MUSICMARAUDERS

Denver's Civic Center Park Denver, CO Words & Photos By J-man Audio By Corey Sandoval ( Kind Recordings ) Saturday May 25th 2013: The sun was shining, the weather was sweet, two days of free music made me want to move my dancing feet. This past weekend Civic Center Park was the scene of the Summer of Serendipity free concert series featuring two days of fantastic music at the Greek Theater. The city was buzzing like a music festival as I approached the empty venue. The production crew was setting up at a rapidly efficient pace, while the vendors and merchandise booths took shape. The Malai Llama finished their opening set and made way for Colorado new-comer, Genetics. The five piece band began their set to a near empty space, but as their set progressed, and with the sound of "free music" bouncing between downtown buildings, the crowd grew in size. Through an hour and a half set Genetics shreded and displayed their ability to start, stop and change on the dro...

Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Join us this Friday May 31st and Saturday June 1st at Cervantes in Denver, CO for MusicMarauders Presents: Two Nights of Lettuce & The London Souls feat. Eric Krasno! Purchase FRIDAY Tickets Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event Purchase SATURDAY Tickets Here: www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm (event ends at 2:00 am) $20 Advance / $25 Day Of Show / $35 2-Day Pass www.cervantesmasterpiece.com www.royalfamilyrecords.com/lettuce www.thelondonsouls.com

Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue, Colorado Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock The unofficial start to every summer concert season comes with Head For The Hills opening Mishawaka with their Pickin’ On The Poudre festivities. This year was no different and included the special treat of the first ever live performance of the Drew Emmitt Trio as well as local favorites Mosey West. The night began with a beer tasting featuring the H4TH/Odell’s Brewing Company collaboration on what has been dubbed Head For The Hills Colorado Amber Ale. This drinkable Amber is incredibly smooth and delicious with a sensible 5.1% ABV and a lightly hopped 24 IBU. “Tastes like bluegrass.” –Matthew Fritz A few lucky fans nabbed tickets through Mishawaka’s email list. The band sampled the beer and mingled with the crowd for about an hour before we were left to our own devices. The show was sold out so fans floated around with fingers in the air and desperately asked for extras. As the buses offloa...

Bluebird Theater Denver, CO Words & Photos By Brad Yeakel The excitement was palpable as dedicated fans and curious first-timers convened at the Bluebird Theater to see the aptly named Black Moth Super Rainbow. The western Pennsylvania experimental music group has developed a style that seems to show dark energy (black moth) in a dazzlingly colorful (super rainbow) way. They have amassed a cult following, that seemed to be ecstatic for the opportunity to witness the bizarre band live. Preferring near anonymity, BMSR was shrouded in shadows throughout the show. A projector lit up the stage with imagery of nature. Each slide eventually revealed very subtle motion, such as smoke rising from a smoke stack, a person unexpectedly running by the camera, or other random variations. The lights were stagnant, changing infrequently in dull tones. It was a very banal visual production, yet it seemed to accentuate the mysterious, psychedelic oddities that defined the group... a group led ...

The Oriental Theater Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Jedediah Liddell ( Lovemore Creations ) Audion By Corey Sandoval ( Kind Recordings ) Denver was buzzing on this particular Saturday as The Everyone Orchestra made a stop at The Oriental Theater, just outside of town. The sidewalk out front of the venue was packed with folks socializing and participating in the swing of what felt like a shakedown. Following an intro from Matt Butler explaining the concept of the project, the group launched right into an improvised "composition" that involved the crowd yelling "yes" almost immediately. From left to right the line-up included Jans Ingber (The Motet), Kai Eckhardt (Garaj Mahal), Dave Watts (The Motet), Bill Nershi (The String Cheese Incident), Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass) and Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth)! It had a very Colorado vibe from the line-up to the execution. "What do you mean by that?" you might be asking. What I mean is that Colorad...

Words By J-man The hype surrounding the release of Daft Punk's fourth album, Random Access Memories , has overtaken social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Very rarely does an album draw such a wide range of criticism and appreciation, so with no other choice, I hit play. A large build up resolves to a Nu-Disco dance party with talkbox at the forefront on "Give Life Back To Music." The immediate unexpected Nu-Disco sound will intrigue many and turn off many more. Those who expected electronic dance music are instead treated to actual instruments, instrumentation and an output that sounds more like baby-making music from the 70's. Tracks like "The Game of Love" bring the album to an almost swaying stand still, but keep the listener holding on to catchy lyrical melodies and sonic range. "Giorgio By Moroder" offers listeners verbal insight into the life of upcoming DJs before dropping into basic beats that could easily overtake the critical a...

Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, Colorado Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock Everyone Orchestra travels the country bringing one-time only musical experiences to the masses. From the mind of Matt Butler lineups are assembled and during his shows he creates themes and tangents for the band to follow. Everyone Orchestra scheduled a three-night romp through Colorado that included stops in Gunnison as well as Denver, but they began with a night at Hodi’s Half Note in Fort Collins. The lineup was made up of Matt Butler conducting, Dave Watts on drums, Steve Kimock on guitar, Anders Beck on dobro, Jans Ingber on percussion and vocals, Kai Eckhardt on bass, and for one night only Bridget Law on violin. This power packed group was certainly enough to create an amazing musical experience, but first up was Marcellus Wallace. Marcellus Wallace is a soul, funk, rock, and adventure lead by singer Devon Parker of The Nu Classics. They came out strong mesmerizing the crowd with their b...

Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, CO Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock Euforquestra has traveled through the murky waters of change and emerged triumphant and unscathed. Musically, the adversity of losing a founding member could be enough to rock the very foundation on which any band is built. This is not the case with Euforquestra. They continue to tour relentlessly and are currently celebrating their tenth year on the road. The one two punch of Craig Babineau on drums and Scott Mast on percussion have become the new foundation on which Euforquestra is plowing ahead. Both have rock solid licks reminiscent of the Joimoe/Trucks combo when they push past the Southern Rock and into the World Funk. Matt Wright on keys has truly stepped up and has wholeheartedly embraced playing the front man singing with a silky demeanor that really pleases. With Jeter recently becoming a father, his time on stage has been limited, which means there have been a number of local players who have...

Boettcher Concert Hall Denver Colorado Words & Photo By Nicholas Stock Few people have so mastered an instrument as Bela Fleck has the banjo. In fact, the man is so synonymous with this instrument that words like “master” and “genius” almost fall short in their simplicity. From the time he was first inspired listening to the Earl Scruggs’ recording of The Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song to his time with The New Grass Revival to forming The Flecktones it’s difficult to think of anyone who has been more innovative with their instrument. Fleck has been nominated for a Grammy in more musical categories than anyone and all with the banjo. Having just toured through town with the Flecktones he made a return visit this time for an ‘Inside The Score’ session with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Having seen Trey Anastasio perform with the CSO last year I thought it would be a relatively similar experience. I was wrong. Firstly, despite the fact that this concert played host to a liv...

The Oriental Theater Denver, CO Join us on Saturday May 18th at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO for MusicMarauders Presents: The Everyone Orchestra feat. Matt Butler, Bill Nershi (The String Cheese Incident), Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass), Dave Watts (The Motet), Jans Ingber (The Motet) & Kai Eckhardt (Garaj Mahal)! Purchase Your Tickets Now At: www.holdmyticket.com/checkout www.theorientaltheater.com

Bullfrog Brewery Williamsport, PA Words & photos By Jon Irvin If there was ever a soundtrack to Les Claypool tripping in India it would probably be played by one of the most eclectic bands I have ever seen; Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams. The Padmanadha brothers brought their sitar jamming band to the Bullfrog Brewery last weekend for a mind opening experience. Family Funktion does a masterful job of blending contemporary jazz, heavy bass, and Indian melodies to bring a breathtaking sound that is rivaled by few. Being close to MusicMarauders for years, I have heard J talk about these guys for awhile now and was surprised to see them coming to my small corner of the world. The turnout was disappointing, for it being first Friday, there were many things going on in the area, but I’m sure the few that hung around at the frog did not go away disappointed. The night was filled with all three brothers; Naryan (sitar), Aneal (bass), and Ravi (drums) taking turns exploring an in...

The Highland Tap & Burger Denver, CO Words By J-man Through my short time in Colorado, I find what we've done at The Highland Tap & Burger on Wednesdays to be one of the things that I am most proud of. Wednesdays at HTB have become known nationally as one of the country's premier music showcases/residencies, with mentions in the press popping up from coast to coast. Above and beyond the incredible music is the sense of community surrounding the weekly event. Wednesdays are not only for fans, but they have also become a hot spot for musicians to come out and enjoy the mastery of their peers. You never know who you're going to run into at The Tap, whether it's members of The String Cheese Incident, Lotus, The Motet, Signal Path or a band just stopping in on their national tour. It is with great pride and a little bit of sadness that I announce the conclusion of the Wednesday Music Showcase at The Highland Tap. I want to thank Paul Brown & Juan Padro ...

Three Sisters Park Chillicothe, IL Words & Photos By Nicholas Stock Summer Camp Music Festival continues to be one of the most diverse and interesting festivals still operating today. In an era were events come and go Summer Camp has been a constant, going strong for their thirteenth year. This year plays host to yet another incredible lineup that is sure to please any music fan. One of the nice things that the organizers of this festival do that is rarely talked about is the way they break up the performances. Any festival is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” type experience, but oftentimes fans of specific genres of music are left with tough decisions on whether to see one show or the next. Sure there is some overlap as there are at all music festivals, but for the most part they try to make it easy. By having say a bluegrass band, an electronic act, a jam band and a local group all playing at the same time you can see the show you want without missing too many of your preferre...

Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge Denver, CO Words & Photos By J-man Dazzle filled in quickly as Tuesday's work concluded and folks sought a weeknight escape. We arrived early to truly enjoy our dining experience and a delightful bottle of wine prior to the music kicking off. As 6:30 PM approached, Bill and his band stepped out from the kitchen into the near capacity room and took the stage. A brief, always entertaining intro from Music Director, Kevin Lee and the show was underway. Bill's beautiful, passive approach to the guitar played out like a dream with Eyvind Kang by his side on Viola matching melodies with a straight face as bill smiled and laughed. On drums was Rudy Royston, who was loose and all over the place, yet in a tight/controlled manner that fit the percussive demand for such loosely structured music. One composition bridged to another with the utilization of obscure scales and ambient style as Bill bent down often to alter the tone of his guitar with his ...

Catch Fort Collins' own, Genetics Wednesday May 8th at Hodi's Half Note in Fort Collins for the first of their two nights of Oysterhead (FREE)! Then be sure to catch them on Saturday May 11th at Quixote's True Blue in Denver with special guest Chuck Morris (Lotus)! Get your tickets for the Denver show at: www.holdmyticket.com/checkout/event www.facebook.com/GeneticsGR www.geneticsmusic.com

The Bluebird Theater Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Kevin Hahn & J-man The Contribution is a true collective of contributing talent from several of our scene's most coveted bands. From Railroad Earth, Tim Carbone. From The String Cheese Incident, Keith Moseley. From New Monsoon, Phil Ferlino and Jeff Miller. Though I am not sure where Sheryl Renee is from, it could easily be heaven. Lastly, the newest contributor, from The Everyone Orchestra, Matt Butler. Together they've created a completely different sound and feel from any of their aforementioned projects. We arrived at The Bluebird early finding their block of Colfax Ave. near empty, with only the friendly Bluebird staff out front of the venue leading up to the show. Following a quick bite at the Mexican restaurant across the street, we headed into the venue to catch one of my recent favorites, The Drunken Hearts. Led by vocalist/guitarist, Andrew McConathy, The Hearts put on of of the best sets I've hea...

The Gothic Theater Englewood, CO Words By J-man Photos By Kevin Hahn My expectations were low and competition was excessive on the high holiday of Saturday April 20th in Denver, CO. Civic Center Park was packed during the day with thousands of folks celebrating the first 4.20 since Colorado's marijuana legalization had taken place. Just a couple of blocks up, Sancho's played host to a free "festival" featuring a handful of local bands, the evening's Red Rocks show feat. Slightly Stoopid and Cypress Hill was sold out, The Motet and Ozomatli would pack the Fillmore and The Cannabis Cup was playing host to several parties, after parties and smokeouts. That night, we found ourselves all the way down Broadway in Englewood at The Gothic Theater for New Elastic Time feat. Michael Kang, Jamie Shields, Michael Travis & Jason Hann. After an extended drive and limited options for parking, we found ourselves inside of the half filled venue. Layers of electronic m...

Initial Line-up: Les Claypool's Duo De Twang, Thievery Corporation, Bootsy Collins & The Unity Funk Band, Galactic, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Lotus, The Wailers, Keller Williams, Keller & The Kimocks, Giant Underground Conspiracy, Conspirator, Lettuce, Dumpstaphunk, John Popper & DJ Logic w/ George Porter Jr., Stanley Jordan, Adam Deitch, The New Mastersounds, The Infamous Stringdusters, ALO, Rob Garza (DJ Set), Anders Osborne, March Fourth Marching Band, Orgone, Pork Tornado, Bonerama, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, The Revivalists, Monophonics, Mike Dillon Band, Eric Krasno Band, Everyone Orchestra, Alan Evans Superjam, DJ Logic, Solo Performers: Stanley Jordan, Nathan Moore, Brock Butler, Special Guests: Cyril Neville, Oteil Burbridge, Bill Evans, Will Bernard, Alecia Chakour, Skerik, Masters Camp at Sea feat. Victor Wooten, Butch Trucks, Luther Dickinson, Col. Bruce Hampton, Kofi Burbridge, Cody Dinkinson Plus a...