Music Previews
Echo Chamber, May 10, Aggie Theatre, 8P, $7
The Echo Chamber is a three man group, aimed at bridging the Rock and Roll gap in Fort Collins. The band consists of Ryan Gaudie on guitar, Chris Thompson on drums and Brian Weikel on bass to create a post rock experience of high energy and an original indie spin on their classic influences. Their sound parallels the Defttones, Muse and Battles—yet their influences are only a guiding tool for their unique songs and classic covers. Their stage presence is natural, as the trio has played together everywhere from Colorado to Los Angeles to the Northwest with their dynamic performance including lasers, smoke and “massive back breaking leg kicks.” This band is one not to be missed, playing with Dead Floyd and Mama Lenny and the Remedy Friday, May 10th.
The Everyone Orchestra, May 16, Hodi’s Half Note, 9p, $12
Conducted by Matt Butler, and is internationally revered as a visually winding, mind wrapping, and aural journey the minds of some of the music industries greatest. This electrifying group has taken bits and pieces of all that inspires them to create, what is known as a Swedish smorgardasboard. Not only do you get a little piece of some of the most influential contemporary projects listed below, but you also get the improvisational transitions from their musical talent all the way to their of not only avant-garde interactive performances. This time around, and the line up for our Fort Collins Show follows as such: Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass, Dave Watts and Jans Ingber of the Motet, Kai Eckhardt of Garaj Mahal and special appearances by the infamous Marcellus Wallace.
Hog MaGundy, May 17, Ma’s Juice Bar/Yum Yum’s, 9p, Free
The engergies the guys in Hog MaGundy are able to derive from the crowd are a sure pleaser. They’ve mastered any version of funk influenced songs from the past. Typically you can catch them playing the Dead Jam at Falbo’s, or on a laid back weekend at Swing Station. Hog MaGundy is comprised of Joeseph Gavronsky on bass, Jake Scholl on the mandolin, Garrett Burrow on the banjo, Ben Hanrahan with guitar and DeVon “Tree” Lyndsay masters percussion, though all 5 add vocals. Not only are they well ascribed Jam artists; they incorporate their own style, tunes, and lyrics into every show. If you’re looking for a night loaded with surprizes, why not spend it with them?
NunChucks, May 17, 8p, Agiie Free Show/$10 under 21
NunChucks makes his independent debut alongside Funky Tunk Heroes as he opens the CD Release party for headliner Bill Smith at the Aggie on May 17th. Chuck Morris (from Lotus) describes his new individual collaborative project under the name NunChucks as, “Chuck Norris doesn’t give a fuck if the glass is half empty of half full. He’s still gonna round house, kick you in the face.” This quote is a perfect introduction to the culmination of sounds that will ring your auditory senses, in the most skillful way. If you think you know what’s coming, you don’t, this is a night for aural pleasures!
Sarah Kelton, May 18, Avogadro’s Number, 7:30 PM, $10
Sarah Kelton is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer. She started her career playing at coffee houses in Colorado and grew a large local fan base. Her folk-rock music features her melodic guitar playing and sweet serenade. The lyrics are honest and from the heart, making it easy for her to connect with every audience member. Many of her songs take on the theme of love and life, but have a fun-loving groove attached to them. Kelton’s music has been featured on TV shows appearing on NBC, FOX and MTV and she’s recorded with several Grammy winners. “Long Story Short” is her latest album and features songs like “High Tide,” “Guessing Game” and “Shades of War.”
Fatty Jenkins Band, May 18, 6p, Sliders Bar & Grill, free
Fatty Jenkins Band landed in Fort Collins over ten years ago. Over the years they have grown into a well respected reaggae-caribe-funk creation. They’ve played every imaginable venue over the front range and will be heading their last show at Sliders this month. Originally formed by four members in 1997, their band has increased into an eight-piece artistic crush. Musical talent includes guitar, bass, keyboard, 2 trumpets, saxophone, drums, and intense percussion. The bands mission has been to work professionally and creatively to always ensure a quality performance for the audience. Their journey is coming to an end, to miss this would be to miss a legendary act!
Elise Wunder, May 24, Swing Station (Laporte), 8p, $5
This lady is on the road to stardom after reaching her next step on the pathway to a perfect career. Trained and taught throughout her childhood that the classical route was the road to success, her music proves to be a rebellious response to her alternate ego. Influences that have greatly affected and shine through in her music are Buddy Holly, Son House, Neil Young, and even more contemporary artists such as Clutch. Elise Wunder’s soulful lyrics transport you to a different world, a different culture, right here in Fort Collins.
Logic, May 24, Aggie, 8 PM, $13
Touring on the “Welcome to Forever” tour, Logic will make a pit stop in FoCo this month. Also known as a ‘Young Sinatra’ (though not related to the real Sinatra), 23-year-old Logic was born and raised in Maryland. His creative rap lyrics got him signed with Visionary Music Group and Def Jam Records. His lyrics discuss his tough childhood, his future, his fans around the world and getting kicked out of school. Logic’s music shows extreme versatility, each track being different from the last. You can expect him to put on a show that will keep fans on their toes. Logic tries to inspire people through his positive-messaged lyrics, telling people to walk with honor and follow their dreams.
Capital Cities, May 25, Aggie, 8 PM, $12
On their first-ever North American tour, “Dancing With Strangers,” Capital Cities is coming to FoCo. Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian started their alt-dance music group as Internet sensations. The band is rooted in Los Angeles and inspires listeners with uplifting lyrics. They represent everything trendy about modern music, creating songs like “Safe and Sound” that have a relaxing tone, yet make you want to dance. Their latest album “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery” features catchy, electronic tracks with extremely original lyrics, as seen in songs such as “Kangaroo Court.” The band will hit over 35 U.S. cities on their current tour, spreading over the spring and summer of this year.
Wasteland Hop, May 25 w/ The Other Black, Road 34, free
Wasteland Hop is opening for The Other Black, be sure to expect a combination of guitar, vocals, bass, electric guitar, and violin. They are a self proclaimed “indie hip-hop” group with influences from the Black Keys to the Roots. Strong vocals of Steph Jay and lyric writer MC Mickey Kenny create a high energy performance experience. In the summer of 2012, they toured Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, encompassing 17 tour dates. This winter they’re touring Southern Colorado and New Mexico. In Summer 2013 they are back in Alaska and the Northwest. They are releasing a new CD this summer, with a CD release party at Equinox on June 7th. In addition, they are playing at Road 34 May 25th. Seeing this high energy, progressive band is exhilarating and captivating, not to be missed.
