William Perry - "The Refrigerator Man"

Should have posted this right after that Bears beating of those fudge Packers. Enjoy.

If Your Drugs Aren't Designer, I Don't Want Them

Many of you may remember how this blog all started with the Denver Cruisers. This is the last week of the event so many know, love, and associate their Wednesday with. The theme of this week is ski-in/ski-out. I hope to see you all there donning your neon, xxxl tall tees, and one piece suits.

Tomorrow is the show that you need to know about. The Bluebird will be hosting Designer Drugs the duo from New York made up of Michael Vincent Patrick and Theodore Paul Nelson. If asked to describe their music I would have to call it of the pop banger genre that takes vocals generally from a pop song and throws them over techno/house beats. Try working out to this music, it will make you run faster and jump higher even if you leave your PF Flyers at home. Tickets are about $22 so not too bad for a dj group known around the world. You can download their last 4 mix tapes for free off their myspace page which I would highly suggest doing. I have only seen them once and it was to open for Savoy so I’m sure they were holding back but they had the club bumping. Can’t say for certain I’ll make it to the show after my softball game but hopefully will be there to celebrate a victory.

Quick Heads Up

Rusko is playing tonight at the Ogden. This is probably your last chance to see him before he becomes a household name. He has been destroying the dub scene with Caspa, Benga, and others for years but now mainstream acts are looking for his beats. Get to it before the crowd does.

Oktober in September

The nights have been getting cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and fall is officially here. That means the start of all kinds of fun; football, October baseball, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and German heritage festivals better known as OKTOBERFEST! Oktoberfest oddly enough always occurs in September, which is fine by me because it is just a great excuse to indulge in beer and bratwursts, two of my favorite things. This weekend both Breckenridge and Vail will be hosting their Oktoberfests. I have not been to Vail’s but last year Breckenridge’s really surprised me. Thinking that the biggest town event was Ullr Fest I was sorely mistaken. Still being a new local this time of the year Andrew Fox and myself rode bikes down to main street to find thousands of people sampling regional and German beers alike. We purchased steins for $20, discounted because they ran out of 2009 mugs and only had 2008, which made no difference to us, that included two fill-ups. After enjoying some brews we posted up on the curb to enjoy some beer-brats and people watching. After devouring our food we filled up once more and headed to the stage to watch some German wood cutting dancing. What a combo, people swinging around with men wielding axes hacking to the beat. After enjoying the show we decided we had a successful afternoon at Oktoberfest and headed home. Riding bikes down hill sober is much easier than riding them uphill mildly inebriated with a ceramic liter mug in hand. This weekend Denver will be having their own two-day Oktoberfest on Larimer Street, which should be a great time, unfortunately I’m writing this post at my cubicle in Broomfield today and work tomorrow as well.

To cap off a great day in Breckenridge I would suggest going to Three20South tonight to check out the hometown boys who go by the name Yamn. They’ve been gaining some nation wide recognition by opening up for the likes of Tea Leaf Green and Cornmeal. Many would say they follow the typical jam band formula but those are just critics who are looking for something negative to say. These guys are just musicians making music that they like and I like so who cares.

Tuesday was the release of Chromeo’s new album Business Casual. With such excitement surrounding their junior album I couldn’t help myself but go ahead and book a flight to Chicago for Freaky Deaky, their Halloween show at the Congress Theater with A-Trak. This is going to be an awesome show that I suggest to all that are in the greater Chicago area. I’m going to leave you to think about a concept that Chromeo actually introduced to me. It is call the “80/50” concept. Back in the 1980’s all of the popular music simulated the 1950’s pop craze with bands such as Huey Lewis and the News, Cindy Lauper, and Wham. Today looking around you’ll see kids wearing neon colors, mid-calves socks, and jamming to Chromeo who are replicating those 80’s electronic pop/funk sounds. Take a look around and you’ll be amazed by all of the similarities and the truth’s that the “80/50” concept holds. Just a little food for thought, have a fun and safe weekend.

P.S. Gin bucket at the penthouse tonight for Rob Leo’s last weekend in Denver.

Never Boring

Busy, busy, busy. That is what I’ve been. Last Wednesday basically was the kick off to my imaginary weekend seeing how I had to work throughout most of it. Wednesday night hosts the weekly Denver Cruisers bike ride. This previous week’s theme was zombies, mmmmmm brains. Every Thursday night the one and only Pud’s softball team takes the field under the lights with yours truly at second base. That brings us up to the main event, Friday and Saturday, of Sound Tribe Sector 9 at Red Rocks.

When you get to a point where you’ve seen a group ten times you’d think you’ve generally seen everything they have to offer but that is not the case with STS9. That is what convinced me to make it to my eleventh and twelfth shows by the boys from ATL Georgia. Known for using samples during songs and especially PA sets they are not known to do covers. On Saturday night they covered Justice’s “One Minute to Midnight,” which rocked the red walls live for the first time since the French duo’s Monolith Festival appearance in 2008.

Both nights were the pure madness that only a sold out Red Rocks Amphitheater show can deliver. On the latest leg of their tour you'll notice they've consistently been mixing in the new and the old with songs dating back toInterplanetary Escape Vehicle and live debut off Ad Explorata, “Oil & Water.” The music is only part of the experience. Each night involved great groups of kids, weather, and radness. The whole group of friends that came from all over the country for this reunion mobbed close to 40 deep of funky-footed party hungry beasts. Through the two nights we started in row 24 and progressively moved forward capping it with a crazy Saturday night on row 6 of arguably the greatest stage on earth

This four-night run really was wearing me thin but knowing a Hummer limo was taking me home I just muscled it out to enjoy the great ride home to come. Finally recuperating and the week is in full swing and a few things to look forward to are Chromeo's new album dropping today and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia premier Thursday. More to come.

You Can Chase Right Up and Touch The Sky

Whaddup, what is up? Hello again old friends. I can honestly say I’ve missed you and its good to say hi. The last week has been busy, back to whatever resembles a real life. Unfortunately that working mans life did not allow me to partake in any of the fun this weekend. I can’t stress how sad it is sitting in a cubicle on Saturday watching ESPN GameCast on opening weekend of college football. Especially when the Buffaloes are stomping all over for that excuse of a rivalry. I’m sorry a 60-20-2 record says it all. I don’t need to say anything you don’t already know though.

On a musical side of things this weekend hosted two street party festivals, those being the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago and the Electric Avenue Music Festival in Denver. Notable acts are Umphrey’s McGee, Disco Biscuits, Pretty Lights, Moby, Benny Benassi, Chemical Brothers, Lupe Fiasco, Nas & Damian Marley at the North Coast. At the Electric Avenue’s acts were Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, Punuma Trio, Eliot Lipp, Juno What?!, Break Science, Euforquestra, Mountain Standard Time, and Karl Deson’s Tiny Universe, along with many others. Both of these are farewells to those easy times of summer that are fading way with every moment.

This summer I learned a lot and had a great time. The list would go on for pages of the accomplishments, stories, and adventures I’ve had but I’m not here to brag. I wish what I learned this summer was some brilliant idea to make me millions but it isn’t. It is something much simpler and will make you richer in life than one can imagine. It was that when we were kids that we had it best. That’s probably an obvious statement to most. But when is the last time you rode your bike to a friend’s house? How often do you just sit out in the summer breeze not worrying about what is to come tomorrow? The days of carefree laughter and fun have been easily forgotten with the every day grind. Take your time, slow down, and live life at every moment. When you let the little things bog you down you loose sight of what is important. Friends, family, and wealthy life.

I will be coming back at you in a couple days because I’ve got one of my most looked forward to weekend of the year coming up as well as other cultural and spiritual trinkets. Peace.

Up and Coming Electro

Whomp-heads, this Saturday at Cervante's in Denver there will be some fat electro beats. Fresh2Death, Boulder's very own duo, will be opening up for Lazer Sword. I've never seen Fresh2Death live but here's a video to give you a taste. I've only seen Lazer Sword once opening up for STS9 before their PA Set and they definitely got the crowd started. Sorry for the wait, I finally got a real 9-5 job so that has taken up my time this week. I'll get at you though early next week hopefully with a good story or something that you'll be interested in during the coming week. Keep it sleazy.

The Little Big Man

I remember the days when MTV actually stood for music television. Back when they used to play music videos, I don't know if they do that anymore. It seems like the majority of their programing these days are roided up frat boys competing in pointless competitions to prove who is the most pathetic, macho bro making no attempt for a real career or that of even a real acting career. Real World and Road Rules were the beginning to this demise. Sure they were great ten years ago but seeing the same stale product year after year is played out.

I have recently discovered a refreshing answer to this sub par MTV programing. His name is RJ Berger and the he is the main character in The Hard Times of RJ Berger. This show is incredibly funny and relatable. Who hasn't had a crush on the hottest girl in school, though about loosing their virginity daily, or feel like their parents are the weirdest people on earth? If your behind, all of the episodes are available on MTV's website for free. I highly suggest watching this as it is every Monday at 10/9c.

I'm No "Momma's Boy"

What you need to know:

Chromeooooo Ooooo oh! Chromeo is playing tonight at the Ogden and it is a sold out show. If you don’t know Chromeo they’re the electro/pop/rock duo of Dave1 and P-Thug straight from Montreal. They’ve got their own funky style, which brings the beat combined with witty lyrics making them party starters. They will definitely get the dance floor bumping tonight.

All my Chicago friends, STS9 is coming to the windy city. If you were to ever take my advice please go. Tonight at the House of Blues the boys will be getting down. My guess is a show with some deep jams and ambient lighting. The Aragon on Saturday will be a show of heavy beats and younger faces. Both epic nights lead up lead up to a special evening of STS9 “Axe the Cables.” This is an acoustic show like those of “unplugged,” finishing their weekend at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Yarmony Grass is a festival type event for the today through Sunday, located on the Upper Colorado River. This has an incredible lineup of Bluegrass, Rock, and Electronic artists who are all friends. Speaking of friends I remember how right around now was the time myself and my friends would be getting back to school and celebrating best we knew how. This was always highlighted by the back to school free concert on Ferrand Field. They have had great musicians the last few years including Blackalicious, Tea Leaf Green, Girl Talk, Savoy, and Pretty Lights. This year the duo of Chiddy Bang are bringing their act to CU. It is party music and will provide obvious wide-eyed freshman a brutal hello to college.

Everyone, enjoy the weekend, make the most of it, get out there and just do it like MJ.

MHMF Recap

What is up fans? Since you last heard from me I’ve just been on my grind working to get that paper aka a job. Last weekend I had a great time at Mile High Music Festival. It was hot as usual but that Colorado breeze supplied ample relief and all the great music took our minds off of it.

Saturday’s highlights for myself would have to have been ALO, Nas & Damian Marley, then Steve Miller Band. ALO opened with “Maria,” a song I really enjoy and one to get people on their feet. I said in my last blog if I could hear one song it would be “Shapeshifter,” and sure enough they gave me the ecstasy I was looking for. Nas & Damian Marley was cool because although they collaborated most of the show there were points where it went solo such Nas with one of his most recent hits “Hip Hop is Dead.” It was this show where I found my calling. Through the whole set they had a guy on stage just waving a Rastafarian flag. Maybe they’re looking for a white, redheaded, skinny kid such as myself to join them on tour? Steve Miller Band really surprised me because not only did they play their classics but also new material. Bingo is their new album that came out this June. They definitely provided the same rock you’d expect from their classics just with some new life and lessons injected to their new material. Jack Johnson came to close out SMB’s set with a great version of “The Joker.” I was surprised by Jack Johnson’s set but realistically I could have just put on a mix of his greatest hits. The thing I did like about his show was his stage banter providing some entertaining stories behind the songs.

Keller Williams deserves a shout out because he is just always up there having a great time and it feeds directly into the crowd. He also threw in some of his classic freestyle rhymes after going over on his allotted time. I only saw maybe three songs by Cypress Hill but that included “Insane in the Brain,” “Hits From the Bong,” and “Tequila Sunrise;” a classic, a spectacle (they pulled out a six foot bong and blazed on stage, hilarious), and one of their more recent songs that pays homage to The Eagles. I went in between Slightly Stoopid and Phoenix from 6:45 to 8:15. I do admit Phoenix is a guilty hipster pleasure of mine but when the sun is out shinning Slightly Stoopid just seems like the right place to be and more in line with my general taste in music.

The biggest surprise on Sunday for me was an artist I have never heard of named Trevor Hall. I wish I could tell you all about him but I honestly don’t know much except for the fact that he had great stage presence and is a rock’n’roll act although some may try to describe him as a singer/song writer. Drive-By-Truckers opened the day with a great set playing a song I’ve been dying to hear live since 2005, “Let There Be Rock.” One of my favorite shows of the day was a duo I’ve seen at least five times before this show, Boombox. Being early in the day Zion was crisp and clear and didn’t wander too much on jams. It was a straight up dance party at 3pm. Jimmy Cliff was cool because he showed everyone a 62-year-old man is still a fun guy to party with, if not himself, his yellow jump suit sure proved it. My Morning Jacket played a great show but I must say I was hoping to hear “One Big Holiday,” and was sorely disappointed that they didn’t play it. I do understand that this is their most mainstream song and they probably get tired of playing it but when your playing a festival it is a different circumstance than solo shows where everyone is there to just3 see you. Weezer is near and dear to my heart and takes me back to the day. They sure did that for the three songs of theirs I managed to catch. “Hash Pipe,” was the first song I heard and brings me back to riding around with my Dad in his corvette driving way too fast pumping this power chord monster. “Say it Ain’t So,” and “Undone (The Sweater Song),” were classics that are as fun today as they were 16 years ago when the Blue Album was released and I was hoping to hear them as you surely know from my last post. I tore myself away from Weezer to catch the entire Bassnectar show and being twenty feet from the stage my ears were ringing until Tuesday. It was a straight whomp fest but I must admit the crowd at that show was alarmingly young. It seems that kids these days just love that bass bumping, hip thrusting, deafening music. He had awesome lights along the roof of the tent and beach balls aplenty giving much more ambiance than the other stages. Lorin really enjoyed himself letting his long hair flow with the breeze commenting how much he looked forward to this show and his return to Colorado. To end the festival was Dave Matthews Band. They were good but what can I say about them, they’ve been playing for 20 years and still have fun doing it but each show is pretty much the same as the last. Tim Reynolds sat in on the entire set but didn’t make himself stand out which was disappointing. One part I did enjoy was when Dave threw in a jam where he was singing “You’re a sexy motherfucker shaking that ass, shaking that ass.” He was grooving and everyone was getting down to this little romp. I also found this really funny because he seems like such a PG family show these days so it was good to see him breaking the mold.

I’m going to end on that note to keep this bearable to read but check out the post tomorrow to tell you what you need to know for this weekend. Before I peace out I’d like to say thank you to Brent Fabschutz and the Ariano family for making this weekend possible and a blast start to finish.

The Highest Mainstream Festival in the Country

Tomorrow is the first day of the third annual Mile High Music Festival. This is a two-day event that is held at the Dick’s Sporting Good Park. Being nine miles northeast of Denver you could say it’s our backyard making it a great opportunity to get a plethora of music. I personally attended the first MHMF in 2008 and had a great time. I didn’t think the venue was spectacular but it’s not bad either. The line-up was well rounded with moe., Lupe Fiasco, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearehead, Tom Petty, and Dave Matthews Band. They definitely try to bring in the masses with mainstream acts and this year is no different.

On Saturday I will be focusing on the Kyocera main stage and cougar stage, which is convenient because they’re right next to each other. Doubtful I make it for the opening act but The Motet at noon is definitely kicking the festival off on the right foot. Realistically my first show will be Donavon Frankenreiter one of Jack Johnson’s surf buddies turned musician. Definitely a good way to get the afternoon’s carefree summer vibe going. After that I will see a band that I have enjoyed for many years and painfully missed at Wakarusa, Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO). If they play “Shapeshifter,” I will be extremely pleased. I’ve got to then mix it up and get a little hip-hop in my life from some titans of the game, Nas and Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley at the main stage. Back to the cougar stage then for Keller Williams who I remember seeing for the first time when I was 14 opening for Béla Fleck and the Flecktones during their Acoustic Planet Tour and being blown away. This guy is literally is a one-man band and does it all. I could go on about him but this is about the festival. A true summer classic going back to my under aged days at Ravinia is the Steve Miller Band. With a greatest hits playlist for their concert one can always walk away happy. A difficult decision then has to be made whether to go to Slightly Stoopid or Phoenix. Personally I’ve seen Stoopid enough where I can afford to miss their show. With Phoenix being a trendy new mainstream band will it be filled with losers? Most likely. Will there still be a lot of talent? Absolutely. To end the night on some feel good music will be Jack Johnson. I am going to call out the potential Dave sit in or visa versa with Jack.

Sunday I’m looking forward to seeing a band I first discovered at Lollapalooza 2005 playing the set break for Widespread Panic. Drive-By-Truckers is a southern rock band making their own modern fist pumping blues driven rock that will take you back to the days of the real Lynyrd Skynyrd. From there I have to see my buddies Boombox who don’t fit an afternoon spot but hey I like them so I’m going anyways. From there is my most anticipated show of the weekend, My Morning Jacket. I am ready to feel that early evening mountain breeze and Jim James sweet vocals just flowing through the air. This band can fill Madison Square Garden so you know the crowd is going to be large and rocking. Atmosphere is playing at the same time and will be a nice alternative for those looking for something different. The next time slot is my biggest disappointment of the schedule. Having to choose between Bassnectar, Railraod Earth, and Weezer. Weezer was my favorite band in eighth grade so I would love nothing more to hear some “Undone (The Sweater Song),” or “Say It Ain’t So.” Railroad Earth is hands down my favorite bluegrass band with great lyrics and drums, they can’t be beat. But in order to get my whommmmp dosage I will be raging at Bassnectar. The end of the festival culminates with Dave Matthews Band. A repeat of 2008 but hey he killed it then with a cover of “Sledgehammer,” and their last studio album, Big Whiskey & The Groogrux King was a hit with critics and fans a like. He’s not my favorite but at one point and time in my life I probably said he was so I’ll go and remember those days and just soak in the final moments of what hopes to be a great festival.

For those of you in the San Francisco area this weekend hit up Outside Lands Festival. There are many of the same acts as MHMF just on opposite days and a whole lot of even better artists. Phish is also playing the beloved Alpine Valley and I’m sure that will be a good time as well. Have a good weekend and keep an eye out for me if you're at Mile High Music Festival because you know where I’ll be.

School of Rock

Sorry for the long wait friends. I’d like to give you some great excuse but it has just been my priorities this week has been looking for a job. My dream job would be getting paid to just follow around bands and party with them. Unfortunately that is not the case so I just have to live vicariously through friends fortunate enough to attend shows I cannot and youtube. Thank god for youtube.

Phish played a two-night mini-festival on Monday and Tuesday in the town of Telluride. This is the first time they have taken over the small town since 1991. Telluride holds special significance because it is the first time the band played outside of the east coast during their 1988 tour. The band definitely paid homage to their beginnings by playing “Camel Walk,” “Possum,” and “David Bowie,” all songs played in ’88. Possum and David Bowie show up regularly throughout Phish tours and are both crowd favorites. They played one of the best sets I can imagine on Monday including some new classics such as “Ocelot” and “Backwards Down the Number Line” off their 2009 album Joy.

This event really put Phish in perspective for me. Although I have been listening to Phish for 10 years I really don’t appreciate the days when they were up and coming, young, and fresh. Today they are sounding tighter than ever and have just built on what they’ve learned through the ups and the downs. When I spoke about String Cheese Incident a few posts ago I mentioned they didn’t have as many songs in their repertoire as Phish. One song they do share in common is “Quinn the Eskimo.” Cheese closed their Saturday night set at Red Rocks with this as their encore and Phish opened their encore on Monday with this cover. The thing that amazes me is that this is the first time Phish has played this song since 10/02/99 in Minneapolis. There were 209 shows in between. Phish is an institution of music. Although they have the songs that are on the regular rotation they have the ability to go over 200 shows without playing the same song. I hope they keep touring for another 20 years and so should you.

Next post is coming up tomorrow in order to highlight Mile High Music Festival. Stay phunky until then.

The Best Summer Weekend in Chicago

Sorry to keep this post so brief but I’m about to leave to Granby for some cabin partying and regatta week raging at Grand Lake. Growing up in Chicago I’ve been privileged with many events; sporting, music, festivals, etc. One of my favorites is undoubtedly Lollapalooza. It took its roots in Chicago after many years of nomadic existence. Do I think this year’s lineup is the best? No. Does Lollapalooza always provide a good time with good music? Yes. Here are the shows that I would suggest checking out this weekend with my top three in bold.

Friday: Drive-By-Truckers, Caspa, Black Keys, Chromeo, 2manydjs

Saturday: Rebelution, Beats Antique, Gogol Bordello, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Slightly Stoopid, Rusko, Phoenix, Empire of the Sun

Sunday: MGMT, Wolfmother, Digitalism

To all of those saying hey you love electronic music, where is the Pretty Lights nod for this Saturday’s sold out Red Rocks show? I will tell you that although I really enjoy Derek’s music and the addition of Adam on drums is amazing there will just simply be too many posers and wanksters in attendance. The electronic scene is HUGE in Colorado and I love that. With the good comes the bad though and the bad being people who don’t know anything about the music or even like it all that much. They go to get as twisted as possible and no other reason. What really bugs me is the fact that tickets are being sold on craigslist for upwards of $200. Really? Phish has a hard time pulling that ticket price for a single night show. So to anyone reading who is one of these people, make this the last time you visit my blog because I want nothing to do with you. Regardless I hope all of you who are going have a great time with great weather and prepare for the moment he drops Hot Like Dimes because the place is going to go crazy with that fire beat.

Have a good weekend and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

DeepVees, Taking it Deeper Than You Thought Possible

Straight up, this is a blatant pimping of my friends, the DeepVees. Before I go on your probably thinking to yourself what vulgar sexual innuendo for a band name. Get your mind out of the gutter. DeepVees refer to wearing button down shirts with minimal buttons exposing maximum chest. No one rocks this better than Frankie Bushell, Kyle Robinson, Marty Brodsky, and Rob Leo. Taking cues from the greats of the past such as Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, and Jimmy Page they unbutton their shirts and let their chest cabbage hang in the breeze.

If you ask what type of music they play you’ll get a different answer depending on whom you talk to. Some would say rock others funk all while tying in an electronica/hip-hop tone. For only playing together since this summer they already have at least fifteen original songs that really show who the band is and where they’re going. With all band members providing direction the songs start as a reflection of one but transform to fit the band as a whole before arriving at a final product. This is refreshing to see because so many bands become type-casted when this group manages to be very multi-faceted.

When I mentioned hip-hop earlier I’m sure many thought, weird, a bunch of white guys going hood? This isn’t your gangster rap with gunshots as beats. The band does hip-hop covers with their own flair and some of their originals have a hip-hop feel to the lyrics similar to G. Love or John Butler with their silver tongues. Both rap covers have been led by Marty on vocals and are the party songs of their sets undoubtedly. Marty being a native of St. Louis can’t help but touch his inner St. Lunatic and spit Ride Wit Me as only he can. In their most recent show at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos on 15^th Street in Denver they dropped a new cover they had been working on… Rosa Parks by Outkast. If you have ever listened to Big Boi and Andre 3000 you’ll know that they have one of the most unique styles in the game of rap. Combine that with the DeepVees own style and you have something really special. Both of these songs that will take us back (assuming you’re my age) to middle school and you just have to laugh at this refreshing new sound of the songs you’ve known for so long.

This type of creativity is what makes the band so damn good. During their shows at not a single point did the crowd loose interest. I know that this is a biased piece but I really couldn’t care. I’ve been told in business if you believe in the product you’ll be able to sell it. I truly believe in this group of great musicians and people and hopefully you’ll buy it.

P.S. Check them out on facebook

Joel Cummins plays 'Orfeo' on Denver's 16th Street Mall

Only in Denver

Here are just two quick videos I wanted to throw up. One is from Denver Cruisers' "circle of death" during clown week. The other is a link of Joel Cummins from Umphrey's McGee playing one of the many free piano's on Denver's 16th Street mall.

Enjoy, another post is coming later today so stay on top of it.

Joyful Sound

I had a lot of different ways I was thinking about going with this piece. While jotting ideas down it came to me. Why bother explaining how great this weekend was? I was already told that I can’t say, “You had to be there,” any longer. I can try to describe the guys parachuting over the crowd while having sparklers fly off of them, the huge led board behind the band, the red rocks exploding toward the sky but I know I would never do it complete justice.

It was while listening to their set from Rothbury where Billy says how the crowd was making them want to play, how it had been a couple years since they played last, and what a great time they were all having together again. This made me start to think is it such a bad thing that the group only gets together for special events? This keeps all of their classics fresh because as much as I love String Cheese they just don’t have the depth of songs Phish or Widespread Panic have. If they were touring non-stop at this point hearing classics such as Black Clouds, MLT, and Restless Wind would seem uninspired and like they’re going through the motions to give the crowd what it wants. Through their three nights the band managed to cover all of their classics, covers, and a never before seen cover of MGMT’s Time to Pretend. They were sharp start to finish and genuinely seemed happy to be back home in Colorado playing their joyful sounds.

I already know that by writing about the String Cheese Incident general consensus is that I’m talking about hippy jam band music. Sure maybe I am, but what happened to the days when rock’n’roll was “jam band” music instead of this 3 minute American Idol produced garbage? Is America’s attention span no longer capable of a 7-minute song? Good music doesn’t believe so but the radio does so in my next post I’m going to showcase a band you won’t hear on the radio but will bring some deep jams your way. I know that sounds really heady but just wait for the next post and it’ll make sense. Stay tuned.

Way Back Home

What you need to know:

With all the great music that comes from Colorado one band stands above the rest.String Cheese Incident. They will be playing a three night sold out run at Red Rocks this weekend the 23^rd-25^th of July. For those who are unfamiliar with the band it consists of Bill Nershi on guitar, Michael Kang on mandolin (electric and acoustic) and guitar, Keith Moseley on bass, Kyle Hollingsworth on piano, organ, and accordion, Michael Travis on drums, and Jason Hann on percussion. Their music has a lot of scope ranging from bluegrass to rock to reggae to electronica. They began as a folk/bluegrass/rock band but have constantly been evolving at the dismay of some members (cough, Billy!). Because of this the band finished their last tour at Red Rocks in August of 2007. The band got back together to play the Rothbury Music Festival July 3^rd 2009. This was my first live cheese show and I was lucky enough to be on the stage for the entire first set before being asked to leave for dancing too much at the start of the second set. What am I supposed to do? Pretend I’m at a DMB concert and do the white guy sway and head nod? Like that’s even an option with the jamming puncturing my ears. It actually worked out for the best though because during their second set String Cheese provided one of the most visually stimulating and participatory shows I’ve ever been to. Just to give you an idea here is my favorite song and possibly the best moment of my life:

I’ve always been into the jam band scene but lately have needed something a little heavier. Recognizing I'm a skinny white ass, rap was ruled out. Due to my love of life and lack of tattoos death metal is out of the question. This is where electronic music comes in. I have been mildly obsessed with it since early 2008 starting with Daft Punk and Justice. Since then I’ve explored all avenues of electronic music and can respect each for what it is. One genre I really like is dub step. It originates in the grimy garages of England and is based off a two beat heavy bass rhythm. When I say heavy bass, I mean feel your body shake bass. It is the focal point one could say of the music. There are many side projects of String Cheese Incident such as the Emmitt Nershi Band, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Zilla, and likely the most popular act of them all; EOTO. EOTO is Michael Travis and Jason Hann doing a totally improvised dub step show with Hann on the drums and Travis throwing down all kinds of lines and loops that make your body distort with every twitch he throws. It is a dance party to say the least with them throwing the bass hard at you. Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KxhsUwLj5w.They will be doing the official String Cheese Incident pre party tonight at The Gothic. Wish I could go but with three nights of cheese ahead of me, a dismal bank account, it just isn’t in the cards. I think I might listen to their Three20South set that I saw this pass February and try to unsuccessfully relive that great night.

That’s all I’ve got for now, I really appreciate taking your time to read what I’ve got to say and hopefully I’ve sparked an interest for you. Next time I’ll let you know how SCI was as well as what should be next on your plate.

Let the Good Times Roll

While many were worried about the weather because of forecasted storms thousands still showed up for what turned out to be a perfect night for the Denver Cruisers. Similar to a flash mob or rave no one knows when or where to go except for the starting location where maps are given to minimal participants. From there the ride took me to places I’d never think I’d ride my bike to but it was a really great way to explore Denver. I also randomly ran into some friends from CU as well as Summit County, which was unexpected and great. The scene is unbelievable; one truly can’t grasp it until they participate themselves.

Getting the Wheels Rolling

What you need to know:

This blog is to let you know what’s up. I’m sure you know what’s up and you’re really cool and trendy but I tend to be ahead of the curve. Sure I won’t hit the nail on the head every time and you might not like everything I say but keep an open mind, go with it, and I’ll do my best to entertain. The content will be reflections of myself so expect it to jump around because I’m a man of many hats.

You probably already are thinking who is this guy to say he is so hip? I’m really not. I’m just your average 20 something year old trying find a direction in life and in the meantime enjoying every moment of uncertainty. This journey generally leads me to the good, the bad, and the funky. Since moving to Denver I’ve already found some of all the above but I’m an optimist so I’ll stick to the good and the funky.

The first event I want to get people in the loop on is called The Denver Cruiser Ride. Many of you may be aware of this event seeing how it has been happening since 2005 but I first witnessed this spectacle last week. While casually hanging out on my balcony Grant Street became engulfed with people on bikes. I’m not talking about your road bike racers, fixie hipsters, or full suspension mountain men. I’m talking Knights and Nighties themed partiers. This is a pub-crawl that happens every Wednesday starting at 7pm. The line of bikes lasted 10 blocks starting with your Lance Armstrongs in front and finishing with those fighting to stay upright. The theme this week is Tour D’France so grab your yellow shirt or try to be the smelliest Frenchmen there I don’t care how you interpret it. If you like to have a good time, get some exercise, and have a few drinks come join this week. You don’t have a bike? No problem. There are numerous rental locations in Denver. For more info check out: http://www.denvercruisers.com/.

This is a great starter piece for me because I can confidently say anyone will enjoy this event. I can’t promise that on many things I’ll surely write about on here so do yourself a favor and trust me. This happens at the end every week at the end of the ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLrxBRs3a8. Only in Colorado.