AUGUST 2010 ONLINE EDITORIALS
Around Town Previews
By Jeffrey Swager, Lindsay Nichols & Molly McCowan
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe & the Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Friday, September 3, Mishawaka, $25
Looking for an all night dance-a-thon? Look no further than the kickoff to Labor Day weekend with two of the finest creators of dance music in the business. The driving force behind the funky septet Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is the saxophone – and don’t forget his vocals – Denson’s originality and style is known for creating quite the party. Kyle Hollingsworth isn’t a stranger to making music to get down to, either. With his solo project, the String Cheese Incident keyboardist harnesses his creative energy by fusing many different musical genres and leading jams with serious soul.
Everyone Orchestra, Thursday, September 16, Hodi’s, $15
The conductor is back and he’s got a brand new bag! Matt Butler will bring his always-stellar collaboration of improvisational musicians to Fort Collins. Featuring Michael Kang, Jeff Sipe, Jen Hartswick and more special guests to beannounced. Every-one Orchestra is a revolving cast of incredible musicians that are conducted by the well-respected drummer/composer Matt Butler. These “orchestras” are brought to you by way of real-time improvisation, allowing room for interpretation and involving every musician onstage. This celebratory event also calls on you; audience participation is a key part of creating the directions that the music might go.
The subdudes, Sunday, September 5, Avo’s, $25
Back in New Orleans in 1987 when the original subdudes formed their band, they had no idea the success it would bring them. Seven years ago, they came back to reinvent themselves. Now local Fort Collins residents, they have continued to create music that’s both nostalgic and inventive at the same time. Constant touring is the mode of operation for this acoustic, travelling quintet. Their original music appeals to a wide range of audiences – their harmonies absolutely define their signature sound, and their messages are sincere and from the heart.
EOTO w/ The Acidophiles, Friday, September 17, Mishawaka, price TBA
Hankering for some dance-worthy grooves? EOTO always delivers. This famous electronic power duo consists of String Cheese Incident members Michael Travis and Jason Hann, who play live electronic music that never fails to get the dance floor hoppin’. What’s amazing is that everything they play is completely improvised! So not only are they rockin’ out some hefty dub-step and house tunes, they’re inventing it as they go, making for an ever-changing and always interesting set. Fort Collins electronica group The Acidophiles will open this show with their own brand of Hip-Hop trance.
Mark’s Midnight Carnival Show, Thursday, September 9,
Chipper’s Lanes, $2
Chippers Lanes has always been a place that supports local and growing musicians. Mark’s Midnight Carnival Show is a perfect example of the up-and-coming talent that this venue breeds. The onstage carnival vibe Mark portrays visually gives way to his unique form of indie-acoustic power pop. The show has an unexpected consistency of powerfully layered vocals, rich bass lines and percussive guitar riffs. Mark will also find ways to bring a few key sing-along covers to their original repertoire that one can find both tasteful and timely in their live performances.
Antique Scream w/ Pterrordactyl, Thursday, September 23, Surfside 7, $3
Psychedelic blues metal, you say? That seems somewhat contradictory: Think of the slow drawl of classic blues and mix it with what music lovers typically associate with metal – fast-paced, shredding riffs layered with screams on top. But surprisingly, this description of Antique Scream (found on their Myspace page) is quite accurate. Chris Rutledge, the vocalist of this Seattle trio, brings a certain bluesy soul to the band’s sound, and, accompanied by classic rock guitar stylings, it works well. Fort Collins speed-punk quartet Pterrordactyl will be accompanying these guys, and trust me; they are not one to miss if you enjoy high-powered, hardcore punk tunes.
Garage a Trois, Saturday, September 10, Aggie, $15
What do you get when you mix Skerik on saxophones, Mike Dillon on vibes, Marco Benevento on keys, and Stanton Moore on drums? A funky jam/rock/jazz lover’s dream come true. This collaboration has morphed through the years, but the current lineup defines and emanates improvisation at its finest. To find this band touring is a rare treat, one not to be passed up when given the opportunity. In other projects, both Skerik and Mike Dillon are known as original members of Critters Buggin’; Stanton Moore is well known for his work with Galactic; and Marco Benevento is best known as half of the Benevento/Russo duo with Joe Russo.
Random Rab, Friday, September 24, Hodi’s, $12
In a world of ever-changing creativity in the electronic music scene, creators of music of this genre have to find a way to stand out to make an impression on their listeners. Random Rab has done just that, and has acquired a dedicated and devoted fan base in the West Coast music scene. This evening is brought to you by Music for Change, a local company that puts on music events to support charity. So come out to support this amazing cause and enjoy the music.
Cherry Street Insurgency, Saturday, September 11, Road 34, $5
Power to the Peace Officer People! A Peace Officer side project, Cherry Street Insurgency calls to unite Fort Collins on this nationally recognized day. One can find a conscious message in this band’s music, similar to what you would hear at a Peace Officer show. However, the instrumentation seems to lean more towards electronic break beats with a Hip-Hop influence. Honestly, there is not much material on the web to be found on this group, which is all of the more reason to check out this intriguing side project from a respected and established local Fort Collins band.
Elephant Revival, Thursday, September 30, Aggie, $8
Ah, Nederland. For those of you not familiar with this high country mountain town right up the canyon from Boulder (elevation: 8,233 feet, population: 1,394), it’s always worth checking out, especially for its impressive folk and bluegrass music scene. After all, Vince Herman (of Leftover Salmon and Great American Taxi) calls this small town home, and the Yonder Mountain String Band was formed here as well. The five members of Elephant Revival fit right into this talented musical pack, as they are all bona fide Nedheads that are always a favorite with crowds all over Northern Colorado. Known for their unique musical stylings (washboard, djembe, cello, claw-hammer banjo, and musical saw included), this group is always a treat for any crowd that enjoys folk and bluegrass-style music.