Happy BDay Tom! Hoist that Rag!

Looking for something to do to Celebrate Tom Wait's birthday tomorrow?

I thought I would put this out there for any Chicago denizens that may or may not (and I am sure it's more on the may not) read this blog.  Looks like tomorrow night there is a cover band at Lincoln Hall called  Big T1me (Frank's Wild Years) ORRRR there is a typo and they are playing Big Time the movie.  Not quite sure and can't really tell which is completely and unbelievably apropos!  The ambiguity is completely awesome.

Sadly it seems that this is the only venue in the US that is doing anything to mark the date. 

F and I are trying to come up with something ourselves. The joy of being in Denver though is that we are able to actually go to some places, well some locations that warmed Mr. Waits either with liquor or with soul.  We are thinking about starting the night off at the Terminal Bar, which is now Jax Fish House.  The Terminal used to be a dive bar on the edge of lower larimer here in Denver.  Not a safe or good part of town for sure.  Of course that has all changed.  Jax owns the building, they have a television star on their staff (some guy who went on Top Chef and won I guess????), and the place is cleaned up.  Honestly the last time I was in there the place was a dump with broken bar stools, regulars drinking dollar shots of whiskey from heavy bottomed shot glasses that you can only find in bars where the weight of the glass steadies the patrons while they are at the bar.  It was a postal service hang out. People who worked at the Terminal Annex of the Post Office would go in off shift.  We would go down there because we didn't get questioned about anything and being in film school, having been inspired by Bukowski, Kerouac and all that it seemed only right.  Now it's an amusement park to oysters. 

Never-the-less.  Tribute must be paid so we will possibly go and have $10 whiskey shots walk up the street and go to the 7-11 where Ebbetts Field used to be where Tom Waits would play (and sometimes sleep) when he lived in our fair city. 

I wish that our Downtown wasn't as gentrified as it is. Certainly it's great for the economy because the bar scene is lively and active, but it's kind of boring.  I mean there is a Titled Kilt for goodness sake.  Disney Irish bar.  It's like Fridays for those that drink black and tans. 

Denver has a little slice of history so I am so very much saddened that there isn't anything commemorating Tom Waits birthday in this town.  Oy well... we will make our own fun I do hope.  Either way...listen to some "SwordFishTrombones" or "Black Rider" tomorrow and take a moment to celebrate the birthday of Tom Waits.  He would for yours.  You never know... he might already.

Yuka Honda turning 50 -- Floored by Four w/ Mike Watt & her spouse Nels Cline playing 2nd gig ever, Cibo Matto show too

There are about 20 things in this article that make me wish I was in NY. Certainly one of them would be just being in NY... but there is so much awesome in this article I am surprised it doesn't burst with awesomeness and break the internet - please to enjoy it's amazingness an have a great weekend too!

Yuka Honda turning 50 -- Floored by Four w/ Mike Watt & her spouse Nels Cline playing 2nd gig ever, Cibo Matto show too: "

Floored by Four @ Summerstage (more by Paul Bachmann)

The December 6th show at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC:

• is a 50th birthday party for Cibo Matto's Yuka Honda who used to be married to Dougie Bowne who she has a long history of playing music with, used to date Sean Lennon who she frequently collaborates with, and who is now engaged or married to guitar wizard Nels Cline of Wilco (Wikipedia says their wedding was scheduled for late November in Japan, so if that's true, congratulations to them!)
• will feature a live performance by Floored by Four aka Mike Watt, Dougie Bowne, Yuka C. Honda, and Nels Cline. It will be their 2nd live show ever which means their first must have been that Summerstage show with M Ward
• will feature a Nels Cline solo set '+ friendly jamming after 10:30pm'
• will include a set titled 'Yuka & Miho cover Cibo Matto' which I assume means a Cibo Matto show, but without any of Yuka and Cibo's other band members?

Whatever it is, the show is sure to be a good one. Tickets are still on sale.

Nels Cline will also be back at the same NYC venue on February 26th for 'The Nels Cline Singers and ROVA perform 'The Celestial Septet''. Tickets are on sale for that too. All Nels dates below.

Will Nels Cline, Mike Watt, Yuka Honda, and/or Dougie Bowne play with Yo La Tengo at Maxwell's this week? I don't know, but it would be pretty cool.

Will Nels Cline's Wilco bandmate Jeff Tweedy play with Yo La Tengo at Maxwell's this week? Very likely.

Will Sean Lennon show up and play at all at LPR on 12/6? Maybe? Will Yuka Honda play with Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl aka The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Rockwood Music Hall on January 8th? Maybe?

Can Yuka Honda, Dougie Bowne, Sean Lennon, and Nels Cline all be in the same room and everything be completely normal? Apparently?

Oh, and speaking of turning 50, don't forget tickets to Henry Rollins' upcoming shows at Joe's Pub go on sale Friday at noon.

Enjoy some birthday cake, with all Nels Cline tour dates, below...

Continue reading "Yuka Honda turning 50 -- Floored by Four w/ Mike Watt & her spouse Nels Cline playing 2nd gig ever, Cibo Matto show too" at BrooklynVegan.com

"

Aenka w/Bottesini & Green Typewriters @ Walnut Room Dec. 3

Aenka w/Bottesini & Green Typewriters @ Walnut Room Dec. 3: "

Alright alright. I know its been a couple month’s since we have given Denver some Aenka love, but its well worth the wait. With some new material and the addition of Ryan McRyhew (hideous men, cougar legs, bedrmppl) to this performance, it is sure to please. We’ll be throwing out buckets of avant garde tendrils and dropping bass thumping back beats that open up worm holes to alternative universes.

Bottesini will feature a star-studded line-up as always lead by Mr. Paul Riola on saxophone. If you have missed them recently, you gotta see this. Its not that their skills have improved (they have always expressed an amazing amount of talent), but its as if they’ve honed their talents to match and complement one another in amazing ways. Come see the live conversation they perform right before your eyes and ears.

Green typewriters are fairly new to the Denver scene. I was fortunate to catch them at Meadowlark a few months ago. I loved every minute of it. Meandering over soft plains of rock, while stomping out fires with clumps of forward moving avant-expressionism, under a washcloth of video game noise. Get there on time and see these guys. They are great, and will be featuring some new material.

please rsvp here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163427703688373

"

YouTube - itgetsbetterproject's Channel

YouTube - itgetsbetterproject's Channel

There are so many emotions I feel when I read a story about a kid being bullied or tortured for any reason and my heart totally breaks when I hear that a young man or young woman has ended their own lives due to bullying. It's especially heart breaking when it is due to bullying because they are gay.

See when I was young, my parents, taught me that people are people not matter what. I was a theater and dancing geek so trust me when I say... I grew up around gay men and women all my life and couldn't have given a hoot, if they let me sing... I loved them. If they let me dance I adored them. If I got a part in a play I worshiped them. If they let me sing, dance and act with them, they were my friends. Hell if they let me just be in the room, lets be honest. SOOOOO... when I was in high school and it was clearly apparent that I couldn't carry a tune in key, had really bad rhythym and couldn't remember choreography and acted as if I was still reading a script and poorly at that, I still got to hang out... I realized, this is acceptance and love.

My best friends were white, black, asian, gay, straight, transgendered and amazing.

I realize today how lucky I was and how lucky I am.


To hear that a young man killed himself because he was outted on the internet I have to realize what a powerful medium we have at our literal fingertips. You can type in anything and search it and do so in relative anonymity and this is something that should be emphasized.... relative. There are repercussions for our actions. We need to live in a world of kindness and acceptance.

And to each kid out there... I have friends that will tell you ... it does get better. And you will do yourself a huge favor to live through it. You will do this world a favor to live through it because you will make this place better. With more love and more acceptance... the world will be a better place.

I am sorry that Tyler Clemente died. What makes me even sadder is the children (no adults of 18 years of age) who put into action the events that caused Mr Clemente to die are only charged with illegally taping and invasion of privacy. They should be charged with manslaughter. They killed this young man. I am sorry Tyler Clemente didn't live to show them that his life was more valuable than anything they could EVER want to and try to denigrate.

Live through it. Live. It really is the best revenge. I have seen in with friends and people I consider family. I can't stress it enough. Live through it. It does get better.

Visit the You Tube Channel linked above and see what Dan Savage and his husband have to say. See what other people are saying. It has brought me to tears of joy that this is in the world now. The is so much value in the "it gets better" message. Shit for drama geeks like me... it gets better. Even I was tormented because of what I appreciate in the cultural world. It does get better and I am better for each and every person that I have learned something from, gay, straight or otherwise.

I honor each and everyone of them by living my life to the fullest. They have. They got through it. Everyone should. There is no shame in being who you are. And this is the message here.

If you save one life gentleman I applaud you and if one young man or woman saves their own life or a friends life... the world is better for it.

Thanks for the positive message and reminding me as a straight 43 year old woman that these messages are important to share and how wonderful life is.

Pythian Whispers – 8.28.2010 @ Denver Does Denver

Pythian Whispers – 8.28.2010 @ Denver Does Denver: "

Getting off to a slow start posting the Denver Does Denver material, here’s one of the first tributes from the festival, with Tom Murphy and Piper Rose teaming up to cover some local underground favorites.

Pythian Whispers (Tom Murphy and Piper Rose)

8.28.2010

Denver Does Denver, Meadowlark Basement, Denver, CO

Source:  DPA 4060′s > DAD6001′s > Lunatec V3 > digi-coax > Oade Mod Edirol R44 @ 24/48 > SDHC > Adobe Audition 3.0 > Resample to 16/44.1 > CDWave

Taped by:  Lance Stack

Setlist:

1. Glitter Galaxy [Space Team Electra]

2. Revenge Bikini Body [Lust-Cats of the Gutters]

3. “The Puppy Song” [Night of Joy/Hideous Men]

A zipfile of the mp3s is available here.

FLAC files can be downloaded as a zipfile here.

"

This is seriously so funny to me not because of the quality of the music because Tom Murphy is terrific and a really wonderful guy, but that he totally stole my Cat Piano band name. On August 14th we were all at this gallery opening chatting and laughing about something and I made note and said that I am naming my Cat Piano band Pythian Whispers. Tom... you didn't even ask me to come and play with you?! What the heck! But I guess if there is anyone in this world that can legitimately steal my Cat Piano band name it can be Mr. Tom Murphy!

Meow....

Live review from @Reverb (Denver Post) Nuns of Brixton @ Bender’s Tavern

Live review: Nuns of Brixton @ Bender’s Tavern: "

Sister Act: The Nuns of Brixton at Bender's Tavern last night. Photo by Michael McGrath, denverpost.com/reverb.

Having seen Jim Yelenick in his other bands — the hardcore Pitch Invasion and the hilarious acousti-punk Sputnik Slovenia — I figured I’d seen the gamut of his personas, and loved them all. But none topped his loose adaptation of Joe Strummer in a full nun habit, wildly leading a packed house through a litany of the best tunes from the Clash. Yelenick fronted local quintet the Nuns of Brixton (a Clash tribute band) last night at Bender’s Tavern and put on a simultaneously heroic and hilarious show — all in full convent uniform.

The Clash, a.k.a. “The Only Band That Matters,” has forever topped my live dream list. I’m a bit skeptical of tribute bands, so I was prepared to take in a mediocre show at best, but I knew I’d enjoy just being a part of the nostalgia.

View a full photo gallery of last night’s show!

The Nuns proved me wrong from the first chord. Not only were they a legitimate and respectful tribute to the Clash, they proved to also be a damn good band, outright.

And why not? The lineup was stacked with Denver scene heroes: bassist Tim Beckman (from ‘90s Denver band Spell, also the Nuns’ founder), Jon Solomon and Robb Froschheuser on guitars and Tony Weissberg (formerly of Boss 302) kept the rhythm as a more-than-adequate Topper Headon on drums. All wore matching habits, and all had ear-to-ear-grins for their 70-minute set, though none reached the spectacle that Yelenick did from the first minute.

As the quintet stormed onstage, all in costume, Yelenick grabbed the mic, gave a quick “Hello,” then screamed “London’s burning!” From there the set became a runaway train, with a brilliant Clash soundtrack.

They burned through “Janie Jones,” “Career Opportunities,” “(White Man In) Hammersmith Palais,” “Pressure Drop,” of course “The Guns of Brixton” and more — all perfectly sloppy, fast and each one as true to the original as need be. But there was also enough Nuns’ personality to make these more than merely covers – they definitely had a life of their own. Yelenick neither sounded too much like Strummer when screaming the oh-so-important punk themes, nor did he embody the original frontman too little. It seemed that Strummer and Yelenick’s sprits melded beautifully beneath all that black and white polyester.

The crowd, after singing along to every song nearly word for word, seemed as spent and satisfied as the band when the set wrapped up with “White Riot.” I actually felt like maybe I’d seen almost enough of the real spirit of The Clash to be fulfilled. Almost.

Gestapo Pussy Ranch, the brainchild of local radio personality John WIlbur (AKA “Whip”) opened the evening with a solid rendition of Scratch Acid-meets the Sex Pistols, complete with the requisite old-school punk snottiness and provocation. If this band can keep it together and continues to play out, they’re worth a glance, if only for their historical significance and downright irreverence.

View a full photo gallery of last night’s show!

Follow Reverb on Twitter! Here! Foursquare, too! Here!

Billy Thieme is a Denver-based writer, an old-school punk and a huge follower of Denver’s vibrant local music scene. Follow Billy’s explorations at DenverThread.com, and his giglist at Gigbot.

Michael McGrath is a Denver area photographer. His work is available at Twist and Shout Records. Visit his website.

"

Type in Motion - What's he building in there? - Animation

(crossposted just about everywhere I post)

No more live music after next month at PT's Club Inferno

No more live music after next month at PT's Club Inferno: "

Throughout the late '60s, 1601 West Evans was a prime destination for live music, with acts like the Doors, Cream, the Grateful Dead and Van Morrison performing in the space now occupied by PT's...

Continue reading "No more live music after next month at PT's Club Inferno " >"

What is very fitting is that Barry Fey's first club failed and now is a peeler joint. Saw a couple of shows there recently for sure and it was NOT necessarily a nice place. Can't speak to the Family Dog. PS there is no history there at all, so don't feel like it's important to see a show there before the upstairs goes back to a VIP lounge.... just my commentary of course.

There are a ton of great shows to see this weekend though... if you are looking for me... I will be seeing and shooting (no doubt) Nuns of Brixton at Benders! They rock.

Shhhhhhhh! This concert isn't a library but it isn't your living room either...

There seem to be quite a bit of complaints by the reviewers about shows over the weekend.  Both the reviews from the Westword Backbeat blog for Wilco and Vampire Weekend pointed out and made it at least noteworthy the amount of talking going on during performances.  It has long been one of my pet peeves.   Me? For the longest time I think it sucks, is obnoxious and rude to those who actually give a shit about the performers and the fact that they are up there pouring themselves into it.  If you aren't interested in seeing them perform and for you... go home, put the cd on in your stereo with ear cans on and talk them ok?

Even a few weeks ago I was at a show at Dazzle and in the main room to boot... one of the performers girlfriends chatted away for the ENTIRE second set of the show with her gal pal.  I have it on video. Seriously, I know you may have seen the band a bunch of times, but seriously to sit in the front row the entire set and talk? In Dazzle where it is pointedly a "listening room" blows my ever living mind. Shame on you... you should know better.  I even gave MY gal pals the stink eye when they pulled out their cell phones and started posting to Facebook that they were there.  There is a level of decorum and it annoyed me.

Everywhere I moved to at the show on Friday (we were at Wilco) there seemed to be distracting conversations everywhere.  I wanted desperately to go up to this gaggle of boys and ask them how much they paid for their ticket.  See this is actually what I would have said:  you paid $70.00 for the pleasure of seeing Wilco in their only Colorado performance of the year, drove 3 hours probably, are staying at a hotel for $100 bucks tonite, or camping even perhaps and for that estimated $200 bucks (not including all the beer and food you have eaten and drunk) you insist on standing here, yelling at one another about fishing and drinking beers.  Really?  Couldn't you do that maybe further back in the beer tents or something? Why must you do this in the middle of the field. 

Now... there were some chicks doing the whole hippy sauce dance that was distracting, but they were having a hell of a good time, they would break to sing along with Jeff Tweedy, they would break to hug one another, they would break to look over to make sure that their bags were still on the recycle bins, but damn those girls barely spoke two words the entire time they distracted us.  THAT was a pleasure.

I am guilty of a little talking during shows too... mostly and even on Friday night I did lean back and pull F to my side and ask into his ear what one or two of the songs were. They were songs off the first album that I just couldn't place.  But pretty much.. that was about it. 

The security dude held a conversation at one point with two chicks that was wholely sidetracking, he even chatted with some chick whose flask he took away.  It just seems rude. 

These little parking tickets exist (and yes I own a set because they are in fact really funny) but I think I am going to have to design a set of concert tickets / show tickets /performance tickets and have them at the ready.  Because I am seriously very much ready to try and take on the monster.  I can make them in little tear away booklets from the company that makes the "parking tickets" or less expensively at Vista Print. Either way... I am going to do it.  I might not hand out my business cards at shows as much as I thought I would, but that is because I really am not a photographer and taking pictures of stuff at shows is a hobby, but this might just be a new avocation.

And I totally get the fact that sometimes things just have to be said. Seriously I do, but an entire conversation should be moved out of earshot of those there to hear the music.

I will never forget being at the Calexico show at the Gothic theater maybe a year and a half ago or so... and some girl stood there, said she is so "flippin" excited to be seeing Calexico and then proceeded to talk about her weekend the entire time.  We moved to the other side of the room, where there were much shittier views but the people there around us were enjoying the show.

I guess the point really came across at the UMS this summer when in between songs at the HiDive, when I was seeing Munly and the Lupercalians (WHO ARE AMAZING & will be at Benders next week), while Munly was tuning his banjo, this really drunk (but very happy to be there guy turned around and started talking to me, asking me when I last saw them, if I knew about 16 Horsepower, how much did I love Slim Cessna's Auto Club... and ON and ON and ON).  At one point (and this totally could be a coincidence but.....) Munly stopped talking, sat there for a second and I swear to gawd, glared in our direction.  Trust me Mr. Munly... I never want to see that face again because you looked PISSED, trust me I was too.  I wanted to hear you and your group play, not listen to this bro, I mean I ran across Broadway doging traffic to get in there and not miss it, giving up a spot at 3 Kings (gladly I have to add).  That look alone put the fear of gawd talking at shows in me let me tell you.  I wish I could have captured it because I would have put it on the cards... it was scarey as hell and totally appropriate.  I thought Munly was going to curse me forever... at one point I mouthed "I am so sorry". I hope that he saw it because I was mortified.  I had to move again, from my prime picture taking and show hearing spot because the guy wouldn't quiet down. 

So... the point is:  Please be considerate, if you have something to say... certainly say it, but quickly and relatively quietly... but should you want to have a chat, a conversation or dialouge move it away from the main area, there is always room in the back of a venue, near a bar or something where it is much more appropriate.

Oh!  and if I hand you a "shhhh card", I am trying to not be rude. 

hmmmmmmm wonder what this is all about????

The UMS 2010 Day Two

Friday, July Day Two of the UMS was sun to dark...

I got down to the South Broadway Baker District about 6PM ready to go. My mistake... no caffiene all day. Emotionally I was ready but was totally legally stimulant free.

I arrived at the HiDive in time to catch the Le Divorce set. I hadn't ever seen them so this was a great way to start the day. There is something so very respectful about the Hi Dive I can't explain it. I went up to the bar and was called "miss". I loved it. Thank gawd I wasn't called "ma'am" or seriously I would have secretely loved that too probably. Ok back to the music.

So I had wanted to see Le Divorce (they were on my spreadsheet), I mean any band that claims the Pixies and PJ Harvey as influences are ok with me. AND that they have Mannequin Heads as listed band members equals totally worth seeing. I was really impressed, I found them dreamy. I enjoyed them very much. I very much look forward to seeing them again. It was a nice mellow and dear way to stay off the second night of the festival.

One of our fearless leaders - Mr. John Moore

There are folks who are far more fashionable than I am ...
I could only weather wearing docs...

BEST IDEA EVER - Thanks 3 Kings

We then walked over to 3 Kings to see Glass Hits. While we were waiting for the band to set up we were talking to a friend who said he has seen them last week and it was like "finding a new religion". I was enticed and excited.

As the sound guy continued to get everything ready.... I was watching the room fill.

Everything was ready to go and sadly the mix wasn't so great... the lead vocals kept coming in and out. But watching the lead singer wail and posture was a treat. It was a shame that we couldn't hear what he was belting out... but they are playing the Hi-Dive in August so hopefully we can get over there and get the full on effect.

We walked down the block to see what struck our fancy. There were lots of things we thought would be good, but certainly the joy that is Laura Goldhammer can not be missed. We caught the second part of her set. She was setting up and explained how speakers work which while entertaining was very educational. Then her percussionist played one of the speakers and looped it against the video. It was lovely. And Indy Ink was exactly the perfect place for her show. The audience sat on the floor and watched enthralled. And for the record her enthusiasm for what she does is totally infectious.

We headed out of the Indy Ink and stood watching the thralls on the street.

We then went next door for and ended up seeing a band that wasn't on our list. Joshua Trinidad explained that we should go next door to Illiterate Gallery and see the art by the Artist Ravi and then to also see Face Man.

Thursday night Ravi did a music video show where the art was also the centerpiece. The large scale pieces were interesting and terrifying. But the art on the wall was less scary to me, more in a comic / circus vein. Very dusty feeling. Face Man is a multi media experience. It was interesting, the guitarist was backed by a horn section and also another guitar/bassist. It was interesting again... not great but interesting. The music alone wouldn't have been enough to stay but the schtick kept us there for about 8 songs. Unfortunately I think the room wasn't right for the band. With the large installations in the middle of the gallery I think there were alot of people in the back who couldn't see everything.

We then cruised back to the 3 Kings (which seems to be our main spot for the shows this year) to see Rumanian Buck. They weren't even on my radar until F pointed out when he looked at the links in the spreadsheet that it was the lead singer of the Giraffes. I was really excited to see them play. I also was really impressed because they had a poster hanging in the window that I thought was lovely.

At end of the Glass Houses show I had talked to the lead singer and told him I really liked the poster and he explained that he hand screened each one. I told him that I planned on taking it at the end of the festival. Which I do.

They played an aggressive and adventurous set and happily no one threw anything wet or otherwise at the band (which locally people seem to do when Aaron Lazar) comes through town with his band the Giraffes. I have to say that Mr. Lazar to me has one of the best rock voices I have heard in a long time.... plus he is SUPER SUPER nice. Just keep that in your pocket for later.

I started to get this splitting head ache which I thought might be from a lack of food, so I cruised up the block to get a slice from Famous Pizza. It tasted great. The hippy in front of me was taking forever deciding what he wanted so I just blurted out give me a slice of what you got. The counter guy totally took care of me. A supreme slice. For sure.

Stood on the street eating my pizza watching the people go by. Everyone seemed to be jovial, happy and the common thread was everyone was just digging being out.

Headed back to 3 kings to see Lion Sized. Perhaps knowing #3 makes me like them more ... but they are so damned good, headache be damned... I was right up front with the rock.

Sadly though... the headache (even after a great shot of espresso at Sputnik) won and I had to leave. I really very much wanted to see Git Some, but I know better than to put my self in the way of a splitting head ache and Luke Fairchild's rock and roll. He is greatest guy in the world and honestly I was outside and with all the people, the smoke and noise... I had to call it a day and head home.

It was a great day for Day Two ... came home, rested my feet, took some ibuprophen and slept like I had wished...

Day Three was soon to be on it's way!

The UMS Day One

Well The UMS is happening from last night through Sunday...

So I have heard Denver's UMS (Underground Music Showcase) for those locals living under an umbrella or those out of town... compared to South By Southwest. I beg to differ, why? Oh that's because SXSW brings in acts from all over the United States and the amazing world that we live in and The UMS focuses on Denver and Colorado's AMAZING and fine talent.

I opened the night walking up Broadway and could hear bands as I got closer to the heart of the area. Ran into friends along the way and each and everyone one of them asked... "who are you seeing"... we pulled up our spreadsheets on our IPhones and got to work planning the strategy of the evening. My plan was to stay very open to see any one that caught my ear.

My only plan was to see at least one (or two) bands that I had never actually heard of. After picking up my badge and wristbands for the weekend and catching up with some more friends about where they were heading... (this is a very very common festival activity... get used to it)... we headed over to the Illiterate Gallery to check out the music videos of RAVI. The videos were really disturbing and beautiful and reminded me very much of Tool videos from the mid 90s, which isn't a bad thing.

We then traveled over to the Irish Rover to see Sandusky, who I hadn't ever seen before. We walked in and caught about 15 minutes of their very shortened set. It was droney and lovely and a nice way to start off the night. I do look forward to seeing them again, they are definately on my radar!

Having never seen them before the dreamy guitar loops and as I pointed out in my flikr post was full of dronie goodness.  I can say I would love to play this at work when I am in the throws of the daily grind.  This could bring me back around and happy I would think.  A great introduction to this new to me band!



Denver's own Swayback were our next stop. The last time I saw them was in a overly packed and sweaty Hi-Dive last summer probably. Last night they also filled 3 Kings and yes it was hot and sweaty (and incredibly humid) but the crowd was there to see our "next big thing". Seeing them play in front of graphic projections, having a great time (I would imagine) and playing to a packed floor was a treat. They played hits and soon to be hits. The sound mix was terrific, you could hear every word, guitar chord and drum hit... the mix was outstanding. I know the possibility for a recording exists and if it hits the internets I will update. It was a great show and I am thrilled I was able to see them open the weekend.

It's blurry but I was way at the back of the room and this was the best I could do

We stepped outside of 3 Kings and while we were standing on the street we heard Porlolo playing inside the Irish Rover and for the record, we didn't go in because it was PACKED. But what we were fortunate enough to hear was great. I do think this will be perhaps another common thread for the weekend.

The next stop was a walk up to the Skylark where we ran into one of our fine hosts for the Weekend Richardo Baca... We had a lovely conversation and he always makes me smile with his love of our great town's music fare.

The surpise of the night though, was Roger,Roll. I had marked them on our spreadsheet for the reason, seriously, only because they had a comma in their name. Honestly... I had no idea about them, but it was a treat. We were treated to two guitar players, four string players, a keyboard and drummer PACKED onto the small stage of the Skylark. I was blown away. I will tell you with all honesty... I cried a little because it was so lovely and charming and JUST BLEW ME AWAY.

When do I see them again? It won't be soon enough.



Made it back down to the 3 Kings in just enough time to see the Kingdom of Magic set. I haven't actually ever seen Kingdom of Magic before and that is my bad. I should know better.

It was a terrific set and the audience ate it UP. I haven't seen that much head rockin' and sheer enthusiasm in a long time. For the first time in the evening I had to put in ear plugs. I really think if I didn't my ears would still be ringing almost 12 hours later.

It should be noted again that in the back of the room, the mix was clear. A very difficult accomplishment I am sure, but really great.



I can't tell you what tonite will bring but I am sure it will be just as amazing. My guy has bought me a new camera lens that I can't wait to break out and shoot with... I hope to report back on much more new to me music and musicians as well.

A GREAT start to an amazing festival.

Downloadable UMS Bocumast sked 2010.

Downloadable UMS Bocumast sked 2010.: "

Please download this image and share it with your friends. They may thank you...or slap you in the face...but its worth it.

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I do agree... see all these bands if you dare!

Gulf Relief in a Bottle: Abita's Charitable Pilsner

Gulf Relief in a Bottle: Abita's Charitable Pilsner: "

Filed under: Drinks

Photo: Courtesy of Abita

Nearing the third month into the Gulf oil spill (count 'em, 85 days), we couldn't be more frustrated: If you're like us, you lie awake at night, wondering what will cap that damn thing; you may have even considered driving down to scrub a flock of oily pelicans, if only to get the images out of your head. And while this is likely not an option for most of you -- no matter how hard you beg your boss to fund a charity trip -- by the end of this month, all you'll have to do is drink.



In connection with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, New Orleans-beloved Abita beer has announced a special brew for relief and restoration efforts: SOS -- A Charitable Pilsner.



The golden-hued, 22-oz 7% ABV is an unfiltered Weizen Pils described as having a 'sweet malt flavor with a pleasant bitterness and aroma.' Now in its final leg of aging, it's slated to be shipped out by the end of July, available wherever Abita beer is sold -- including a to-be released list of participating restaurants.



The bottles will feature hand-drawn shrimp, boats, pelicans and other Gulf coast fishing icons arranged in 'SOS,' in this case meaning 'Save Our Shores.'

Continue reading Gulf Relief in a Bottle: Abita's Charitable Pilsner

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Tom Waits - Going Out West - 1992

One of my favoritest of the Tom Waits epics. This is what I would like to hear if I was going down on plane. We were trolling the You Tubes for videos and came across this version Live on Arsenio Hall. I was generally mocked for liking Arsenio Hall but in the second half of the video he asks a couple really good questions. I miss that show. WOOF WOOF...

I am sooooo happy.  That is all.

Ok in all fairness here is a few reasons why:

Lets see, the first thing would be YOU
Summer is here

Big Time concert season is upon us
I have a brilliantly connected wireless router: yeah I am a dork and no wonder it's been JANKY for years (expect mucho pictures from here after)
I have a lovely group of people in my life, whose pictures ENSURE I will never be sad or unhappy again
My family makes me happy
I didn't come in last at the Westword Music Knowcase

I look forward to sharing adventures of the summer with you!

I have this long standing relationship.  I neglect it sometimes but as summer is coming upon me, I plan to better my relationship.  I promise I won't neglect it any more.  In the land of facebook and twitter I have totally neglected updating my blog.  Bad Bad Bad Blogger. Anyways.... So here we go:

I am watching the World Cup.  I played soccer for like a week in high school. I tried very hard to be a sportswoman, but the running... oy the running totally got in my way.  I liked the school sponsored sweatpant/jersey uniform, but may I just take this moment to admit. I sucked.  Bad.  And not at all in the way that I was a sucky swimmer (I did that too for three years... I even got the letter for swimming but never the letter jacket, I think I wore my brother's letter jacket to a Halloween party once) which allowed me to practice and swim distance but never actually compete in the backstroke like I wanted.  So I am watching the USA / England match and am totally caught up in it.  F and I are even planning an early morning breakfast with booze match watching at Fado probably sometime before the finals.  If you are in Denver, here is a great wrap up of where to go to watch the matches: From Westword.  It's pretty exciting the final score had both teams winning actually.  A draw is a good result for this match!

The summer concert season is starting to ramp up a little bit.  Unfortuanately it looks like there isn't much for us to travel for that isn't already coming to Colorado eventually but there might be a labor day weekend Wilco show in Snowmass.  We haven't quite figured that out but I think it will happen.  I have such a great guy that seems to gladly take me along which is very very fortunate for me.  I am so unbelievably spoiled. There hasn't been a show that I have geared up to buy tickets for anything yet.  It will happen though.

The highlight so far of the spring has been seeing Fishbone downtown. They played an outdoor stage at this fund raising day for a local charity.  For the full set of pictures you can go to my flickr, since the uploading is weird lately. 

It was a great show.  They totally brought it.  How they maintain that level of energy and enthusiasm escapes me!  So terrific.  And what totally thrilled me to bits was Angelo playing a theramin!  That was awesome!

After the show we had an opportunity to talk to Angelo.  Its been YEARS since I had any chance to talk to him and it was good.  Water under the bridge on some past hard feelings and it felt really good to have all my friends around me while I brought up something very  uncomfortable to me.  Angelo is a great guy and I am really fortunate to have been able to have those few minutes to say hello.  Norwood was really sweet the last time I talked with him and I promised to try and find the old footage we all shot way back in the day and send it to them.  We are adults and it's nice to know that they don't think badly of situations.  F and L and D were there cheering me on in their own special ways and it was very cool to be there with them for a GREAT show and great bridge building.

We then cruised down to the Larimer Lounge to see the Heavy.  They are the band that have gained so much popularity due to the Sorento commercial.  Their song "How You Like Me Now" was used.  And it's a terrific song and a terrific commercial, but man oh man... they totally brought it on at this second show that weekend.  The lead singer was AMAZING.  He worked the room like I have never seen there. 

The pictures don't do the show justice.  They have this sound that seems to be coming out of England right now, this ode to 60s soul with this modern twist. They played songs off both their albums (and their first record I happen to like a bit more I have to admit) which was a treat.  The crowd was into it and that was awesome.  And the lead singer even recognized and called out a couple of people that were at the first show which I have to be impressed by because he was paying attention to the crowd. I wish that they could have played a larger venue, but being less than a foot away from the band where I stood to take pictures was a thrill and an honor too because they are on the cusp of hitting it big and it couldn't happen to seemingly nicer guys.

I am starting the updating of my condo a bit too.  I bought all new appliances, will be working to find carpet and then I will start thinking about putting my condo on the market (even though there are two condos in my building that are under forclosure it might not be a bad time to start making some updates) and looking to buy a house.  The market in Colorado is so saturated that this is probably a terrible time to start thinking about this but when is there ever a good time...? So with the new appliances comes a increase in my wanting to cook more.  We had a fun picnic a few weeks ago and I am actually going to plan a dinner party I think in the next month or so.  I love love love cooking for my people and it's always a pleasure to plan a party!

F is amazing.  If someone was to tell me that I would be this happy and be having this much fun I would have never believed it.  I learn so much and am constantly surprised by him that I don't believe sometimes this is actually my life now.  I am glad I didn't second guess myself.  I am glad that he puts up with all my mishegos because seriously.... lucky lucky girl.

So that is basically the update.  Not much to it, but its good here in my land. 

The rise and fall of a power unknown to the common man

Amazing!
Joshua Trinidad - Trumpet
David Kurtz - Drums
Jon Solomon - Guitars and efx.

What's it about? Watch and listen and you will be touched.

Peelander Z Larimer Lounge March 31 2010 and why tall douchebags with expensive equipment need to fuck off

Peelander Z Larimer Lounge March 31 2010, originally uploaded by aka_zoe.

Just go to the picture. It's all there. Now don't get me wrong, I am shooting pictures for me usually and most of the time. But for the most part I try and be as considerate to the other shooters out there. I know most of them. And if I know they are shooting for a blog/paper/online source or whatever I get out of their way. These tools get up in everyone's craw (including the artists... in fact they were both up on the stage at many points during the show, which I find UNBELIEVABLY offensive).

Who they are I don't know, but I spent a good 10 minutes tongue lashing them while F stood in between us acting like Switzerland. One more reason he is simply amazing.