – Eagle Colorado County Fairgrounds, Gypsum

July 22nd – Thursday

Teddy Bear Picnic – 10:00 a.m. – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder – 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Longmont Taste of History Tour – 6:00 p.m. – Longmont

Perpetual Motion – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver – http://www.perpetual-motion.net/

The Bannetones/The Keeps/Sweet Pork – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Michael Yo – July 22-24 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

R3D RIDER HAF – July 22-24 – Steamboat Springs

July 23rd – Friday

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

CoreShot (Stone Temple Pilots Tribute)/The Pot (Tool Tribute) – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Playful Interludes – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

Cheyenne Frontier Days – July 23-31 – Cheyenne, WY

Great American Music 2021 – July 23 – September 3 – Downtown Louisville

RockyGrass Festival – July 23-25 – Planet Bluegrass Farm, Lyons

Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival – July 23-24 – Cañon City

July 24th – Saturday

Spring Creek Memorial Run – 8:00 a.m. – Spring Creek Trail, Steamboat Springs

Taking Steps for Cancer “Views and Vistas on the Water” – 10:00 a.m. – Grand Lake Docks, Grand Lake

Summer Brew Fest – 12:00 p.m. – Mile High Stadium

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Krayzie Bone Of Bone Thugs N Harmony – 5:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood – 7:00 p.m. – Open Stage Theater & Company, Fort Collins

Itchy-O – 8:00 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Audi Snowmass 50 Bike Race – Fanny Hill, Snowmass

Corvair Car Show – July 24-25 – Cripple Creek District Museum, Cripple Creek

Keystone River Run Village Art Festival – July 24-25 – Keystone

PRCA ProRodeo – July 24 – August 1 – Cheyenne, WY

July 25th – Sunday

Kyle Moon & The Mislead Trio – 3:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Leann Rimes Acoustic – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Bach and Burritos – 5:30 p.m. – River Bend Ranch, Durango

Morsel & Buffalo Commons – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

July 28th – Wednesday

Disc Golf Throwdown – 4:00 p.m. – Harlow Platts Disc Golf Course, Boulder

Wonder Woman – at dusk – E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn

July 29th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Alex Sierra – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Summer Series: Derrick Adams – 12:30 p.m. – Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Clay Kirkland – Beat the Reaper XV – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Dream Feed – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

July 30th – Friday

Fruition with Special Guest Mipso – 6:00 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

New Appreciation – 7:00 p.m. – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

Mary Fahl – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Tame Impala – 8:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

Lawsuit Models/State Drugs – 9:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

23rd Aerial Dance Festival – July 30 – August 7 – The Dairy Center Gordon Gamm Theater, Boulder

Audi Power of Four Trail Run – July 31 – Multiple Locations, Aspen

Carve Wars Festival – July 30 – August 1 – Base Area, Durango

Crested Butte Arts Festival – July 30 – August 1 – Crested Butte Community School, Crested Butte

Dane Scott Band – July 30-31 – Herb’s Bar, Denver

Rock of Ages – July 30 -August 21 – Aspen Hurst Theatre, Aspen

SnowyGrass Music Festival 2021 – July 30-31 – Snowy Peaks Winery, Estes Park

Vail Dance Festival – July 30 – August 9 – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

July 31st – Saturday

Sesquicentennial Downtown Festival – 9:00 a.m. – Colorado Springs

LobsterFest – 4:00 p.m. – Whistlestop Park, Niwot

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

A New World Record ~ A Tribute to the Music of the Electric Light Orchestra – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Boombox ft. Backbeat Brass w/ Mark Farina, Ethno at Sculpture Park – 5:15 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Patrick Sweany – 5:30 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver

POPS Passport – 5:30 p.m. – Sky Ute Center, Ignacio

Church of Cash (Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute) – 8:00 p.m. – Lost Lake, Denver

Trace Bundy – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Boulder Fine Art Street Festival – July 31 – August 1 – Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder

Gold Rush Days – July 31 – August 1 – Buena Vista River Park, Buena Vista

Heritage Fire – July 31 – Base Village, Snowmass Village

Revolution Enduro – July 31 – August 1 – 8:00 a.m. – Various Locations, Steamboat Springs

August 1st – Sunday

Triumphant and Resilient – 5:30 p.m. – Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango

August 4th – Wednesday

Surfer Blood/Worn Tin – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

August 5th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Las Dahlias Duo – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Amy Grant – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Yonder Mountain String Band – 5:30 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver

Eilen Jewell – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Jackopierce – 8:00 p.m. – Moxi Theatre, Greeley

Marc Maron – August 5-7 – Comedy Works Downtown, Denver

August 6th – Friday

5K on the Mountain – 6:30 p.m. – Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village

Shakey Graves – 6:00 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon

Alan Jackson – 7:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

Amy Grant – 7:30 p.m. – Paramount Theatre, Denver

Longmont 150 Opening Reception – 8:00 p.m. – Longmont Museum, Longmont

81st Sturgis Rally – August 6-15 – Sturgis, SD

Boulder County Fair & Rodeo – August 6-15 – Longmont County Fairgrounds & Campground, Longmont

Folks Festival – August 6-8 – Planet Bluegrass Farm, Lyons

Joe Dombrowski – August 6-7 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

August 7th – Saturday

RiverFEST 2021 – 9:00 a.m. – Two Rivers Park, Glenwood Springs

5K on the Mountain – 9:30 a.m. – Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Village

Well-O-Rama Music Festival and Games – 3:00 p.m. – Centennial Park, Wellington

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Dion Pride – 7:00 p.m. – Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, Palmer Lake

Jackopierce – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Avon Festival of the Arts – August 7-8 – Nottingham Park, Avon

Honey Stinger Emerald Mountain Epic – August 7-8 – Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Steamboat Springs

August 8th – Sunday

16th Annual Northglenn Wiffleball Tournament – 8:30 a.m. – Northwest Open Space, Northglenn

Twilight Shavano Tours – 6:30 p.m. – Ute Indian Museum, Montrose

10 Years – 7:00 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

Smile Empty Soul w/ Hearts & Hand Grenades – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

August 10th – Tuesday

Small Black – 7:00 p.m. – Marquis Theater, Denver

Estes Park Wine Festival – August 10-11 – Bond Park, Estes Park

August 11th – Wednesday

Melissa Etheridge – 7:00 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheater, Dillon

Milquetoast & Co. w/ Shad Buxman and the Graveyard Shift, Adam Stigall – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Boulder International Fringe Festival – August 11-22 – boulderfringe.com

August 12th – Thursday

The Dip – 5:30 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Eef and the Blues Express – 6:30 p.m. – Four Mile Historic Park, Denver

Fitz and The Tantrums – 7:30 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

August 13th – Friday

Black Pumas – 6:00 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon

Anythink Backyard Concert Series: Bison Bone – 6:30 p.m. – Anythink Wright Farms, Thornton

My Fair Lady – 7:30 p.m. – Buell Theater, Denver

High School Musical 2, JR – Arts Hub, Lafayette

Engine 20 Returns – August 13-14 – Cripple Creek District Museum, Cripple Creek

Routt County Fair – August 13-21 – Routt County Fairgrounds, Hayden

Telluride Jazz Festival – August 13-15 – Telluride, Colorado

Toughest Monster Truck Tour – August 13-14 – Budweiser Events Center, Loveland

August 14th – Saturday

Run the Rockies Trail 10K & Half Marathon – 7:30 a.m. – Frisco Adventure Park, Frisco

Touch-A-Truck – 9:00 a.m. – Erie Community Center, Erie

Walk with a Geologist at Triceratops Trail – 9:30 a.m. – Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison

5th Annual Wuffstock Music Festival – 3:00 p.m. – Las Colonias Park Amphitheatre, Grand Junction

Johnny Appleseed – 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Galactic feat. Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph – 6:30 p.m. – Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon

Opera in the Park – 7:00 p.m. – Boulder Bandshell, Boulder

5&15 Festival – Arts Hub, Lafayette

Music & Movies featuring Journey to the Heart – Centennial Field, Dacono

Main Street to the Rockies Art Festival – August 14-15 – Main St., Frisco

August 15th – Sunday

Colorado Irish Festival – 12:00 p.m. – Citizens Park Pavillion, Edgewater

Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile’s long-awaited Goat Rodeo Reunion joined by featured vocalist Aoife O’Donovan – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Sunflower Dead + Special Guests – 6:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Lee DeWyze – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour – August 15-21 – Aspen

August 16th – Monday

Guns N’ Roses 2021 Tour – 6:00 p.m. – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City

August 19th – Thursday

Picnic on the Plaza – Graciella Alvarado – 12:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Palisade Peach Festival – August 19-21 – Riverbend Park, Palisade

August 20th – Friday

Blake Shelton: Friends And Heroes 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

Deicide – 7:00 p.m. – Marquis Theater, Denver

Jackiem Joyner – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Buffalo Days – August 20-22 – Town of Grand Lake

August 21st – Saturday

Festival for Life and 5K – 8:00 a.m. – Cheesman Park, Denver

22nd Annual Lafayette Peach Festival – 9:00 a.m. – Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette

2021 Vail Valley Brew’Au – 1:00 p.m. – Avon Performance Pavilion at Harry A Nottingham Park, Avon

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

Del McCoury Band – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Acoustic Eidolon – 7:00 p.m. – Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, Palmer Lake

Continental Divide Trail Run – Steamboat Ski Area, Steamboat Springs

August 22nd – Sunday

Flotsam and Jetsam – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

August 23rd – Monday

Tee It Up Golf Scramble – 10:00 a.m. – Keystone Ranch Golf Course, Keystone

Between the Buried And Me – 7:30 p.m. – Marquis Theater, Denver

August 25th – Wednesday

The Hella Mega Tour – Green Day/Fall Out Boy/Wheezer – 5:30 p.m. – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City

August 26th – Thursday

Wellington Main Street Market – 5:30 p.m. – Main Street, Wellington

Top Taco – 7:00 p.m. – Stanley Market, Aurora

Big Jay Oakerson – August 26-28 – 7:30 p.m. – Comedy Works Downtown, Denver

August 27th – Friday

Erie Haunting History Tour – 6:00 p.m. – Erie

Megadeth And Lamb Of God – 6:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

Crafting the Conspiracy – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Happy Together Tour  – 8:00 p.m. – Paramount Theatre, Denver

Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Anthony Rodia – August 27-28 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Colorado Springs Comic Con – August 27-29 – Chapel Hills Mall, Colorado Springs

Colorado State Fair – August 27 – September 6 – Pueblo

Eagle Mushroom & Wildfood Festival 2021 – August 27-29 – Eagle Ranch Village, Eagle

Handmade in Colorado Expo – August 27-29 – Bond Park, Estes Park

Hot Rod Rock & Rumble – August 27-29 – Pikes Peak International Raceway

Trinidaddio Blues Festival – August 27-28 – Trinidad

Underground Music Showcase 2021 – August 27-29 – South Broadway, Denver

August 28th – Saturday

Sagebrush Western Classic Golf Tournament – 9:00 a.m. – Grand Lake Golf Course, Grand Lake

Boulder Taco Fest – 12:00 p.m. – Foothills Park, Boulder

Keb’ Mo’ Acoustic – 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek

Moon Taxi – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver

Music & Movies featuring Chris Daniels & The Kings – Centennial Field, Dacono

San Juan Brewfest – August 28-29 – Durango, Colorado

Big Mountain Enduro – August 28-29 – Multiple Locations, Durango

August 29th – Sunday

Superior 5K Fun Run – 8:00 a.m. – Community Park, Superior

Affordable Arts Festival – 9:00 a.m. – Arapahoe Community College, Littleton

Beartooth – 6:00 p.m. – Summit Theater, Denver

Metalachi: The World’s First and Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band –  8:00 p.m. – Moxi Theatre, Greeley

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – 8:00 p.m. – Moxi Theatre, Greeley

September 1st – Wednesday

Hall and Oates – 7:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver – hallandoates.com/tour

Adema – 7:00 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

September 2nd – Thursday

Brad Williams – September 2-4 – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Yampa Valley Crane Festival – September 2-5 – Steamboat Springs

September 3rd – Friday

Rodrigo y Gabriela – 7:30 p.m. – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Four Corners Folk Festival – September 3-5 – Pagosa Springs – https://www.ksutpresents.org/fourcornersfolkfestival

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience – September 3-5 – Town Park Station, Snowmass Village

Million Dollar Quartet – September 3 – October 2 – Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre,  Grand Lake

Phish – September 3-5 – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City

September 4th – Saturday

Belgian Brew Fest 2021 – 1:00 p.m. – The Garden at Bruz Beers, Denver

Dangerous Toys with Driven by Turmoil and Rhoar – 7:00 p.m. – The Venue, Denver

Van Full of Nuns – 7:00 p.m. – Black Sheep, Colorado Springs

Jason Eady – 8:00 p.m. – Moxi Theatre, Greeley

A Taste of Colorado – September 4-6 – 16th Street Mall, Denver

Commonwealth Artists Labor Day Art Festival – September 4-6 – Memorial Park, Manitou Springs

Steamboat Springs Stage Race – September 4-6 – Various Locations, Steamboat Springs

September 5th – Sunday

10k at 10,000ft Trail Run – 10:00 a.m. – Rabbit Ears Pass, Steamboat Springs

Little Big Town – Nightfall – 8:00 p.m. – Paramount Theatre, Denver

September 7th – Tuesday

Harry Styles: Love On Tour – 8:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

September 8th – Wednesday

George Nelson Lobster Pot – 5:00 p.m. – Hotel Boulderado, Boulder

Young Dubliners – 9:00 p.m. – Moxi Theatre, Greeley

September 9th – Thursday

Boulder Asian Film Festival – September 9-11 – Dairy Center, Boulder

September 10th – Friday

Deftones Summer Tour 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Ball Arena, Denver

Tony Trischka – 8:00 p.m. – Daniels Hall, Denver

The Orcastrator – 8:30 p.m. – Marquis Theater, Denver

King Buffalo – 9:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Snowmass Balloon Festival – Town Park, Snowmass Village

Boulder Fall Festival – September 10-12 – Downtown Boulder

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen – September 10-12 – Downtown Aspen

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival – September 10-12 – Rooftop Way, Estes Park

Vail Oktoberfest – September 10-12 & 17-19 – Lionshead and Vail Village, Vail

September 11th – Saturday

Sunnyside Music Festival – 12:00 p.m. – Chaffee Park, Denver

Fall into Blues Festival – 1:00 p.m. – Foundry Plaza, Loveland

Lafayette Brew Festival – 2:00 p.m. – Festival Plaza, Lafayette

OktoberWest – 2:00 p.m. – Gondola Square Mountain Resorts, Steamboat Springs

Longmont ArtWalk Summer on the Streets – 4:00 p.m. – Longmont

LobsterFest – 5:00 p.m. – Steamboat Springs Fire Department, Steamboat Springs

Axes and Arms 9/11 Climb – 6:00 p.m. – Town Park Station, Snowmass Village

Larry Carlton – 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Death Cab for Cutie – 7:00 p.m. – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Phil Keaggy – 7:00 p.m. – Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, Palmer Lake

Carrie Newcomer with pianist Gary Walters – 8:00 p.m. – Daniels Hall, Denver

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular – 8:00 p.m. – Paramount Theatre, Denver

King Buffalo – 9:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Music & Movies featuring Paizley Park – Centennial Field, Dacono

Grand Lake Art Festival – September 11-12 – Town Park, Grand Lake

September 12th – Sunday

Stavros Halkais – 6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. – Comedy Works Downtown, Denver

Ela Minus – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

RKR MTN Ripper II – September 10-12 – Hi-Dive, Denver

September 13th – Monday

10th Annual Constitution Week – September 13-18 – City of Grand Lake

September 14th – Tuesday

Mike Oregano – Ryan Zimmerman – 7:00 p.m. – Herman’s Hideaway, Denver

Electric Six – 8:00 p.m. – Larimer Lounge, Denver

Karla Bonoff – 8:00 p.m. – The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

September 15th – Wednesday

Rachael Bradley – 7:30 p.m. – Comedy Works South, Greenwood Village

Bill Maher – 8:00 p.m. – Sculpture Park, Denver

Too Many Zooz x Big Freedia – 8:00 p.m. – Summit, Denver

Major Venues

Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins

June 12 – Native Station with The Crooked Rugs and 13 Fridays – 8:00 p.m.

June 18 – Cordovas + Great Peacock – 8:00 p.m.

June 19 – An Evening with Scarypoolparty – 7:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.

June 24 – Sam Riggs with Dustin Massey – 8:00 p.m.

June 25 – An Evening with The Steel Woods – 8:00 p.m.

June 27 – 3420 with Soul.Method – 8:00 p.m.

July 1 – An Evening with Tab Benoit – 8:00 p.m.

July 2 – An Evening with Chess at Breakfast – 8:00 p.m.

July 9 – An Evening with Rachael and Vilray – 8:00 p.m.

July 10 – Break the Silence Ft. Layne’s Calling with Bound By Years, A Vintage Future & Sin on Six – 7:00 p.m.

July 11 – An Evening with Jackie Venson – 8:00 p.m.

July 15 – An Evening with Aaron Kamm & The One Drops – 8:00 p.m.

July 16 – Ms. Nomer with the Nightshades – 8:00p.m.

July 17 – Stormy Chromer with Pipin’ Hot and Lucid Blues – 8:00 p.m.

July 23 – Float Like a Buffalo with House With a Yard – 8:00 p.m.

August 7 – An Evening with Mark Farina – 8:00 p.m.

August 19 – Kent Washington – Tour of the Indigo with Koolin’ K, Devin Tremell & DJ Deuce – 8:00 p.m.

August 20 – An Evening with Shakedown Street – 8:00 p.m.

September 9 – An Evening with Minnesota – Break the Mold Tour – 8:00 p.m.

Belly Up, Aspen

June 28 – Eli Young Band – 8:00 p.m.

July 3 – Big Gigantic with Covex – 9:30 p.m.

July 4 – Kygo with Forester – 10:00 p.m.

July 5 – Blues Traveler – 9:00 p.m.

July 16 – Goldfish – 9:30 p.m.

July 24 – LeAnn Rimes – 8:30 p.m.

August 8 – Melissa Etheridge – 9:00 p.m.

August 22 – Louis The Child with Goth Babe – 9:00 p.m.

August 29 – Moon Taxi – 8:30 p.m.

The Bluebird Theater, Denver

August 14 – Greyson Chance – 9:00 p.m.

August 19 – Lucky Ones Tour: Luttrell  – 8:00 p.m.

August 24 – The Residents – 8:00 p.m.

September 30 – The Brook & The Bluff – 8:00 p.m.

Boulder’s Dinner Theater

May 7 – July 11 – Forever Plaid – 6:00 p.m. Thur-Sat, 12:00 p.m. Sun

July 29, 30, 31 – Chris Collins with Alex Mitchell: A Tribute to John Denver – 6:00 p.m.

Boulder Theater

June 4 – Mike Wird, Indigenous Peoples, Plain N’ Simple, TMC! & Tone ET – 8:00p.m.

June 5 – Boulder Symphony: The Show Must Go On – 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

June 8 – Dancing With Boulder Stars – 6:00 p.m.

June 10 – Conrad Anker Hosts REEL ROCK 15 – 6:00 p.m.

June 12 – An Evening with Pro-Leisure All Stars – 8:00 p.m.

June 17-18 – An Evening with Scarypoolparty – 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

June 19 – An Evening with The Good Kid – 8:00 p.m.

June 19 – An Evening with Shakedown Street – 8:00 p.m.

June 20 – Cordovas + Great Peacock – 7:00 p.m.

June 24-26 – Boulder International Film Festival – 10:00 a.m.

June 26 – An Evening with Foxfeather – 8:00 p.m.

July 2 – Float Like a Buffalo with Guerilla Fanfare – 8:00 p.m.

July 9 – The Jerry Dance Party – 8:30 p.m.

July 16 – Rose Hill Drive – 8:00 p.m.

September 12 – Beatles vs Stones A Musical Shootout – 7:30 p.m.

Cervantes, Denver

June 5 – Chain Station – 9:00 p.m.

June 5 – Eric Krasno & The Assembly – 9:00 p.m.

June 10 – Deadphish Orchestra –  8:00 p.m.

June 12 – Other Brothers – 6:45 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.

June 17 – Doom Flamingo w/ Special Guests –  8:00 p.m.

June 19 – CloZee – 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., & 9:00 p.m.

June 19 – DJ Williams Shots Fired ft. Kowan Turner (Natural Chemistry), Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation) & More – 8:00 p.m.

June 25 – Eminence Ensemble – 9:00 p.m.

June 27 – Proxima Parada w/ Special Guests – 8:00 p.m.

July 15 – Big Something w/ Special Guests – 8:00 p.m.

July 23 – The Band of Heathens w/ Special Guests – 9:00 p.m.

August 8 – Lucki w/ Special Guests – 8:00 p.m.

September 14 – Natewantstobattle with CG5, Vespera and Special Guests – 8:00 p.m.

Chautauqua, Boulder

June 12 – Art in the Garden – 10:00 a.m.

June 24-27 – Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) 2021 – 10:00 p.m.

July 1 – August 7 – Colorado Music Festival

July 1 – Opening Night: Beethoven 7 + Augustin Hadelich – 7:30 p.m.

July 2 – Beethoven 7 + Augustin Hadelich – 6:30 p.m.

July 3 – Family Concert: The Story of Babar – 11:30 a.m.

July 6 – String Quintets: Mozart and Brahms – 7:30 p.m.

July 8 – Brahms 4 with Pianist Stewart Goodyear – 7:30 p.m.

July 9 – Brahms 4 with Pianist Stewart Goodyear – 6:30 p.m.

July 11 – Haydn’s London Symphony – 6:30 p.m.

July 15 – Olga Kern + Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony – 7:30 p.m.

July 16 – Olga Kern + Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony – 6:30 p.m.

July 18 – Conrad Tao Performs Mozart – 6:30 p.m.

July 20 – St. Lawrence String Quartet: Debussy, Haydn, and John Adams – 7:30 p.m.

July 22 – Beethoven Op. 131 + Hannah Lash’s World Premiere – 7:30 p.m.

July 23 – Kaleidoscope: Muhly, Tower, and Bolcom – 6:30 p.m.

July 23 – Juilliard String Quartet – 7:30 p.m.

July 25 – Joan Tower: Made in America + World Premiere – 6:30 p.m.

July 27 – Beethoven Quintet and Septet – 7:30 p.m.

July 29 – Hadelich Plays Beethoven’s Violin Concerto – 7:30 p.m.

July 30 – Hadelich Plays Beethoven’s Violin Concerto – 6:30 p.m.

August 1 – Copland Lincoln Portrait – 6:30 p.m.

August 3 – Danish String Quartet – 7:30 p.m.

August 5 – Beethoven’s Eroica + Joel Thompson’s World Premiere – 7:30 p.m.

August 7 – Finale: Beethoven 5 – 7:30 p.m.

August 14 – Art in the Garden – 10:00 a.m.

August 17 – Indigo Girls Look Long Tour – 7:30 p.m.

August 20 – The Jayhawks – 7:30 p.m.

August 21 – The Steeldrivers with Wood Belly – 7:30 p.m.

August 26 – Keb’ Mo’ – 7:00 p.m.

September 1 – Rodrigo y Gabriela – 7:30 p.m.

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms

June 24 – September 29 – Dining on the Farm – 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

July 17 – Lavender Festival – 9:00 a.m.

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street

June – August (select Mondays and Wednesdays) – Evenings al Fresco – 4:30 p.m.

August 27 – Fête des Fleurs – 5:30 p.m.

Dickens Opera House, Longmont

June 5  – Million Dollar Band – 8:00 p.m.

June 12 – Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen Tribute) – 8:00 p.m.

June 18 – Hazel Miller Band – 8:00 p.m.

June 25 – Austin Young Band – 8:00 p.m.

July 3 – Indigenous – 8:00 p.m.

July 10 – Fire and Ice (A Tribute to Pat Benatar) – 8:00 p.m.

July 16 – Still the Same (Bob Seger Tribute) – 8:00 p.m.

July 23 – My Blue Sky (Allman Bros. Tribute) – 8:00 p.m.

August 28 – Paradise Theater (A Tribute to STYX) – 8:00 p.m.

Fox Theater,

July 10 – Jackie Venson – 9:00 p.m.

September 8 – Minnesota – 9:00 p.m.

Grizzly Rose, Denver

June 18 – Randall King – 8:30 p.m.

June 25 – Aaron Watson – 8:30 p.m.

July 9 – Sawyer Brown – 8:30 p.m.

August 13 – Tanner Gun Show – 3:00 p.m.

August 14, 15 – Tanner Gun Show – 9:00 a.m.

August 27 – Jon Wolfe – 8:30 p.m.

September 10  – John Michael Montgomery – 8:30 p.m.

The Jamestown Mercantile, Jamestown

June 10 – Gas Pops Duo – 7:00 p.m.

June 11 – Hunter Stone – 7:00 p.m.

June 13 – Danny Shafer – 12:00 p.m.

June 17 – Paul Alexios Kimbiris – 7:00 p.m.

June 18 – Dechen Hawk – 7:00 p.m.

June 20 – Kevin Dooley – 12:00 p.m.

June 24 – Jamestown – 7:00 p.m.

June 25 – Street Cats Making Love – 7:00 p.m.

July 1 – Jeremy Mohney Band – 7:00 p.m.

July 2 – Cliffside Rodeo – 7:00 p.m.

July 8 – Statz – 7:00 p.m.

July 9 – George Nelson Trio – 7:00 p.m.

July 11 – Steven Hoffman – 7:00 p.m.

July 15 – Jenn Cleary – 7:00 p.m.

July 16 – 10 Cents and a Broken Pick – 7:00 p.m.

July 18 – Patrick Dethlefs – 12:00 p.m.

July 22 – Matty G Band – 7:00 p.m.

July 23 – Ethan Morrison – 7:00 p.m.

July 25 – The Foggy Tops Bluegrass Band – 12:00 p.m.

July 29 – Maria Moss & Jon Hogan – 7:00 p.m.

July 30 – Heavy Diamond Ring – 7:00 p.m.

Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue

June 5 – Cycles w/ The Midnight Snack ft Casey Russell & Casey Russell & Chris Duffy (Magic Beans), Will Trask, and Alex Cazet – 8:00 p.m.

June 12 – Deep, Dark & Dangerous Presents: Truth w/ Special Guests – 7:00 p.m.

June 18 – Tenth Mountain Division ‘Butte La Rose’ Album Release Party with High Country Hustle – 8:00 p.m.

June 19 – Iespecial – 7:00 p.m.

June 26 – kLL Bill with Resonant Language, Navigators, and Sortof Vague – 8:00 p.m.

July 2 – Trout Steak Revival w/ Bowregard – 8:00 p.m.

July 3 – Flobots with The Burroughs & Wasteland Hop – 8:00 p.m.

July 17 – Desert Dwellers with Yaima, Moon Frog, and Erthyme – 8:00 p.m.

July 18 – Mock’ at the Mish feat. HartByrne (Talking Heads) and Steely Dead (Grateful Dead/Steely Dan) – 8:00 p.m.

July 31 – Yonder Mountain String Band – 8:00 p.m.

August 1 – Yonder Mountain String Band – 6:00 p.m.

August 13 – Mersiv w/ Abelation, Vibe Emissions, Mlotik, and Killa Nova – 8:00 p.m.

August 14 – Mersiv w/ Space Wizard, Kyral x Banko b2b Spades, Patches, and Zach Hersh – 8:00 p.m.

August 21 – The Jayhawks – 8:00 p.m.

Mission Ballroom, Denver

August 11, 12 – Black Pumas – 8:00 p.m.

September 14 – Sylvan Esso with Samia – 8:00 p.m.

September 15 – Dance Gavin Dance with Animals As Leaders, Veil of Maya, Eidola, Wolf & Bear – 6:30 p.m.

Oriental Theater, Denver

June 17 – Red Mountain Boys & The Cody Sisters – 7:30 p.m.

June 18 – Goodnight Freeman – 8:30 p.m.

June 19 – Bound By Years with Slingfist, Sin On Six & Purge The Heretics – 7:30 p.m.

June 24 – Reel Rock 15 – 7:30 p.m.

June 25 – Ten – Pearl Jam Tribute, Blind Dogs – Chris Cornell Tribute, Devil INSide – INXS Tribute – 7:00 p.m.

June 26 – Ghost Revue with Davany – 8:30 p.m.

July 1 – Mike Maurer Band The Voodoo Kings with Special Acoustic set by Doctor Dane – 7:00 p.m.

June 2 – Lost Relics / Messiahvore with Stone Deaf & Beastwood – 8:00 p.m.

July 9 – Lucha Libre & Laughs: Two For Flinching – 8:00 p.m.

July 10 – Tease Studios Presents: Summer Seduction – 6:00 p.m.

July 10 – Tease Studios Presents: The Great Gatsby – 8:30 p.m.

July 16 – The Hellgrammites with Sharone & Valdez – 8:00 p.m.

July 17 – Native Daughters with Cheap Perfume and Grief Ritual – 8:00 p.m.

July 18 – Jinx Jones & His All-Star Band – 7:00 p.m.

July 23 – American Idiot with Blink 303 & Just A Girl – 8:00 p.m.

July 30 – Emo Night Brooklyn – 10:00 p.m.

July 31 – Cora Vette is: Tickled Pink An Evening of Sex, Drugs, and Ragtime! – 8:00 p.m.

August 1 – Steve Hofstetter – 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

August 7 – Carnivale De Sensuale: Wild West Starring JD Hickcock and Legend Of Burleque Bic Carrol – 8:00 p.m.

August 20, 21 – Doug Stanhope – 8:00 p.m.

August 28 – Read Southall Band with Special Guest – 8:00 p.m.

September 1 – We Came As Romans: To Plant A Seed with The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon with Dayseeker – 7:00 p.m.

September 4 – Bearracuda – 9:00 p.m.

The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, Denver

June 18 – Crowboy – 8:00 p.m.

June 19 – The Goonies – 8:00 p.m.

July 3 – Mountain Rose – 8:00 p.m.

July 10 – Brothers of Brass – 8:00 p.m.

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison

June 5 – Michael Franti – 8:00 p.m.

June 5 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Coming to America – 8:30 p.m.

June 6 – Michael Franti – 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

June 6 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Fantastic Mr. Fox – 8:30 p.m.

June 8, 9 – Bob Weir and Wolf Bros – 8:00 p.m.

June 9 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Moulin Rouge – 8:30 p.m.

June 11 – The Revivalists – 7:30 p.m.

June 11 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Black Panther – 8:30 p.m.

June 12 – Big Head Todd and the Monsters – 8:00 p.m.

June 12 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: The Lost Boys – 8:30 p.m.

June 13 – Big Head Todd and the Monsters – 7:30 p.m.

June 12 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Golden Eye – 8:30 p.m.

June 15 – The Last Podcast on the Left – 8:00 p.m.

June 16 – Grace Potter – 8:00 p.m.

June 16 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Do the Right Thing – 8:30 p.m.

June 17 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Legally Blonde – 8:30 p.m.

June 18, 19 – Umphrey’s McGee – 8:00 p.m.

June 18 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – 8:30 p.m.

June 19 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: Independence Day – 8:30 p.m.

June 20 – Umphrey’s McGee – 7:00 p.m.

June 20 – Film on the Rocks Drive-In: The Shining – 8:30 p.m.

June 23 – Shakey Graves Was Here – 7:30 p.m.

June 25, 26 – Widespread Panic – 7:00 p.m.

June 27 – Widespread Panic – 6:00 p.m.

July 1 – Dirty Heads with G. Love & Special Sauce – 7:00 p.m.

July 2, 3 – Zeds Dead – 5:00 p.m.

July 4 – Blues Traveler – 8:00 p.m.

July 7 – Lindsey Stirling – 7:00 p.m.

July 9 – The Avett Brothers with G. Love & Special Sauce – 7:30 p.m.

July 10 – The Avett Brothers with Rachael and Vilray – 7:30 p.m.

July 12 – Film on the Rocks: Casino Royale – 7:00 p.m.

July 15 – Trampled by Turtles/Caamp with Erin Rae – 7:00 p.m.

July 16, 17 – The String Cheese Incident – 7:00 p.m.

July 18 – The String Cheese Incident – 6:00 p.m.

July 19  – Film on the Rocks: Jurassic Park – 7:00 p.m.

July 23, 24 – STS9 with Shpongle, MIZE – 6:00 p.m.

July 29 – Brit Floyd – 8:00 p.m.

August 1 – Jason Isabel and the 400 Unit with Lucinda Williams – 7:00 p.m.

August 2 – Film on the Rocks: The Princess Bride – 7:00 p.m.

August 5 – Dermot Kennedy: Without Fear Tour – 7:00 p.m.

August 8, 9 – Joe Bonamassa – 8:00 p.m.

August 10 – Wilko & Sleater-Kinney with NNAMDÏ – 7:00 p.m.

August 11, 12 – Rüfüs du Sol – 7:30 p.m.

August 13 – Wu-Tang Clan with Colorado Symphony – 7:00 p.m.

August 14 – Slightly Stoopid with Pepper, Common Kings, Don Carlos – 6:00 p.m.

August 15 – Slightly Stoopid with Citizen Hope, Fortunate Youth, The Hip Abduction – 4:00 p.m.

August 18 – Sebastian Maniscalco – 8:00 p.m.

August 19 – “1964” The Tribute – 8:00 p.m.

August 20 – Big Wild with Bob Moses (Club Set), Crooked Colours, Mild Minds – 7:30 p.m.

August 21 – Reggae on the Rocks with Rebelution, Steel Pulse, Inner Circle, The Green, Israel Vibration, Keznamdi, Judge Roughneck, DJ Mackle – 2:00 p.m.

August 22 – Reggae on the Rocks with Rebelution, Steel Pulse, Third World, The Green, Mykal Rose, Keznamdi, Judge Roughneck, DJ Mackle – 2:00 p.m.

August 23, 24 – A Special Evening of Music with Nathaniel Rateliff – 7:30 p.m.

August 26, 27 – Louis the Child with What So Not, Elderbrook, Goth Babe – 6:30 p.m.

August 29, 30 – The Black Crowes – 7:30 p.m.

September 2, 3 – Rezz – 6:00 p.m.

September 4 – Said the Sky – 7:00 p.m.

September 7, 9 – Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – 8:00 p.m.

September 10 – Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, The New Respects – 7:00 p.m.

September 11, 12 – Brandi Carlile with the Colorado Symphony Tanya Tucker – 7:00 p.m.

September 14, 15 – Alison Wonderland – 6:00 p.m.

Your Mom’s House, Denver

June 5 – BASSment Experiments – 6:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.

June 15 – Open Jam Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m.

June 16 –  Butl3r’s Monthly Tribute: Emo vs. Pop Punk – 8:00 p.m.

July 17 – IIVX Takeover – 7:00 p.m.

June 18 – Muzzy Bearr – 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

June 19 – Momma’s Electronic Matinee – 3:30 p.m.

June 20  – Hemi Way. Takeover – 5:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.

June 22 – Free Flow Tuesday – 6:00 p.m.

June 22 – Jah Sun & The Rising Tide – 7:00 p.m.

June 24 – Saltee & Friends – 7:00 p.m.

June 25 – The Psychedelic Rodeo ft. Rambo & Disco Terrorist – 10:00 p.m.

June 26 – Moira Rose’s Motown Brunch Boogie – 10:30 a.m.

June 26 – LRKR – 6:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

June 27 – Jacket of Spiders | Never Kenezzard | Juliet Mission | Titanium Axe – 8:00 p.m.

July 09 – Future Joy – 10:00 p.m.

July 16 – Blockhead – 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

July 17 – Franklin Embry * Kentucky Music Mafia – 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

July 22 – Serenity Beats – 7:00 p.m.

July 23, 24 – Soohan – 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

July 28 – Girls Night Out – 9:30 p.m.

August 06 – Massive Music Collective Takeover – 7:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

August 14 – Good vs. Evil – 6:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.

August 21 – Puzzled – 5:00 p.m.

September 10 – Eddie Gold – 7:00 p.m. & 10:45 p.m.

The post 3 Month HOT Summer Calendar 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Ron Pope, the Nashville-based twang rock artist, visited Bluebird Theater in Denver on January 24th. His website bio says that, “before he found his footing in this extraordinary new reality, a terrifying incident on tour forced him to reckon with his own mortality and consider what it would mean for his newborn daughter if he were to die. He abandoned an album’s worth of recording sessions, no longer satisfied with generalizations and lyrics light on context; soon after, a deluge of deeply personal reflections began pouring through his pen. A change of heart? More like navigating a sea change.

Pope found renewed purpose in writing songs to explain his perspective on the world to his daughter as if he were whispering his secrets to her from the other side.” This new album, “BONE STRUCTURE” is out March 6, 2020. You can pre-order and more online at ronpopemusic.com.

Images by Kenneth Wajda for Yellow Scene Magazine.

Kenneth Wajda Photography

The post Ron Pope at Bluebird Theater – Jan 24, 2020 – Denver, CO [Photos] appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

All images by Chris DeCicco for Yellow Scene Magazine

What is the path to enlightenment?

Trevor Hall asked this question of his guru and shared the story at his Nov. 29th 2019 Boulder Theater concert. The path to enlightenment is through feeding and serving the people, says the guru. Thus the seed was planted and the vision started. Figuring out how to feed the people has been incubating since that conversation. The plan finally came together with the help of friends and the folks at Conscious Alliance, the non-profit that works with artists and festivals to collect food at concerts and distribute them to the needy. 

Trevor and friends came together for the first of what he hopes are many such events like the Conscious Alliance community meal at the Sacred Heart Church in Boulder. The team over at Arcana, including chef Samuel McCandless, put together a simple meal to warm the hearts of fans and the unhoused alike. Trevor mingled with everyone taking selfies and being the humble dude that he is. 

Friday night’s concert kicked off with an opening by his close friends, originally from Hawaii, Amber Lily and Tubby Love. Their sweet mix of reggae island vibes and message of unifying the people and being a catalyst for change was well received by the Boulder faithful. They are now based here in Boulder along with Trevor, injecting a welcome infusion of conscious music to the local scene. 

Trevor came out barefoot and excited to play in front of his hometown and started off with a slow building beat that reached its peak just as the crowd did. His voice is like butter and his songs are straight from the heart. For those not familiar with his music, many of the songs have a mantra based chorus that is intentionally repetitive to help everyone connect with that highest part within all of us. When you sing along and let the words flow it can put you into an ecstatic state of oneness, if you let it. Trevor invites you to take a journey into your spiritual life along with him and find internal peace. 

It was Trevor’s birthday the day before and his Dad was in the house. He was introduced and brought up to play drums with the band. Just seeing the bond between the two of them and the joy they shared on stage was worth going for. They played a couple of Blues based jams to the surprise and delight of the audience. 

What touched me the most was Trevor sharing about his ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety. He joked with us and through his own vulnerability was able to help normalize the ups and downs we all go through. It made me think about all the rock stars and famous people who we have lost way too early to similar illnesses masked by addiction and the idea that we are all supposed to be happy on the outside and hide our pain. The real change comes from sharing your inner world with others and Trevor did that beautifully. 

Trevor then brought out Tubby Love and Amber Lily to accompany him on a few more songs and their island connection and affection for each other made the song, O’ haleakala that much more potent. We heard some of Trevor’s biggest hits, including The Lime Tree, The Mountain, Green Mountain State, and some brand new tunes like Storm Clouds. The band is tight and each player brought their best, especially on the encore where we got to hear the individual magic of the musicians. The lead guitarist brought a fiery end to the show with a bluesy electric trippy sound that everyone seemed to love. 

Trevor will be back at Red Rocks on May 1, 2020, with Citizen Cope and Rising Appalachia after a sell out show earlier this year. Hopefully they will be able to team up with Conscious Alliance again to bring the feeding people theme by serving up another community meal. Don’t forget to bring canned food and non-perishables to donate. 

All images by Chris DeCicco for Yellow Scene Magazine

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The post The Path to Enlightenment with Trevor Hall | Review appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.