Red Bull Presents: Detour's 5 Pointers

Red Bull Presents: Detour’s 5 Pointers. Kicking off on November 8th, 2019, Red Bull Presents Detour’s 5 Pointers – is a month-long musical journey from internationally renowned Denver artist Detour, aka Thomas Evans, set in a futuristic and interactive environment. Taking over RedLine Denver in the thriving RiNO neighborhood, Red Bull Presents Detour’s 5 Pointers will serve as an introduction to an interpretation of the future of music through storytelling elements, live performances from the 5 Pointers – a band of Detour’s musical collaborators brought together to interpret and experiment with what music will sound like in the future -- and a collection of memorabilia that will bridge the gap of time in this experimental presentation. Throughout the month, Detour and the 5 Pointers band will host multiple performances and artist talks to further create an experience that allows the audience to engage in conversation. The first artist talk and 5 Pointers performance will take place on opening night, November 8th, 2019. Detour will host a stand-alone artist talk on November 13th, and the 5 Pointers will join him for a performance and artist talk on November 22nd and December 6th, 2019. Red Bull Presents: Detour’s 5 Pointers is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm from November 8th through December 6th, 2019. Additional information and the full schedule of performances and artist talks is available at redbull.com/detours5pointers.


Based in the year 2119, Detour’s environment transports the audience to a museum opening dedicated to a fictional band formed the turn of the 22nd century. Featuring non-traditional and innovative instruments, envisioned and created by Detour and utilizing mixed media, the 5 Pointers will compose original music as an interpretation and exploration of what music will sound like 100 years from now, providing attendees a fully immersive journey through art, narrative, and sound. Fictional artifacts and memorabilia – including Grammy’s, ticket stubs, jerseys, magazines and more - personify Detour’s futuristic world further illustrating the story of the 5 Pointers and their musical journey. Detour has invited Denver musicians Felix Fast4ward, Venus Cruz, Carl Carrell, and DJ Check One (Dameion Hines) to collaborate with him as the 5 Pointers band. Each musician will perform in character, fully transforming into their 5 Pointers personas. Felix Fast4ward performs as Wex, Venus Cruz as Lola Devine, Carl Carrell as Carl Remington, and DJ Check One takes on King Tempo – and together they are the 5 Pointers. Please click here to read more about the musicians and their 5 Pointers characters

Tackling many different issues facing the future of music and culture, Red Bull Presents Detour’s 5 Pointers invites us to a musical journey into the unknown as explored through the eyes and minds of Denver’s local music and visual artists.

About Detour:

Thomas Evans, who is better known in the community as Detour, has been a solid contributor to Denver’s creative scene for over a decade. Initially, his work was largely inspired by the world of hip-hop and Detour ventured into the world of street art, producing colorful portraits that quickly turned heads and became common backdrops on social media. Over the past two years, he has held gallery and museum residencies in Colorado, France and Argentina. In 2018, he was asked to paint portraits of David Letterman and Jay-Z for Letterman’s Netflix original TV series, My Next Guest Need No Introduction.

Currently, Detour’s artistic endeavors focus on connecting music and fine arts through traditional methods and technology. Accenting his focus, the sights, sounds and issues surrounding urban culture shapes the way he approaches the creation of concepts, use of tools and overall execution of his work. The tools Detour uses to develop his work are not limited to any one medium, and blend sounds and paintings – weaving two things he personally has passion for – to create a new interactive way of enjoying art. His style engages everything from using sensors inside canvases to fabricating wall-sized guitar strings that pair with pre-recorded sounds and much more.

8 Must See Bands At This Year's Westword Music Showcase

Another year and another Westword Music Showcase is upon us. This years lineup boasts a who's who of amazing artist from national acts, to some of the best local acts our city has to offer. Without further adieu we want to give you a glance at what artist to be sure to catch this year. (in no particular order).

1. Wildermiss - Coors LightMain Stage - 12:25-12:55 PM

One of the hottest rising bands in Denver Wildermiss is a fun band to watch led by the amazing Emma Cole on vocals the band is well on its way to becoming the best band in Denver. (I feel like we've said that before)

2. Kayla Marque - 100% de Agave - 2:45-3:25 PM

Kayla Marque is a Denver born native whose career we have been following closely for years now. A talented singer-songwriter Marque captures you with her attention to heartfelt lyrics and emotional live performances.

3. The Corner Girls - 100% de Agave - 3:40-4:20

Fresh off their packed show for the release of their latest single "Boyfriend" The Corner Girls bring a newfound sense of fun and catchy lyrics to their live performances. The three-piece is sure to make you dance and make you choose who's a better kisser me or my sister?

4. Chloe Tang - #Vybe - 12:00-12:40 PM

A newcomer to the scene Chloe Tang is a multi-genre artist whose talent is able to adapt and give us an array of sounds from her multi-faceted landscape making for a truly unique listening experience. Be sure to het their early for her set.

5. Los Mochochetes - Stoney's Main - 6:10-6:50

One of Denver's hidden secrets Los Mochochetes preach unity and love in each of their songs. Cut from the same ribbon as bands such as Ozomatli, Los Mochcochetes brazen filled political lyrics are unmatched and provide for a high energy performance.

6. Sunflower Bean - Mike's Lemonade Stage - 2:00-2:45 PM

Indie rock darlings hailing from New York, Sunflower Bean is a three piece rock outfit lead by vocalist Julia Cumming. Fusing from inspirations such as bands like Beach Fossils, The Smiths, and The Cure. One of our favorite acts from this years SXSW festival, we are excited to see them rock in our own hometown this year.

7. Felix Fast4ward - Vinyl Main - 5:15-5:55 PM

Felix Fast4ward continues to fly under the radar in the Denver music scene. one of the most respected musicians in the scene who strives keeping a low profile Felix manages to captivate you with his unique style of play often fusing lops, and live instrumentation to make for a pleasurable listening experience.

8. Ray Reed - Vinyl Rooftop - 3:40-4:20

Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Ray Reed is no stranger to the Denver hip hop scene. Honing his craft for the past several years and drawing influence from the likes of Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, Reed delivers punchy lyrics and amazing production to deliver the goods. A must see!

Project Pabst Slays In Their Return To Denver | Review and Photos

Cheers to Project Pabst (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Last saturday, thanks to our friends at PBR, our favorite block on Larimer Street between 27th and 28th were barricaded for a day of thirst quenching beer and stellar music. Festival goers shuffled from two stages right in the heart of our beautiful city. Meadowlark, The Larimer Lounge, Cold Crush provided sets of both national, and local bands featuring Colfax Speed Queen, Flaural, The Knock, Felix Fast4ward, and Dragondeer. The crowd estimates were bigger than last year, leading to believe that this festival is here to stay.

With a cold, frosty PBR tallboy in hand we headed over to the first set. Twin Peaks set off the day with their high energy beachy, british rock sound. If Cage The Elephant and The Kinks had a baby out would come a fresh little Twin Peaks. The three front men traded off lead singing each song yet their vibe didn’t seem to alter between. Don’t see that every show!

The small but steadily growing day crowd was herded over to the opposite stage by badass female rocker duo, Deap Vally. We saw these ladies at SXSW and gah zamn, can they own a stage. “Smile More” and it’s hard grunge vibe had us teen angst head-banging in delight. One of our favorites of the day.

Considering Noname was a No Show, our local friends, Monteneros took over in place and it was no longer bummerville on the Lazer Horse Stage. The local boys saved the day with an exceptional cover of The Pixies “Gigantic”.

STRFKR hit us hard. Literally. Our crowd surfing astronaut made his way over to us and we may or may not have dropped his ass. With our beer soaked sneaks, we danced through our favorites and the lesser known rest. I think we were all a bit distracted by the hot dogs and pickles flying about. A rousing rendition of “While I’m Alive” set off confetti and inflatable penises and pizza. Yes we said penises and pizza, picture that for a moment.

Danny Brown slaying during Project Past ( Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Oh you wanted to mosh? Our boy Danny Brown had ya covered. Although much more subdued this time than his normal self, Brown still managed to encourage crowd sing-a-longs and participation with his tongue in cheek approach to his recognizable rap flow.

The festival was so great that we even had time to fit in a nap and a burrito during Kurt Vile’s set. The slow indie, melodies weren’t in the cards for us, maybe because we weren't stoned. The rest of the day was high energy and high spirits, that he didn’t quite mesh with the line up. Maybe we’ll catch ya at Coachella 2018, Kurt. 

The always lovely Sarah Barthel of Phantogram (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The Phantogram team was in full force as Sarah Barthel and Josh “Fucking” Carter made the crowd sing and dance to their catchy hits and awesome display of showmanship. We even got a glimpse of Leroy (Sarah’s famous Instagram dog) on the side rocking out. Hits such as “Black Out Days”, “When I’m Small” and “Fall In Love” had us dancing with our neighbors in the crowd. Phantogram is currently on tour with Tycho so make sure you check them out at a city near you!

Legend Status (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

It’s one thing to see legendary performers, it’s another to get to see them in such an intimate setting. This was our second time seeing Ice Cube and while he didn’t bring out the members of NWA, he did manage to take us down memory lane with his recognizable street anthems. Ice Cube with his intimidating presence (although you may have lost a bit of that with the Are We There Yet? movies) and Westside hand gestures made everybody in the audience feel like a gangsta even if it was for a brief second.

Words by Kelly O'Keefe and Robert Castro

Crowd surfing on a pizza is on our bucket list (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)


All Images courtesy of Robert Castro. All Rights Reserved!

Music | Red Bull Sound Selects Denver Presents: Dam Funk, Fast4ward, Oren L (Killing Kings) | Lost Lake | June 25

We’re four months into the Red Bull Sound Select Presents: Denver showcases and they’re only getting better. This month, expert curator DJ Low Key will be bringing Stones Throw Records own Dam Funk to town on June 25th at Lost Lake. The show is 18+ and tickets are only $3 with an RSVP to RedBullSoundSelect.com.

We have an exclusive prize pack for you courtesy of DJ Low Key and Ultra5280. Go to our Instagram to enter. Remember you and whoever you choose must RSVP to be entered.

-2 pairs of extra limited Red Bull Sound Select Sunglasses
-The Red Bull Music Academy - For The Record Hardcover
-2  VIP Tickets to the show to skip the main line
-$25 Bar Tab at Lost Lake

Getting to know Dam Funk:

Damon “Dam-Funk” Riddick is the epitome of funk. Ever since debuting with Stones Throw in 2008, Dam-Funk has become one of the genres most passionate proselytizers, out to save it from devilish depictions of cartoonish caricature. To Dam, funk is a way of living, “a feeling of struggle and staying cool through it all.” In 2013, he released his celebrated partnership with hip- hop’s Snoop Dogg titled 7 Days of Funk. Fresh for ’15, Dam returns with a solo project nearly six years in the making: Invite the Light. 

Dam-Funk grew up in the Los Angeles city/suburb of Pasadena. A ‘70s baby, he came of age in the era of the Uncle Jamm’s Army parties, of electro-pharaoh Egyptian Lover, of Prince’s purple reign. His parents nurtured his musical talents as a child and by his teens, he mastered the drums, then the drum machine. A chance encounter led to an apprenticeship under funk songwriter/producer Leon Sylvers III (SOLAR Records) and by the mid-90s G-Funk era in hip- hop, Dam found his musical skills in high demand by rappers such as Mack 10 and MC Eiht. “Everybody was trying to do the live instrumentation thing, so then you got cats like me playing on records,” Dam explains.

Sideman status wasn’t enough though. Dam remembers “watching gold plaques hitting the wall” for everyone but him and he decided to go “full-funk” and make a do-or-die try to become an artist on his own terms. In 2006, Dam-Funk and a few friends launched the popular Funkmosphere party in L.A., bringing the boogie back. It’s around then that Dam drew the attention of Stones Throw and both label and artist related to Dam’s insistence that “funk is not just a Jheri Curl. There was more than that.” 

Dam’s partnership with Stones Throw has now included everything from his 2009 LP Toeachizown, to an anthology of early productions, Adolescent Funk (2010), to 2013’s Higher and 7 Days of Funk. Invite the Light isn’t just Dam’s first solo full-length since ’09, he thinks of it as his first fully-realized effort – a “concise, beginning-to-end vision – that’s resulted in a loosely autobiographical concept album inspired by the trials and tribulations of his personal and professional life of the last six years. As always, Dam flexes his multi-instrumentalist talents by handling all the production but still makes time for guests including rapper Q-Tip, the father-son duo of Leon Sylvers III & IV, and funk giant Junie Morrison of the Ohio Players, who opens and closes the album with dire warnings of what could happen in a world without funk. Rest assured, Dam is here to make sure that never comes to pass. As he puts it, “funk is the underdog, the black sheep of black music,” and if that’s true, Dam-Funk is its shepherd. 

Red Bull Sound Select artists Oren L (Killing Kings) and Fast4Ward will open in support. They’re both up and coming local acts that we think should be on your radar. Check their music out below:

Oren L (Killing Kings):
http://win.gs/1ALD1hY
Fast4Ward:
http://win.gs/1tdvPoZ

TW/IG: @redbullCO @RBSoundSelect | #soundselect

Music | Red Bull Sound Selects Denver featuring Tokimonsta, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Crl Crrll & Fast4ward curated by DJ Low Key and hosted by Lazy Eyez

What is becoming easily one of the hottest events to take over the Mile High City, the Red Bull Sound Select series has brought us some of music's most underrated national and local talent to the forefront of the Denver music scene. 

WHAT: Red Bull Sound Select, an ongoing program to support local music scenes and the people who push them forward, announces its second Denver show of 2015 with expert curator DJ Low Key. Featuring headline/produce TOKiMONSTA ll be accompanied by collaborator Anderson .Paak at Larimer Lounge. Expect a set that’s equal parts energetic and sultry. Red Bull Sound Select Artists CRL CRRLL and Felix Fast4ward will perform in support. Tickets will be sold for $3 with an RSVP or at the door for $15 for non-RSVPs and is open to all fans 18+. Click Here To RSVP Every month, “Red Bull Sound Select Presents” showcases are curated by local music influencers and feature two to three new Sound Select artists and one to two headliners, this month is curated by local Denver DJ Low Key.

EVENT DETAILS:

Ticket price with RSVP - $3

Ticket price at door - $15

Date – Thursday, March , 2015

Time - 8pm
Venue – Larimer Lounge (2721 Larimer Street) RBSS Artists – CRL CRRLL, FAST4WARD Headliners – TOKiMONSTA, Anderson .Paak
To RSVP: http://win.gs/1EtaKtk