Photo Gallery
The Colorado Wave
Scientific & Cultural Facilities District Links

Announcements
Local Music
CD Reviews
Biographies
On the Town
Band Directory
Links

Leads and Business Networking
Search Calls for Entry

Contact Us
Advertise With Us

List Your Event
List Your Leads Group
List Calls for Entries

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

...read earlier On the Town commentaries 

On the Town

on keyboards, Oates delivered passionate acoustic versions of the Hall and Oates hits such as “Rich Girl,” “Kiss On My List,” “Maneater,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone,” and “One On One,” as well as Oates renditions of songs he wrote for other musicians.

Since coming under it's new management a year ago back, the Oriental is developing a reputation for booking above average talent, such as seen in Saturday's performances. With it's new sound system, and some personell additons we will let them announce, the Oriental is poised to become one of the top driving forces in Denver's music scene.

...read earlier On the Town commentaries 

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

the Songs" with Jed Leiber on Keyboards PLUS Dewey Paul Band (Acoustic) at the Oriental Theater on April 27th. The show is nearly sold out, so get your tickets FAST. Expect to see even more top acts coming to the Oriental soon. For more info, visit www.theorientaltheater.com

...read earlier On the Town commentaries 

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

Register today at: www.beckwourthmountainclub.org or at the REI Denver Flagship, REI Englewood and REI Lakewood stores.

Cost: Adults: $30 (before 5/12/07); $35 (after 5/12/07)
Youth (to age 12):$25 (before 5/12/07); $30 (after 5/12/07)

For more information please contact 303-831-0564/ nicola@beckwourthmountainclub.org

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

Thankful ... for the music

Yes, I'm thankful for all the usual things, but this Thanksgiving I realized what I'm most thankful for.

Music!

And the musicians who give us their all night after night.

After other committments forced an extended absence from the local music scene, the world was starting to seem more than unpleasant. But moments after stepping into Eck's Saloon and listening to the passionate sound of Five 13, all was right with the world again.

Danny Martinez
Five 13

For those who may be unfamiliar with Five 13, they are one of the most popular and talented cover bands on the Denver scene. New drummer Scotty Young, who has recently replaced Ty Moyer after an injury prevented his playing, is right at home with the band... and the crowd. (see earlier reviews on this band and the original band Relapsed in the On the Town and Local Music sections)

So before I sign off, I would like to thank all the bands out there who put the world right, time and time again. You are the life force of the universe. Many thanks to you all this Thanksgiving day.

Timeless!

Our last several reviews have centered around the premise that good music is timeless. Pat Benatar's recent performance at City Lights Pavillion drives this message home with an exclamation point.

Benatar soared to the top in the late seventies with her debut album, In the Heat of the Night, which featured the hits "Heartbreaker" and "I Need a Lover" . But this shooting star has yet to burn out.

Whether doing her new material or her hits from the eighties, Benetar delivers each song with the energy and passion of a young hopeful who has been told there are some important record people in the audience.... while at the same time possessing the precise control, stage presence and delivery that comes from years of committment to being the best she can be.

Backed by lead guitar Neil Giraldo, who has been with Benatar since the beginning (and somewhere along the way became her husband) the couple transitions effortlessly from hard hitting rock to acoustic ballads... sometimes within the same song.

Heavy metal fans might be shocked to hear this, but Benatar can scream louder than the loudest screamer out there. There is a difference though, and it's an important one. When Benatar screams it's done perfectly on key and only to punctuate a salient point before swooping back down into more melodic lyrics.

Opening for Benatar was the Norweigan rock sensation, Hangface. In their earlier stops in Denver, Hangface has developed a large following of loyal fans who can be counted on to show up at every show.

A Hangface concert in Denver is a little akin to a high school reunion where you get to see all your old friends... only these are people you got to know and love at the Hangface concerts instead of school. People you drift apart from during the months between concerts, but who you are always glad to see and catch up on "old times."

Pat Benatar

Neil Giraldo


DJ from Hangface

These are the folks who accurately predicted when Hangface was playing the small nightclubs shortly over a year ago that this band was going somewhere fast. Those predictions have come true. Hangface is playing the big venues (though they can still be counted on to show up in the clubs while in town) and is the next big thing on the rock scene.

Below: The winner of the Sweepstakes to win the 1947 Hangface Knucklehead Roadster. Winner lives in the Denver area and was announced at the City Lights Pavillion Show. Photos by Mark Stout

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

America... A Three Generation Favorite

View America Concert Photos

Looking out over the sea of people that filled the lawn at Beaver Creek for the America Concert, one thing was clear: Great music slices cleanly through the generation gap.

The audience ranged from people in their teens to those of us who loved America when their music first stormed the nation 36 years ago. And the young loved the show as much as the old. America has done the impossible: it is gathering a new generation of fans with each show.

How they managed such a feat is no mystery when you listen to the old hits such as Sandman, Ventura Highway, Sister Golden Hair, Horse With No Name and the countless songs that come out of their "You don't remember we did this song collection". America's music is timeless. If the reaction of the young members of the audience is any barometer, any one of their classic hits being released for the first time today would again sail to the top of the charts.

There has been no rest for this legendary band. Driven by Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, America has been doing over 100 shows a year non-stop for more than three decades. The rest of the band has been along for the biggest portion of the ride. Guitar player Micheal Woods has been on board for 33 years, drummer Willie Leacox goes back about 35 years with the band, and bass player Rich Campbell - who Dewey says has added a lot to the show - has been with the band over five years.

Asked if they knew back in the beginning that it would turn out like this, Gerry responded with a resounding, "No!"

Neither did we. Most of the bands that we loved back then have faded away. Who could have dreamed that America would still be an international favorite after all this time.

America, we salute you!

Fantastic job!

Thanks for all the love (and hard work)!

Gerry Beckley, America

Dewey Bunnell, America


Rich Campbell, America

More Than Music

This week we reviewed three blues shows including the lovely Ladies of the Blues at their "Romancing the Toad" show, Maria Muldaur, and Dan Treanor and African Wind - and one rock show by the recently signed band, Relapsed. The common thread binding them all is that the performances were more than just music.

This was most notable with Dan Treanor's show at Swallow Hill Friday night. Treanor has explored the blues through its history and into its roots in Africa. The result is one of the richest, fullest musical experiences one could ask for.

Think you don't like the blues? Treanor asked the audience for a show of hands from those who were fans of rock and the other genres of music and then explained that they are all stemmed from the same source as the blues. We don't know the full story on that, but there is something in the blues that seems to reach everyone.

Treanor's band, African Wind is versitile with each member switching between a multitude of instruments, many of which cannot be found in the local music store. Treanor also has a knack for finding the exact right talent to complete a song. The "Mercy" CD just released and Friday's show included mind blowing vocals from Rex Peoples and Madame Andrews.

A gospel duet sang by Peoples and Andrews left the audience on thier knees... if not in praise of the lord... then in praise of their magnificent performance.

Those who think Maria Muldaur has been taking it easy since the smash hit, Midnight on the Oasis, need to get another thought. In the 32 years since Midnight stormed the nation's airwaves, Muldaur has released 32 albums and is still a national favorite.

Thursday night her "Tribute to Peggy Lee" show at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret was a sellout, as were the Friday and Saturday night shows. With her rich, powerful, and soulful vocals and her completely professional stage presence, Muldaur is destined to remain a favorite.

Speaking of the Blues and Lannie's, don't miss the History of the Blues show on Sunday, May 28, or the show on June 4th when Dan Treanor and African Wind take the stage at Lannies. Lannies has also opened a patio restaurant on the 16th St. Mall.

Several of the top female blues vocalists in Denver have joined forces to put on a top rate show. A couple months back it was held at Herman's Hideaway under the name of Ladies of the Blues on Broadway and it featured the Jill Watkins Band, Tempa and the Tantrums, MojoMama and Wendy Woo. Last week the act joined forces at the Toad Tavern under the headline, "Romancing the Toad."

Both shows were played before full houses. The Toad show differed in that it featured DU4ROUX instead of Wendy Woo. Cherie of DU4ROUX, with her rich, deep throated, soulful vocals fits the bill for a blues show much better than the more contemporary and lighter style of Woo.

Jill Watkins is evolving rapidly as a singer with each performance a little more powerful than the last. While she has been one of our favorites since we first caught her act a couple years back, the amount of evolution in the level of her performances in recent months is something to behold. If you haven't caught a Watkins show recently, be prepared for a very pleasant surprise. We think she could now hold that high note the entire length of the show if asked to do so.

Jessica Rowland, who fronts MojoMama, sings with a sincerity and "innocence" that makes you love her. The band is near completion on the release of a CD. Many of the songs that will be on the CD were performed at the Toad show and this is a CD you will want to add to your collection.

As for Tempa, well, she is still making sure that you feel the blues with each note. More than a just a deep, rich voice on the stage, Tempa has a way of making you part of the song. This popular band is now booked almost seven days a week.

Put the four women on stage together and it is something that has to be seen and heard to believe. In each of the two occasions where this has happened, members of the audience have come up to me and said, "My god! Can you believe that."

Also hard to believe is the performance put on by Relapsed, at their CD release party. If we were to pick the next rock star to come out of Denver, lead singer Danny Martinez would be the hands down winner. Martinez delivers passionate, energetic vocals with a powerful voice capable of remaining on key at any tonal range or volume. The tight band consisting of Martinez, Joe Marone (bass guitar and vocals), Brian Mesa (lead guitar, vocals) and Rob Marone (drums) is a precision machine that has, for obvious reasons, landed itself a record deal with the German label, MTM Music.

The only thing holding this band back is a lack of exposure. If Relapsed gets out on the road and in front of enough audiences, it could easily become the next big thing.

Maria Muldaur
View Photo Gallery

Dan Treanor with an African String Instrument

Madame Andrews

Rex Peoples

Jessica Rowland
MojoMama

Jill Watkins

Tempa

Danny Martinez

Be sure to click on our link to listen to The Colorado Wave, the original homegrown music showcase produced by Carmen Allgood. Carmen not only offers unsigned artists a way to be heard on the radio, she has a knack for putting together the best hour of listening in the nation. We are proud to have teamed up with Carmen and to make her show available for you to listen to whenever your are ready to do so.

Our Ladies of the Blues
Left to Right: Jessica Rowland, Tempa, Tommy Nahulu (emcee), Jill Watkins, Cherie

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter is the best and oldest medicinal remedy on the books. Now it is being pressed into a new use by the No Shame Comedy team (local comedians Sean T. Donahoe, Jeremy Make, and Andy Raney), with the "Tap Out" comedy contest for breast cancer.

Modeled after tag-team wrestling, each team of three comedians has 15 minutes to present their stand-up routines, switching from one team member to the next depending on crowd response. After all the teams have performed, local celebrity judges (including Matt Need from the 106.7 KPBI “Uncle Nasty” show) and the audience will choose the winning team.

Along the way, there will be some huge giveaways, great drink and appetizer specials, and plenty of antics. And it's all for a good cause. Proceeds from door donations and raffles will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation... because as one of the comedians said, "A breast is a terrible thing to waste."

No Shame Comedy has dedicated the show to their retired Cherry Creek High School speech and debate coach Peggy Benedict, who is still in the fight against breast cancer.

The show is at 7:30 on Thursday, May 25th at Stallions Restaurant, 9070 Maximus Drive • Lonetree, CO. A $6.00 donation is requested at the door. Arrive early. The show is expected to be a sellout.

An Interview with Gunnar Nelson

Gunnar Nelson was gracious enough to answer some questions for WhatsDoingTonight.com. We feel that the answers give you more insight into who NELSON is and are running the questions and answers verbatim.

Q. Is the Legacy tour being done to help promote the release of Ricky Nelson's Greatest Hits CD and DVD?

A. Yes, this tour is intended to promote the Ricky Nelson's Greatest Hits CD, and the Ricky Nelson Sings DVD that have just been released.

Q. How does it feel to be promoting your father's work and memory?

Gunnar Nelson

A. Man, it feels so fullfilling. I don't know how else to describe it, other than to say that my dad was a GREAT guy... and he really deserves the newfound respect, attention, and sales that he's enjoying. It's my honor as his son to honor him.

Q. There was a mention during your show that Ricky wrote songs for other groups. What are some of the songs he wrote for others, and are there songs he wrote that he did not perform himself?

A. Wow. I wouldn't really be the one to ask. He was quite prolific during his Stone Canyon Band years... and I know Olivia Newton John covered one of his songs on her record in the mid seventies.

Q. I read somewhere that there was a song of Ricky's that is a favorite of yours but that you seldom perform it. What was the name of the song and why do you only rarely do it?

A. It's called 'Easy To Be Free'. It's something we don't play much because we performed it at his funeral service, and it takes a lot out of us emotionally to perform it. It's a great song... but it takes us back to a painful time.

Q. The song "Just Once More" was particularly moving. Someone told me the song is actually about Ricky and written after his death. Can you elaborate on this?

A. Just Once More was a gift from somewhere bigger than here. It was a song that came through us after a friend asked the question: 'If you had five minutes left to live and had the chance to sing one song about the most important thing you've learned while you were here, what would it be?" The songs about not taking the people you love for granted.

Q. Is there anything in particular about your father you would like people to know? Of his qualities, which would you most like to see in yourselves?

A. He was a gentle, kind man who loved his children and his songwriting. He loved to entertain people. He really was a troubador... a world traveler with a gift of making people blissful. A healer. That's what I would like to be.

Q. Of your own songs, which was the most popular?

A. Love and Affection sold more copies... but After the Rain was even more memorable it seems to most people.

Q. Of the songs you have written, have any of them been written strictly for others to perform?

A. Well, I wrote a song for George Lynch's 'Sacred Groove' record called 'We Don't Own This World'... but hey, wait! It's still me singing. So, nope. I pretty much sing everything I write.

Q. I'm curious about the name Gunnar. Does it have some special significance?

A. It's Swedish, and it means 'The King's Most Trusted Man'. My Pop just always loved the name after he heard that his friend, actor Howard Keel, had named his son Gunnar.

Q. I know you told us during the show, but what were the names of the guitar player and drummer?

A. When you saw us, we were playing with Cary Park on Lead Guitar, and Brian 'The Dogboy' Burwell on drums.

Q. Has doing the Legacy tour brought about any unusual or interesting occurrances?

A. Just a LOT of people coming up to us saying they performed in our dad's band. If everyone was telling the truth, the Stone Canyon Band had about five hundred members in it. (it didn't).

Q. Since your show here, I have had several different people - fans who have seen your shows and someone who did the sound engineering at one of your shows - comment to me about how impressed they were by various qualities: the lack of ego, how approachable you seem, the values and integrity you emanate. How have you been able to maintain your personal values in a world that constantly demands you compromise them?

A. Well, I think such values are sexy in a person. My grandpa Ozzie always said, "Arrogance accompanies incompetence". I agree.

Q. You mentioned George Harrison hanging around the house when you were kids. Who else was frequently at the house in those days?

A. All the Eagles guys. Jackson Browne. Linda Ronstadt. Crosby Stills and Nash. And a couple of big stars too.

Q. What are the plans for when the Legacy tour is over?

A. Just keep on keepin' on. We're working to get a new record out... and a new TV show built around that new record. You'll be the first to know.

Q. If there is anything you would like to tell our readers?

A. I want to thank everyone for all of your support through the years. Please check out our website, www.thenelsonbrothers.com, as well as the Ricky Nelson Greatest Hits CD and Ricky Nelson Sings DVD. They're must-haves... and you won't regret it! See you on tour!

Click here for more photos of the Nelson's show in Black Hawk

On the Town
Bits of What's Doing in the local music, arts and entertainment scene

Garden Party

At first glance, it was Rick Nelson's kids up there on that stage at the Isle of Capri in Black Hawk and they were singing dad's songs. Very appropriate for a tour that's being done to celebrate their father's legacy and mark the release of Ricky Nelson's Greatest Hits CD.

The house was packed with an older crowd, possibly there to remember what was. They were not disappointed. Matthew and Gunnar delivered Ricky's hits the way we all remembered.

But the Nelson twins are not boys. While they somehow manage to look as if they are still in their early twenties, they are grown men and accomplished performers in their own right.

Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
Click for more photos

I enjoyed the oldies and being reminded of what was. I was also somewhat astonished to learn that the Ricky Nelson I had listened to as a child had accomplished so much more than I was then aware of. But I have a confession... I liked their own material even more.

One song in particular, "Just Once More," tugged at the heart. There was a passion and a depth in how it was performed that seemed to say it had a special meaning. I later learned that this song was written in response to Ricky's tragic death. Among its moving lyrics is the line, "...'Cause every day in every way I try and make you proud".

Indeed, you have.

What father could ask for more? Sons that are not only exceptionally talented musicians, but who seem to have compassion for others and personal values despite growing up in a world that encourages otherwise.

Add the latter quality to their talent and you have the reason why a show by the Nelson brothers is so special. Instead of using an overdose of fog, lights and special effects to carry the show, the show rested entirely upon the musical ability of the band delivered to the audience in a sincere and unpretentious manner to attract a sell out crowd. And after the show — when many performers of their stature would quietly slip out the back door — the Nelsons stayed to talk to every fan, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. There are no egos here. They are doing it for you and when you walk away, you'll somehow feel that you just made a friend.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson stepped into the world with a rich musical and artistic heritage... and some very big shoes to fill. Not just those of Rick, but of Ozzie and Harriet as well. Yet the twins didn't depend on the reputation of those before them to make their way... they blazed their own path to the top of the charts.

It was not until 14 years after Rick's death that his son's began to play his material along with their own. That, and their latest CD, "Like Father, Like Sons" is a tribute to the rich musical legacy Rick left to his sons... and the world.

Regardless of whose material they do, a show by the The Nelsons' is an experience you don't want to miss. For more info, visit theNelsonBrothers.com.

Click here for more photos of the Nelson's show in Black Hawk

A City of Stars

Every now and then someone laments to me that the local music scene in Denver doesn't have it going on.

And I think, "Poor you. You really out of touch, aren't you?"

On any night of the week you'll find local talent on stages across the city that you'll swear should be making headlines and performing at the Pepsi Center. Three clubs visited in three days prove that out.

Friday night I caught Curly No Shoes Jr down at Bushwackers. If Curly's deep, smoky vocals don't get you, the guitar, base, drums and harmonica are to die for. This is one tight group of musicians and one that you won't be able to watch just once.

Eck's Saloon in Lakewood has been voted the number one rock club in the city several years running due to the caliber of talent they are booking. Recently they have raised the bar a notch. In addition to the great original and cover bands, they are starting to book national touring acts about twice a month.

Saturday night Frank Hannon (lead guitarist from Tesla) held the audience spellbound. Hannon, who at one point played 3 guitars at the same time, is undoubtedly one of the top guitar players in the country. Likewise for the rest of the band. The music was pure hard rock ecstasy.

Unlike at the national venues where the performers are isolated from the audience, the crowd at Eck's was treated to an up-close and personal performance. Hannon was often so close to the audience they could (and did) reach out and touch his guitar. Not to mention the autograph and photo sessions the band engaged in after the show.

Eck's (www.eckssaloon.com) is doing it again on the 18th when Warrent takes the stage.

Sunday night, Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (www.lannies.com) proved once again they have an uncanny ability to hone in on the finest talent Denver has to offer. Vincent J. Project served up a smooth, well-polished sound. Described as "Funk Folk" or "Acoustic Soul", it's an emotional blend of R&B, Flamenco and Folk guitar styles with a dash of hip hop rhythm.

Again, the audience was treated to "perks" that rarely happen in the large concert auditoriums. The first was when Vincent called Erica Brown to the stage to add her rich voice and her fun-loving, flirtatious, rockin' blues to the mix.

The second was when Marcia Kent Davis took the stage for the first time in over a year. There is no way to succintly describe that voice except to say it is something I hope you get the chance to hear. There is power, a rich tonal quality, a sincerity, and an innocence that combine to rip your heart out and leave you crying for more.

Why aren't all these folks out on the national stage with their name in lights? I think that's something that could only be understood by a politician. There are certainly forces at work beyond the talent of the performer.

It's a tragedy, perhaps, for the performers who deserve more recognition. For music lovers, it's akin to having a hidden treasure. For less than it costs to park your car, you can enjoy the finest talent this world has to offer at your local nightclub.

Curly No Shoes Jr.

Frank Hannon

Vincent J. Project

Marcia Kent Davis

Vincent's lovely wife, Vincent & Erica

X

An Evening with Lannie

We're no strangers to LoDo and the swanky clubs that make it Denver's favorite nightspot. But there's something about Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret that makes you feel more than just a little bit important.

The feeling starts as the grand old Clocktower guides you through the city to your destination. It grows as you descend the marble stairs into the lush Parisian style cabaret, and your head might even begin to swell when the staff and performers (including Lannie herself) treat you like royalty.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the club presents Lannie Garrett's own Patsy DeCline show. This hilarious spoof on big haired country singers who have seen better days... MUCH better days... is a must see.

This is not a show for those who fear the spotlight. "Patsy" gets up close and "personal" with the audience while spewing her tales of woe, whiskey and men. She frequently presses the audience into use as her "straight man" and just when you think you've heard it all, Patsy drops another bomb... completely unexpected, bigger and more hysterical than the last.

Garrett's uncanny ability to seamlessly weave side- splitting humor into one of the finest musical performances I've heard firmly establish her in a league of her own.

As for the Cabaret, it's world-class. Only five short weeks since its inception, shows are selling out on a regular basis. In addition to the Patsy DeCline show, Lannie's is booking the best in everything from Blues to Doo-Wop to Vaudeville. For tickets visit Lannies.com.

Right: DeCline keeps her big hair in check during a number.

Lannie Garrett as
Ms. Patsy DeCline

X

Unforgettable!

Timeless? No. A return to the 1950's? Nope!

But when you walk down that flight of stairs to Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, you're ushered into another, unforgettable world. Paris 1889, to be exact, and you take your seat at the granddaddy cabaret of them all... the old Moulin Rouge.

We caught the Tuesday night Retro Vaudeville Variety Night, a show that adds to the old Paris feel. Any trace of the 21st Century and the good ol' USA you may be hanging on to vanish when emcee Pierre Jean-Pierre St. Pierre (Jefferson Arca) works his way through the tables to the stage. He is joined by his new US friend, Marilyn Monroe, who finds it extremely difficult to remember her line (boob boob de do). Witty jokes by Arca and ill-timed responses by Monroe have the audience rolling.

A variety show it is. Pairadeux kicked off the musical performances with Elizabeth delivering her rich, powerful vocals to one table at a time. Other acts included more comedy, accordian playing, a violin performance by Jamie Krutz that had the energy and motion of a rock show, Sarah Quarles, an amazing 11-year-old singer, a touch of burlesque, a couple of hillarious British puppets devoted to poking fun at Americans and an enlightening discourse between Pierre Jean-Pierre St. Pierre (played by Arca) and George Bush (played by a dummy). Whether you voted for Bush or not, this routine will have you in stitches.

The Retro Vaudeville Variety Show at Lannie's is everything you could want in an evening out on the town. As for the Clocktower Cabaret, it's magical... enchanting... mesmerizing... and a welcome departure from modern life.

From the rich, old world decor to the carefully selected talent, Lannie's is a class act. If you live here, get to Lannie's and experience an evening you won't want to end. If you have friends or clients coming to town, take them to Lannie's and show them Denver's best. If you don't live here, Lannie's is reason to put Denver on your travel plans.

Pierre Jean-Pierre St. Pierre with Marilyn Monroe

Pairadoux

Pierre and Bush

X

Country Comes to the Palladium

Chances are you haven’t heard of the Palladium on I-76 and Pecos, but it's one of the larger live music venues in Denver. For the last three years, Tex-Mex bands have jammed the huge dance floor.

That’s all about to change. While the sound of Tex-Mex music will still fill the house on Thursday and Saturday night, it has opened up the remaining slots to other music genres. Plans are in place to knock out walls and expand the already huge venue to a seating capacity 3000 people.... with free parking for all!

To kick off the new format, the Nashville powerhouse, Tamika Tyler has been coaxed into doing a special

Valentine’s Day performance. Tyler, who has been from Australia to America...from mommy to musician (again)...from unknown artist to TV sensation... is making waves on the Nashville scene and beyond.

X

Texas Comes to the D'Note

It might take a moment or two to take to Elana Rogers. But you will and when you do, you'll be hooked.

The first time I caught her act, I wasn't planning on "working". I was out to catch another band that we have already reviewed, relax and just enjoy the show.

Elana was onstage. I joined my party and placed my cameras on the table where I planned to leave them for the night. I couldn't tell you exactly what it was, but something signaled me that this was a true artist on the stage. It was time to forget my conversation and devote

Elana Rogers

my attention to the show. Before long I was bellied up to the stage with my cameras trying to capture the essence of this performer on film.

It was her last song. So I decided to catch her act again tonight at the D' Note. Here's the scoop. When on that stage a beauty radiates from Elana that transcends the physical realm. There's joy, passion, and a sense you are one with Elana. And there is talent. Plenty of it.

Elana's music has been called "Country-Tinged Rock", or "Americana-Rock." Neither is quite correct. The style is Elana... with a goodly helping of her Texas roots. It's talented songwriting, delivered with smoky passionate vocals. It's Elana sharing her soul.

Elana isn't for everyone. Those who are conditioned to like only "the sound" that the mainstream radio stations happen to be currently pushing won't care much for her shows. But if you appreciate the free expression of real musical talent, mark your calander to catch Elana's next show at the Oriental Theatre on Feb 3rd.

Tuesday Nights with Capricorn at Cero's

Tucked away on South Broadway about a block north or Herman's Hideaway is a cozy little joint named Cero's. Unlike the club just to its south, the name doesn't draw immediate recognition... but it soon will.

Cero's is a renovated old two story home with a unique southwestern decor. The friendly environment causes all who enter once to enter again. Add to that some great music and it's destined to become one of Denver's better known hot spots.

Tuesday nights feature jam sessions led by The

Capricorn

Compilation Band. Usual guests in include Capricorn and Vacant Excuses. Capricorn has a sound that is rock, jazz and almost tropical. Though the music is smooth and easy to listen to, it is also passionate and moving. For a band that has been together less than a year, Capricorn is tight and talented.

Sharing the stage were members of seven bands, sometimes all at once. The various musicians all slipped into the routine as if they had been practicing for months... a feat that always amazes me.

Cero's seems to have become a hangout for musicians. And if you go, we think it will become your hangout too.

Colorado Springs Station Adds Colorado Wave

KSKX 105.5 FM The Sax in Colorado Springs has added The Colorado Wave produced by Carmen Allgood to their lineup. Program Director, Mike Lewis will launch The Colorado Wave on Sunday January 22nd at 6pm. Thunderous applause!!! The show features Colorado Indie Artists. The station is part of locally owned and operated Pikes Peak Broadcasting Company cluster. It will be the first and only station in Colorado Springs to air a local music show...That's the ticket. Visit www.thecoloradowave.com for more information on the show.

Theater at the Mercury Cafe

Marilyn Megenity, proprietor of the Mercury Café will present the Mercury Motley Players production of “A Walk in the Woods” directed by Elizabeth Rose opening Saturday, January 14. Performances are 7:30pm Saturdays only through February 25. Tickets for all performances are $15. There is a free preview on Saturday January 7 at 7:30pm. “Marx in Soho,” a one man show starring Christopher Kendall continues 7:30pm Fridays through January 28. Tickets for that show are $10. For reservations, call the Mercury Box Office at 303/294-9258.

A long running West End and Broadway success “A Walk in the Woods” by Lee Blessing examines a subject of continuing importance to the modern world - the negotiations of nuclear disarmament. In the woods on the outskirts of Geneva, an American and a Russian arms negotiator meet informally after long talks at the bargaining table. The Russian, Botvinnik (portrayed by Craig Osterberg), is urbane and humorous though cynical as to what results the talks can bring about. Honeyman (portrayed by Phil Luna), his American counterpart, is a newcomer to the negotiation table and an idealist, convinced of the value of hard, honest bargaining. As the seasons change and the arms talks drag on, the two men continue their meetings in the woods and through their absorbing conversations we sense the growing understanding and mutual admiration developing between the two, and also the increasing frustration which confines them both.

The Mercury Café, one of Denver’s most popular landmarks, features music, theatre, dining, poetry readings, swing, salsa and tango dancing, including dance lessons.

.

Dec. 10, 2005
A Living Legend

At 78 years old, you would think there would be some sort of quaver... a crack now and then... something in the voice to expose the years. Not so with Willie Houston. At the Walnut Room tonight, his voice rangs powerful and true. His songs were delivered with passion, precision, and a winkle of delight. Backed by the talented Blues Prowlers, it was one heck of a show.

We learned tonight that after two years in the making, a documentary on Willie's life has been completed. We hope to get a sneak peak at the production later this week. In commeration of this event, we will be bringing you an in-depth article on the life, and the colorful history of Willie Houston, Colorado's Elder Blues Statesman.

Nov. 28, 2005
Rumors...

Alarmed to hear a rumor that Brewski's had switched to a DJ/disco format, we drove up to investigate. We learned that it's true... there is a rumor going around. Fortunately, the rumor itself is not true.

Music by the popular cover band, That Eighties Band, confirmed the fact Brewski's is still one of Denver's rock music clubs. And it's management assured us it intends to remain so.

Nov. 15, 2005
Metrobeat TV

On Thursday, November 17th at 7:30 pm, a first of its kind television show will debut in the Denver Market. Metrobeat TV is a series of five dynamic new programs highlighting local people, places and happenings, all based on what viewers say they want to see. The-two-and-one-half hour program block will air on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 pm on most municipal Channel 8s on the Comcast system. Topics and people featured on MetroBeat TV will come largely from viewer submitted ideas on the www.metrobeat.tv website. In Denver, MetroBeat will air on Denver 8 TV.