The Fillmore Auditorium played host to back to back sold out shows from electro darlings Rüfüs Du Sol this past weekend. We had a chance to attend Sunday night, and while snow conditions existed outside it was nonetheless “lit” inside. We have been following the trio since 2010 and have loved seeing the band evolve from a sound and production standpoint. Opening with “Eyes” of their 2018 album Solace, the band did not let up keeping a consistent vibe throughout their whole set. They played all of their hits including “Innerbloom”, “Underwater”, “Like An Animal”, and “No Place”. The band loves playing in Denver and we love having them. (Words and images by Robert Castro)
First Look: The Simple Parade - "Going Through Something"
We have the pleasure of sharing the exclusive premiere of the video for “Going Through Something” from The Simple Parade. The band was able to share some thoughts on the song and vision for the video, as well as what’s coming up for the band in 2019.
This song came out a very physically and emotionally exhausting part of my life. After years of struggling with severe heath issues, it all came to a head with one very impactful and jarring health scare that nearly took my life. After this unnerving wake up call, I decided that I was going to start being more honest with people about how I was actually doing. I began to have very real conversations with people (usually over coffee), and I found that when I was vulnerable about my struggles, others started opening up to me about there struggles as well. This song is a collection of some of the stories I heard in my journey (I changed the names, of course), and a realization that we are all going through something, and that there is no need for us to feel alone here. It has been my experience that peace comes in two phases. First, we need to be open about our struggle and let people into our story. Second, we need to be advocates for each other and help each other in our struggles. If anything, I pray this song gives people permission to he honest and hope in the community that surrounds them. A big ask, I know, but why not put something good out there and hope that it helps make life a little better!
When asked about how the idea for the various locations of the video came about.
The idea was to film us playing the song in various locations where people were, well, going through something (aka everywhere!). The concept of incorporating the mailbox for people to write out what they were going through was our videographers idea (well done Mikey!), and I think it really helped bring the whole theme of the song together in a tangible and poetic way.
We filmed this video in various locations throughout the Denver Area (chapels, theaters, downtown, coffeeshops, hospitals, etc) over the course of a full year (hence the various beard lengths:) ), and although it was definitely a labor of love we are very encouraged to see how it turned out!
The band has some big things in store for early 2019 that will aim to reach out to those who share the crazy up’s and down’s of everyday life.
This song "Going Through Something" is a single that will be on our second album "Seeker" that will be released in early 2019. Since the release of our first album "A Love Story" (that we recorded back in CA and released in 2016), we had actually put The Simple Parade on the back-burner. However, we are very excited about this new album and feel like it could be a true encouragement to people who are wrestling with doubt and faith in this crazy life journey. With that, we are hoping to start playing more shows in the Denver area, so check our website to see when/where we are playing next.
Your Guide To Everything Grandoozy
The biggest weekend in music is about to invade Denver next weekend and we want to make sure you are prepared for all that is Grandoozy. The inaugural event is set to take place on the grounds of the Overland Golf Course on September 14, 15, and 16th. We want to provide you with a guide to help you get familiar with all that is being offered.
The Lineup:
As you can see the lineup boasts some of the best acts in music today, from the reigning king of hip hop Kendrick Lamar to Indie Rock Goddess Florence and The Machine and lastly the legendary Mr. Stevie Wonder. Throw in some of the best local acts and dj's and you have yourself the best selection of music a festival has to offer.
Devour Denver:
Devour the best of Denver at - well - Devour Denver (see, we can name things with regular words). Grandoozy’s food & drink program features the best bites from the high plains to the front range, led by a fearless team of Culinary Ambassadors - Adam Schlegel, Biju Thomas, Dana Faulk Query, Jeff Suskin, Justin Cucci, Carrie Baird, Jen Jasinski and Tommy Lee. Vegan or carnivore, sweet tooth or fry fanatic - tuck that napkin in and prepare for a fantastic culinary voyage.
Arts & Crafts
May we interest you in a whimsical, abstract sour? Perhaps you'd prefer the sharp, hoppy futurism of an IPA? Whatever your tastes, you'll find a delicious masterpiece at Arts & Crafts - Grandoozy's craft beer experience. Curated by Steve Kurowski of the Colorado Brewers Guild, it's the perfect place to sample some of the region’s finest breweries (plus plenty of variety from beyond the plains) while surrounded by beautiful local art.
Breweries: 10 Barrel Brewing Co. | 4 Noses Brewing | Breckenridge Brewery | Crazy Mountain Brewing Company | Elysian Brewing Company | Four Peaks Brewing Company | Golden Road Brewing | Left Hand Brewing | Lone Tree Brewing |O'dell Brewing Company | Oskar Blues Brewery | Platt Park Brewery | Ratio Beer Works | Ska Brewing | Spaten Oktoberfest | Stella Artois | Stem Ciders | Telluride Brewing Company | Wicked Weed Brewing
Flight School:
Fasten your seatbelts and get in the spirit to be schooled by some of the best craft distillers from Colorado and beyond. With Denver’s Chad Michael George as our captain, we’ll be serving up flights ranging from smoky and barrel-aged to juniper and vanilla-baring, featuring bourbon, mezcal, gin and more. Afraid of flying? A first-class selection of cocktails will be on deck. Over and out!
Flights: Smoky Spirits | R(HUMS) of The World | Agave Tour | CO Whiskey Flight | Amaro Digestif Flight
The Backyard:
Friday September 14
CONSERVATION CONVERSATIONS: HOLDING ON TO OUR PUBLIC PLACES
From climate change to our current administration's position on environmental policy, our national parks and lands are undeniably in danger. Join our panelists in discussing the challenges, long-term implications and opportunities our country faces in ensuring the conservation of these cherished spaces.
Saturday September 15
BUSINESS AS ACTIVISM: HOW THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY IS BECOMING A POLITICAL FORCE
Patagonia called out President Trump when he shrunk Bears Ears. Yeti denounced the NRA after a school shooting. Brands are taking big stands on big issues as they begin to realize that they—and their customers—want to do more than have nice gear.
Sunday September 16
OFF-SEASON: TALKING TO GREAT ATHLETES ABOUT THEIR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS
Being outside isn't just fun—there are documented health benefits. From being in a pine forest to pushing yourself in the mountains, we'll discuss how the outdoors can change your life.
EXPERIENCE YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE BRANDS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY AT THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND CURATED MARKETPLACE, FEATURING LIMITED-EDITION GRANDOOZY COLLAB ITEMS AND MORE.
Eno | Grassroots | Icelantic | Klean Kanteen | Never Summer | Rumpl | Topo Designs | Zeal Optics
80's Ski Lodge
Go back from the future and relive the iconic ski aesthetic of yore (OK, guess it's not all that long ago) with a party so hot, it'll fog your goggles. The 80s Ski Lodge will be rockin' all weekend long with totally tubular DJ sets, a hair metal cover band and more. Radical!
Check out the lineup here
The Break Room:
Break it down at The Break Room, Grandoozy’s all-day dance area. Be transported from the discotheques of Berlin to the warehouses of Detroit, onwards across the space-time continuum of dance music then land back home with your favorite local DJ collectives. With an eclectic lineup of established and emerging artists, this open-air space will welcome all, casual fan and aficionado alike.
Unplugged II
I had a chance to take some photos of some familiar faces and some new friends this year. My Unplugged photo project took place earlier this summer and I was able to capture 40 plus artist all up and down the concrete jungles of South Broadway. This is a project that I hold dear to my heart and love to be able to capture musicians with their guard down in their most intimate setting. Thank you to all of the bands that participated (and showed up on time).
KING EDDIE
TYTO ALBA
DUSTIN MORRIS
TELEVISION GENERATION
CRL CRRLL
MODERN LEISURE
OTHER BLACK
IZCALLI
HAIR CLUB
KYLE EMERSON
THERE'S AN APE FOR THAT
THE TRUJILLO COMPANY
OXEYE DAISY
MADGE
PPL MVR
WILDERMISS
REDIVIDER
SLOW CAVES
THOMIE
DEEZIE BROWN
THE OVERCOATS
VIRETTA
POUT HOUSE
GOLDJOY
WHISKEY AUTUMN
HR PEOPLE
LADY GANG
OPTYCNERD
MAXWELL HUGHES
MAXWELL HUGHES AND SARAH SLATON (EDISON)
MOTION TRAP
LOLA RISING
KAYLA MARQUE
CITRA
THE VELVETEERS
BROTHERTIGER
JEN GANUN and ANDY THOMAS FROM LOST WALKS & DUST HEART
WATER AEROBICS
YASI
CHLOE TANG
ESCORT
PARALLELPHANTS
CORSICANA
ONE FLEW WEST
SYCDVK
Velorama: Bikes, Booze and Fun.
The 2nd annual Velorama Festival took over Denver last weekend with amazing music, brand installations, food, and amazing beer.
The festival was once again held in the parking lots off Blake Street in the Rino District. We were on hand to catch the music performances from some of the best acts in music today as well as some equally impressive local bands and dj's.
The first night saw things open up with local faves Slow Caves who set the tone of the night with a rather raucous performance with their usual chill rock vibes. Philly's own Hop Along was also on hand to perform an amazing set as the crowds started to fill in. It has been awhile since we saw the dynamic duo of Jamie Hince and Alison Moshart who form the rockcentric The Kills. Those unfamiliar with the band got a first hand dose of straight in your face rock and roll. The scheduled headliner for the night was Modest Mouse who unfortunately had to cancel due to travel issues, the decision left a bitter taste to those who came out just to see the band. We've been covering music for quite sometime now and realize that stuff like this happens all the time. The band did however get added to the following night's headlining slot.
Day two started off with local crooner Brent Cowles and his talented band. The band played a jubilant set that would have to rank as one of the best we have seen from the band. We weren't quite sold on Lo Moon who seemed like they killed a little of the buzz Cowles had left. A rather subtle set, the band just wasn't doing it for us or the crowd. The band that we had circled as a must see was Rainbow Kitten Surprise who blew our expectations as they probably had the best set of the weekend. Fronted by lead singer Samuel Melo, he channeled his inner Mick Jagger and Freddy Mercury dance moves as they gave life to the bands performance. The band is no stranger to performing in big festivals as they danced and swayed and encouraged the crowd to do the same. Cold War Kids (who seem like they play in Denver every other weekend) was on hand to deliver a nostalgic set for us as as they mentioned the last time they had performed in a parking lot was for the 2008 Democratic National Convention which we were also part of. The Growlers were another band who didn't seem to live to our expectations, not sure if it was the lack of our knowledge of their discography or that they followed Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Modest Mouse finally showed up and played an array of their amazing catalog that stretches back years. Frontman Isaac Brock did seem a little seem to banter a bit which at times made no sense to anybody but aside from that it was a great way to end the second night of the festival.
The last day of the festival had us scrambling to get to the grounds in time for Wildermiss, the local band who has been creating a huge buzz locally is starting to look more comfortable on stage as the band seemed more loose moving around the stage playing their customary indie pop sound. Another band we had been looking to perform was Cults. The duo of Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin has been our playlist for years now and although we missed the last time they performed here, we were anxious to catch their set which had us reminiscing (older stuff) and excited to hear newer material. The night ended with a bang as Matt and Kim took to the stage and all hell broke loose. With a reputation for amazing live shows, the band did not let off the gas as they mingled and encouraged crowd participation throughout their set. The crowd of course ate it up and preceded to play along to the indie band hailing from Brooklyn.
Aside for a few minor quirks (beer lines, band rescheduling, water stations) the festival was an enjoyable weekend for music lovers as the bands that participated were a perfect pairing for a great weekend.
Day One: Levi Double U, Slow Caves, Hop Along, The Kills
Day Two: Brent Cowles, Lo Moon, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Cold War Kids, The Growlers, Modest Mouse
Day Three: Wildermiss, Cults, Matt and Kim
A Walk Through the Colorado Music Hall of Fame
As if the naturally perfect outdoor acoustics of the rock formations at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre weren’t amazing enough to behold, nearby stands an epic bronze statue of a familiar figure. Upon closer inspection, it’s revealed to be none other than Colorado folk-rocker John Denver, complete with his trademark guitar slung over his back as a great eagle perches on his outstretched left hand. The Colorado Music Hall of Fame acquired the statue of Colorado’s favorite son back in 2013. There used to be some push back from John Denver fans as to where the statue should be located. Today, as the statue stands right next to one of Colorado’s greatest natural treasures, it’s plain to see that John Denver himself couldn’t have picked a better spot.
This is what The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is all about. The CMHOF is a privately sponsored non-profit organization with the mission of preserving, protecting, and propagating the state of Colorado’s varied contributions to music. It contains historical exhibits that feature artifacts from, and information about, Colorado’s most outstanding and influential musicians, venues, events, and institutions. The first inductees where John Denver, followed by the Red Rocks themselves for providing a Colorado venue worthy of hosting legends like the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and U2.
Another notable inductee to the CMHOF is the 1960s band The Astronauts, who were the first Colorado band to make it into the national charts. Despite being a landlocked surf band, their hit songs Movin’ and Baja gave the more famous Beach Boys a run for their money. Other artists featured in the exhibits include Billy Murray (also known as the Denver Nightingale), Paul Whiteman, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Firefall, Harry Tuft, and many others. The most recent inductees include legendary singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, Joe Walsh and Barnstorm, and the Caribou Ranch studio, all of which were recognized in 2017 at an induction ceremony at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre.
Apart from artists, places, and institutions relevant to Colorado music, the CMHOF also celebrates historic events that have shaped the music of Colorado and America. You can see this in one of their exhibits called Backstage Past, which features the photos of George Kealiher, the unofficial backstage photographer of the then-newly constructed Denver Coliseum in 1952.
Kealiher captured many of the national acts booked by the Denver Coliseum, including Patsy Cline, George Jones, Faron Young, Ray Price, the Louvin Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and even Johnny Cash. At the time, most of these now iconic artists were directly influenced by a then-young Elvis Presley’s fresh rockabilly sound. This is what makes Backstage Past different from other exhibits about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s musical legacy. His hardcore fans already know the stories behind billboard hits like Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, and All Shook Up. Meanwhile, Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas is hailed by many as one of the greatest poker songs of all time. Alongside it is King Creole and Jailhouse Rock, which are also already famous for being titular movie songs. What many of his most hardcore fans might not know about is how much Elvis has influenced the Colorado rock and country sound. This is what Backstage Past is bringing to the fore.
These are just some of the exhibits you’ll see while taking a walk through the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Make sure to bring a good camera – a visit to the CMHOF would be remiss without at least a couple snaps of the nearby majestic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.