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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
ALBUM REVIEWS The Bright Silence Self-Titled
Joe Lee Parker BandWagon Magazine The debut self-titled release by Brooklyn-based The Bright Silence is like a lot of good records, one that gets better with each listen. Perhaps their goal was not to break new ground or to launch their particular brand of indie-pop upon the nation but, rather, to make a good record and have a lot of fun. From this perspective, they’re a group of four talented guys with a highly developed sense of what works when it comes to producing quality music with taste and flair. Centered on the confident lyrics and highly accessible vocal melodies of singer/songwriter Kevin Johnston, the four-piece band has crafted a cohesive ten-song album of straightforward pop rock songs that are sonically interesting and aurally pleasing. They kick things off with the catchy
“Arbiter” and follow it up with an even catchier “Cut to the Quick.” Both demonstrate a formula that allows them to express their unique take on life within well-crafted pieces of art. Each song stands well enough alone; but, taken as a whole, everything gels together in the classic album format. This is most evident where the twominute instrumental “Circle Out” bleeds masterfully into the melancholy “Shed Some Light” on tracks seven and eight, respectively. Kevin’s voice (and occasional guitar) is supported by bandmates Kirk Schoenherr on guitars, vocals, and keyboard, Spencer Zahn on bass, vocals, and organ, and Adam Christgau on percussion. The entire project is expertly recorded and mixed by Bob Mallory (who has produced for the likes of Paul Simon and Kings of Leon,) while the whole cast shares credit on production. The record is worth a serious
listen. It’s well-crafted and wellproduced. Even the cover art, created by Johnston, is vivid and unique. Check them out at TheBrightSilence. BandCamp.com or watch one of their many equally well-produced videos at YouTube.com/TheBrightSilence. The band’s online presence, like their album, is a fine example of how to do it right.
Huff N Keen 7th Scrolls
Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine Dustin Huff and Joaquin Gonzales have loved hip-hop for as long as they can remember. Having both grown up in small Northern Colorado towns, the two were lucky enough to discover their shared passion when they met as kids, and they have been making music together ever since. Their latest album, 7th Scrolls, is yet another quality production to come out of Greeley’s Deliberate Collaborationz Recordings (DELCO), the company supporting many local rappers. Huff N Keen describe their music as “Soul-Hop,” a term they created a few years ago to accurately differentiate their musical stylings from their mainstream counterparts. As Huff explains, “It’s basically hip hop that tries to uplift the soul and speak for truth and being real. Lying about what you don’t have, whether it be women, cars, clothes...does not make me want to listen to your music.” Soul-Hop is Huff N Keen’s way of expressing their feelings about the spiritual struggles
Left: Dustin Huff Right: Joaquin Gonzales
of every day, and religious undertones run subtly but strong throughout the entirety of 7th Scrolls. In “Lonely and Cold,” the eighth track on the album, they rap, “If I had a million dollars, I’d buy every alcoholic a bible so he could find hope and fill himself with knowledge.” Huff N Keen claims that people are either taking part in processes of creation or destruction, and music, specifically lyrics, have the power to do both. “Soul-Hop,” Huff says, “is the essence of love and creation in the soul through lyrics on a hip-hop beat.” The pair raps over electronic samples blended with bits of classic blues songs and other instrumentals, having a propensity to use the work of producers who incorporate live horns and guitars with hip-hop basses, turntables, and dubstep. This allows the duo to utilize a variety of rhythmic styles to fit the exact right sound with the message they are trying to convey. The team believes in the power of collaboration, and they are always welcoming artists who would like to work together to create meaningful art. “If I didn’t give a fuck I would I would stay home/
Never write any songs/ But that ain’t the case / And obviously I’ll be working til I change your taste in music” - lyrics from “Unstoppable,” echoing a truth found throughout the album. 7th Scrolls returns to the purity of rap and hiphop, giving listeners an uplifting and inspiring outlook in the face of life’s hardships. Huff N Keen will continue taking their message to venues all over Colorado, and they will be performing at A.F. Ray’s on August 4th. Their music can be found on Facebook, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and at DelcoRecordings. com.
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012 Yeasayer
Fragrant World Jordan Wood BandWagon Magazine
On August 21st, Brooklyn-based Yeasayer will release their latest album, Fragrant World, which they both wrote and produced as a band. Yeasayer’s unique sound attracted a following almost immediately after their first album All Hour Cymbals dropped in 2007. They are characterized by their use of upbeat electro sound effects, combined with vibrant 1980’s-esque vocals. In July, Yeasayer sent 200 random fans a copy of the first single off of the new album, “Henrietta,” allowing them to get the first listen. They encouraged fans to share the single, and by doing so they cleverly allowed the people who love their music the most to advertise Fragrant World for them, making it highly anticipated. Fragrant World lives up to fans’ expectations, featuring eleven tracks that have a pleasantly familiar sound while still diverging from the style of their previous work. Using multiple layers of electronic instrumentation, and a new style of creepily beautiful vocals, the new album has less of the pop undertone that was heard in 2010’s Odd Blood. Instead, it could be the soundtrack to a drug-induced nightmare. Fragrant World has a darker sound and is more musically developed than Yeasayer’s previous albums. The band describes it as “weirder” and encourages people to “get to know” this album. Fragrant World opens with one of their strongest new songs “Fingers Never Bleed,” which leads listeners into the album with a lighter, more familiar track and a driving beat. As the album continues, it gets more complex and sinister-sounding, and draws the listener in. The album reaches its peak with the track “No Bones,” when
lead singer Chris Keating hauntingly sings, “We’ll make no noise about it / We’re older now than I’d like to admit.” Fragrant World rounds out at the end with a more subdued, simpler, yet still eerie sound with “Glass of the Microscope.” Fragrant World is a showcase of the musical and production talents of a matured band, with a new sound that compliments them. This is an album that is best when blasted on a car stereo, or through headphones so that all of the details of the music can be appreciated. Fragrant World is a complex body of work, and it expands with each listen. Yeasayer is currently on a international tour for Fragrant World playing sold out shows. They are scheduled to play at the Ogden theater in Denver on August 26th.
Scan the QR code to listen to “Ambling Alp” from the 2010 album Odd Blood by Yeasayer
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
FILM REVIEWS The Dark Knight Rises 2012 - 124 Minutes - Rated R
Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine
It is difficult to write up this review without thoughts of the tragic shooting at the midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora coming to the fore. BandWagon Magazine wishes to express our condolences to the victims, with the hope for justice and the ability to move forward as best as they can given the terrible circumstances of that fateful night. The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan’s final entry in the latest filmed tale of DC Comics’ Batman, definitely aims higher in its storytelling and artistic ambition than Joss Whedon’s take on Marvel Comics’ Supergroup. Nolan, however, puts the dark in Dark Knight Rises and has been doing so since Batman Begins came out in 2005. It’s a stretch to say it’s a fun popcorn muncher, given some of the films’ heady themes this time out. Despite that though, it was difficult to pull myself away from the movie. It is such an engrossing film. The film takes place eight years following The Dark Knight. Harvey Dent has largely thought to have been murdered by Batman (those that have seen the previous film know better) and placed on a pedestal by the City of Gotham. It’s peacetime—crime is at a low ebb. Upon hanging up the cape and cowl, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse and Wayne
Enterprises has been struggling to keep the lights on. Wayne gets back in the game when he tracks down a renown cat burglar, Selina Kyle (Anna Hathaway) AKA Catwoman. Kyle broke into a safe containing the pearls of Wayne’s longdead mother, but that wasn’t what she was stealing. It was something else, used to perform a coup against Wayne and wrestle control away from him and towards those sympathetic to a masked terrorist known only as Bane. (Tom Hardy, who last worked with Nolan on Inception.) In due time, Kyle, Police Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and Gotham City Police Officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) find themselves working alongside Batman to take down the unstoppable Bane. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine return as Lucius Fox and Wayne’s butler Alfred Pennyworth, respectively. Caine owns the few brief scenes he’s in, giving incredibly emotional performances. It’s always a joy to see Freeman on screen, but he does feel underused in this film. Oldman as Gordon is excellent. So what about the new guys? First, Hardy as Bane. Yes, there were a couple times I didn’t understand what he was saying because of that mask, but that never took away from the fact that he’s a scary son of a bitch.
Loki in The Avengers? I snickered at him. Bane, I was truly frightened of him. Second, Hathaway as Kyle. Catwoman, on screen and in the comics, has always danced on the thin line between villain and vigilante, and Rises showcases that perfectly. Kyle’s nothing more than a petty criminal with little sympathy for the wealthy, but joins up with Batman upon seeing how far Bane takes that same attitude to the extreme. She’s provides a willing foil/tease for Batman; the scenes between Bale and Hathaway just crackle with sensuality. Finally, Gordon-Levitt as Blake. He’s the dark horse of the ensemble. Gordon-Levitt owns every scene he’s in. Blake represents the idealism for a better Gotham that Wayne and Gordon have, and leads where Batman and Gordon can’t. I would watch a spin-off featuring his character. Nolan’s Batman films deal with the implications of the Caped Crusader’s existence, asking about how big is the gray moral and legal area that Batman operates within. Begins showed the good he brings for a weak, corrupt Gotham. Dark Knight showed how his presence encouraged escalation amongst the enemies of Gotham, and how Wayne can never go back from that. Rises concludes the trilogy by showing that Batman could
Enter The Dragon 1974 - 103 minutes – Rated R
Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine Enter the Dragon was placed in the National Film Registry after it was deemed “culturally significant.” It was the first American-made Chinese martial arts film, and it introduced the world to Jackie Chan. Going in, my expectations were a little high. I was not disappointed, but it was odd to think that this film is placed so high on a pedestal in pop culture. It is notably the final film for martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Lee plays a character named… Lee. Seriously, that’s his character’s name. He’s recruited by a government agency to infiltrate the island lair of Han, (Shih Kien) a ruthless drug lord, by entering into one of Han’s exclusive fight tournaments. He’s not alone, though. Blaxploitation star Jim Kelly and A Nightmare on Elm Street’s John Saxon are also in the tournament respectively as Williams and Roper, two Vietnam War buddies in the tournament for different reasons. (Williams is on the run after laying into two racist cops, and Roper is on the run from the mob due to debt troubles.) Soon, their main objective is to get
off the island alive. Most of the clichés of martial arts films – dubbing, cheesy slow motion shots, actors who can’t actually fight, elaborate-to-thepoint-of-ridiculous props and sets – are present. Some of the faces Lee makes while fighting are unintentionally hilarious and the dubbing is off a couple times, which does pull you out a little. Baddie Han is missing a hand, which he proudly displays in his museum of weapons; in its place is a removable iron hand, a furlined three-hook claw and a four knife slicer-upper-thingy. The final battle takes place in a room of mirrors. And Williams, when given his choice of the island’s prostitutes, takes four, who strut around naked later on. It’s an exploitation film, on par with the likes of other genre fare of the time. But like the classics of the era – Shaft, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist – it gets its praise because it was the first of its kind, and became the standard bearer for martial arts films in the United States. It’s the definitive martial arts movie. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best, but it is entertaining as hell.
Saxon is one of the kung-fu fighters, playing a smarmy twithead who sucks at gambling. His kung-fu is considerably cut-up, probably to hide that he can’t actually fight. Williams is pretty good; he comes across as competent and righteous and could probably go toe-to-toe with Lee. But Lee, of course, owns the film. He even choreographed the fights and rewrote and codirected scenes. It was Lee’s chance to make the film his own and not just another action film. His death before the premiere sealed its fate as his movie. Enter the Dragon is a fun film to watch. It’s 1970 corniness adds to the charm of the film, giving it extra moments of unintended hilarity, while also pressing the buttons of those who enjoy seeing people getting kicked in the face in elaborate ways, like me. Film buffs and genre fans who haven’t seen it, watch it. Revere it. Tell your friends who haven’t seen it to get a copy (preferably Blu-Ray; it is an excellent transfer) and watch it. You will not be disappointed. Just don’t imitate the stunts in it, because you are not as awesome as Bruce Lee, or even John Saxon for that matter. 8/10
inspire those to defend what’s right, whatever the cost. Dark Knight Rises isn’t as action-packed as the previous films, but that’s not really detrimental. In fact, there are really no weak parts of the film. It’s as polished as a superhero film
could be without being another cookie-cutter blockbuster. Whoever takes over the franchise next has some serious shoes to fill. 10/10
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
Farewell Margie’s Java Joint Hello Blue Mug at Margie’s
Kelly Cook BandWagon Magazine
The month of August would have been the 20th anniversary of Margie’s Java Joint. Instead, it will be the first month of a new business. After two decades of defining and creating the arts hub of Sixteenth Street, the Java Joint closed its doors. Margie’s, which closed on July 22nd, will not be empty for long. The Blue Mug Coffee will come in, renovate, and reopen the space under the name The Blue Mug at Margie’s Java Joint. “I hope the new place will be somewhere I want to be,” said 22-year-old Elementary Education major Justin Roberts. The sentiment was echoed by many of the patrons who were there on July 13th. After uncertainty and rumor, the chalkboard that usually holds trivia questions was marked with the news of the close. T.J. Wilson, who managed Margie’s for almost five years, was saddened but not stunned by the news. “Although we are closing, and I am sad for the end of an era,
it’s been great to be here and be the cornerstone of this neighborhood.” Margie’s gallery curator Dyana Wyeno had similar feelings. “It’s sad, but it’s a change, which is the only constant.” When asked if they will still be hanging art in Margie’s, which has been one of the most consistent and vibrant galleries in town, Wyeno responded, “Hopefully I will be working with The Blue Mug [curator] to put the right shows in the coffee shop. They have directed that the [art at] The Blue Mug be family friendly... That will change the flavor for some shows.” Wyneo was uncertain at the time of this writing whether the new management would keep the year-long waitlist of artists to show or if they would start fresh. “I hope that they will continue to foster the relationships that we have cultivated with the community’s artists. [I will wait to see if] I am still needed or if they are going in a different direction – I would
like to stay and continue to do the shows.” The Blue Mug held a hiring fair for both their locations on July 17th. Margie’s employees were welcome to re-apply for work with the new company. For Wilson and some of the crew, the desire to keep the spirit of Margie’s alive is strong: “I am going to try to maintain our place in Greeley. We are opening up a new coffee shop just two blocks down in the Atlas Theater. John Galt Coffee Company will carry Allegro (Margie’s main brand) and Novo coffee, and do some things that haven’t been done in this town before, like pour-over coffee service. We are excited for people on 16th Street to have two great options for very different coffee services. The hope is that, while separate businesses, The Blue Mug and The John Galt Coffee Company will exist and thrive together, and give people places to be in our growing downtown.“
Memories “Margie’s was the first job I had where I felt truly appreciated and respected. It was also the first thing that made me truly connect with Greeley.” - D.J. Macri (Margie’s Employee and Exercise Science Graduate) “Several productions have been written by my friends and I at Margie’s. I wonder if my life should revolve around something other than my creative outlet but my creative stuff, but Margie’s has allowed me to explore, find and become the “artist” that I am.” - Daniel Mothershed (Playwright) “Three weeks after moving to Greeley from Chicago in 2004 to pastor at Christ Community I broke a tooth off at Margie’s while drinking coffee and meeting with somebody. The memories have only gotten better since then.” - Bruce Hoppe (Pastor) “Aaron and I had our first date there. I bought him his coffee because I wanted to be “that” independent girl.” - Kate Walters (Sociology Graduate) “I told Tim I was pregnant with our second by ordering a decaf cappuccino one morning and giving him a “look” :)” - Betony Coons (Teacher, Artist) “Margie’s is the nostalgic testament to years of friendships, inspirations, new ventures, business deals, and ideological creations. And now, Margie’s is itself the prize of Greeley’s unique and irreplaceable creative reality.” - Mandi Huston (DDA Administrative Assistant)
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
Contraband Finds a home at Syntax Spirits
Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine There’s nothing quite like spending a summer night at Syntax Spirits. Live music spills out the open entrance, welcoming guests into the relaxing atmosphere. Inside, sensuous lighting falls over the curvaceous bar and the sassy decorations adorning the walls, melding with University of Northern Colorado insignia and local art to capture the true local ‘spirit’ of the distillery. The mini garden by the front door, along with various other potted plants displayed throughout the tasting room, serve as apparent proof of the new life blossoming in this old factory building on the edge of town. Syntax’s house band Contraband plays their first of many monthly shows on Saturday August 25th. Patrons of the bar are invested in the musicians; couches, tables, and chairs have all been turned to face the show, and the audience freely grooves with the music, clapping and singing along with familiar tunes. Contraband plays a unique fusion of ska, jazz, and reggae, playing fresh covers of artists anywhere from Bob Marley to Lady Gaga in addition to their own creations. Saxophone player Kyle Etges usually instigates their musical experiments by bringing in charts that guitarist Blake Smith, along with the rest of the band, helps to arrange, practice, and polish until a song takes shape. Whether they’re playing an upbeat groove or swinging to a slow melody, Contraband’s performance is guaranteed to be enthusiastically
engaging. Their performances are heartfelt yet playful, and incorporate the personality of each individual. “Our music moves in a lot of simultaneous directions,” explains drummer Evan Ballinger. All of the band members are students or graduates of UNC’s music program, and you may recognize them from other great local acts like the Dendrites, Ska Skank Redemption, and Floof and the Time Bandits. The group has recorded two EPs, available for download at TheContraband.BandCamp.com, and hopes to continue to explore new musical territory that may include adding more vocals. Although the band continues to play shows at various venues throughout Colorado and beyond, they seem to have found a home at Syntax Spirits. Blake describes the distillery as “a fun place to play,” adding, “They take care of us here.” In exchange for playing monthly shows, the band is allowed to use the tasting bar for rehearsal space – a deal that has benefited everyone. Co-founder of Syntax, Heather Bean, elaborates that collaboration with local artists is very important to everyone at the distillery. The company regularly donates to charities near and far, and they are always looking for new ways to support the community. In fact, Syntax is so committed to local business that all of the ingredients found in their made-from-scratch vodka come from right here in Colorado. Syntax looks forward to hosting more arts and entertainment events, including an official grand opening party this month (check out SyntaxSpirits. com for more details.) You can catch Contraband monthly at the distillery, located at 624 3rd St. in Greeley.
Pictured Above: Contraband (Left to Right) Sara LeFevre- Guitar, Blake Smith- Guitar, Kyle Etges- Saxophone, Evan Ballinger- Drums, Luis Morales- Bass, Mark Kinz- Trombone,
Photo by Bree Nosal
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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Follow Friday the Film:
Twitter Documentary Hits Greeley Austin Wulf BandWagon Magazine People who don’t actively use Twitter might not understand the appeal of the social media site. Follow Friday the Film sets out to showcase its usefulness and explain why we trust the suggestions of people who we only know in the form of 140-character messages. Director Erin Faulk says she’s “going off the idea that you can really get to know someone” based only on Twitter and that “the relationships you build online are just as real as [the ones] you build with someone who’s next door to you.” After being laid off in January, Faulk decided to start a video project with cinematographer Matthew Sordello. “Around that time,” Faulk says, “I’d read an article that said 72% of Americans trust the recommendations of strangers online as much as those of a personal friend. Twitter has made word-of-mouth so much bigger, global, and it’s still trusted.” From there, the two created a Kickstarter project with a short video from a day of interviews in San Francisco. By the end of its first day, the project had raised $4,000. Ultimately, they raised over $24,000 from
online supporters. On top of that, they received a car from Audi and donations from a number of fresh food companies for their trip—simply by contacting the companies on Twitter. “We had spent about four weeks trying to contact someone at, like, Chevy or Ford, but all we got back was, ‘We need three months notice; fill out these forms and we’ll get back to you.’ Finally, we just started tweeting at these car companies.” Faulk says Audi tweeted back in 35 seconds. “They said, ‘So you need to go 8,000 miles,’ which meant they actually clicked my link and checked out the project.” The next day, Audi tweeted a picture of the car. On the 27th day of their road trip, the Follow Friday crew stopped by the BandWagon office after several days on the road, from New York City to small-town South Dakota. One of the craziest moments of the trip so far, they say, was meeting Newark, New Jersey mayor Cory Booker. Booker’s famous Twitter presence falls in line with how Faulk says corporations and public figures should behave on social media: “They need to be personal, have a sense of humor, and be responsive.” “We were in North Carolina when a woman in New Jersey tweeted to Cory Booker: ‘if you
let @erinscafe interview you for #ffthefilm I will personally donate $140 to the charity of your choice.’” After a few unsuccessful attempts to reach Booker, the mayor finally agreed not only to do the interview but to match all donations. They settled on donating the funds to Uncommon Schools, a national non-profit organization that starts and manages charter public schools for low-income children in Newark and other cities. In just a few hours, donations from both Booker’s and the film’s followers raised $8,5000, which Booker matched. Faulk says some of her most interesting interviews have come from the recommendations of people she’s met on the road. “It’s kind of organic, the way Follow Friday works, in that you follow someone because they were suggested to you by someone else you follow, and then they suggest someone else, and it goes on. We had maybe sixty people we wanted to interview, and the rest have just been suggested to us by people we interview. Those have been some of our best.” She describes Twitter in the form of a tweet, in exactly 140 characters: “.@Twitter is a magic place where news, entertainment, opinion and snark intersect and interact.
Where I meet and make friends. Where I live.” “Everyone is so generous,” she says of the followers she meets along the way. “The first question from Fox News was, ‘Aren’t you scared?’” We get that a lot from the media, like, ‘Are you scared of the crazies?’ Everyone on Twitter gets it, though. We aren’t following crazy people. Everyone we’ve met has been pretty much what we expected from their tweets.” The crew was welcomed into the homes of many of their interviewees, treated to dinner, and in some cases had their gas
tank filled. After a visit to Roma—with smartphones out and thumbs typing tweets—the Follow Friday crew hopped in their Audi, dubbed -“Maeby,” and headed to Loveland to make a surprise interview stop. “Twitter definitely helps you find your people,” Faulk says. “It’s nice to know that wherever I go, I can find someone to hang out with.” To learn more about the film, visit FollowFridayTheFilm. com and follow @FF_theFilm on Twitter.
Pictured Left: (Left to Right) Evans Knight - Sound Technician, Matthew Sordello Cinematographer, Erin Faulk - Director, Anna Schlegel - Production Assistant. All photos by Joe Lee Parker
Churchill
By: Jed Murphy
Colorado music fans have a certain taste for local music. They know what they want, and when they find it there is no stopping them from getting behind that band until the very end. Right now in Colorado, and soon to be nationwide, Churchill is that band. Their hit song “Change” off of their The Change EP, is in regular rotation on the alternative radio stations and has struck a chord with a mainstream, national audience. Now, Greeley has it’s chance to catch this amazing folk/rock group before they hit the national stage when they headline the 16th Street Block Party for an amazing night of music. “It has suddenly become more work. It’s cool to hear your music on the radio and see people enjoying it,” says drummer Joe Richmond. Churchill is made up of five driven people: Bethany Kelly (vocals, piano and guitar,) Tyler Rima (bass,) Mike Morter (mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar,) Tim Bruns (vocals and guitar,) and Joe Richmond (drums). Bruns and Morter started the project as a duo in 2008 after they both moved to Denver. They met at the Baptist Bible College in Scranton, Pennsylvania and found they not only had similar backgrounds in music, but they both had a business-like mentality when it came to writing and performing their songs. After living and gigging in Denver for a while, they began playing with the rest of the band in 2009 and found the combination worked. Since then, they have sold out shows, reached national audiences, won 93.3’s Hometown for the Holidays, and opened for The Fray on several occasions, including their recent show at Red Rocks.
The local fame is not getting to their heads, either, as they all still work normal jobs just to pay their bills. “It doesn’t feel any different because we’re all still doing the same thing, only on a bigger scale,” says Bruns. “We all still work day jobs but there are times when things feel crazy.” When asked what shows stood out for them as a band, they all had their personal favorite moments. However, the general consensus seemed to be that their show at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas, opening for The Fray to a crowd of 3,000 people, was a big turning point. A close second was their first sold-out show at the HiDive in Denver in 2011, something any local band aspires to achieve. For Richmond, it was a show at the Larimer Lounge in Denver where he noticed people singing along for the first time. Of the two substantial recordings Churchill has made since forming, Happy/Sad, which was released in February of 2011, and The Change EP that came out in March, the latter has without a doubt a more developed sound and offers a look into the direction the band is headed musically. Recorded at The Fray’s studio in Northglenn, the recordings are confident and robust, showing fans a mature Churchill, comfortable on stage and in the studio. “Change” is a clear example of this step forward, as it is a song tailor-made for radio. With nods to current pop greats such as Adele and The Black Keys, Bruns steps back from the role of lead vocals and lets Kelly fill that space. The arrangement might be different on “Change,” but the sound they have found for themselves as a band is consistent with every track. “I definitely think we found our sound in how we play together, but we will be forever evolving,”
said Kelly about finding their sound. Rima echoed this as well, stating that they have found their instrumentation as a band and they all know their roles, but their sound will keep moving forward with each new song they make. “It’s like our sound grew up and we’re ready to hang out with the adults,” added Kelly. Three years is a short amount of time for a band to reach the level of success Churchill has come to enjoy. Many bands in the same scene have been there for much longer and would kill for the chance to have the opportunities Churchill has made for themselves. But that’s how they have done it, by making it for themselves. Every member of this band came in with a clear, attainable goal that is in line with what the other members wanted to get out of Churchill. Ultimately, they recognize that it is the fans who allowed them to reach the places they have. As a band, they believe Colorado music fans are different from other scenes. The amount of support they have recieved at a local level has been inspiring and heartfelt. All the members expressed how truly grateful they were to have the fans they do. The future of the band seems to be in a positive state of uncertainty. Their success is not uncertain, but the route they intend to take to get there is. For now, the band is content playing their songs for people who enjoy listening to them. They are excited for what’s in store for them as a band and for the music they are making. They’re also excited to headline the Block Party for all their fans here in northern Colorado. Make sure to catch them on the main stage at 9:00 p.m. for a show not to be missed.
Pictured Above: (Left to Right) Mike Morter, Tyler Rima, Joe Richmond, Bethany Kelly, Tim Bruns
All photos by Bree Nosal
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
The Epilogues Austin Wulf BandWagon Magazine Denver rockers The Epilogues got their start years ago when vocalist Chris Heckman and keyboardist Nate Hammond played together as a twoguitar acoustic rock duo. But when Hammond got into synthesizers in college, he returned to find his synth sounds and Heckman’s guitar and vocals meshed naturally. When bassist Jeff Swoboda and drummer Jason Hoke were added to the mix, a new sound and a new band were born. Since then, The Epilogues received regular play from rock stations in Colorado. Their single “Hunting Season” became their first hit and was in heavy rotation on the airwaves. The band went on tour with AWOLNATION and White Wives, where they learned to deal with the stress of the road while feeling the glory of playing to sold-out crowds outside their home state. This
multi-state tour tested the group’s endurance and resourcefulness. Once off the road, they hit the studio to record their latest single, The Fallout. This three-song release features powerful guitar rhythms, driving drum beats, and Heckman’s distinctive tenor vocals. When these combine with Hammond’s talented keyboard playing, The Epilogues’ unique synth-driven rock sound shines through. Each track is a blast of heavy energy. The title track was part of a nationwide radio campaign and received national attention after first playing on Denver’s modern rock station KTCL 93.3. The band also put out a music video for the song with director Dillon Novak, featuring imagery inspired by zombie movies like 28 Days Later. The single also includes a rerelease of “Handshake Heartattack” by The Photo Atlas, which they originally covered on 2009’s The
Friendship EP. Now they’re recording new music with producers J.P. Manza and Jason Livermore, splitting studio time between Colorado Sound and The Blasting Room in Ft. Collins. The new full-length album—their first since 2008—is titled Cinematics, as an ode to the film and video game musical scores that Swoboda says influenced the band during their writing process. The album, which is expected to be released in October, is more diverse than The Epilogues’ previous releases, though they say it still features a few straightforward rock songs. Though Cinematics is their main focus at the moment, the group hopes to do some touring this summer between recording tracks for the new release. They also plan to play more shows once the album is finished. The Epilogues are excited to hit the Block Party for a second time. Catch their set live at 8:30 pm.
Paul Beveridge & Co. Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine Greeley resident Paul Beveridge has been known in the local music scene for a few years now. The 22-year-old now heads Paul Beveridge & Co., backed by trumpet player Craig Basarich, tuba player Brent Engel, guitarist Tim Veilleux, and drummer Jesse Spencer. The band describes their sound as Manchester Orchestra stuck on an island with (and forced to eat) Mumford and Sons, The Dear Hunter, Bon Iver, Explosions in the Sky, and prolific local musician/singer Tim Coons. They say they sound like “the song of celebration Manchester would write as a result of
their ability to live.” Beveridge initially formed the band after releasing his solo EP, Shadowed Places. Tired of doing music on his own, Beveridge reached out to the other four members of the band. Basarich was first to sign on, setting up a practice session with Beveridge that didn’t go well. Despite the odd combination of acoustic guitar and trumpet, Beveridge was not discouraged. He next tracked down Spencer, another local solo artist behind The Jesse Spencer Project, to be the band’s drummer. Engel and Veilleux were the fourth and fifth members to sign on, Veilleux being the hardest to schedule given prior commitments. Eventually, a date was set for their
first show at The Kress Cinema and Lounge. The newly-formed band had three weeks to practice. Beveridge said, “They were rough practices, let me tell you that.” In 2012, Paul Beveridge & Co. released their first album, All Can Burn, and have played venues in Englewood, Fort Collins, and Denver, along with local Greeley spots such as A. F. Rays. Currently, they’re booking shows for the fall with dates to be announced. For more information, visit their websites at PaulBeveridge.com and Facebook. com/PaulBeveridgeMusic. They’ll be playing at the Block Party at 8:00 p.m.
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
My Body Sings Electric
Jay Wallace BandWagon Magazine Lead singer Brandon Whalen, guitarists Nick Crawford and Jeff Fedel, bassist Jason Bower, and drummer Ben Scarboro are the guys behind My Body Sings Electric. This Denver-area rock band formed back in 2007, rising from the remains of two Denver-area hardcore bands, Nemonic and Arms Over Colorado. Since then, it has grown and evolved into a radio-friendly rock act that’s building steam and not slowing down. The group describe themselves as “self-funded, self-managed Denver music scene misfits.” Crawford and Fedel weren’t satisfied with the lead
singer of Nemonic at the time, so when Whalen of AOC offered to be their lead vocalist for a new band, they jumped at the chance, taking with them Nemonic’s drummer Kalen Bigg and bassist Dennis Dejnowski. Dejnowski left the band in 2008, being replaced by Bower. That year they released their first EP, They Don’t Want Music, and in 2009 played at the Denver stop for the Warped Tour. After a few years, however, the originally hardcore band changed their music style to indie/punk rock and Bigg left, leaving Scarboro to take over as drummer. KTCL 93.3 selected the band as one of the final three acts in their 2010 Hometown for the Holidays contest.
93.3’s audience voted the band’s single Step into the Light as one of the top three songs in the contest, giving the band considerable radio play. Most recently, My Body Sings Electric released their first album, Changing Color, in 2011. The band made a trek up to Portland-based studio Interlace Audio to record the album because many of their favorite acts had been released by Interlace. Along with “Step into the Light,” the group also released another single, “Doctor,” in December of 2010. My Body Sings Electric will be appearing at the Block Party at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the band, visit their website at MyBodySingsElectric. com.
In The Whale
Zach Martinez BandWagon Magazine Nate Valdez and Eric Riley, the sole members of Denver-based band In the Whale, have been staples of the Greeley music scene for years. Both have a history with local bands (What About Pluto? and Trailer 77,) but in the wake of these bands’ declines, In the Whale was born. Named among the final twelve of 93.3’s 2011 Hometown for the Holidays, In the Whale made themselves peers of the peerless as they were recognized alongside such giants as Fierce Bad Rabbit, The Heyday, Churchill, The Photo Atlas, and My Body Sings Electric. Their use of old rock n’ roll tropes, such as the electric organ, situates them firmly in their place as a rock band, in a scene that gave rise to bands like 3OH!3 and Devotchka. In the Whale’s nostalgia for the days when the
guitar still ruled over synth and dance music was still primarily driven by an acoustic drum kit is refreshing. Musically, Valdez and Riley are unmatched. It has always been a treat to watch Riley on the drums; the cool confidence he exerts from his throne is a check cashed by the quality and complexity of beats he creates. Valdez is a rock star. If anyone questions whether or not rock n’ roll is dead, let him meet Nate Valdez, who rocks so hard on stage, he straps his eyeglasses to his head. He also clearly knows his way around a fretboard, as evidenced by the solo on “Shall not be Moved” and the main riff on “Woman,” both of which appear on In the Whale’s second EP, Cake, released in late January. The aforementioned electric organ appears on both “Woman” and “Shall not be Moved.” The uninformed listener may well mistake the organ riffs to be the handy work of John Paul Jones (Led
Zeppelin) or Bennmont Trench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and the Hammond Electric Organ. But the rock tropes don’t stop there. On the chorus of “34-28-32,” Eric Riley’s falsetto reminds listeners of rock’s greats, and rivals that of recent rock revivalist Justin Hawkins of the Darkness. In the Whale’s rock revival has carried them to the South by Southwest festival where they played at Peckerhead’s and Touche, and it has brought them shows all over the front range. It should come as no surprise then, that they will be gracing this year’s Block Party main stage with their musical brilliance. They will also be available as eye and ear candy at the following: Hi-Dive in Denver with Little Hurricane, August 8th; Bohemian Nights in Ft. Collins, August 12th; and Higher Ground Music Festival in Central City, August 25th and 26th.
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012 Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine
T Shirts 4 Tomorrow Austin Wulf BandWagon Magazine
Brighton-based pop-punk quartet T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow got their start in 2008 as an acoustic duo, with frontman Ethan Gilbert and drummer Brandon PreeceRose. Over the years, the two experimented with different band members before finding the right mix with lead guitarist Erik Scherbenske and bassist Joe Fox, forming their current line-up. These four talented musicians deliver high-energy live performances. Their influences include the likes of New Found Glory and All Time Low, who bleed through in T4T’s signature sound. The group take their sound seriously, but not themselves. As one would expect from a pop-
punk band, T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow have a tongue-in-cheek attitude about performing. They make jokes during sets and their YouTube channel is full of silly video blogs. Their music, though, is anything but silly. T4T’s first release, The Outside Looking In, is a three-song EP. Each track is well-produced and shows off the band’s sound perfectly. Distorted guitars, palm muting, and pick slides mesh with Gilbert’s tenor vocals for a sound that pop-punk fans are sure to be impressed by. Currently, T-Shirts 4 Tomorrow are working on new music and plan to head back to the recording studio soon. Don’t miss their performance at the Block Party this month. They play at 6:30 pm. Check out TShirts4Tomorrow.com for more information on the band.
Like many of the world’s great inventions, Rachel and the Kings was created by accident. Critically-acclaimed singer/ songwriter Rachel James, a veteran of Denver’s music scene, was in the midst of recording her most recent album when she realized she needed to enlist the help of others to create the full and powerful sound she had composed to support her lyrics. Rachel joined together with producer Joey Barba, lead guitarist of the former band Tickle Me Pink, to create an undeniably dynamic team of notable Colorado musicians. Recruits included drummer Stefan Runstrom, also from Tickle Me Pink, as well as the Alan Baird Project’s former bass player Noah Matthews, and violinist Ian Short, another well-connected musician and established collaborator with Rachel. Once the group began to work together, it became clear that there was an undeniable chemistry between the musicians that gave their style of rock a unique polish. The group began to play live shows together and immediately found success, winning Ford’s Gimme the Gig II competition, a national search for the next great independent band. Their success won them television publicity and the opportunity to work with legendary producer Don Was, who reaffirmed their talent and potential. The group continues to record together, and their first album is set to be released late this fall or early next year. With so much to show after having existed for less than a year, Rachel and the Kings are definitely the band to see at this year’s Block Party. They take the stage at 5:00.
Sam Wood BandWagon Magazine Heart and Soul Radio, a high energy punk rock band from Colorado, began in 2009, but the band has been around for a long time, originally playing under the names DORK and then Animo. This band has been through the lifestyle of a typical rock band and all the fame, fortune, and drama that led to playing at stadiums full of tens of thousands of fans, with songs playing on music channels MTV and Fuse. However, out of all of it came the amazing up-and-coming band, Heart and Soul Radio, featuring Brian Johannsen
Rachel & the Kings
Heart & Soul Radio
(guitar/vocals), Jimmy Blair (drums/ vocals), and Schuyler Ankele (vocals/bass). With a DIY attitude, this band has success written all over it. They don’t need to worry about paying for a manager or a recording studio because Brian has his masters degree in Recording Arts. And with their veteran status and great attitude, this is one band you must pay attention to. Heart and Soul Radio is all about the music, whose sound is a mix between Blink 182 and Bouncing Souls. Their songs never gets old, with hits like “E.P.I.C.” and “Eff the Radio.” They are extremely passionate about their music and their fans. They have been playing shows
all around Colorado and doing national tours for the love of the music and their supporters. Heart and Soul Radio is also one of those rare local bands that actually have a great online presence. Visit Facebook.com/ HeartAndSoulRadio.com, where they post about once a day, and not just about their shows, but more about them as a band with a great sense of humor about real world things. They will also be posting more soon about their upcoming album set to release later this year. Make sure to keep an eye on these guys at the 2012 Block Party.
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
Local Musician Detained Eldren’s Josh Lee held by Immigrations Austin Wulf BandWagon Magazine “I honestly had no idea why I was getting [arrested.] I did know I wasn’t exactly staying in the States legally.” On June 4th, Josh Lee, guitarist and violinist for Denver band Eldren, left his probation meeting and was met by officers from the United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Lee was arrested on the spot with no bail. As an undocumented immigrant from South Korea, he knew he was at risk for deportation, but this incident came as a complete surprise to him. Lee emigrated to the United States in 2000. In his years living in the country, he has applied and been denied for green card status repeatedly, constantly appealing for his right to citizenship. As a member of one of Denver’s better-known bands, Lee is a fairly public figure—certainly not your average undocumented alien. However, when he was arrested in May 2010 on DUI and controlled substance possession charges, he was at a greater risk for deportation. “I plead guilty, took a plea bargain, and my criminal lawyer didn’t think my charges were severe enough to catch the attention of [ICE.] Which he was not right about.” Just over a year later,
immigration officers caught up with anything, he has been an important Lee. member of the Denver music scene and “[They] asked if I was a permanent dear friends to many.” resident of the United States. I said Detention, Lee says, “wasn’t horrible. I wasn’t and they arrested me.” Lee [The facility] isn’t a jail; I wasn’t was transferred to the GEO immigrant being held with dangerous criminals detention center in Aurora, where he or anything. I was held with other was read his right and was allowed one undocumented aliens. The vast majority phone call to his lawyer. of them were in there “My immigration because of [something as “My criminal lawyer told me, basically, simple as] driving without lawyer didn’t I screwed up by taking a license. Because they the plea bargain [in think my charges were undocumented, they 2010.] Any controlled were detained until they were severe substance violation is could post bond or fight mandatory deportation. enough to catch their trial. The whole You can be in court for up experience was, more than the attention to ten years.” anything, eye-opening of Immigration and revealing about the After Lee’s processing was finished, he waited status of immigration in and Customs for almost eight hours the United States.” He Enforcement. with about 20 other spent much of his time undocumented aliens Which he was not exercising, reading up on who were caught that immigration law, writing right about.” day. “By the time that was letters, and getting visits done, it was about 1:30 from friends and family. a.m. They walked me to my cell and Lee’s criminal lawyer filed a formal detention began.” motion to dismiss the prior plea Meanwhile, Lee’s sister Esther bargain as soon as he heard Lee had started a campaign on government been detained. Lee says this is why petition website Change.org, calling he was able to get out of detention on for Josh Lee to be released. “Everyone bond. and anyone who knows Josh personally “My criminal lawyer said the charges or has ever played shows with him wouldn’t be picked up by immigrations. knows that Josh is not a threat to the Later, he selflessly filed the motion community,” her petition read. “If to dismiss my plea bargain [on the
grounds of] ineffective counseling. Now, I’m not convicted of anything and am going through a retrial for my original charges.” He’s currently in the process of two trials: His criminal retrial, for which he had an arraignment two days after his release from detention, and his immigration trial, which begins in September. “Everything depends on the outcome of the criminal case,” he says. On July 11th, Lee was released on bond thanks to the help of his criminal lawyer. He was met by family, who took him out to dinner. A dedicated band member, he went to band practice immediately after his meal. Lee says he’s trying not to let his trials affect his musical side. He continues to practice and perform with Eldren. “My case is not the worst,” Lee admits. “I have made mistakes and there is some grounds for punishment. I fully accept the responsibility for that. But there are sadder cases every day, and I feel like people don’t know about it—American citizens who vote and whose opinions count, they just don’t know. They don’t have to deal with this reality, so they often don’t think about it. The general idea seems to be that if you stay in the country for long enough, you can go to some office and take a test and get citizenship like that. [It’s] not true.” The Office of Homeland Security estimated that nearly 12 million undocumented aliens lived in the United States as of January 2011. The process for achieving citizenship is difficult, as Lee’s case demonstrates. In June (after Lee’s release,) President Obama announced an executive action that would allow hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to stay in the country. Though it did not provide legal status to any immigrants, it allows those who are under 30 and came to the country before they were 16 to work and live here without fear of deportation. Lee stressed that many are just good people in bad situations: “I saw a kid who was just out of high school and was arrested for driving without a license. He had to pay a $10,000 bond or faced deportation.” Still, he says, it could have been much worse for him. “I’m just glad I don’t have a family of my own, kids... I was detained with people who had children with American citizenship, locked up for six to eight months at a time and unable to support their families. I learned that you can be a permanent resident and still get your residency taken away. All that was just a shock to me.”
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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Monday, August 6th Open Mic Comedy @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - FREE)
COLORaDO CONCERT CALENDAR Friday, August 3rd Steffen Williamson & Nancy Norton @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $10)
Immortal Dominion w/ Lola Black, Pretty Noise @ The Aggie Theater - Fort Collins (8:00 p.m. – Free) Kottonmouth Kings w/ Big B, Prozak @ The Fox Theater – Boulder (7:00 p.m. - $25)
The Marshall Tucker Band @ The Stanley Park Fairgrounds – Estes Park (6:00 p.m. - $39) BAD Farewell Show @ The Gothic Theater – Englewood (6:30 p.m. $13)
Saturday, August 4th Grits and Gravy CD Release w/ Huff N Keen, Pink Elephants, Sintax, Wyte Out, DJ Osculator @ AF Rays – Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $5)
Tuesday, August 7th Justice w/ Rusko, BoomBox, Surkin @ Red Rocks Amphitheater – Morrison (6:00 p.m. - $38.75) Wednesday, August 8th Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Pub - Greeley (9:00 - FREE) Hump Day Hilarities @ Boise Tavern - Loveland (9:00 - FREE)
Thursday, August 9th FUN w/ Citizen Cope, Givers @ The Fox Theater – Boulder (7:30 p.m. $36.50)
The Buckvillains @ Pourhouse - Loveland (8:30 Friday, August 10th p.m. - FREE) Bohemian Nights at New West Fest w/ Michael Steffen Williamson & Franti, Euforquestra Nancy Norton @ Down Downtown Fort Collins (All Under Comedy Club Day – Free) Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $10) Micawber w/ A Sonnet To Silence @ Hodi’s Half Note – Fort Collins (8:00 p.m. $8)
Bad Brad and the Fat Cats @ Pourhouse - Loveland (9 p.m. - FREE)
Fun. @ The Fox Theater in Boulder on 8/9 Los Lonely Boys w/ The Dunwells @ Arvada Center – Arvada (6:30 p.m. $32.50) Saturday, August 11th Silencer w/ Draghoria, Downfall, Dysorder @ A.F. Ray’s – Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $5)
Jordon Doll & Ben Roy @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - $10) Foghat @ Reserve Casino Hotel - Central City (7:00 p.m. - $18)
Bohemian Nights at New West Fest - Allison Krauss & Union Station w/ Jerry Douglas, Juno What?! @ Blind Pilot @ Chautauqua Auditorium – Boulder (8:00 Downtown, Fort Collins (All Day - Free) p.m. - $22.50-$42.50) Rich Johnson @ Pourhouse - Loveland (8:30 p.m. FREE)
Crowd Control w/ Bassland @ The Aggie Theater – Fort Collins (8:00 p.m. - $10)
Jordon Doll & Ben Roy @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - $10)
Pretty Lights @ Red Rocks in Morrison on 8/17 & 8/18
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012 Events Center - Loveland (7:30 p.m. - $25+)
Gotye @ Red Rocks in Morrison on 8/22
Sunday, August 12th Charlie Daniels Band w/ Eric Burdon and the Animals - 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Music Fest @ Clement Park Amphitheater – Littleton (10:30 a.m. - $45)
Blind Pilot @ Mishawaka Amphitheater – Bellvue (7:00 p.m. - $22)
Sublime w/ Rome @ Red Rocks – Morrison (5:30 p.m. - $36.50)
Joe Cocker w/ Huey Lewis and The News @ Comfort Dental Amphitheater – Englewood (7:00 p.m. $28+)
Monday, August 13th Open Mic Comedy @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - FREE)
Tuesday, August 14th Hellogoodbye w/ William Beckett (of The Academy Is), Tommy and The High Piolots, Calling Out West Doors @ The Marquis Theater – Denver (7:00 p.m. - $15)
Wednesday, August 15th Andrew Bird @ Chautauqua Auditorium – Boulder (8:00 p.m. - $34+)
Will White & Dan McGowan 311 w/ Slightly Stoopid @ @ Down Under Comedy Red Rocks Amphitheater Club - Greeley (9 p.m. - $10) – Morrison (6:00 p.m. Friday, August 17th $59.50) Murder by Death @ Pretty Lights @ Red Rocks Bluebird – Denver (8:00 – Morrison (6:00 p.m. Monday, August 20th p.m. - $15.75) $45) Open Mic Comedy @ Down Under Comedy Club Grey Weather @ Pourhouse The Gamits and Red City Greeley (9 p.m. - FREE) - Loveland (9 p.m. - FREE) Radio w/ Elway, Allout Helter, Head Injuries @ The Tuesday, August 21st Will White & Dan McGowan Marquis Theater – Denver Crosby, Stills and Nash @ @ Down Under Comedy (8:00 p. m. - $10) Red Rocks Amphitheater Club - Greeley (9 p.m. - $10) – Morrison (6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 19th $60.50) Rocky Mountain Folks Rocky Mountain Folks Fest - Randy Newman w/ Fest w/ Lyle Lovett, Neko Wednesday August 22nd Iron and Wine, Kathleen Case, Peter Himmelman. GOTYE w/ Missy Higgins, Edwardson @ Planet The Dunwells @ Planet Jonti @ Red Rocks Bluegrass – Lyons (All Day Bluegrass – Lyons (All Day Amphitheater – Morrison - $55+) - $55+) (6:00 p.m. - $38.50) Pretty Lights @ Red Rocks – Morison (6:00 p.m. - $45) Andrew Bird @ The Ogden Theater – Denver (7:00 p.m. - $35+)
Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Saturday, August 18th Pub - Greeley (9:00 - FREE) Back To School Blues Jam w/ Bad Brad and The Fat Cats @ AF Ray’s – Greeley Hump Day Hilarities @ (9:00pm - $5) Boise Tavern - Loveland (9:00 - FREE) Steve Manshel @ Pourhouse - Loveland (8:30 Thusday, August 16th p.m. - FREE) Murder by Death w/ 4 on the Floor @ Bluebird – Denver (8:00 p.m. - $15.75) Ronnie Dunn @ Budweiser
311 @ Red Rocks in Morrison on 8/19
Hellogoodbye @ The Marquis Theatre in Denver on 8/14
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012 Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Show), Tommy & The Pub - Greeley (9:00 - FREE) High Pilots @ A.F. Ray’s – Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $5) Hump Day Hilarities @ Barrelhouse @ Pourhouse Boise Tavern - Loveland Loveland (9 p.m. - FREE) (9:00 - FREE) Thursday August 23rd Norah Jones @ Red Rocks – Morrison (6:00 p.m. $39.50+)
Heather Snow & Stephanie McHugh @ Down Under Comedy Club - Greeley (9 p.m. - $10)
The Flobots @ The Aggie Theater – Fort Collins (8:00 p.m. - $13)
Snoop Dogg w/ Ice Cube, E-40 @ Comfort Dental Amphitheater – Englewood (6:30 p.m. - $32.50+)
Weird Al Yankovic, @ Arvada Center – Arvada (6:00 p.m. - $32.50+)
Friday, August 24th Bones Muhroni (Farewell
KISS w/ Motley Crue @ Rock Jam Festival - Grand Junction (All Day - $80+)
Saturday August 25th Bovine Green Reunion Show w/ Alive Inside, Ben Pu and Crew, Undeclared @ A.F. Ray’s – Greeley (9:00 p.m. - $5) Sammy Dee Morton @ Pourhouse - Loveland (8:30 p.m. - FREE) Heather Snow & Stephanie McHugh @ Down Under Comedy Club - Greeley (9 p.m. - $10) Flobots w/ Air Dubai, The ReMINDers @ The Black Sheep – CO Springs (8:00 p.m. - $15) Reggae on the Rocks - Judge Roughneck w/ Yellow Dubmarine, The Meditations, Steel Pulse, and Burning Spear @ Red Rocks – Morrison (2:00 p.m. - $73.90) Sunday, August 26th Alison Krauss @ Paramount Theater – Denver (7:00 p.m. - $75+
Monday, August 27th Open Mic Comedy @ Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - FREE) Bones Muhroni @ A.F. Ray’s in Greeley on 8/24
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Tuesday, August 28th Mumford and Sons @ Red
Air Dubai @ A.F. Ray’s in Greeley on 8/31 Rocks – Morrison (5:30 p. m. - $49.50+)
This Century w/ Austin Gibbs, T-Shirts For Tomorrow, Popcult @ The Marquis Theater – Denver (7:30 p.m. - $10) Wednesday, August 29th Mumford and Sons @ Red Rocks – Morrison (5:30 p.m. - $49.50+)
Friday, August 31st The 6th Annual :16th St Block Party @ 9th Ave & 16th St - Greeley (3:00 p.m. – FREE) Air Dubai w/ Eldren, The Squid Kids @ A.F. Ray’s Greeley (9:00, FREE) Marty Nightengale @ Pourhouse - Loveland (9 p.m. - FREE)
Open Mic @ Patrick’s Irish Brad Galli & Matt Baca @ Pub - Greeley (9:00 - FREE) Down Under Comedy Club Greeley (9 p.m. - $10) Hump Day Hilarities @ Boise Tavern - Loveland (9:00 - FREE)
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BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
Flies Like Smokey Skies A Creative Story By: Nora Rossbach
“Did you buy all that acid?” Matt asks. One hundred hits. We bought fifty hits each. It’s the summer the Rocky Mountains lit on fire. The pine beetles had exhausted and dried out the pine trees. When lightning struck, they were defenseless. Animals and people had been pouring out of the mountains for weeks until a medium-sized city felt like a place that was both jungle and metropolis. Matt figures we’re fucked anyway and we might as well meet God before we have to live with him. “Yeah, a hundred hits. Do you think it’s too much?” I ask. My eyes are glazed and bloodshot. “Seriously Jonah?” he says, “Definitely not. Mother Earth’s being incinerated, let’s give her a big funeral.” He adjusts his rectangular glasses and grins. I smile weakly. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I hold out my hand, proudly displaying an impressively full vial. I am fried, gone. But what could I do? It seems we all will be soon enough. Matt and I stare down at our future, our understanding, our window into the world. He says this is the only way of understanding what is happening to us. * * * * * I dig in my pocket for the dollarfifty to ride the bus. I’m so stoned. It’s hard to concentrate. The bus driver is sneering at me with that loud gap in between her front teeth. Shit. All I feel is the vial and a few dimes. “Oh… Well, I guess I don’t have the money, ma’am,” I say, as dignified as I can muster. Her laugh is louder than her gap. “Honey, you gonna have to find another way to get where you goin’,” she says. “You picked the wrong bus, cause I don’t fall for none of that shit.” She laughs again. * * * * * The sun sits red in the sky, a big flaming reminder of all the blood we’ve shed and how little time we have left to enjoy our own. Nothing on the earth is that vibrant anymore. The air is smoky and ash is forming a layer over every surface. Walking down the street, I feel uneasy. Everyone is still working religiously. Not one store has closed down. It’s like the world hasn’t noticed it’s on fire. The population must have a nagging feeling of doom. It’s the herds of elk that make you late for work; the SARS masks you wear to go outside; picking your kids up from school to avoid the danger of mountain lions when walking home from the bus stop. Yet everyone goes about their business like the end isn’t sneaking up on them, like the sky hadn’t opened up and poured fire on the earth. They have sneaking suspicions, maybe brief visions of the destruction to come. It’s all too easy to shake off with a cup of coffee and a busy day of work. I have more trouble staying calm. The fear that is searing through my veins and pouring into
my chest cavity is kept contained only by Matt’s encouragement to make it to the end. * * * * * I show up at Matt’s and it’s the same dull brick building downtown. This part hasn’t been restored yet and probably never will be. He could have afforded a nicer place, but was laid off when the economy tanked. I walk up the cracked cement steps, my worn-out sneakers squeaking a little on every stair, and ring the doorbell. It makes no noise. I knock on the door and hear no approaching footsteps. Damn it, Matt. He’s too flaky now that he’s preoccupied with apocalypse. I try the knob and the door swings open. Matt walks out of his bedroom rubbing the back of his neck as I walk into the living room. “What’s up, Jonah?” he asks. He looks distracted, his eyebrow twitching slightly. “Not much, brother. You ready for this?” I wait for a response, but he’s staring out the window. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer, sorry I just came in.” “Oh no, man, sorry I didn’t get the door,” he says. “It’s okay, whatever,” “Well, shall we?” I pull the vial out of my pocket and place it on the table. The clear liquid sloshes dubiously in the bottle. We measure out our shares and distribute it on our tongues. “Want to go outside?” Matt asks, looking excited and expectant. We walk across to the park to wait for the familiar nudge of a drug taking over the controls. * * * * * The park is grey and deserted. As we walk, we leave green footprints where our shoes knock away the ash. We lay down in the ash and wait for the ground to fall out from under us. “What do you think is going to happen to us?” Jonah asks. The question startles me because he had seemed so confident about our fate. “I don’t know… I don’t know if it matters,” I say. I look to my left at the playground. It would usually look like a freshly dead beast, with children swarming over its surface chasing each other, yelling and cackling. A training ground for the games they play as adults. But now it is empty and skeletal, backlit by the fire raging in the background. It is a carcass with all the meat stolen by the insects and buzzards. My thoughts are interrupted by a faint buzzing. I swat aimlessly and look around to see there is no bug. The sound I hear is a humming in the distance. I sit up and ask Matt if he hears it. “Huh? Oh the humming? I think it’s a car coming,” he says. His eyes are wide and his pupils only slightly dilated. I look at the road and see an old yellow truck approaching. It stops briefly at the stop sign before continuing closer and pulling over next to the park. By now the humming has become more of a ringing that is impossible to place. Is that in my ears or outside of my head? The humming sound ceases a
moment before the door opens. A man steps out who is wearing brown corduroys and two long, dark braids. Sighing, he looks wearily at the mountains before lighting a cigarette to match them. He sits down on a park bench that seems to breathe slowly and have a heartbeat. The Indian on the bench makes ripples in the air around him with every subtle, simple movement. I stare as the smoke he exhales rises and mingles with the smoke in the sky. “Maybe the fire is just thousands of smoking Indians blowing at the sky,” I say and then realize the absurdity. Matt doesn’t seem to notice. He stares at the Indian like he’s trying to believe he’s there, swaying slightly. Without further discussion, I rise from the ground and Matt follows. My steps are tentative and each time a foot is placed in front of the other I am pushed abruptly forward by an invisible hand. With an effort, I make my walk look sober and natural, but the Indian doesn’t look at us until we’re standing in front of him. “How,” I say stupidly, but it’s the only thing I can think of to say. “How...” The Indian says back. He has a slightly tobacco-stained smile as he nods a welcome. We learn he’s from the reservation. They’re right up near the fire and refuse to leave their land. “It’s beautiful,” he says. “The fire is beautiful.” The way his facial features expand and contract make my stomach hurt a little. He offers to take us closer to the fire and we accept. We sit three across in the front seat of the truck and I can feel the blood pumping in the other two through their t-shirts. Even when our arms aren’t touching, the pulse sends vibrations through the air. The car screeches into life and hums its unwavering, other-worldly pitch. Looking out the window, everything is much brighter now than it was. The swirling patterns of ash across the landscape dance with the wind around the fire. As we leave the town, Matt asks the Indian if he knows any stories for the drive. He says he can make one up. “I remember once I met a beast. It was the biggest beast there ever was and it moved slowly but relentlessly in the same direction. He ate anything he came across that would be useful to him and trampled through anything else. The beast was too big and too hungry to take notice of anything as small and skinny as me, but there was a swarm of flies that traveled with him. They took a break one day from their devotion to annoying the beast only briefly to tell me of their lives. “They were always trying to get the beast’s attention. They said their purpose was to tell the beast something very important. But no matter how they buzzed and buzzed around the beast, he lazily swatted them away with his tail or a shake of his great head. He trudged on and on, plowing down everything in front of him. “When I asked them what it is they needed to tell him, they buzzed more quickly and with more
confusion. They said they couldn’t remember.” * * * * * I watch the reservation climb over the horizon. It sometimes slips farther away before making rapid progress towards us. By the time we can see distinct pueblos, the Indian has become a coyote struggling to hold the wheel with his paws while his tongue hangs out of his mouth. The trees that still have leaves are full of purples and oranges. Maybe every moment I have lived has been this vibrant and complex, but for some reason it always changes into mucky gray. We get out of the coyote’s car. He gives us some last words of wisdom: “There comes a time when the fly must fear the beast.” And with a howl, he drives off, leaving us staring at the mountains. Flowers as red as movie blood are waving over the field, rolling back to us in an undertow that threatens to pull us out into the waves. The fire rises and turns into smoky liquid as it reaches the sky. The swirling smoke above me festers and forms waterfalls of grays and whites trickling into the soft cool ash that crumbles and spreads between Matt’s fingers. He says it feels like air, only softer and lighter. He can’t stop touching the ash that lines the highway, grinning eerily. I tell him to stop; something about it is making me uneasy. I realize soon that a mound of ash to the left of us is breathing and shifting. “Do you see that?” Matt asks. I feel my skin tighten as the ashy mound coughs. We wade over and watch as an owl blows the ash off of her feathers with a soft wheezing, “Who?” “I’m Matt, this is Jonah.” He hides our fear behind the brave words. “Don’t speak of earthly names,” the owl says. “They mean little now and will mean less in death.” We stare silently. The air has enough electricity to power a whole town. I hear buzzing again and look around. This time, there is no truckdriving coyote, just the murderous flames and the unrelenting rain of ash. The owl floats her way into the field to rest away from the road. With another coughing fit, the owl gestures that we should come sit close to her. Matt lowers himself into the thick bloody flowers facing her and I follow suit. “When the end approaches, the creatures will flee. The arrow will point to the setting sun and we will know it is time to keep the earth turning. A sacrifice is needed to stop the beast. The flies will help when the time has come…” I look west, toward the mountains. The world is now a loud tornado of colors. Everything is swirling, nothing is solid. When I look back to the owl, she is gone, lost in the vortex. We try to stand and get away from the owl’s story, but the world seems to be rotating quickly, spinning around the spot we stand. Fire is the only thing appearing relatively stationary, so I focus on it to steady myself. Rising to my feet, I have to crouch not to fall over. The fire bares its teeth at the still living parts of the world.
Hungry for more life, it has to keep itself moving and eating, slowly consuming whatever it can. I fight hard to stay and look it in the eyes. The heat radiates through my eye sockets. Matt stands up confidently and smiles. “Let’s go closer to the fire,” he yells. The colors are loud enough that he needs to yell to be heard over them. I meet his eyes, unsure if I can make it, and say, “Ok, let’s go.” We set out across the bloody field, every step slow and marked as we wade through the fleshy underbelly and into guts of the earth. * * * * * With the fire there spread out before me, I feel like Satan must feel when he sits on his front porch. Shapes and unreadable languages appear the longer I focus on the bright light. I see figures dancing in the flames and I think of all the people I’ve left behind and all the people I’ve disappointed. I remember at one time I was going somewhere. I had a purpose. I was in college, I was going to be a chemist. “How did I end up so not myself?” I ask to no one. “Right? How are any of us anything?” Matt asks excitedly. I always thought I had something important to say, I just had to get someone’s attention. I’m terrified of not being understood. “How can I not be myself? How can I not be anyone and everyone?” I’m a fly. I suddenly realize the horrible thing that I’ve done. This is all my fault. I brought this on all of us. I have to fix this. * * * * * Matt and I sit, staring at the acres of hell growing toward us. Matt realizes I am crying. “You O.K. man?” Matt asks. “It’s always been about sacrifice,” I say and stand. “What do you mean?” Matt stares in shock as I enter the flaming brush at a run. I look like an insect drawn to the bright light, quickly becoming invisible in the giant mound of heat. Matt yells after me but knows it is too late. He stands unable to move as my body dances wildly. It seems to deteriorate all the way down to a skeleton before it collapses. Matt’s mind has just begun to waddle into action when the wind starts up and sweeps in a giant cloud from the east. The rain begins in fat, slobbering drops slapping Matt in the face and fogging his glasses. He takes a few helpless steps forward as thunder sounds and releases a downpour from the sky. Grass and trees around him sizzle out as the embers are struck with percussive droplets; the mountains are hardly visible through the steam. At his feet, little streams are forming, filled with ash and dead matter, and draining into the valley. Squinting through the rain, Matt looks at the sky. Already, the sun is peeping through over the mountains. Rays filter through the clouds and smoke, cascading colors across the reflective landscape. Matt stares at the mountains, feeling he’s lost something huge as the world starts repairing itself.
BandWagon Magazine Greeley’s live music and entertainment magazine August 2012
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Greeley Farmers’ Market
Mariah Foster BandWagon Magazine
Photo by Mariah Foster
The Greeley Farmers’ Market’s new slogan, “20 Years and Still Growing,” could not be more appropriate. As the market celebrates such an exciting anniversary, it becomes clear that this cultural hotspot is continuing to successfully expand in every area of growth. The farmers’ market, open Wednesday afternoons through September and Saturday mornings through October, accommodates over sixty food and art vendors with a seasonal variety guaranteeing that no market day will ever be the same. There are an infinite number of reasons, both altruistic and self-serving, to shop at and support local farmers’ markets. Most people immediately think of the positive environmental impacts that result from educated shopping decisions. Buying locally keeps farms and ranches profitable, which maintains previously designated open space and wildlife habitat. In addition, produce grown nearby avoids unnecessary shipping, which eats up non-renewable fuels. Transporting produce hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles also affects the quality of the food, losing fresh nutrition and often adding chemicals to preserve the items while they are en route to the supermarket. Having the opportunity to converse with the growers and owners of local goods provides a transparency to consumers that is unavailable at any conventional grocery store, and customers are encouraged to talk to the vendors about their processes and products to ensure they are getting exactly what they pay for. The market even hosts on-staff experts that are available to give tips about gardening or preparing in-season items. And, of course, buying locally is a way to stay loyal to the community, maintaining jobs and keeping local economies strong.
Greeley’s farmers’ market is a fun place to be. The people are friendly and the products are top notch. There is always a wide selection of food, with ready-to-eat breakfast burritos, barbeque, roasted chilies, and tamales. Coffee and tea are available to buy for use at home or to drink as you browse, and nearly every type of sweet is available; vendors bring in everything from classic treats and ice creams to exotic European desserts. In addition to the edible items, crafters and artisans have been flocking to the depot, more proof that Greeley’s artistic culture is growing exponentially as well, due in part to the success of the farmer’s market. On any given Saturday morning, shoppers can find fabric crafts, bead work and jewelry, photography, woodworking and sculpture, painting, and many other types of visual art for sale along the vendor’s strip. Live musicians and performers often entertain guests who stop to rest at the patio area in the middle of the depot, adding further style to the overall experience of the market. The Cheyenne bluegrass and jam band Beatgrass will play at the market’s 20th birthday party on August 4th, which will take place during the regular 7:30 a.m. to noon time frame. The party will also feature antique tractors, live entertainment, free cake and ice cream, and a vegetable art contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, so market-goers are encouraged to come dressed as a vegetables, fruits, or farmers. The Greeley Farmers’ Market is located at the downtown historic Union Pacific Depot at 902 7th Ave. More information about the market and information for vendors can be found at Facebook.com/GreeleyFarmersMarket and on the City of Greeley’s website, GreeleyGov.com.
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