BandWagon Magazine - March 2012

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Atlas Photo A Day

Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine

Re-opening the Atlas Gallery this March is a group show that started as a pithy idea between friends and exploded into a tour-de-force of professional and amateur photographers alike.

Atlas Photo a Day was going to be “just for fun.”

The concept was simple: take one photo each day on a different theme. The hope was to spark a little creativity and open up a community. The result was much deeper. More than 40 photographers from around the world have jumped at the

opportunity (excuse) to tell their story through photography this month.

Photos from cheap phones and expensive SLR cameras started to appear on the Atlas Greeley face book page on day one (theme: you- a self portrait).

Each person took the each assignment a little differently. “We saw this as a good way for our larger community to get to know each other.” Says event organizer Krissy Freirose, “but it turned out exponentially better than we had hoped.

Atlas does everything different. This photo-

a-day challenge has no exception.”

For many of the photographers this was their first crack at capturing ideas on film.

Interestingly the stories of the artists turned out to be far more important than the quality of photographs.

Soon friends-of-friends were joining in and tagging their photos so they would show up in the Atlas Greeley group.

For some the project has been an amazing chance for reflection.

Here are a few of the most poignant stories:

(Day 13- Theme: Favorite Memory) …in the present, it’s that moment, that we most long for. That moment for me is to be with my sisters. We are standing on my parents deck overlooking the Kansas prairie at sunset in this picture…but I would take any place or time – if we were just together.

(Katie Flindall- Cobourg, Canada)

(Day theme: outside) This picture was taken on the Friday that we got, what was supposed be an epic snowstorm. It was taken in Idaho Springs Colorado outside a Starbucks. Honestly, I was in a hurry to get a picture submitted as quickly as possible.

I was driving a van full of kids on Youth for Christ’s snowboard trip and we had stopped for coffee and I saw this kind of old school painting of the mountains on a wall of a cafe and thought it was an interesting take on the theme outside. I like that two windows are in the picture and that it is not really a picture of “outside.” What surprised be most, was that so many people liked the picture. Sometimes in art (and life) we waste a lot of time trying to find the perfect shot or inspiration and we miss an opportunity.

(Ryan Dougherty- Greeley, Colorado)

(Day 7- Theme: Music) … in order to find it, I had to look through two and a half years of Facebook photos. It’s insane to look at all you’ve done in such detail and chronological order.

This whole project has made me very reflective and helps me pause for a minute in my day.

(Samantha Provenzano- Denver, Colorado)

(Day 1- theme: You) I feel like life is always a time of searching for who you are. This photo a day has helped me find parts of me I haven’t looked at either in a long time or at all. The first picture was an unveiling of parts of me I don’t normally show to other or even myself. I tend to see myself internally and not as a physical body.

(Anne Frierose- Greeley, Colorado)

(Day 7- theme: music) it was incredible to sit and have a real life cultural encounter. And I know the photo wasn’t the best, but what that photo captured was me making a new friend and learning about other people and their culture.

And I appreciate this friendship and this learning experience more than you could ever know. All the time on my study abroad experience I hoped for moments like the photo shows; where two cultures meet and learn and grow from each other.

(Sarah Hanslin- Siauliai, Lithuania)

Ask Krissy and she will tell you it has been a total success. “The photo-a day project reaches out to the community at large and tells them who we are, how we work. (It also) reaches in to us, and allows us to know each other.

You can view all 400+ photos at the First Friday Art opening at the Atlas Theater on March 2 from 5-8pm, and for the whole month after that. 709 16th Street across from old Roma- or find all the photos on Facebook. Go to: Scan the QR Code to see the Atlas Greeley Facebook Atlas Greeley.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

ALBUM REVIEWS Gotye

Making Mirrors Scotty Anderson BandWagon Magazine Wally De Backer, known by his stage name Gotye has been around for quite some time, albeit to a mostly Australian audience.

Making Mirrors, Gotye’s most recent album has been blowing up everywhere. When I first stumbled upon Gotye in November, I was immediately impressed, the subtle arrangements and instrumentation transformed a simple song into a sonic masterpiece. I started sharing YouTube links with friends and family and, seemingly overnight, he was absolutely everywhere. I noticed that he would be playing in Denver in April and I had a few people that were interested in seeing the show, but I underestimated the popularity that he had been able to attain. His concert was sold out, even after being moved to a larger venue; in fact most of the tour dates throughout the entire U.S. were sold out. It seems as though I wasn’t quick enough to hop on the Gotye train, but, to be fair, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that he would garnered such worldwide attention so quickly.

Making Mirrors Is Gotye’s third album and has spawned the internationally critically acclaimed hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” which has impacted charts worldwide and has won multiple awards, most likely solidifying De

Backer as a musical genius. The single features New Zealander Kimbra, who has also been under the radar for some time, but the success of this song will undoubtedly be a platform for her to further her musical career as well. The album starts off strong with the title track “Making Mirrors” and takes the listener on a journey throughout the album with the breakout hit “Someone That I Used to Know” to “Eyes Wide Open” and one of my personal favorites, “State of the Art,” a humorous dub style song with the vocals done through a vocoder.

“Bronte” is the last track on the album and is softer and a little on the contemporary side, but that can be said for a majority of the album.

The song is engaging, although I feel it could be a soundtrack to a Disney film; the music video to “Bronte”

seems like a three minute Myazaki film.

After listening to this album I wanted more. I felt emotionally attached to the mental pictures I created while listening. This was not the typical type of album that I would choose to listen to, but the handful of powerful tracks hold you close to the album urging you to follow to the next song.

Although this album may not be for everybody, give it a careful listen because you may find out that it is one of your favorites.

Forty Fathoms In/Famous

Lucas Wingfield BandWagon Magazine If you’ve been keeping up with local heavy music lately, you’ve probably heard of Forty Fathoms.

This five piece Metalcore outfit from Denver is making a huge breakout with their new seven-track release In/Famous, definitely one of the most hard-hitting first records a local band has ever put out. Ever.

Even their CD release show at the Marquis in Denver sold out, which is an enormous goal to accomplish as a band. Coming from a very long background, these Denver veterans have all had tour experience under their belts and only plan on growing exponentially with this release.

Although nautical-themed releases are nothing new in the Metalcore genre, Forty Fathoms starts the disc with the pilot track, “Tattered Sails.” This Denver fivepiece definitely didn’t record this on some GarageBand program on

Photo By: Shannon Shumaker Photography

a shitty laptop in their parent’s basement, but, at the same time sounds just a little overproduced. Regardless, this record unquestionably sounds like a disc that needs to be in the big leagues alongside bands like We Came As Romans, Parkway Drive, and A Day to Remember. If the first song doesn’t have you hooked, or at least interested, then you might as well just keep playing that Whitney Houston disc over and over again because by the end of the second song “Sin.Sin.Sin.” it’s clear that Forty Fathoms has perfected the formula. They have brewed a very precise record where the transitions, the breakdowns, and the up tempo two-steps blend well with the very relatable lyrics of the frontman Taylor MacNicholas.

Between “Backstabber” and “Hopeless,” arguably the two heaviest tracks on the album, these songs are mixed into the arrangement beautifully. Right

when it seems that every song on this disc is just a ploy for a catchy chorus, you hear the true grit of “Backstabber” and the merciless “Hopeless.” I’d have to say that the highlight of the record for me was the fifth track “Dead Man Walking.”

This song perfectly shows the potential in Forty Fathoms and kind of sums up the band’s sound as a whole. But let’s be honest, I just really like the heavy ass breakdown at the end. I mean seriously, I can’t be the only one who’s punched my grandma to that song, right?

In/Famous is guaranteed to get some sort of response from a big record label. They have everything it takes and more to be successful in the music industry, including a great fan base. I highly recommend you see these guys live, or watch their new music video for the song “Hopeless.” If you’re a fan of For the Fallen Dreams, The Ghost Inside, or just good ol’ fashioned heavy metal, get this disc and play it for your Grandma. Just make sure she’s a good ten to twelve feet away from you.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012 Ok Go

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

Immortal Technique The Martyr

Austin Wulf BandWagon Magazine “If you are listening to this, it is your responsibility to burn this for every single motherfucker you know.” What a way to open an album. Immortal Technique’s latest effort, The Martyr, was released for free online, paired with calls to distribute it freely and indiscriminately, last October.

Like Tech’s last three albums, this collection is fully independent and pulls no punches. It features high profile guests like Dead Prez, Chuck D, and even Dr. Cornel West.

Immortal Technique involved himself with the Occupy

movement, making appearances at many sites, including Oakland and New York City. The Martyr has heavy influence from that crowd.

The third track, “Rich Man’s World (1%)”, is a sardonic rhyme from the perspective of the bigwigs on Wall Street, detailing the kinds of things Occupiers protest. With lyrics like “You protest cops or patrols on the street / But I bought city hall so I own the police,” Tech indicts those rich men with unrestrained passion. He even fires a shot at one of his other regular targets, mainstream rappers and stereotypical so-called thugs, with the lines, “You got grills in your mouth, I ain’t mad at ya / I own

Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine You can like Ok Go for their innovative videos. That’s fine. For the past five years they have set the bar and revitalized the use of the Rube Goldberg machine (you knowthat thing where you set a ball in motion and it knocks down a coffee cup which sets off a mouse trap, etc…). They deserve at least some of the credit for a return to attention for music videos as an art form due to their creative uses of cars, bodies and trash as musical instruments.

Their musical experimentation on and off camera is part of the package. Gaining notoriety for their antics on treadmills (Google it) opened the door for more and more antics and attention. The latest release- a video featuring a

every gold mine in South Africa / Thanks baby, you made me a billion.”

On occasion, Tech lets the beat drop for a track to offer up boldly intelligent speech.

He did it with the brilliant “The Poverty of Philosophy” from Revolutionary Vol. 1, his first mixtape. And he does it again on The Martyr in the faux-live track “Ultimas Palabras.” This spoken essay touches on everything from slavery, colonialism, and racism to American hubris, class division, and corporate corruption. After hitting all of Tech’s favorite nerves, the rapper speaks on those who, like him, have been marginalized for their messages before a gunshot and screaming erupt. It’s a chilling moment, the first time you hear it, and drives home the words it follows.

retrofitted car that can play guitars, pianos and barrel drums is a visual feast, but the music underneath is good enough to download and enjoy without the tricks.

The Blue Colour of the Sky blends experimental sounds with solid musicianship. This, their third album proves to be a triumphal blend of 60s rock sounds, Wilcostyle background noise and danceable drive. Simple lyrics with timeless parables allow the album to be an over-all piece of art. Dreamy tunes like “This Too Shall Pass” and “All Is Not Lost” show the writing strength of lead vocalist Damian Kulash, a master at lyrics that do but don’t overdo.

His simple style combines timeless advice with distortion guitar and a Smashing Pumpkins level of broody passion. Musically the album can

In one of my favorite tracks on the album, “Civil War,” Tech is joined by Killer Mike, Brother Ali, and Chuck D. They speak racism and the civil war among oppressed people, “And white execs that love to see us in that position / They reflect the stereotypes of America’s vision / They want us dancing, cooning, and hollering / Only respect us for playing sports and modeling.” Each rapper’s verse makes strong points on the subject, shining lights on the way the oppressed fight amongst themselves instead of unifying against a common enemy—that is, the oppressor.

The Martyr stands as yet another piece of revolutionary poetry from the masterful mind of Immortal Technique. Every track is solid and powerful in its own way,

come off as teetering on the edge of distraction, but artistically it is a triumph. Like their colorful videos, the mash up of music styles on Blue Color and sounds can be taken more as a splash of paint on a canvas. Not everyone gets it, but the colors are bright enough and well matched so that most everyone can enjoy it.

and speaks to the overall message woven through each of Tech’s releases. If you haven’t already, hit the Internet and download this album. You won’t regret it.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012 Heems & Cool A.D.

Nehru Jackets / The Palm Wine Drinkard Mikey Unruh BandWagon Magazine

were released for free through Das Racist’s website and the individual member’s blogs.

Kool A.D.’s The Palm Wine Das Racist has been constantly releasing material, and in huge Drinkard was the first of the quantities, since they first began mixtapes to be officially released, with the comical “Combination though a number of tracks from Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” Just a Heems’ tape were released few months ago they released beforehand, and is more removed their debut commercial album on from the typical overly intellectual their own label and immediately stoner rap expected from Das after Heems and Kool A.D. began Racist. Well that’s not entirely readying their first solo mixtapes true, the stoner part still exists and due out on New Years Day. Though really proves to be a huge part of the first of the year came and went what Kool A.D. brings to the DR without any releases, they both camp.

The album opens to a sevenminute instrumental Outkast track with a few strange, noisy samples and loops thrown on top. Following are a number of pseudo ballads, weird remixes of Das Racist tracks that are essentially the hooks, stripped down and built into repetitive dance tracks, and a few tracks where the expected rapping occurs. The tracks on which Kool A.D. raps are the best on the tape, though “Girls and Women” is definitely a great track as well. The comedic aspect of Das Racist is also largely diminished, relying less on referencing obscurities and more on real, direct lyrical content.

This mixtape serves well in exposing Kool A.D. as a master at thinking outside the box that listeners have built around Das Racist, and a large portion of where

Pictured Above (Left to Right): HEEMS and Kool A.D.

the quirkiness of the duo’s music comes from. Heems’ Nehru Jackets is more in kind with a Das Racist release that Kool A.D.’s record, but it still lacks elements that have made Das Racist such a success among underground hip-hop fans and hipsters alike.

Fans of the more rap oriented Das Racist tracks will find Nehru Jackets to play more like the group’s Sit Down, Man than any of their other releases. While that might be preferable to many who were disappointed by the exchange of rapping for experimentation on Relax, its still missing part of the charm that has made them notable.

The sprawling twenty-five track mixtape seems unedited, like anything recorded found its way on. And that isn’t necessarily a bash against it, just a fact about the relative disconnectedness of many of the tracks. There isn’t anything that really unifies the mixtape into something complete, but that tends to be the nature of most mixtapes, it is just unexpected as all of the Das Racist releases have been fairly focused and each had a unique sound. The signature noisy beats of Das Racist collaborator Mike Finito could have been the

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glue to hold all of the pieces of the record to a single concept, as he produced the entire tape.

Nehru Jackets also features a huge number of guest spots, including most of the contributors on all of the previous releases and a few other new up and coming rappers, including Mr. Muthafuckin’ Exquire, and Childish Gambino, and a few verses and hooks by Kool A.D.. Without so many features, the novelty of Heems’ references to things you will probably have to look up, would get a little tired before the end of the twenty-fifth track.

The pair of mixtapes serve well in a couple respects; they give an insight into where the parts of Das Racist’s unique personality come from and are worth at least a few plays through, especially for those who didn’t get enough from the other three releases in the past three years. But it is also obvious that these two complement each other too well to continue making music without one another, because together they have all the skills to remain credible and interesting for a long time.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

FILM REVIEWS The Descendents

2011 - 115 Minutes - Rated R Neely O’Connar apparent.

BandWagon Magazine

Billed primarily as a comedy and secondly as a drama, director Alexander Payne’s adaptation of Kaui Hart Hemmings novel, The Descendants, is much more dramatic than is suggested in the movie’s previews. Along with Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash wrote the screenplay for The Descendants (Fox Searchlight Pictures 2011), a movie capable of evoking both laughter and tears, sometimes in the same scene. Comedic elements of the film are present, but they are mostly evident in stark contrast to the ever-present distressing events and are received with a dry laugh.

The lighthearted and feelgood ukulele driven music that moves The Descendants forward stands in direct contrast to the heart breaking reality of the characters in the film. George Clooney stars as Matt King, a man forced to deal with the aftermath of his wife’s boating accident, which has left her in a coma with little hope of survival. Regardless of living in breathtaking Hawaii, Clooney is not “immune to life” as his friends think he is. The gap between the island paradise and the actuality of Clooney’s circumstances is all too

While Clooney and Woodley are the distinct leads, and Woodley receiving acclaim as a young actress on the rise, it is Amara Miller as Clooney’s youngest daughter, Scottie, and Nick Krause, as Woodley’s would-be boyfriend, Sid, who are the breakout performers. The Descendants moments of pure comedy come almost exclusively when Krause is present. In an interaction between Clooney and Krause, Krause chastises Clooney, in all seriousness, for using the word “retarded” because he has “got a brother who’s retarded.” After a moment of stillness and near silence, Krause breaks out laughing because he was only kidding, and he leaves the audience with audible laughter too.

Though the movie encases themes of loyalty and fidelity, family stands out as the primary importance. Clooney’s performance alongside Woodley and Miller is honest as he fumbles with the steps of becoming the primary caregiver for the girls after years of being “the back-up parent.” The three are believable as a broken family trying to cope with the upsets of life. This is especially thanks to Miller’s portrayed innocence and vulnerability.

Though the characters’ lives have

The Grey

2012 - 117 Minutes - Rated R Neely O’Connar hold clout as Carnahan tries his BandWagon Magazine hand at philosophizing, which

The preview for Joe Carnahan’s film The Grey (Open Road Films 2012) portrays Liam Neeson in a role both he and audiences are familiar and pleased with: action hero. The movie begins with a plot capable of carrying forth this image of Neeson as Ottway, a man attempting to lead his fellow plane crash survivors and oil riggers to safety in the midst of everworsening Alaskan weather and a territorial pack of wolves.

However, the premise of the movie, which is based on the short story “Ghost Walker”

by Ian Mackenzie Jeffers, who provides additional screenplay, changes over time and loses some of its initial vigor.

Near the beginning of the film, Neeson expands on the film’s tagline: “Once more into the fray…into the last good fight I’ll ever know…live or die on this day…live or die on this day.” The words are meant to

is obvious by the weight with which Neeson recites them and their repetition throughout the film. However, while the actor does all he can to add levity to the film, The Grey only establishes a heaviness in the form of devastating sadness, not for Neeson’s lost love, who is nearly wordlessly accounted for in several scenes, or for a connection between Neeson and his father, the author of the previously mentioned poem, but for the nearly dozen survivors of the plane crash who are picked off, one by one, either by the malicious pack of wolves or nature.

After the death of a few men, it is a relief when Neeson, referring to the wolves, says, “We kill them, one at a time, tip the numbers. That’s what they’re doing to us.” This statement has the potential for the fight alluded to in the previews and sounds much more promising than the death-infused drama of the first half of the movie. What

been forever altered, seemingly by one event, truths come out as a result of the accident, including older daughter Alexandra’s (Woodley) reason for acting out: Clooney’s wife has been unfaithful.

This realization leaves Clooney to recreate a relationship with his daughters while also coming face to face with the state of his marriage. Throughout the film, Clooney interacts with Brian (Matthew Lillard), the man his wife is having an affair with, Julie (Judy Greer), Brian’s wife, and Cousin Hugh (Beau Bridges). The ensemble cast shines alongside the beautiful but disparate character of Hawaii itself.

The Descendants is a touching and tear-filled story of the reunion between Clooney and his daughters as an answer to the question of what good can come out of the destruction of Matt’s marriage, the loss of the girls’ mother, and Clooney’s extended family’s betrayal regarding their handed down Hawaiian land. happens after this line, though, is a dramatic and dismal telling of the hopeless retreat of the remaining men while the wolf pack ominously glares on.

The Grey does not entirely let down audiences, though.

The effects used to portray the wolves are mesmerizing. as the men’s sharp red blood starkly contrasts with the pure, glistening white snow and the violent attacks of the wolves upset the quiet, enchanting

nature of the mountainous land.

Unfortunately, more feelings are evoked from the animals and the scenery than from the story. Alaska as a setting does not disappoint, but only makes the story increasingly desperate in itself. As the emotional charge of Ottway’s sparse back-story related to his love and his father fall flat, both the wolves and Alaska manage to simultaneously instill mystery, fear, and bewitchment.

Though the poignancy Carnahan continuously points audiences toward in The Grey is never fully realized, the film still holds value thanks to the wise choice of Neeson as the lead and supporting actors Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, and Dallas Roberts. These players, along with a captivating setting, special effects, and a couple thrilling scenes, make The Grey worth seeing but not without a full box of tissues at hand.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Videodrome

1983 - 89 Minutes - Rated R Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine starring James Woods.

“The television screen has become the retina of the mind’s eye. That’s why I refuse to appear on television, except on television. Of course, O’Blivion is not the name I was born with; that’s my television name.

Soon, all of us will have special names. Names that cause the cathode ray tube to resonate.”

--Professor Brian O’Blivion (Jack Creley) via videotape, Videodrome Canadian film director David Cronenberg is primarily known today for A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, and A Dangerous Method. It’s easy for the public at large to think he’s a “Serious Director,” a man of class who only does provocative dramas and thrillers. Film buffs and horror nuts know otherwise.

Cronenberg started making a name for himself as a horror director in the 1980s, helming surreal cult classics Scanners, (That GIF of an exploding head you saw on the Internet? That’s where it’s from.) The Dead Zone, The Fly (Possibly his most famous work before History of Violence) and Videodrome, a groteque sci-fi/horror film

Videodrome follows Max Renn, (James Woods) the president of Toronto’s CIVIC-TV, a low-rent TV station that mostly runs porn. Eager for something more hardcore, he comes across a pirated broadcast of a (presumably fake) snuff TV show called “Videodrome.”

While trying to track it down, Max discovers that the show isn’t faked, and that it’s the front of a political movement – what it is specifically, he doesn’t know. Max also begins to suffer from bizarre hallucinations, including having a vagina-like stomach wound that acts as a VCR, and soon loses his grip on reality.

It’s hard to go into detail on this film without spoiling major parts of it, which is something I want to avoid. I have known of Videodrome since high school, but held off watching it after reading up on the movie, thinking that it would not meet the expectations I had built up. “It’s made by the same guy responsible for The Fly and Scanners,” I thought.

“It’s a bloody, twisted tale about the influence and impact technology and media have on society. Rick Baker did the

Hard Boiled

1992 - 128 Minutes - Rated R Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine When I reviewed the anime classic Akira a couple issues back, I briefly discussed “definitive” movies – films that have become touchstones/ shorthand for their respective genres and the films that their successors measure themselves against but rarely trump. In that article, I declared that Die Hard is the definitive action film, primarily because many action flicks after it modeled themselves after the Bruce Willis caper. This doesn’t mean that Die Hard is the best action film of all time, however. John Woo’s Hard Boiled gives Die Hard a run for its money about ten times over.

The film centers around Tequila, (Chow Yun-Fat) a Hong Kong Police Inspector and possible superhero. He’s introduced playing the clarinet in a jazz club while his partner plays the drums, an antithesis to American actions heroes who would sneer at such behavior.

This is immediately followed by a teahouse shoot-out that cranks the action, body count, and bullet hits up past eleven.

It’s a shoot-out that Riggs, McClane and Cobra would not survive, let alone come out of without a scratch, yet by the end

Tequila is one of the few officers left alive without injury.

The shoot-out in question was instigated by gun smugglers Tequila’s been tracking for a while. Amidst the chaos, his partner gets killed. This sends Tequila into revenge mode, vowing to hunt down the men responsible. He soon teams up with undercover cop Alan, (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) who’s imbedded within the Triads, to take down the gang.

What’s interesting about Hard Boiled is that it was released in 1992, four years after Die Hard, yet it feels as if it was made in the pre-Die Hard/ Lethal Weapon era of action films. Tequila has far more in common with Harry Callahan than he does with John McClane, in that he’s a Supercop. For a majority of the film, Tequila is never injured, rarely misses, never lacks confidence and looks impeccable at all times, unlike Bruce Willis’ character who gets bloodier and more emotional as Die Hard rolls on.

Yet Hard Boiled also does what Die Hard brought to actions films at the time, which was the idea of a hero with true depth and emotion. We rooted for John McClane and Martin Riggs because they went to hell and back to take down the villain while carrying some emotional

effects on this flick. James Woods is the lead. This sounds almost too perfect. There’s no way it’ll deliver!”

It does. The film is fascinating, drawing you in as the mystery of Videodrome’s purpose and creation comes to the forefront. James Woods owns every scene of the film, playing Max as a blasé, but generally harmless, guy who’s aware of his sleaziness. Special Effects Artist Rick Baker, the man behind the effects of An American Werewolf in London, was responsible for the mindwarping effects of Videodrome, including making a breathing, pulsing television set. (No CGI here. Classic, old-school special effects done by hand.) This film is miles above comparable horror films of the era, where gore reigned supreme and characters and writing were subpar. Videodrome is a legit quality film. It’s probably why The Criterion Collection has released it on DVD and Blu-Ray. The movie is also surprisingly relevant for the age of the Internet. While the tech of Videodrome – television and video – could be considered anachronistic today, the underlying concern of media’s effects on society is still prominent. I could imagine that a modern retelling of the story could be titled Netdrome, baggage, unlike earlier actions heroes that possessed a robotlike focus on taking out the big baddie and were as personable as a piece of steak. (Think non-Rambo/Rocky Sylvester Stallone films.) The heroes of Hard Boiled are relatable men with desires and frustrations: Alan longs to get away from his job as an undercover cop, while Tequila yearns for his strained relationship with Teresa (Teresa Mo) to improve.

Granted, the drama of the movie can veer into soap opera territory at times, but the character’s emotional struggles don’t feel like afterthoughts or are subpar compared to the action sequences the film is known for. In all, the movie feels like a transitional film for 1980s/1990s action films, where heroes went from menof-few-words gun-slingers to more nuanced, vulnerable characters who were still Big Damn Heroes.

All right, let’s get to the meat-and-bones of Hard Boiled: the action scenes. They are… fucking awesome. If you’re into Michael Bay explode-a-gasms, Hard Boiled will blow you away and then some. I’m pretty sure the accompanying photo for the definition of “overkill” in the dictionary is just a poster of Hard Boiled. I’ve estimated that the number of minutes that don’t feature guns on screen is ten minutes at the most, and this is a two hour long movie.

Multiple gunfights play out

and a snuff website the center least once. Special Effects geeks of the story as opposed to a TV and Horror fans of all stripes show. Anyone interested in the will enjoy it as well. influence of mass media – who also possesses a strong stomach – should watch Videodrome at

in a warehouse, on a boat, on a dock, in the teahouse at the beginning, and in a hospital in the last 40 minutes of the film.

The baddies of the film are gun smugglers, so the fact that they have access to such a variety of weapons makes sense, but the sheer number of guns and diversity of guns is still mindblowing. (My particular favorite is villain Mad Dog’s single-shot

pistol.) The choreography of the action scenes, while over the top, are beautifully executed and far more coherent than most modern action scenes. Looped clips of the shoot-outs could be shown in art museums, as far as I’m concerned. They’re that good.

Any action nut worth his salt should absolutely watch Hard Boiled. It is awesome.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Calling All Bands!

Aims’ Live at Studio A

Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s music scene has been expanding exponentially.

New artists and performance groups, increased exposure of existing talent, an influx of gig opportunities, and a rise in community support has created an undeniable music boom that has brought with it an increase in demand for professional media services. The professors and students of Aims Community College’s communications media department understand this need better than anyone and are adjusting their programming to support the growing scene. One of their more recent developments, Live in Studio A (LiSA), began as an interdisciplinary project to give students real-world experience while offering local performance artists an unparalleled recording opportunity. Inspired by awardwinning music television program Austin’s City Limits, Aims staff and instructors created an elaborate multi-media project with infinite

potential for growth. “It’s a total win-win situation,” explains audio instructor Dave Farrell. “Live in Studio A involves every aspect of capturing mixed media in performance situations.” Soloists or groups come into the studio and perform three pieces that are filmed live and recorded as audio tracks to be mixed and mastered after the show. Students learn about everything that goes into a production and get a feel for just how much time and manpower these projects require. Participants receive a produced DVD of their live performance, copies of their raw, unmixed multi-track audio, a CD fully mixed by an audio student, as well as free publicity on Aims’ YouTube account and all four of its cable channels. The college retains joint ownership so that they may use the performances for advertising purposes, but bands and performers are granted full rights to use the recordings for their own marketing and publicity.

“First of all, it’s a really neat opportunity for artists with very little time and no money,” explains Michael Olivier, a local musician

and audio engineering student who has participated in almost every aspect of LiSA: camerawork, mixing and mastering of audio tracks, running monitors during live performances, and performing on the other side of the camera as a soloist and in one of his many bands. Michael’s passion for his work with the project is obvious, and he would argue that the quality of Live in Studio A rivals that of a David Letterman-esque show. “It’s low stress, but very professional.”

Since its debut in 2009, the project has grown to incorporate more students in other areas of study. Graphic design students now create original designs for CD covers and logos used with the finished products, and web design classes are building a site to house the growing body of work. This year, radio production students brought participants on-air for additional live performances and conducted interviews with performers that added depth to the finished video product. The amount of finished tracks from LiSA performances has given the Aims media department an impressive selection of local music, something that radio production student Joe Cross has begun to utilize in brand-new nightly radio show called Locals Only.“ Instead of getting out into

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Pictured Above: Michael Olivier Live at Studio A. the industry and getting lost, this this type of outlet. “Greeley itself is a great opportunity to get your has got a lot of talent,” muses work out to the same audience Cross, who agrees it’s past time that comes to your concerts on the that local talent got the recognition weekends.” it deserves. Through projects like LiSA has seen some of the best Locals Only and Live in Studio A, local acts as well as given brand- Aims Community College is making new bands their first recording it happen. opportunity. Musical groups of For more information on how every flavor have graced the studio, you can become involved with and multiple music students have LiSA, please contact George Miller recorded solo tracks to send to at george.miller@aims.edu colleges and employers. The brains behind LiSA have been pushing to expand the regional base of involvement as well as the diversity in performance artists. The last year brought in belly dancers, poets, and rappers in addition to bands from every genre. Aims will soon be working with a live audience to allow for the participation of magicians and comedians, and they are toying with the idea of including live concerts as part of the LiSA experience. It is clear that Scan the QR Code to see this project will only continue to grow, much to the relief of the local the Live at Studio A video musicians who are in dire need of for Michael Olivier.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Ragtime A Classic Brought to Greeley Jacob Bernard BandWagon Magazine Running this first weekend only at the Langworthy Theatre (though with five performances rather than the usual four) is the historical musical Ragtime, directed by UNC’s School of Theatre Arts and Dance director, David Grapes. With a cast nearing 70 people and guest starring Terron Brooks (who has appeared on Broadway as Simba in The Lion King and Seaweed in Hairspray, and performed with Michael Jackson) as the musician revolutionary Coalhouse Walker, this promises to be a musical spectacular you won’t want to miss.

Students starring include Greeley favorites Aisha Jackson (Anything Goes) as Coalhouse’s lover Sarah, Hayden Stanes (Anything Goes, Footloose) as the immigrant Tateh, and Anne Terze-Schwarz (Harvey, The Music Man, You Can’t Take It With You) as the White AngloSaxon Protestant family matriarch.

Local actor, director, and retired teacher Noel Johnston moonlights as Grandfather.

Based on the 1975 landmark novel by E.L. Doctorow, the story takes three solidly unmixable social groups (the WASP family in New Rochelle seeking prosperity, Eastern European Jewish immigrants looking for a break, and the black underclass of Harlem trying to fight racism) and intertwines them, revealing real people behind the assuming face of class, all under the

metaphor of the emerging music of ragtime, personally and culturally transforming all the groups forever.

With actual historical figures such as Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington, Harry Houdini, and political reactionary Emma Goldman mingling in and out of the story, we are given a wide, panoramic view of America at the turn of the century.

In its inception, with acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally (Masterclass; Love, Valour, Compassion) and musical writing dynamic duo Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once On This Island, Anastasia) working together, and a truly Broadway budget nearing $11 million, the show was set to be a success. Upon opening, however, the show was met with some criticism among the acclaim, criticizing the technically congested production (which included fireworks and a working Model-T car) with headlines, such as the New York Times reviewer Ben Brantley’s, “A diorama with nostalgia rampant.” Comparing the show to its competitor, The Lion King, Brantley wrote, “Ragtime…has the aura of something assembled by corporate committee, and when an actor playing Henry Ford shows up to extol the miracle of the assembly line, you may draw uncomfortable parallels.” Subsequent productions have also been met with the criticism of the script that, while retaining Doctorow’s distanced quality, missed the wit and sense of ironic cheek that made his novel such compelling work of historical

Pictured Above (Left to Right): Terron Brooks, Aisha Jackson, Taylor Recktenwald, Andy Ray, Anne Terze-Schwarz, Hayden Stanes, Megan Cournoyer fiction.

Nonetheless, having won four Tony Awards in the 1998 Broadway production (and despite losing the category of best new musical to The Lion King), Ragtime was able to firmly seat itself in the league of Broadway greats, spawning Book by Terrence McNally; music by Stephen Flaherty; tours, two productions in London, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; directed by David Grapes; and a Broadway revival in 2009. music direction by Dr. Richard Shore; sets by J David UNC’s production promises Blatt; lighting by Chris Lundahl; costumes by Anne vibrant energy and a stellar cast, Toewe; sound by Michelle Goldberg; stage manager, in addition to the world created by Amanda Short. At the Langworthy Theatre, Feb 29 the impressive scenery and lighting and March 1-3 at 7:30 PM and March 4 at 2:00 PM. on Langworthy’s stage, all under For tickets call (970) 351-2200 or order online at David Grapes’ careful and capable www.unco.edu/tickets. direction, and it will make for an evening well spent.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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Getting Ink

Jon’s Custom Tattoo’s

Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine

17% of people in the US have one or more tattoos. Narrow the age group to 18-30 and the number doubles. As our country has become more modern and liberal the once controversial tattoo has become a coming of age ritual and a commemorative symbol for many.

Last month at the Bandwagon staff meeting many of us started swapping our tattoo stories. It quickly became clear that – 1. Each of us anticipated new ink in the next year and 2. None of us were interested in switching our loyalty from what had become “our shop.” With that in mind, we each committed to getting new tattoos and writing about our experience. Our goal: to share with the Greeley community what we love about our artists.

Two weeks after making my appointment, I enter Jon’s Custom Tattoo for the third time. Unlike the first two trips, I finally felt like a local.

The intimidation factor had passed, and my previous ink made me feel like I belonged there. A tattoo parlor has an air of otherness that previously made me feel like a grandma who wandered into a head shop. I was relived to see that it had passed. I brought an idea, clouds sketched out by a friend of mine. I showed the piece to Jon and he disappeared to the back to draw up a version of the picture that would both work as a tattoo and complement the 40s style sparrows that I already had

on my arm. Lesson 1- not everything works as a tattoo. Come in with an idea, but remember your artist is just thatan artist. I trust Jon to both create a piece that works for me and to make a tattoo- not a painting.

In the twenty or so minutes while he prepared I chatted with the other artist, Wil. Twice in that time someone wandered in off the street, asked for a tattoo, was informed they would have to wait at least two weeks, and walked out disappointed. Lesson 2- make an appointment. If a tattoo parlor is busy enough to make you wait, it is a good sign they can mark your skin permanently in a way that you will be pleased with for life. I was surprised that both of the men who walked in thought they would be able to get in today. Wil informed me that it happens about five or six times a day. “People want a tattoo now,” He said “someone in this town will get them in today, but they may not be happy about it later.”

When Jon was ready with the sketch and I approved, he placed the purple stencil on my arm. After three replacements and some discussion the work began. I love Jon for a lot of reasons, but maybe most of all because he has a confidence and vision that have never let me down. Though he specializes in black and white and loves portraits, he confidently executed my birds, flaming heart and clouds with deft hands. Jon trained as an apprentice and learned all the old techniques, but

brings a very fresh feel to each tattoo.

I was lucky enough during my 2.5 hour session to see a gigantic full back piece on a patron named Ben. Jon and Ben were traveling to a competition with that piece in February and as I looked at the detail I was unable to fathom what could beat it. In fact, the dozens of pieces I have seen on friends by Jon have been the proof in the pudding that, Lesson 3- work speaks louder than words. Request to see portfolios

to make sure you like the style of your artist--- or better yet--- ask someone you see with ink you like where they got their work done and go there.

Three hours after I have entered I left with an arm full of art and an even bigger desire to go back for more. I can’t wait return for, and am pleased to be a billboard for Jon’s custom tattoo- my favorite shop.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

By: Jed Murphy

A

s far as years go, some are better than others. I wouldn’t consider myself a learned and wise man, but I have seen enough years go by to know things come in waves. I’ve had some good years and some not so good, but never had I experienced a truly strange year.

You know, one of those lengths of time that just don’t feel real. Maybe I’m just not with it anymore, or I’ve greased the wheels one too many times in search of inspiration, but since this time last year when we put together the first issue of the BandWagon, things have progressed in an odd direction.

Okay, there I go setting myself up for failure in my first paragraph, something no writer should ever do, but I’m going to do it anyway. Nothing that most people would consider strange or particularly mind blowing has happened in the last twelve months, but I guess what I find so strange is that this last year even happened at all. In a year, our eight-page attempt at an independent publication based around all the things happening in Greeley has tripled in size and circulation, and has a nice place with a finger on the pulse of our sleepy little corner of the Colorado map. We may be tooting our own horn a bit this issue, so...toot toot, damn it. We’ve made this publication happen every month for an entire year. That’s not a lot compared to similar publications (Scene Magazine is sitting on an impressive twenty-one

Pictured Above Edit Pictured in Ba

years) but it’s a lot for a rotating group of people with jobs, school, girlfriends, families, and cats… lots of cats. There were no vacations for the BandWagon, no months off. There might have been a few late issues, but for the most part, a fresh BandWagon hit the stands at the beginning of each month - rain, sleet, or snow.

We may not have been thinking about this completely when we put together the first issue a year ago, though it wouldn’t have mattered. For me, we were doing something that wasn’t serving tables or working retail. We created something that represents all the things we care about in a community that sat just underneath the preconceived notions of a town with a college and a meat packaging plant.

The BandWagon started in Cheba Hut over lunch one afternoon this time last year. I was putting my degree in political science to good use as server at Roma and helping Ely, our general manager, from time to time moving sound equipment for his shows at AF Ray’s and the Atlas Theater. He was looking for ways to bring more people to his shows and the events downtown. “What if we start our own magazine?” he said and we laughed.

Wouldn’t that be fun, I said. Why would I do anything else if I could help run an entertainment magazine? But then we started looking into it and the more we talked about it, the more of a possibility

it became. Even Watson, the form of The UNC Con first pieces of th else was up to u my friends to w Ely somehow ra before we even out. To this day did it, but I’m p witchcraft or pro had enough cap at the Greeley T writers a bit.

We counted th despite some g my part as the Heyday on the co liked it enough month, which w test. That first is could do it, but t “could we keep us to go throug month to publis know if anyone knew time woul in with both fe went similarly a one we learned the business. Th good, but it wa months we’d fo as a publication. freelance and sta incredibly talent

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

e (Left to Right): Copy Editor/Staff Writer: Mikey Unruh, Writer: Austin Wulf, BandWagon Gallery Curator: Liz Blasi, Writer: Jacob Bernard, tor: Jed Murphy, Staff Writer: Joe Lee Parker, Staff Writer: Kelly Cook, General Manager: Ely Corliss, & Staff Writer: Jay Wallace. ackground: The wall of the BandWagon Studio (921 16th St) during February’s First Friday opening featuring the photography of Marcos.

ntually, we met with Zach mer owner and manager nnection, who gave us the he puzzle and everything us. I managed to convince write a few articles, and aised $1000 in ad sales n had our first issue laid y I don’t know how he pretty sure it was either ostitution. Either way, we pital to print 4000 copies Tribune and even pay our

hat first issue as a success glaring errors made on head editor. We had the over, and our advertisers h to continue the next we knew would be the real ssue showed Greeley we the real question became it up?” Did we have it in gh that much stress each sh a magazine we didn’t e would even read? We ld be the test so we dove eet. The next few issues as the first, but with each d something new about he first few issues were asn’t until the last four und a comfortable place . We have a solid group of aff writers, strong editors, ted photographers, and a

sales team that could squeeze a dollar’s worth of lemonade out of a fifty-cent piece of shit. These are the people that ultimately made it happen each month.

Without them, we would never have enough content to either fill the paper or be taken seriously. Each issue gets better now because all of the people I would dare call my friends and everything of themselves they put in month to month.

They are the real heroes here. Ely and I made the idea happen that first issue, but it is these people who kept it alive. So shout out to all of you, you know who you are. If you wrote one article, snapped one picture, read over one line of text to edit, or sold an ad, then this issue is dedicated to you, you crazy fools. We love you and so does Greeley, so keep up the awesome work.

The question now is where is the BandWagon headed? We know now that it’s possible to have a music and entertainment publication run monthly in a city like Greeley and that there is a enough happening to fill its pages, but what about the long term? Does it have legs and will it stand? An uncertain question in an uncertain time, but the answer is yes. The foundation is planted, and the future is bright because we have found something that works in a city people are trying to leave faster than they are showing up. With the launch of our website and the opening of the BandWagon Studio at 921 16th Street,

we’ll be taking it to the next level, but we can’t do it without your support. If there was ever a time we needed the help of Greeley this is it. It’s our readers that ultimately make it possible, and if people weren’t picking up each issue, then this whole thing would be pointless. Breaking even has become a phrase we hope to hear each month. But it’s not about the money. If it were than we wouldn’t have started a print magazine in the age of digital media. We would have opened a bar or something where people would have to listen to only the music we like.

Instead, we have an art gallery that has found a nice home in the 16th Street Art Walk every First Friday. Here, everyone has to listen to the music we like, but what matters is that some of the finest northern Colorado artists display their work for an event reaching new levels each month.

Maybe it’s all a pipe dream. Maybe we’re just fooling ourselves to think an art and entertainment publication has any ground for a life in Greeley, but it doesn’t feel that way. Each month is a new challenge and each month we somehow find more content and advertisers than the issue before. For a project doomed from the start, it only seems to be getting better. So thank you again Greeley. Let’s make it another year, because we’re in it if you are.

Cover & Group Photo By: Thomas Nash. Background Photo By: Luke Leasure.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

The Squid Kids Jed Murphy BandWagon Magazine Having played all the major venues in town a dozen times over and making it to the finals in the BandWagon Battle of the Bands, the Squid Kids are a band slowly stepping away from the standard hip-hop and rap sound prominent in northern Colorado. Originally from Greeley, the band started as a spontaneous jam between Will “MC Grape” Duran and drummer Tom Martinez in 2007 for a previous project called The Real Deal Holifield.

Within a day, the band was formed after a few old friends got in the mix and The Squid Kids were born at a house party that night where they played their first gig. It wasn’t too long after that that the band was gigging regularly to crowds all over Greeley.

The line up changed a few times over the years, but the foundations settled with Duran on vocals, Martinez on drums, Luis “Penguin” Morales playing bass, Hector “Alessandr HanSolo” Lopez on rhythm guitar and Carlos “Guitarlos” Gutierrez on lead.

Under this arrangement, the band got their start playing

at venues like the Jager and Sky Night Club where they refined their sound and set their roots. Recently, Morales stepped out and has been replaced by local favorite Chris “Silkychanh” Manichanh, but this hasn’t slowed them down. Manichanh has quickly filled the shoes left for him as they move forward towards bigger gigs in Denver and the recording of their EP. What sets The Squid Kids apart is that they are a band first and not just a rapper with a band. Musically, they have found a happy medium between intensity of the band and the space provided for the emcee to breathe. No one person is trying to steal the show because if they did, the sound they are going for wouldn’t jive. The Squid Kids obviously work well together in this way, because their fun-loving attitude translates nicely to their audiences and above else, they are determined to have a good time.

The Squid Kids are an exciting band with hip hop about real life and the stories

we know from our own experiences. Although the full hip hop band is nothing new, the way they do it is wholehearted. They put on no airs of grandeur with songs that are simple and honest. This is what appeals to the music lovers of Greeley because they make no attempt to be anything other than themselves on stage. The band’s easy grooves lays down nicely under the pretenses of Duran’s songs creating a down-to-earth feeling that most bands are unable to

produce. Duran’s lyrics are poignant and relatable but obviously work best in their current setting. If Duran were to be a solo hip-hop act, the songs would lack the energy and the vibe they have found.

The Squid Kids did not reach their current position overnight though, as the guys have seen their fair share of ups and downs. At one point they were robbed of their gear, and the loss of their former bassist, Penguin, had a major impact on the band.

These are obstacles that they have learned to overcome, as their prospects for the future are brighter than ever, and they continue to keep working towards a bigger name for themselves. These guys are yet more proof that a band can do big things even in a town like Greeley. All it takes is some dedication, lots of practice, and gigging wherever there is room to play. Make sure to check them out when you get a chance, because Greeley will not have them forever.

Pictured Above (Left to Right): The Squid Kids: Chris “Silkychanh” Manichanh, Carlos Gutierrez, Tom Martinez, Will “MC Grape” Duran, & Hector Lopez.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Mikestar Productions The Most Underestimated Sound in Colorado

Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine

potential fans experience true hip-hop. Mikestar wants people to Michael “Mikestar” Etheridge approach rap without preconceived understands the sacrifice involved notions about its subject matter in achieving success. He knows or lack of form. People are coming what leadership looks like and around.

Mikestar has begun how sleepless nights feel, but he refuses to let anything get in his collaborating with The Crew way. Mikestar has a vision for Presents, booking and promoting both his music and his role as a hip-hop shows at A.F. Ray’s. He music promoter, and he’s making it aims to organize two shows a month, booking names like Black happen one day at a time.

Mikestar has become the hottest Pegasus and Liquid Assassin, a rapper emerging from Greeley’s rapper who chose to leave Tech 9’s underground, coming a long way label to pursue his own Colorado from his humble beginnings. He’s dream. “Individually, you want performed all over Colorado with success.” Mikestar said, though some of the area’s biggest names he’s realizing that networking and is eagerly awaiting his first out with a music promoter is what’s of state show coming up in April. been opening doors for his own Last October, Mikestar released his music career as well as all the first album Most Underestimated hip-hop artists in Greeley and the Sound In Colorado (M.U.S.I.C.) with surrounding Northern Colorado. He the other members of the Mikestar sees Greeley as “a really interesting Productions gang; EZ, Thrilla, breeding ground as far as music is and Tre C.V.O.K.. Not long after concerned,” and the connection of the release show, Mikestar had fresh talent with venues such as A.F. completely sold out of hard copies. Ray’s, Whiskey River, Sky Nightclub, Now, his tunes are found almost and Loveland’s Phaze is capitalizing anywhere and can be bought online. on the influx of interest pouring in He explains that he originally from the larger community. As local gave some CDs away, since it has shows begin to draw bigger crowds, always been more important to him promoters and organizers like to expose fresh ears to a new art Mikestar can begin to book national than to make a profit. “You never acts, continuing to cultivate the know what you’re going to like until underground scene.

Mikestar is currently searching you listen,” he explains, revealing how genuinely important it is that for likeminded artists willing to

venture outside t h e stereotypical norm of being a rapper. He books only quality artists who are confident in their musicality and are prepared to take the risks necessary to achieve success. Mikestar has been there and done that, and he’s ready to bring other artists up with him.

Mike mentions he wants to create something of a mixtape of local hiphop. He’s interested in compiling the best hip-hop from the area’s best artists and would be willing

to listen to any up-and-comer who thinks they’ve got what it takes.

Until then, Mikestar will further his expansion of Greeley’s hip-hop scene, keeping people on their toes as far as what can be expected at an A.F. Ray’s show. Liquid Assassin

headlines on March 10th, with tickets available for purchase online.

Artists and hip-hop enthusiasts wishing to contact Mikestar can find him on Facebook or reach him at mikestarproductions@live.com

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

Tavola, Sky Nightclub, Penalty Box, Jager Are you ready for the new Downtown Greeley?

Joe Lee Parker BandWagon Magazine

Let’s face it, there’s a great deal of new energy in town, especially downtown, and it’s impressive, it’s new, it’s vibrant, and it’s local. If you’re not aware of it, you’re missing out. Two great places that exude this newly felt energy is Sky Nightclub and its neighbor, Tavola Restaurant.

Partners Ryan Gentry and Ben Grabowski are the power behind the movement. They’re young, passionate, driven, and posses the entrepreneurial spirit necessary for success. Oh yeah, and they’re both proud graduates of UNC. Being alumni, they have a pretty good idea of what they can do to bridge the chasm between the University District and Downtown Greeley. Their plan is simple; give the students what they want! Give them great reasons to come downtown and maybe even some transportation to get them back and forth.

That’s why Sky Nightclub, located at 801 9th Street at the heart of the Downtown Business District, is designed to bring an ultra-urban experience with state of the art lighting and sound, where ladies are always a top priority. Open from 9 pm to 2 am Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (Thursday nights can be reserved for private parties and special events); ladies with student identification get in free and the top-notch staff is always on hand to help make you feel comfortable while you dance the night away. The music

and beats are provided by some of the best DJ’s around Colorado.

Next door to Sky Nightclub is the modern Italian restaurant called Tavola, launched about the same time as Sky, a year and a half ago. The food is tasty and fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is exceptional. It’s the kind of place you can bring a date or share a meal with friends and family. There’s a spacious, well-stocked bar just off the dining area and an additional one in the beautiful SkyRoom, where the two venues meet. They’re even building a new bar right beside the dance floor to complete the scene.

But the partners are not limiting themselves to giving us a taste of their urban delights; they also have a firm hand in preserving and continuing the traditional history along the 9th Street Plaza. Four years ago they acquired what was essentially a dive-bar and brought it back to life as the Penalty Box; named in honor of the nearby Ice Haus. These days the Box is a great getaway for beer-pong and rock ‘n roll.

But wait, there’s more! If great pizza and a quieter acoustic sound is more your style; then you can just head downstairs to the extensively remodeled Jager where there’s a whole different scene happening. That’s right, they own the Jager too!

With all these options for having fun in Downtown Greeley, you have no excuses. Hop on the Bear Bus and head on down to check out the New Greeley first-hand.

For more information on each venue, find them on Facebook or go to www. downtowngreeley.com.

Pictured Top: Sky Nightclub located at 801 9th Street, Downtown Greeley.

Pictured Bottom: The dance floor at Sky

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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GOP Race: Looking Ahead to Super Tuesday

Austin Wulf ABandWagon Magazine

Rick Santorum surprised everyone on February 7th by sweeping the night’s caucuses in Colorado and Minnesota as well as the non-binding primary in Missouri. The evening was a huge victory for the exsenator from Pennsylvania, whose campaign just weeks prior, was considered on the decline. Clearly Santorum’s endorsements from James Dobson and Michelle Malkin, both prominent figures in our state’s conservative movement, helped him here in the Centennial State—a large pool of Evangelical voters didn’t hurt, either.

Those wins show a new trend in the race: right-leaning Republicans are shifting their support from Newt Gingrich to the more outspoken social conservative. What happened?

Many Republican voters now view Santorum as the most moral and steady candidate.

Though he’s made some controversial (to the general electorate) choices and statements, his views have not changed much. It’s also worth noting that Romney, in a money-saving effort, chose not to campaign in the three states where Santorum won, due to their non-binding results. If he had, those outcomes might have looked a bit different.

But Santorum’s wins mean little to the overall race. No delegates were awarded that

evening, nor were any for Maine’s caucus on February 11th. As of this writing, Romney is still leading the race in terms of pledged delegates, with seventy-three. However, he’s slipping in terms of favorability, as the latest national GOP primary polls show. Romney’s kowtowing to conservatives by changing his views on major issues like abortion and health care has caused some voters to see him as a waffler. This could hurt him in upcoming votes.

The next big event is Super Tuesday, on March 6th: the day when the largest number of states hold their primaries and a bundle of delegates are awarded all at once. It’s a bit less “super” than in years past, with only ten states voting: Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia, for a total of 501 delegates. That’s not much compared to 2008’s Super Tuesday, which awarded 1,069 Republican delegates from 21 states. (A candidate needs 1,144 to land the party’s nomination.)

Typically, the winner of Super Tuesday goes on to win his party’s nomination. That won’t necessarily be the case this year, unless Mitt Romney sweeps up a few of the larger states—which could feasibly happen. Romney is a shoe-in for Virginia; only he and Ron Paul are on the ballot there. Romney is also expected to do well in his

home state of Massachusetts.

On the other hand, Rick Santorum is expected to win most of Ohio’s delegates and, according to a poll by the American Research Group, is the favorite for Tennessee. Both states have a fairly high number of delegates. Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich has been polling well in Georgia, the Super Tuesday state with the most delegates (76) and will likely win there—and probably not much else. That leaves a handful of smaller states for Romney and Santorum to squabble over.

Obviously, as with Colorado’s caucuses, the big win on Super Tuesday will be a close fight between Romney and Santorum. A decent margin of victory for Romney that day will nearly lock up the nomination. But what about for Santorum? Not so: Even if he took every delegate from Romney—which is practically impossible—Santorum would still be less than halfway to the nomination.

Then again, so would Mitt Romney, even if he rakes in votes on Super Tuesday. Why is the smart money still on him?

Some of the largest states for delegates, after Super Tuesday, have mostly moderate (if not liberal) Republican voting bases. Santorum can’t win in California (172 delegates) or, probably, in New York (95) And he won’t win in his home state of Pennsylvania, where he’s pretty well hated. Unless

The Runaway Artists Exhibtion Presents

A SERIOUS ANALOG BETWEEN GY Y G GY GY GY GREEN AND YELLOW GY YG

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GY Y G GY GY GY Y G GY GY GY Y G GY GY GY Y G GY GY MARCH GALLERY HOURS GY Y G GY GY MON-FRI:GY 3PM-5PM Y G GY GY GY Y G GY GY GY GY THE EVENT GY YG GY Y G GY GY GY GY

The Runaway Artists Exhibition will be holding an exhibition of artwork encompassing the analogous colors green and yellow. This is where YOU come in. If you have any art pices that have the colors green, or yellow, or both in it, feel free to submit! We will be accepting art up until March 1st. Feel free to contact us at runawayartistexhibition@gmail.com.

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WHEN:MARCH 2, 2012 WHERE: THE BANDWAGON STUDIO TIME:5PM–7PM

Santorum beats the odds on Super Tuesday, he’ll need one or more of these states if he wants a chance at the nomination.

Until then, the race carries on at its lethargic pace. There are about a dozen more votes this month after Tuesday, most of which assign delegates

proportionally. By this time next month, we should know who to expect to see against President Obama in November.

Breathe a sigh of relief, as this insane primary race is soon coming to a close.

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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

The Night Market A Creative Story By: Jed Murphy “When are you going to leave this old job, Andrew? You’re a smart boy. I can see you doing well in university.”

Mr. Lee said from the stool he usually sat in, across the counter of Andrew’s father’s street side restaurant. His head was hung low as it usually was at this time, and his voice was slurred and wet with all the beer he drank on Saturday nights. His few gray hairs wisped in the air and his scalp was sun spotted and wrinkled. Behind him, the usual flow of faces blurred together in the Shirda night market of Taipei. Young men carrying bags for their girlfriends strolled by while motorbikes weaved in and out of the crowd. The bright neon on every storefront and the shouts of the shopkeepers created something Andrew had known his whole life.

Mr. Lee, on the other hand, was a rock in the river, an unmoved by what was happening around him. While others frowned on public drunkenness, Mr. Lee embraced it. He gave up on social norms long ago, claiming that at his age they didn’t matter anymore. He had cancer, and he said an old man should be allowed to do what he pleased in his final years. If getting drunk on the street was what satisfied him, than so be it. Andrew laughed a little to himself and tended the squid and noodles he had cooking in one of the frying pans.

It was a small shop, and compared to some of the nice restaurants in the Shida night market, it wasn’t much to look at. But Andrew’s father prided himself on selling some of the best traditional Taiwanese dishes, as well as having a prime spot during the evening rush. He worked hard to get what they had.

“I do go to university, Mr. Lee.” Andrew cracked another beer and handed it to the man. “I’m a graduate student studying psychology and history.

I tell you that every week you come here.”

Mr. Lee’s head nodded in its slump, for a moment, recognition of the idea illuminated behind his eyes, but then faded as he took the beer and drank.

“History is a good field.” He raised a finger and sat upright as if he were some stately figure. “‘We must understand where we have been if we are to know where we are going.’ I believe Chiang Kaishek said that. Or something like that.”

“Something like that. Here, this one’s on me.” Andrew poured the squid and noodles onto a plate then added some fried tofu and bean sprouts and sat it in front of the old man.

“You’re too kind, Andrew.” Mr. Lee let out a hiccup and bowed his head deeply. “Just like your father.”

Andrew paused and looked down at the man with his head bowed in a reverence that irritated him. “Thank you, sir. I’ll let him know you said that. It will mean a lot coming from you.” Andrew returned the bow.

Andrew thought about his father’s kindness. It was rarely a random act, and it often showed itself in some kind of harsh lesson. He considered kindness something that made you better, even if that came in the form of punishment.

Encouraging words seldom came, as he saw them as a useless comfort in a harsh world. He remembered a time when Andrew came home from school, and he and a few of his friends had been caught

cheating on a math test. His father gave him a beating, and when it was all done he sat Andrew down.

“This is not a family of cheaters.

When you cheat it tells others that we are. Rewards do not come from cheating, only hard work. All that comes from cheating is theft and habits of theft. You are above that. We are above that!”

His father said nothing else to him for several months. He knew that the pain from the beating would fade, but the shame would continue to linger. It was a heavy weight and no matter what Andrew did, it seemed it could not be lifted off. Andrew never cheated again.

He knew that he didn’t have to, but at the time he was afraid of his father’s response a second time. To his father, this was the greatest kindness he could give his son.

It was the gift of punishment, which was really the gift of fear. After a while that fear turned into the knowledge that acts like that only lowered the self. It only made the person weaker in a world that required strength and determination.

It was a steady night on the Shida market. The shop was not exceptionally busy but it was constant enough for Andrew to be content. The rush of people came earlier in the evening while his father was still working and now the night wore down at it’s regular pace. All the while, Mr. Lee sat nursing his drink like he did so often.

Andrew looked at the man. He seemed so old sitting in that chair, drinking his beer and eating his food like nothing else mattered. To Andrew, it seemed that Mr. Lee was circling a large dark hole in the ground, and Mr. Lee was simply giving up. The feeling frustrated Andrew slightly but he let that thought slide away as it was really none of his business. If Mr. Lee wanted to spend his money eating and drinking his sorrows away at their restaurant, who was he to object. But from everything his father told the man, Andrew couldn’t help but wonder about the man. Andrew’s father told him it was useless to judge the old man on his behavior. His father told him about their past together when his father worked for Mr. Lee. He told Andrew about everything the man did and didn’t do and where it left them at the end of it all.

“Do you ever regret anything, Mr. Lee?” Andrew asked suddenly as he washed a pan out, surprising himself at the question.

Mr. Lee’s eyebrows rose, but his eyes did not open, like someone falling asleep in the middle of the conversation. It took a moment for the question to sink in, but his eyes slowly came open and he looked up at Andrew. There was a new clarity to his wet, glossy stare.

“A man should never look at his regrets in those terms.” His voice was still slurred with beer, but now it sounded confident and experienced. “You can’t go back and relive any of it so what’s the point? If a man regrets his past that means he did not live at all.”

“You can’t honestly believe that.

There were never any moments that you wish you had done differently?”

“I wish I had loved more women,” he said with a laugh.

Andrew laughed as well. “Anything else?” he added when the joke faded.

Mr. Lee’s eyes focused in on Andrew’s.

His face became serious and the lines of age sank down, setting into a look of irritation that seemed to be natural for him.

“What are you getting at, Andrew?”

“Nothing, I was just-” “You want me apologize for the way I treated your father when he worked for me, don’t you?”

Andrew didn’t say anything for a moment. He sat scrubbing out the pan searching for words. The memories from his childhood of his father being gone everyday for extremely long periods came to him. He remembered how his father would come home at night, so tired and defeated as he laid out his wages, dividing it up into their expenses and how they never quite added up to what they needed. He remembered how Mr. Lee’s restaurant grew over the years, starting so small then within a few years becoming one of the most sought after places downtown. He remembered going to visit his father at work, and seeing all the people who came to taste his cooking, sometimes lining up around the corner. He also remembered Mr. Lee slowly growing richer and fatter, while Andrew’s father grew thin and unhealthy.

“Me and your father had our disagreements but I never owned him, and he never owed me anything. He worked all those years on his own free will. I even considered him my friend, though I doubt he felt the same way about me.”

“My father is a proud man, Mr. Lee. He only wants what he works for.”

“Are you saying that he didn’t get what he get that? Because of me you have everything you do now.”

“You have to admit that my father made you rich, Mr. Lee.” Mr. Lee nodded his head sluggishly and drank more of his beer. “Yes, your father played a part in my wealth. Your father helped to write the menu, and for some reason his cooking brought the people. But let me tell you something Andrew,” He pointed up at Andrew. “A man makes his own money and no one else. Relying on others gets you nothing.”

Andrew laughed a little under his breath. “Yes, my father told me that too.

What happened to your restaurant?”

The question seemed to take Mr. Lee back a moment, and he briefly appeared insulted. Then he smiled, and shook his finger at Andrew. “Andrew, you were always a clever boy. I know what you want me to say. You want me to say that your father left, and suddenly business dried up, is that what you want to hear?

All right then, I’ll say it. Your father left and took all the customers with him. I don’t know how or why they went with him, but they did. There is something about your father’s cooking that brings people. Business just wasn’t the same after that. The food tasted plain, and didn’t have the flavor anymore.” Mr. Lee looked off in the distance at something.

At what Andrew didn’t know, and he doubted Mr. Lee did either.

He looked back up at Andrew and his voice quivered and choked up slightly. “Then I got the cancer. After that, nothing seemed important anymore.

Not the money, not the recognition, not the customers, nothing. It all seemed

Jed Murphy studied Political Science at UNC and loves the way you’re put together.

to evaporate. Where did this leave me Andrew?”

Andrew didn’t know what to say. He dared not say anything let alone guess.

So he just looked back in silence.

“It leaves me with my pride and the pain of cancer. I have my wealth but it’s nothing compared to the cancer. It allows me a few comforts but they are nothing in the end. It can never erase all the regrets in a lifetime for an old man. I drink my beer and laugh and sing and eat to dull that feeling, but every time I feel that pain, I remember all that I didn’t do, and all I did wrong. You asked me if I have any regrets. To be honest, I do. I have hundreds of regrets. I think every dying man does. It’s part of it. You live your life without thinking about it. You just live and do what feels natural. Then you get to the end and look at it and you regret.

That’s part of life. Some people say they don’t regret anything but they’re lying.

They’re hiding what they did wrong just to save face.”

Mr. Lee drank the last of his beer and put the can down on the counter. “But there are a thousand moments I don’t regret. There are a thousand things that I would never do differently, even if they ended better. The women I loved in my younger days, my wife, the sunsets, the sunrises, my children; all of this I would never take back, ever. Some of these things I could have dealt with differently at one time or another, but that’s not important. Not when you look at it in the end.”

By now the streets were all but empty as it was close to midnight. Most of the other stands in the night market had closed up and the shopkeepers had gone home. The crowds dispersed as the buses and the subway began making their final run. The two of them settled into a silence that echoed the quiet growing over the streets. Mr. Lee seemed to retreat into some place in the back of his mind while his eyes focused fully forward on his empty beer can.

“If you let me lock everything up here, I can give you a ride home, Mr. Lee. My father let me use the car tonight.”

Mr. Lee suddenly broke from his trance with a shake. “Oh, no, it’s ok Andrew. An old man should walk from time to time. It reminds him where he came from.” He smiled an empty smile, and walked to the end of the alley and turned down the road. For a moment, it seemed like he was lost somewhere, like his life was fading and he didn’t know how to get out. But Andrew let that idea slide away as well. His life was ending but it was not fading. It was burning brighter than Andrew ever remembered it burning before. He was illuminating everything around him. All the things that happened between him and Andrew’s father seemed like nothing now, like all those years were just drops in a bucket somewhere. No, Mr. Lee was not lost either. He knew where he was, and he knew where he was going.

Nothing could ever make him lost again.

BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine MARCH 2012

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