Devotchka donned face paint and top hats last night at the Boulder Theater for their annual Halloween show. As part of the long lasting tradition, they performed alongside beautiful aerial dancers and other spooky characters for some songs. Local Colorado acts Gypsy Moon and Shel opened the show. If you missed out on the celebration last night, you can catch the fun for their second night, tonight, at the Boulder Theater.
2014's Best Venue | Lost Lake Lounge
It’s hard to pick just one venue that really stood out during 2014 because there are many. From the behemoth that is Red Rocks to the smaller venues like Larimer Lounge, we are in no short supply of amazing spots to see concerts. But, one venue in particular stood out to us as a haven for secret shows and intimate evenings. Enter: Lost Lake Lounge.
When Larimer Lounge owner and AEG talent buyer Scott Campbell was passed the torch by Matt LaBarge this year, people were skeptic that the authenticity of the dive bar would be lost. That the dank, rustic vibe would soon transform into another cookie-cutter LoDo bro hangout. But have no fear, Campbell was on the same page and only revamped the venue with a new stage and sound system. Thus, keeping the grungy, divey decor but adding in some necessary new speakers.
The remodel has attracted many artists to pop over after shows at The Bluebird for a wonderfully drunk post show performance. But better yet, the venue has prompted many artists to engage in acoustic sets on off days during tours. The lucky 75 or so people that can cram into the backroom have seen some of the best shows this year. There’s nothing that compares to seeing musicians, like Devotchka who can sell out Red Rocks Amphitheater, play an acoustic set to 75, maybe 100 people. Nothing like it. It is akin to catching a pop-up show or home show with your favorite artist. At Lost Lake Lounge, you feel like you’ve been gifted some type of insider information that less than 1% of the population knows. Because, how else would you be in a room the size of a living room listening to BROODS play?
Our top acts at Lost Lake Lounge this year were: Young & Sick, BROODS, Shakey Graves post show party, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Of Montreal, Devotchka, Deer Tick, Mickey Avalon, Mansions on the Moon and Lord Huron.
If you have yet to check out this local watering hole, we suggest grabbing their signature Lost Lake Beer (like Rolling Rock but better) and seeing a show. You never know who may show up…
DeVotchka | Halloween Celebration
DeVotchKa is scheduled to play The Gothic Theatre in Denver, CO on Thursday, October 31st and The Boulder Theater in Boulder, CO on Friday, November 1st. The romantic rock band will take the stage for their annual run of Halloween performances.
For years DeVotchKa has been putting on legendary performances for Halloween. Complete with full costumes and elaborate set designs, the Halloween shows are often the most talked about performances of the year. Joining the band will be the Slavic Sisters, performing their incredible aerial act above the band.
For more than a decade DeVotchKa has been melting its sweeping influences into an authentic and totally original blend of rock ‘n roll. DeVotchKa’s first big break happened when KCRW introduced LA listeners to DeVotchKa on Morning Becomes Eclectic. The directors of “Little Miss Sunshine” happened to be listening this fateful day, loved what they heard, and hired the band to write the score for their film. A critical and box office smash, the film was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and, for DeVotchKa's soundtrack, a Grammy. The little band from Denver was suddenly known all across the nation, playing large venues and major music festivals, including Coachella, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury. The love spread to Europe, which has become a yearly destination for the band.
Coming off of a string of festival dates (Bunbury Music Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival) and amphitheatre shows (Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Hollywood Bowl) around the country, DeVotchKa takes the stage for two nights of special performances. Hear DeVotchKa’s most iconic songs revisited in the intimate settings of The Gothic and Boulder Theatres.
Tickets go on-sale Saturday, September 28th, and can be purchased through The Gothic Theatre and Boulder Theater sites respectively. [Press Release]
DeVotchKa Live with The Colorado Symphony | Album Review
You remember them. The inspirational tune that accompanies Little Miss Sunshine’s final stretch to the finish. “How it Ends” by Denver four-piece DeVotchKa. Nick Urata’s haunting notes left behind, the full beauty of that wonderfully awakening jam was entirely unrealized. I’ve had the pleasure of indulging my ears with DeVotchKa’s (tasty and fully Nick Urata frosted) album entitled DeVotchKa Live with the Colorado Symphony before they spread their wings at the world-famous Red Rocks this Friday, June 14.
If you’re like me and haven’t been able to take your vacation around the world this summer, look no further. DeVotchKa and the Colorado Symphony’s euphonious synergy is a journey in itself, taking you from the smooth red canyons and flaring orange sunbeams of the West to the jubilant fiestas in the cantinas of Mexico all the way to Arabian nights scattered with horns and shakers to liven things up.
“The Alley” is a prime candidate for yet another movie soundtrack – the accompaniment for a final desperate attempt to regain what is lost. Taunting drums build anticipation as you, the listener, become the omnipotent eye. Join DeVotchKa in wonderment as “The Clockwise Witness” kindly drizzles out of your speakers. A colorful arrangement of subtleties, Urata’s lead completes the full-sound of a song that follows a child into a Willy Wonka-style chamber of delights beyond our wildest dreams. “Along the Way” caresses us into a triumphant march from the dream factory to some place where people smile a lot and eat chips and salsa. Somehow, Urata’s gypsy-like choral blooms a field of poppies and allows us to dance.
A sound that reminds me of Beirut’s full-bodied arrangements, during “The Common Good”, you are royalty nonchalantly arriving to your castle as the violins carry on excitedly. Some Arabian inspiration is evident in this arrangement. “You Love Me” is an emotionally heavy part of the journey donning Western-style guitar patterns and the slightest string accompaniments. Urata plays the Lone Ranger in this ballad. You can almost feel his heavy heart sinking as you float in the phantom abyss of past romance.
The pace is once again brought up with jubilant tracks like “All the Sand in All the Sea” and “Fire Trucks on the Boardwalk.” French accordions rage while the song builds, transporting you to a world where you are coasting along through the streets of Paris on a quaint little bike with a basket. “Undone” slows it down again as we indulge in yet another tragic story. With one of the simplest arrangements on the whole album, this doleful tune doesn’t at all disappoint. The album’s finale leaves you out of breath after a sentiment-filled journey around the world. Nick Urata’s distant and hauntingly sultry voice swirls around you in a blinding white light with “How It Ends” – the bands most prominent claim to fame.
With variations like these, it’s hard to be bored listening to DeVotchKa. Although the remnants of the album are a volatile mixture of gypsy-rock paired with grace and Spanish Conquistadors, the sovereign feelings of Urata and friends are extremely relatable and astoundingly glorifying. While it is quite the string of composition, and I suggest that it is broken up for max appreciation, I didn’t mind the album coming to me in one fell swoop.
Whether you’re out with friends trekking the open road, disheartened by heartbreak, entirely unaware of heartbreak, or discouraged yet inspired and in a massive flurry of confusion – there is at least one song on this album that you can’t live without. Autumn Bea gives this beauty two thumbs up.
Check out DeVotchKa and the Colorado Symphony in Denver this week at Red Rocks! They are going to give a live performance that you won’t want to miss.