MUSICMARAUDERS

Neptune Theatre Seattle, WA Words By Coleman Schwartz Photos By Scott Shrader ( J. Scott Shrader Photography ) Notorious Colorado funksters, The Motet, have spent several years building a Seattle following, throwing jubilant dance parties at intimate venues such as Nectar Lounge and Tractor Tavern. On a blustery Saturday evening in December, the band’s efforts were rewarded with their first headlining gig at the city’s historic Neptune Theatre, an iconic 885-capacity venue just steps away from the University of Washington campus. The band was supported by fellow Coloradans, Euforquestra, (originally from Iowa City, IA). After missing one of their previous Seattle gigs, I was excited to hear what this euphoric funk orchestra brought to the table. Composed of Mike Tallman (guitar and vocals), Otis Lande (bass), Matt Wright (keys, vocals), Austin Zaletel (saxophone, vocals), Matt Bricker (trumpet) and Craig Babineau (drums), this group is known for groove-based, exploratory d...

The Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO Words & Photos By Brad Yeakel ( Opti Mystic Outlooks ) Throughout the last several years, I've been lucky enough to attend a number of beer festivals organized by String Cheese Incident's keyboard wizard, Kyle Hollingsworth. His obsession with beer and music have coalesced into a beautiful pair of earthly delights. On Saturday, I attended his annual "Hoppy Holidays" event. The 21+ event included unlimited 2oz samples from 30+ craft beers between the hours of 5-8. Quite the happy hour... Or "hoppy hour." As a craft beer enthusiast, I enjoy opportunities to dabble with beers I've never tried, and samples were a great way to explore the various offerings without ending up a nuisance. As I enjoyed the array of flavors, I meandered through the crowd, mingling with the usual suspects. I thought the social aspect of the event rivaled the entertainment. With friends, some old, some new, we indulged in libations ...

Nectar Lounge Seattle, WA Words By Coleman Schwartz Photos By Scott Shrader ( J. Scott Shrader Photography ) Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) has been among my favorite bands since I first heard their Roses and Clover album in 2010. For five long years, I waited patiently for the chance to finally experience their live show. This summer, the floodgates came open and I was lucky enough to see the California rockers play three stellar shows in the span of a month. The first was at Seattle’s intimate Nectar Lounge, and the next two were at Qunicy, CA’s legendary High Sierra Music Festival. One of the many highlights came during their late-night set at High Sierra, a 3:45 am performance of their song “Barbeque” that brought sleep-deprived tears of joy to my eyes after a sixteen-hour day of music. These three performances taught me to expect the band to showcase their diverse talents through high-energy improvisation, beautiful songwriting, and inspirational lyrics and banter. Needl...

Quixote's True Blue Denver, CO Join us on Friday January 1st, 2016 at Quixote's True Blue in Denver, Colorado for the official Umphrey's McGee after party featuring Earphorik with special guest Jake Cinninger (Umphrey's McGee), Fade Runner with special guest Joel Cummins (Umphrey's McGee) and Eminence Ensemble! Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com/purchase ! www.umphreys.com www.facebook.com/Earphorik

Quixote's True Blue Denver, CO Join us on Saturday December 19th at Quixote's True Blue in Denver, CO for a Holiday Hoedown with The Drunken Hearts feat. Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth) and Rob Eaton (Dark Star Orchestra)! Tickets are available at www.quixotes.com/event www.thedrunkenhearts.com

1stBank Center Broomfield, CO Words & Photos By J. Picard The Grateful Dead and their offshoots are the pinnacle of the jamband scene. While many bands have followed in the footsteps of their greatness, there is something about a Dead show that fans and followers can only get from the source. The announcement of Dead & Company sparked mixed emotions on the scene and with the announcement of John Mayer up front, many fans voiced very critical concerns. I had my doubts, however, as the tour unfolded many were forced to eat crow, myself included. Leading up to Dead & Company's two night run at 1stBank Center anticipation grew and the mad scramble to secure tickets unfolded among our friends. With our passes secured I braced myself for yet another ride on the bus and the first for my wife, Carly. I was excited for the personal experience, though even more excited to share in the experience with Carly and many of our great friends! Sunday came and while we were a...

Boulder Theater Boulder, CO Photos By Kevin Hahn ( Split Open & Shoot ) View Kevin's Full Photo Gallery Here! www.thebadplus.com www.joshuaredman.com

Musicquarium Lounge Seattle, WA Words By Coleman Schwartz Photos By Jean-Paul Builes Spyn Reset is a Seattle power trio that plays some of the most distinctive and inimitable music I have ever heard. They are equal parts progressive rock and live electronica, leaving me no choice but to classify their genre as “prog-tronica.” Their catalog is diverse and refined, running the gamut from in-your-face, danceable prog-rock bangers all the way to meticulously constructed downtempo, ambient tracks that you can relax to at night. I first saw them perform by chance in February of this year, and since then I have done my best not to miss any of their shows. Their instrumentation is a bit unconventional, with Evan McPherson playing the atypical role of guitarist/bassist. He uses a looper pedal to achieve the effect of playing both instruments simultaneously, and his insane prog-rock chops certainly shine on each of them. His playing is at times reminiscent of Gabriel Martin and John...

Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA Words By Coleman Schwartz Photos By Scott Shrader ( J. Scott Shrader Photography ) Seeing the Polyphonic Spree was a totally unique musical experience. From the minute they took the stage at Seattle’s intimate Tractor Tavern, it was clear that the performance would be anything but normal. The eighteen-piece band, each donning their trademark white choral robes, were just barely able to stand onstage together, only fitting thanks to multiple tables and a road case being used to extend the stage area. The venue had promised to stack band members to make them fit, if needed, but this was thankfully not required. Their instrumentation warrants further explanation. I will begin with their vocal section, centered around bandleader, Tim DeLaughter. DeLaughter’s vocal style reminds me of a cross between Elton John and Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips), taken in a more classical direction. He was backed at this performance by four female harmony vocalists, w...

Words By J. Picard Photos By J. Mimna Photography The music industry is an industry of challenges, ups and downs. This story begins with immediate challenges that we met with adversity and an overwhelming influx of support that reflects the true nature of the Colorado music scene. The week started with the closing of The 1up - Colfax, a Denver venue that had quickly become a staple on the national scene. The mad scramble ensued with both myself and the musicians making phone calls to nail down a new venue for Friday and Saturday, and to obtain gear for the run. Within' twenty four hours of being handed lemons, we had already made lemonade. Long time Denver promoter and venue owner, Jay Bianchi, stepped up to make the move to Quixote's True Blue for the Denver, shows! A few phone calls later and the announcement was made to an incredible response! The Fox Theatre Boulder, CO Thursday November 19, 2015: We arrived at The Fox Theatre late afternoon and loaded in for the...