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.