colorado

Equaleyes Ushers in Summer with Utah & Colorado Tour

Submitted by Tsunami Publicity(0)Fri, 05/01/2009 - 5:04am

Save a ‘Welcome Home’ and moe. after party in Boise, Idaho, Equaleyes’ May tour is equal parts Colorado and Utah, with six stops in each state through the end of the month. A three-show run in Utah opens the tour, with the rock, pop, bluegrass and funk then heading to Nederland, Colorado. A run down the Front Range – including a stop in Denver – will lead the band back into the Rocky Mountains, before three southern Colorado shows push the band back into Utah, with two huge back-to-back shows in Moab, Utah.

Equaleyes The tour sees the band return to its roots, where fans know the jams and the lyrics, where the feel good vibes of Boise, Idaho, are at home in both Utah and Colorado. The smart lyrics and riding guitar work of Jeff Crosby allows the funky rhythm section of bassist Tom Borda and drummer William Prescott to work their magic. Prescott brings a refreshing tap on the kit and Borda is a wizard on the bass, with each solid enough for the other to roam. Daniel Blumenfeld brings an added voice in his keyboard and accordion playing, rounding out what makes for a road trip of sort in each song, a journey with a smile and one arm hanging out the window. Just don’t be surprised when a big bridge leads into big volume and a tap of the distortion pedal.

The band planted its roots in 2006 as a three-piece exploring bluegrass, reggae, pop and rock. Just as they were about to finish the studio album While I’m Alive in 2007, Blumenfeld joined the band and took it up a notch. While still exploring some reggae, the band now prides itself on writing catchy, pop, rock, bluegrass and funk songs, original tunes with bountiful melody and big themes. They craft songs the fans can sing along to and the album takes on nearly ever genre, exploiting each of the musicians’ rich musical talent.

The band is primed for the May run with big ideas of venturing into other states to follow, allowing the rest of the country to hear the electricity that has been building in the Mountain West over the last two years. Equaleyes returns home to Boise, Idaho, on June 4 to play a moe. after party.

TOUR DATES:
05/07 – The White Owl – Logan, UT
05/08 – The Woodshed – Salt Lake City, UT
05/09 – The Downstairs – Park City, UT
05/13 – 1st St. Pub – Nederland, CO
05/14 – Connor O’Neil’s – Boulder, CO
05/15 – Dulcinea’s 100th Monkey – Denver, CO
05/16 – The Summit – Durango, CO
05/21 – Bongo Billy’s – Salida, CO
05/22 – Fly Me to the Moon Saloon – Telluride, CO
05/23 – Woody’s Tavern – MOAB, UT
05/24 – Desert Rocks Music Festival – MOAB, UT
05/26 – Mystic Hot Springs – Monroe, UT
06/04 – Liquid (moe. after party) – Boise, ID

Mama’s Cookin’ Return to Their Colorado Roots

Submitted by Tsunami Publicity(0)Wed, 03/11/2009 - 3:29am

mama Mama’s Cookin’ returns to their Colorado roots in March for a 10-day trek through the mountain west. The formerly Colorado-based project is well known in the area for their trademark blend of hip-hop beats and soul-driven rock. Kicking off the tour in Fort Collins, CO - the band will zigzag across the state, playing shows in Denver, Boulder and a handful of mountain towns.

Since forming in Gunnison, CO, in 2001, Mama’s Cookin’ has garnered a reputation as being a pioneer of a new sound with a knack for precise timing and fluidity. The rootsy ensemble is driven by gritty guitars and an impeccable rhythm section that dares audiences not to dance. Zebuel Early’s sincere lyricism and vocal delivery incorporates spoken word and soulful singing. Their huge rock sound has Led Zeppelin painted all over it, yet their soul seems to come straight from the Mississippi Delta, with a dusting of New Orleans funk.

With more than seven successful years under their belt, the quartet features the right proportions of harmonica and slide guitar with a tight rhythm section carrying the sound. The tightened arrangement now features Zebuel Early (guitar, vocals), Eric Matlock (keys), Mike Adamo (drums) and Steve LaBella's (bass) – allowing the music to breathe more freely. One only need look at the quartet’s influences – R.L. Burnside, Hound Dog Taylor, Johnnie Taylor, Digable Planets – to realize the variety in their musical ambition.

On tour in support of their self-titled album, which was named by Jambands.com as the 12th best of 2008, Mama’s Cookin’ packs a powerful punch both live and recorded. Their trek through Colorado will include stops in Boulder, Breckenridge, Denver and Vail, before heading back to where it all began for the band, Crested Butte. Two shows follow in Telluride with a Colorado finale in Grand Junction, before the band heads west for select coastal performances.

Expect added dates and keep up with the tour at: www.myspace.com/mamascookin and www.mamascookinmusic.com

Tour Dates:

3/04 – Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz, CA
3/06 – TBA – Salt Lake City, UT
3/07 – The Canyons (daytime performance) – Park City, UT
3/07 – The Star Bar (nighttime performance) – Park City, UT
3/11 – Hodi’s Halfnote – Fort Collins, CO
3/12 – Boulder Theatre – Boulder, CO
3/13 – three20south – Breckenridge, CO
3/14 – Quixote’s – Denver, CO
3/17 – Sandbar Sports Grill, St. Patty’s Day – Vail, CO
3/18 – Eldo – Crested Butte, CO
3/19 – Fly Me to the Moon, Live in Telluride – Telluride, CO
3/20 – Sheridan Opera House (Private Event) – Telluride, CO
3/21 – Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO
4/02 – The Mint – Los Angeles, CA
4/03 – SoHo – Santa Barbara, CA
4/10 – Mission Rock Cafe – San Francisco, CA
4/17 – TBA – Vancouver, BC
4/18 – TBA – Vancouver, BC
4/19 – Telus MTV World Ski & Snowboard Festival – Whistler, BC
 

Attention Colorado: Umphrey's is on the Way!

Submitted by sam(0)Mon, 01/05/2009 - 9:27am

photos by Sam Holloway- for the Grateful Web

Chicago's favorite export is coming to Colorado, and I'm not talking about either crooked politicians or Da Bears. I'm talking about Umphrey's McGee, who will be doing a four-night stint along the Front Range later this month, beginning at the Aggie in Fort Collins on the 22^nd. From there, UM will be stopping at the Boulder Theater on the 23^rd, with back to back gigs in Denver at the Fillmore and Cervantes on the 24^th, and a show in Breckenridge on the 25^th.

Umphrey's McGee is touring in support of their new album, Mantis, and are sure to draw some huge crowds along the way, so get your tickets now if you don't want to miss out. For the album, Umphrey's is waging an innovative, and fan-driven pre-order campaign. The more pre-orders that come in, the more bonus material becomes available. The idea: fans spread the word so that everybody gets more swag. Brilliant.

Anyone not yet on the Umphrey's bandwagon deserves to know that the band is as innovative with their music as they are with their marketing. Jazzy, jammy, danceable, psychedelic, intellectual, and above all experimental, UM is finding more fans and more acclaim all the time. Last time they came through Boulder, we were lucky enough to be a part of the special all-acoustic Umphrey's experience. This time, the band will be all-electric, turned up to 11, and pedaling high-energy mania like cheap beer – as much as you want for as long as you can take it. The acoustic shows are fun, but this time it'll be Umphrey's in their element, the way they were meant to be seen.

After they leave Colorado, Umphrey's McGee will hit the road again for the rest of their national tour, with stops basically everywhere from the here to the East Coast. Check out the band's website for dates, and to download a free holiday EP featuring never-before released material culled from holiday shows over the past few years. See you at the show!

PRAANG Returns to Colorado

Submitted by Tim Hurley(10)

Fri, 12/12/2008 - 8:09pm

Living in Colorado, the chance of an epic snowfall during the winter can be pretty good. One such weather occurrence happened in late 2006 when three straight weekends of blizzards hit Denver and the surrounding Front Range. The city essentially shut down those days, and holiday travels were next to impossible. In the midst of those storms a highly anticipated two-night run of the Stephen Perkins-led project Banyan was cancelled. As fate might have it, out of the darkness came light as a new improv group called PRAANG was born.

Ben Harper to headline Colorado early vote events

Submitted by press(5)

Thu, 10/23/2008 - 5:25pm

photos by Phil Emma- for the Grateful Web

Ben Harper will join with Obama for America and the Colorado Campaign for Change to host early vote events in Boulder and Denver this Saturday. He'll play a few songs in Denver at Civic Center Park at 12pm and again at UC Boulder's Mary Rippon Theatre at 2pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

Revision Comes To Colorado

Submitted by gratefulweb(55)

Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:24am

The Ithaca, New York funk/rock machine Revision is bringing their monstrous grooves and high-octane live performances to Colorado, playing four shows in four nights. Starting in the mountains of Breckenridge, making their way to Boulder, Fort Collins and Denver, respectively, the trio melds the smooth vibes of Soulive with the confident songwriting of Wilco in a unique package that is entirely Revision.

Formed in upstate New York between three Ithaca College music grads, Revision showcases their tireless work ethic by playing over 120 shows per year. Taking to the road in their vegetable oil fueled touring van, the trio has shared the stage with such acts as Derek Trucks, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bernie Worrell and the Cat Empire. Revision's signature sound is a blend of groovy guitar riffs, rolling rhythms and soulful melodies.

Their latest album, Amplification, was released in April of this year and was produced by Matthew Ellard (Billy Bragg & Wilco, Elliot Smith, The Slip). In addition to being available on CD, the music is also available on environmentally conscious reusable USB drives, cutting down on waste and providing listeners with additional bonus content such as video and artwork. The lead track "Don't Be Fooled" was featured on the ESPN Sportscenter segment Web Gems earlier this year.

Committed to cultivating a loyal fan base nationwide, Revision is continually expanding their touring schedule. A band that truly loves to play music, the Ithaca trio is a breath of fresh air for today's music scene.

FALL TOUR DATES:

10/22 – Three20South – Breckenridge, CO
10/23 – B Side Lounge – Boulder, CO
10/24 – Hodi's Half Note – Fort Collins, CO
10/25 – Dulcinea's 100th Monkey – Denver, CO

Panjea Featuring Chris Berry & Michael Kang Plan Colorado Dates

Submitted by Tsunami Publicity(0)Fri, 10/10/2008 - 5:54pm

Panjea @ Rothbury - photos by Amanda Bell- for the Grateful Web

Musical and spiritual journeyman Chris Berry alongside Michael Kang & the multi-cultural ensemble Panjea have booked a run of Colorado dates. Uniting people through music, Panjea's powerful groove and socially conscious message garnered major success throughout Southern Africa, selling out countless stadiums and over a million records. With upcoming shows in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins along with a free live CD hosted on their website, the group is positioned to do the same stateside.

Leaving his home in California at the age of eighteen, Chris Berry relocated to Southern Africa with his mentor and began studying mbira (thumb piano) and the ngoma drum. It was during that time when he formed Panjea. Rooted deeply in African culture, their revolutionary mix of indigenous music, dance hall and hip-hop has earned the band immeasurable success throughout Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Berry's tireless dedication and unmatched skill led him to become one of the first Westerners to be accepted among the mbira masters as one of their own.

In addition to Chris Berry covering vocals, mbira and djembe, Panjea features Danny Sears on trumpet, Jon Stewart on Sax, Aaron Johnson on drums (brazillian girls), Patrice Blanchard on bass, Michael Kang on mandolin (String Cheese Indident) and Zivanai Masango from Zimbabwae on guitars. Following the edict to make a difference here, Chris Berry & Panjea continue to preach the positive message of hope, justice and peace through infectious cultural rhythms and danceable beats. Contributing to Amnesty International, Flyways and their own Panjea Foundation for Cultural Education, the group in their own right, has become a non-profit organization. Always a band to give back, Panjea has a full length CD compiled from various festivals performed at this summer. The high energy mix of live tracks is available at their new website, www.panjeamusic.com.

Featuring virtuosic musicianship, and an incredibly eclectic blend of cultures, this is a show not to be missed. The run of dates starts with an intimate show at the B Side Lounge in Boulder followed by a special Halloween show supporting Leftover Salmon at the Fillmore in Denver. Afterwards, Panjea will announce another intimate late night performance directly after the Fillmore show before wrapping up on November 6th at the Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins.

FALL TOUR DATES:

10/30 – B Side Lounge – Boulder, CO
10/31 – Fillmore – Denver, CO
10/31 – TBD – Denver, CO after Fillmore Show Party from 12:30am to 3:00am
11/06 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO

Colorado School of Mines Faculty Senate Endorses Amendment 58

Submitted by mike(256)

Wed, 09/24/2008 - 1:52pm

Colorado School of Mines- for the Grateful Web

The Faculty Senate of the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) has passed a resolution endorsing Amendment 58, which proposes to create the Colorado Promise Scholarship by eliminating a tax credit for oil and gas companies. The initiative would double the amount of need-based scholarships available to resident students attending public institutions of higher education if approved by Colorado voters in November.

The resolution, proposed by J. Thomas McKinnon, professor of chemical engineering and president of the CSM Faculty Senate, notes the scholarship program would help maintain the affordability of college by offering more aid to lower and middle income families in the state. Roughly two-thirds of Colorado families could qualify opening the doors of college opportunity to many new students. "During my 18 years on the faculty, I've seen a number of heroic students working nearly full-time jobs while trying to study engineering; some have succeeded but many have not," McKinnon said. "By providing better financial aid, we can help students concentrate on their studies and become more productive members of society. A well educated work force is clearly a prudent long-term strategy for ensuring the health of our economy."

By creating the Colorado Promise Scholarship Fund, Amendment 58 will more than double the state's financial aid funding. The scholarships would follow a "shared responsibility" model, taking into consideration how much a family is expected to pay for college, how much the student can contribute, and what is available from Pell and other federal grants.

The measure proposes to repeal a tax credit enacted in the late 1970s to help the energy industry become established in Colorado. The credit allows energy companies to subtract 87.5 percent of their property tax bills from the severance taxes they owe on oil and gas extracted in the state. The credit currently amounts to roughly $300 million a year. According to the Consumer Federation of America, Colorado produced $6.63 billion worth of oil and gas last year, or about 6.2 percent of total U.S. production.

It is estimated the Amendment 58 would raise $250-$325 million a year, with 60 percent going to the Colorado Promise Scholarship Fund. Of the remaining funds,10 percent would be funneled to renewable energy projects, 15 percent to wildlife habitat, and 15 percent to water quality and transportation projects in communities where oil and gas producers operate.

The Faculty Senate at CSM joins a long list of Amendment 58 supporters, including the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the presidents of the University of Colorado, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University system, Western State College, Metro State College, and the Colorado Community College System, the Associated Students of Colorado, Adams State Board of Trustees, Mesa State College Board of Trustees, Metropolitan State College of Denver Board of Trustees, the University of Northern Colorado Trustees, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Trout Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Colorado Renewable Energy Society.

The CSM Faculty Senate represents the academic faculty at CSM and not the institution as a whole.

Turbine Picking Up Speed In Colorado

Submitted by Tsunami Publicity(0)Wed, 08/27/2008 - 12:12am

photos by Janie Franz- for the Grateful Web

Turbine has been building a following the past few years around their dynamic live performances and constant touring schedule. Exploring various styles of music from rock to bluegrass to sci-fi, they use their vast catalog of songs as launching pads for improvisation. Recently chosen by Relix Magazine as artists "On the Verge", they have now released their second studio album Reward to critical praise. Ryan Rightmire, playing the harmonica and acoustic guitar at the same time, brings this classic combo into the 21st century as he manipulates effects that can turn his harmonica into an electric guitar, organ, and even a turntable. Jeremy Hilliard, in addition to being a prolific songwriter, brings an explosive electric guitar style steeped in the blues and roots traditions of the south. This one two punch of intertwining soloists, backed by Eric Johnson on drums and Justin Kimmel on bass, sound like nothing you've heard before. Their ability to switch styles has allowed them to play in any situation, from performing Led Zeppelin songs with Marco Benevento of The Duo to sitting in with bluegrass legends the Del McCoury Band.

Based out of New York City, they have appeared twice at the Wakarusa Festival, twice at the 10,000 Lakes Festival, Strange Creek Campout, Camp Creek, The Gathering of the Vibes, The Sunshine Daydream Festival, and three years at the Bele Chere Festival. They have also appeared at such renowned venues as the B.B. King Blues Club, State Theatre in VA, the Knitting Factory, Lion's Den, Paradise Rock Club, Iron Horse, North Star Bar, the Haunt, Starr Hill, and Nectar's. They have shared the bill with countless talented bands including Bob Weir and Ratdog, Trey Anastasio, The Black Crowes, Derek Trucks, Phil Lesh and Friends, Les Claypool, Jimmy Herring, The Benevento/Russo Duo, The Del McCoury Band, The String Cheese Incident, Gov't Mule, Drive-By Truckers, and Widespread Panic.

Turbine's new album Reward, released in 2007, brings their songwriting and musicianship to the next level. In it you can hear the many influences that have made them who they are today, from the songwriting of Bob Dylan to the futuristic sounds of Radiohead. But who are Turbine…

Jeremy Hilliard moved from Virginia to Manhattan to study jazz guitar. He attended the Mannes School of Music and soon began playing around the city. As his songwriting progressed he found himself identifying more along those lines than as a jazz musician. Ryan Rightmire actually started out playing the French Horn. He spent 15 years of intense studying in classical music and jazz, all the while experimenting with electronics and effects. Soon after moving to Manhattan he made a discovery: "the French Horn is a civilized instrument and I'm not a civilized man." It was then that he switched over to the harmonica and guitar. When Jeremy moved into the apartment next door to Ryan, they began a songwriting partnership. Eric Johnson, the newest member of the band, has added another dimension to this sound. Bringing an exploratory approach to the music, his intensity and drive to push the boundaries of improvisation take the band into unexpected places on a nightly basis. Justin Kimmel provides the final piece to the puzzle with his bass guitar and vocal harmonies. Originally from Colorado, he has the ability to seamlessly switch from one style to the next, anchoring the sound at every turn. To hear music and check Turbine's tour schedule, go to www.turbinemusic.com

Umphrey's McGee Coming to Colorado

Submitted by press(5)

Sat, 08/16/2008 - 12:44am

Umphrey's McGee released Jimmy Stewart 2007 this past June. This digital-only release features the band's best improvisations of the past year. Jimmy Stewart 2007 is a limited edition release, first available at the Bonnaroo Music Festival and thereafter available digitally through UMLive.net and itunes. Plus the UM download will offer up a companion piece podcast offering an additional 70 minutes of material that did not make the Jimmy Stewart 2007 album.

Jimmy Stewart 2007 is an ambitious effort to compile a year's worth of the band's inspired improvisations into two seamless 70-minute "mixtapes." At over 100 shows a year, Umphrey's McGee delves into these spontaneous compositions, engaging their fans as they feed off each other's energy. A Zappa-inspired language of body gestures and hand-signals allow the band to break structure while creating an entirely new arrangement. As Umphrey's McGee's continues to evolve, each live performance showcases the band's "Jimmy Stewart" approach to structured improvisation.

Also, Umphrey's McGee released a digital-only live series titled CompendiUM. Available through itunes and UMLive.net, CompendiUM offers live recordings of the band's favorite ten shows of 2007. Included in the series are the band's Boulder, Colorado show from March 6th, their Portland, Oregon show on June 7th, and the Chicago Show from December 30th, among others.

In the ever-changing music industry, Umphrey's McGee has proven adaptive and inventive both in music and in business. Through grassroots promotions, an intensive touring schedule, open taping policies and music sharing among fans, Umphrey's McGee provides a new approach to media, entertainment, and music distribution. Tape trading in the jam-band scene was one of the earliest examples of free music distribution and Umphrey's has harnessed the internet's momentum to spread their music far and wide. With an extensive variety of downloadable formats, UMlive.net offers more music than any other indie label with download stores, and Umphrey's McGee basically gives away the equivalent to 40,000 CDs each month through their podcast program. The band has also been releasing soundboard recordings at the end of each night's concert for immediate sale since 2001 and typically sells anywhere from 120 to 180 CD-Rs per night. Their unique approach to online and digital distribution, paired with word of mouth buzz, has helped Umphrey's McGee sell out shows nationwide while keeping their fans their top priority.

The current list of confirmed tour dates is as follows:

August 31 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morisson CO With Gov't Mule

September 01 The Fox Theatre Boulder CO
September 05 Robert J. Fischgrund PAC South Bend IN
September 11 Stubb's Waller Creek Amph Austin TX

September 12 Granada Theatre Dallas TX
September 13 Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival Ozark AR
October 02 State Theatre Kalamazoo MI
October 03 Emens Auditorium Muncie IN
October 04 CEFCU Ctr. Stage @ The Landing Peoria IL
October 09 Northern Lights Clifton Park NY
October 10-11 Higher Ground Ballroom Burlington VT
October 14-16 Blender Theatre at Gramercy New York NY
October 17 Smith Opera House Geneva NY
October 18 Electric Factory Philadelphia PA
October 23 Richards on Richards Vancouver B.C.
October 24 Crystal Ballroom Portland OR
October 25 Showbox at the Market Seattle WA
October 27 Crystal Bay Club Casino Crystal Bay NV
October 31 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
November 01 Slim's San Francisco CA
November 14 Eagles Club Milwaukee WI
November 15 Cannery Ballroom Nashville TN
November 16 The Music Farm Charleston SC
November 18-19 Bijou Theater Knoxville TN
November 20 The National Richmond VA
November 21 Nightclub 9:30 Washington D.C.
December 11-15 Caribbean Holidaze Jamaica IA

More dates will be announced.