2002 Articles

by Tim Van Schmidt

Top Ten Concerts of 2002

Unsure economic times meant dwindling crowds at concert events in 2002. Fortunately, innovative artists continued to tour, saved, perhaps, by higher ticket prices. My number one concert pick of the year goes to a veteran artist who returned to the stage after nearly a ten-year absence- Peter Gabriel. With a wide variety of music moods, great staging and lighting, a band to die for, special musical guests and material that tests the edges of comfort as well as inspires and provokes reaction.

But there were plenty of other great performances throughout the year. Here are my top ten concert picks of 2002:

1. Peter Gabriel- Pepsi Center, December 5. After such a long sabbatical, it seemed that Peter Gabriel’s stage presence had become somewhat reserved as he took the stage. But then he proceeded to walk upside down, roll around the stage in a huge ball, ride a bike and wheel a television camera wildly around the stage during a performance that introduced a whole batch of new material.

2. Tool- Pepsi Center, July 21. On the dark side of expression, the powerful heavy rock band Tool unleashed their fury in virtual darkness- eschewing spotlights in favor of just blasting through the music. The video screens did the talking with images reflecting the highly introspective nature of the music. Introspection for Tool means roiling within highly electric, driving grooves that finally overload and dominate the senses.

3. Ozzfest- Pepsi Center, August 22. Bar none, I have never seen such precision clockwork production as Ozzfest. As a result I was able to sample the music of 13 bands in a single day. On the second stage, Switched, Glassjaw, Seether, Mushroomhead, Meshuggah and Hatebreed all flailed with tough, manic energy. The main stage kept up the torrid pace starting with Ozzy guitarist Zak Wylde’s Black Label Society and including Adema, Tommy Lee, P.O.D., powerhouse Rob Zombie, System of a Down and Ozzy himself, the crowned clown of heavy metal. System of a Down, in particular, offered both power and musical challenge in their set.

4. Area2 Festival- City Lights Pavilion, August 10. David Bowie’s set at the Area2 Festival was hands down one of the single best performances of the year. Bowie’s band kept the music churning while he seemed to be having the time of his life, chatting with the audience and digging into material spanning a rich career. Another treat was a set by the Blue Man Group- mixing humorous stage antics with wild musical instruments. Add in the punk rock of Ash, the foul-mouthed rapping of Busta Rhymes and the usual electric fireworks from Moby and you have great concert value. This show, however, was a major casualty of the economic slump and was moved from the Pepsi Center to the Pavilion.

5. The Who- Fiddler’s Green, September 19. The number of truly distinctive instrumentalists left in rock and roll today is few and far between. The Who, however, continues to be the platform for one of rock’s greatest guitar innovators- Pete Townshend. Though the group continues to rely on past favorites to fill their show, Townshend let loose some mighty solos at Fiddler’s Green that transcended the songs themselves. Counting Crows opened.

6. Phil Lesh and Friends/Ratdog- Red Rocks, August 31. Grateful Dead music is on the upswing. Not only did the various offshoot bands meet for a successful “family reunion” event in the Midwest, but they also continued to scour the country for gigs apart and together. At Red Rocks, Bob Weir’s band Ratdog joined Phil Lesh and Friends for plenty of jamming and rock and roll. The day was started off by a mellow acoustic set by Warren Haynes.

7. Tom Petty/Jackson Browne- Red Rocks, August 21. The well-worn drama and emotion of the music of both Tom Petty and Jackson Browne still served audiences well at a pair of sold-out shows. Both artists also had new material to present. Petty’s band, the Heartbreakers, is one of rock’s most proficient units on the road.

8. Unlimited Sunshine Tour- Red Rocks, August 2. Despite nagging production problems, the Unlimited Sunshine Tour, masterminded by the band Cake, was still a showcase of intense talent. Beginning with the incredible energy of Kinky, the show also included Modest Mouse and De La Soul. The Flaming Lips kept blowing out the power and presented only a disjointed set, but Cake concluded the show in style- a dry, cynical, funky style that is.

9. Kool Koncert- Fiddler’s Green, June 15. Golden oldie bands continued to please at Fiddler’s Green, but with mixed results. The Shirelles opened the show with a patriotic salute. Blood Sweat and Tears played their excellent charts with precision. Both the Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie, and Paul Revere and the Raiders relied on humor and stage gags to fill in between pop song nuggets. The Village People performed to a prerecorded soundtrack and Tommy James and the Shondelles played old, old favorites with vigor and a sense of contemporary power.

10. The Dudes- Aggie Theatre, March 28. Former members of the subdudes have reunited as the Dudes, bringing with them several new musicians and a whole new take on the joyful, soulful rock and roll the subdudes had pioneered. The Aggie concert was a long awaited homecoming for the group and famed keyboardist Brian Auger opened. The Dudes also treated the community to a free show at NewWestFest, sharing the stage with Joan Osborne, and encored their Aggie performance with a date on November 29.

Other great shows in 2002: String Cheese Incident brought special guest Ricky Skaggs to the Fillmore in Denver on March 23. Pianist Peter Kater was joined by Nawang Khechog and R. Carlos Nakai as well as a full backing band at the Lincoln Center on July 15. BB King headlined at Fiddler’s Green on August 13, along with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and George Thorogood. Ray Charles brought his old-school soul and showmanship to the Lincoln Center on September 16. Avril Lavigne dominated the stage at the Pepsi Center on December 17 in a show that saw DJ Sammy, K-Ci and Jojo and P. Diddy, all performing to prerecorded soundtracks. Kelly Osbourne debuted her hard rock act and Nick Carter came on with a tough new image in a diverse end-of-the year pop music bash.

When is a Group Not a Group? Answer: Blue Man Group

In the world of rock and roll, a lot of the music you hear is made by groups- musicians who band together to create a sound, forge a career, maybe develop a “group” personality that fans can relate to. But rock and roll has rarely seen a “group” like Blue Man Group. Currently touring with David Bowie and Moby as part of the Area:2 Festival, Blue Man Group comes from the theatre world into the rock and roll world with a unique style and unusual concepts, starting with the idea that the three silent blue-painted figures that are the focus of Blue Man Group’s show are not a group at all.

“We think of the three as one,” says Blue Man Group co-founder Phil Stanton. “There isn’t a history or a story for him- he exists in the moment as a kind of an existential character. In Freud’s model of the human psyche there is the ego and superego. Ego is where personal history comes from and where we develop all our personal traits. In the Blue Man, we tried to create a person without those things. He’s also like a child at the same time.” Stanton and the other co-founders of Blue Man Group, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman, have succeeded in creating a figure- or “tribe” of figures- that have entertained audiences in concurrent theatrical productions in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas. That means, of course, that the founders are not necessarily the performers. “The Blue Man is definitely a character other people can play,” Stanton explains. “It’s not about us but a wider group who have tapped into something. We’re not actually performing on the Area:2 tour. Three guys who were the first to play the character in New York are dong the tour.”

While Blue Man Group’s theater presentations have been hailed by critics and attended by fans from all around the globe, their biggest exposure has come from television appearances, particularly in Intel commercials. “The main reason we did that was to introduce the character to people in cities other than in New York, Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas,” Stanton says. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity. They came to us and said we could have complete control and this was something we couldn’t do on our own. Plus we got to write eight 30-second movies that were very much in character. They were what we would do anyway and it really went a long way. Now, people all over the country have at least heard of the character, so it was very successful.”

In fact, it was Blue Man Group’s television appearance on the 2001 Grammy Awards show, performing with Moby and Jill Scott, that forged the link that put them on tour this summer. But Blue Man Group has performed in the rock world before. They opened for Beck at an Indie music festival, performed at Dodger Stadium in LA sharing the stage with an unlikely collection of co-stars including the Backstreet Boys, Nelly Furtado and Ricky Martin and opened a show for the Stone Temple Pilots. But playing for rock audiences is a whole different deal than playing for crowds in a theater, where a controlled environment offers the opportunity to create multi-media experiences. “The Area:2 tour is a little limited because we come on during the day. There isn’t enough darkness to use videos and lighting,” Stanton says. “For this, it’s about the music. It has to stand on its own and come across with intensity.” Fans, however, don’t need to worry that Area:2 spells the end of Blue Man Group’s fascination with staging. “Eventually we’d like to tour with a larger show, using video and lighting. We’re working on a concept that’s like looking into the windows of a building in an urban environment,” Stanton adds

To go along with this new business of rock and roll touring, Blue Man Group has created some new music. At their theater shows, raging electric music, full of dynamic percussion, has become an essential part of the experience. Those tunes became the basis for Blue Man Group’s first CD release on Virgin Records, “Audio.” “A lot of the music from our first CD came from the shows and in that regard it was not crafted for rock and roll,” Stanton says. “We’ve been working on the new CD for a year and this is the first time we’ve worked on the music from scratch.” The new album, tentatively titled “The Complex,” is almost finished, and includes 7 songs with lyrics featuring guest vocalists such as Dave Matthews. There are also three cover songs including the Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” the Who’s ”Baba O’Reilly” and Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love”(!!!) On stage, however, don’t wait for the Blue Man to start singing. “There are two vocalists in the band. The Blue Man remains a silent character, playing a lot of instruments,” Stanton says.

Anyone who has seen Blue Man Group’s shows, or even witnessed their television commercials will know that a kind of impish humor comes along with every vignette. That’s because the co-founders of Blue Man Group find that humor is simply indispensable in terms of entertaining audiences with diverse tastes. “We like to laugh. That’s part of what it is to be human. Our work tries to exist on different levels. If someone in the audience doesn’t get the deeper meaning, maybe it will be good for humor if nothing else. It’s the same thing with the visuals, they have to be able to stand on their own. In our theater shows there are a lot of visual jokes about the art world and the implication that the Blue Man was there at key times in art history. The challenge in rock and roll is that there isn’t a lot of chance for humor, but we’re going to include some comments on the rock experience, poking fun while glorifying,” Stanton says.

So how does it all happen? The creative process for Blue Man Group is nonstop and nonlinear. “Basically we keep working on something until we like it. It begins with a small kernel of an idea and we keep massaging it until we’re happy,” Stanton explains. “We’re mostly hard workers. We’re together almost every day, always working on something. One of our guiding principles is that we come up with something people haven’t seen before. If idea comes along that sounds too familiar, we just drop it.” The creative efforts Blue Man Group applies to their shows also applies to their business organization- a company that currently employs over 400 people. “Back when we first started,” Stanton remembers. “We envisioned the business as part of the artwork. A lot of artists hand over the business to others but we wanted art to be our social life, our community. Our organization had to become part of our lifestyle.”

The Area:2 festival will be pulling into Denver at the Pepsi Center on Saturday, August 10 and will be featuring Blue Man Group along with David Bowie, Moby, Busta Rhymes and Ash on the main stage, as well as top DJs such as John Digweed, officiating at the “dance tent” complete with a quad surround sound system. It’s this summer’s only chance to see one of the country’s most innovative groups- Blue Man Group- if it really is a group, that is.

Fort Collins Foundation Shares “The World Anthem” With International Audiences

Ever since there have been nations, music has been used to help stir pride and patriotism. Through words and melodies, the national anthems of the world’s countries each reflect the beliefs, emotions and heritage of their citizens and provide a musical focal point for them to share.

But what do all of these national anthems have in common? That’s the question that has been answered by a Denver composer, a California professor and a Fort Collins foundation. “The World Anthem” is a unique piece of music that blends together the common elements of the world’s national anthems in a project that has already inspired international musicians. The song is also poised to bring its message of peace and understanding across national borderlines thanks to its inclusion in many special events.

“’The World Anthem’ is not meant to be a replacement for national anthems. It’s one song that hopefully we can all share to go with each nation’s anthem. It’s a celebration of things that we do have in common,” said J.Ed Goodman of the MindShare Institute, the Fort Collins foundation that has taken on the project of exposing “The World Anthem” to the world.

The story of “The World Anthem” starts with Denver composer and author John Guillot. The idea came to Guillot in 1996 as he was working on a compilation CD by composer Stephen Bigger, called “Anthems of the World.” Guillot conceived of a single piece of music based on the common notes and tendencies of all of the world’s national anthems.

After researching ways to create this piece of music, by contacting universities and musicologists across the country, Guillot found Professor David Cope at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Cope had developed a computer program called “Experiments in Musical Intelligence,” a system that scientifically analyzes the notes, phrases, melodies, harmonies, rhythms and words of a body of musical works to generate new music based the common points. Using files created by Bigger, Guillot and Cope entered the material into the program and the result was the words and music of “The World Anthem.”

“The World Anthem” was first performed by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in November 2001. The next step was to get it recorded and that’s where MindShare comes in. Goodman knew of the project through association with Guillot and saw it as a unique development opportunity. A grant from the Tommy E. Short Charitable Foundation helped make the recording into a truly international project. The music was recorded by an all-star orchestra in Prague and the vocals were recorded in Los Angeles.

“We were able to direct the music live from L.A. by using a really high speed internet connection. Then some of the best studio singers in the Los Angeles area came in to add the voices,” Goodman explained.

To accompany the recording, MindShare has also been working on a video presentation. Film producer Brian Doubleday contacted more than 200 photographers around the world to contribute “faces of humanity” for the video.

More challenging than the recording, however, is to get the song presented to international audiences. Recently, however, “The World Anthem” was used by the Praxis Peace Institute in Croatia and in the 40th anniversary celebration of the Peace Corps in Washington D.C.

What sounds like a project that should attract universal acceptance is not without controversy, however. Recently, “The World Anthem” was performed at the Poudre High School commencement exercises at Moby Arena at CSU. But what might seem like a perfect venue- a high school graduation- for a song that offers hope for the future, reaction included criticism. A handful of letters to the editor in the Fort Collins media as well as talk show debate in Denver followed the performance.

“There are always going to be people who resist the idea that the world can have something in common,” Goodman said. “But the majority of people react positively to this project.”

Currently, the Air Force Band of the Rockies is recording its own version of “The World Anthem.” The CSU and CU marching bands will be performing the music on August 31 at Invesco Field in Denver when the two schools meet for their annual football showdown. And “The World Anthem” will be featured during the 9/11 Global Peace Conference at Ground Zero in New York City on September 11.

“Organizers see it as a positive step a year after the tragedy,” Goodman said. “There will be a lot of memorials and they want to use it as a place where we can go.”

MindShare is currently seeking contributions to help further develop “The World Anthem.”. Call 407-9195 for information.

Tuku bio

The debut Unbroken Records album from Fort Collins band Tuku, “Where the Sun Lingers,” is a celebration of all that makes pop rock great. That is, Tuku’s semi-acoustic music is full of uplifting melodies, fresh harmonies, irresistible rhythms and personally expressive lyrics. But more than that, Tuku’s sound is energetic and youthful, driven by a musical vision shared by all the members of the band. That’s five musicians, all contributing to the writing, recording and performing of an exciting new music.

Tuku’s strong musical vision can be traced back to strong family ties. The group is anchored by twin brothers Ben and Andy Sheafor. Ben is Tuku’s true front man, handling vocals, guitar as well as songwriting duties. Andy is the group’s drummer, keeping the rhythms snappy while remaining sensitive to the rest of the music. Younger sister Megan Sheafor adds distinctive vocal harmonies, keyboards and saxophone while the bottom is held down by bassist and close family friend Jeremy Justus, also a vocalist and songwriter. The newest member of the group is father Chris Sheafor, who has switched from bass to lead guitar, adding the finishing touches to Tuku’s sound.

Fort Collins music fans will recognize a similarity between Tuku’s bright, melodic music and the sound of the band Bregstown, now defunct but once a popular live music attraction in northern Colorado. Chris played bass in Bregstown and his offspring often heard the band live, came to rehearsals and soaked up musical tips and style from the older musicians while working on their own musical unit. In fact several Bregstown songs, written by Matt Gale and Brian Gloster, are included on “Where the Sun Lingers.” But then add new original songs by Ben, Jeremy and Chris and it’s clear that Tuku is staking out its own territory.

“Where the Sun Lingers” opens with the upbeat rhythms of “Impressions,” a song that balances a strong melody with lyrics that question the direction of a relationship. The next track, “Everything Changes,” showcases one of the strongest musical cards that Tuku plays- the savory vocal harmonies that occur when Ben and Megan blend their voices together. While several of the songs on the album, including “Impressions,” “Ice Storm” and “Confused,” explore the deep subject of relationships, Tuku also writes about other subjects. Jeremy’s song “Dry Your Eyes” is about domestic violence and Chris’s tune “Worm in the Bottle” is about urban kids. But whatever the subject, the consistent quality in Tuku’s songs has to do with a strong sense of emotional honesty- lyrically and musically. From the dramatic power of “Lullaby for Sara” to the uplifting celebration of “The Love That Heals,” Tuku’s music is a surprisingly mature sound for such a young band.

Produced by Perry Sheafor and Rusty Logsdon, Chris’s brother and brother-in-law, “Where the Sun Lingers” was recorded in Perry’s studio in Los Angeles and features 11 tracks. Perry is also a music business accountant and Logsdon, aka Koool G. Murder, is a studio musician who has recorded with and toured with the likes of Everlast and Sheryl Crow. What this production pair added was gloss to performances that often were so good they only needed one take at times to present the best side of Tuku.

The group’s name comes from one of the Sheafor family’s favorite life experiences. As a group they have often traveled to southern Utah, where they visit Tukuhnikivatz Peak. In the Ute language, its meaning suggested the title of the group’s new album- “Where the Sun Lingers.” In the language of American pop music, however, Tuku also means “too cool.” At least that’s how listeners will react to a music that is fresh, lively and full of heart.

The Living Dead: Still Making Things Happen

The death of Jerry Garcia in 1995 ended the Grateful Dead, but the community that the Dead created is still strong, and even growing. “Things are on the upswing,” Grateful Dead Productions publicist Dennis McNally said recently. Just log on to Dead.net and you’ll see that the Grateful Dead universe has indeed expanded way beyond the band. Here’s an update:

Phil Lesh’s liver transplant operation was a “transformative experience,” according to McNally. Since then, Lesh has come on strong with different groupings of “Friends” until settling, for the time being, with a supergroup of players including guitarists Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring. They have recently released their debut album on Lapis/Columbia Records, “There and Back Again” and will be appearing at Jazz Aspen Snowmass on August 30 and at Red Rocks on August 31 and September 1. Warren Haynes will play an acoustic solo set and Ratdog will join Lesh on August 31. Willie Nelson and Family will open on September 1.

BobWeir continues to tour with his band Ratdog, also featuring bassist Rob Wasserman, and will be joining Lesh for several tour dates in America following a European tour that will include England, France, Germany and Italy. The most recent release from Ratdog is the double live set, “:Live at Roseland.”

Mickey Hart has a new band called Bembe Orisha. Including 8 members, Hart will be performing some tour dates with Lesh. He has also instituted a new program called the “Hartattacks,” designed for fans who want to trade promotion work for free tickets. Hart’s recent CD release, “Over the Edge and Back,” samples three decades of his exploratory, rhythm-based music.

Bill Kreutzmann has emerged as an artist and has been showing his work in galleries throughout the country. For example, Walnut Street Gallery in Fort Collins recently displayed his digitally created imagery. Kreutzmann also has a new band called the Trichromes. Their self-titled debut CD includes 11 tracks with many of the songs co-written with Robert Hunter.

Robert Hunter continues touring and is “…living an orderly existence, writing songs and keeping my chops up.” Dead.net also links to other “family” members including Vince Welnick, David Grisman, Hot Tuna, Los Lobos, Wavy Gravy and many more.

There’s lots of other stuff on the web site- like info on the recent Alpine Valley reunion show- an important gig in hopes of establishing other events. There’s info on the Rex Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the Grateful Dead. And, of course, there are plenty of products, including new releases such as “Dick’s Pick’s Volume 25” and “Steppin’ Out with the Grateful Dead,” a set recorded in England in 1972.

Other products include McNally’s new book, “A Long Strange Trip…” Besides including band history, McNally also describes how things actually worked in the Grateful Dead organization- from the guy who makes the first pot of coffee in the morning through to the final speaker loaded onto the truck. That also includes having to be the band’s spokesman on the day Jerry Garcia died.

“I really did genuinely love Jerry and it was emotionally difficult. But I was not in a position to do any personal grieving at the time. There were seven TV trucks parked out in front of Grateful Dead productions when I got to the office that morning,” he remembered. McNally sums up the cultural importance of the Grateful Dead this way: “It showed that it was possible to have a genuine community based on an artform.”

McNally will be signing books at the Boulder Book Store on August 27 and at the Tattered Cover in Denver on August 28.

Techno Sounds Keep Area Fans Dancing

So maybe you’re used to music events where a band is up on a stage and the audience is down below. Maybe the audience is in chairs, facing the stage. Maybe they are on the dance floor, swirling around. Maybe it’s a little bit of both. Still, the band is usually elevated, playing out over an imaginary dividing line that is the edge of the stage.

At Johnny’s Place in Fort Collins, the scene for another of the regular “Deep Down” techno nights that have been occurring every Wednesday for the past year is very different. First of all, there is no band as such. Instead, there’s a big solid cabinet that holds turntables and sound mixing equipment. Taking turns working the equipment are strange creatures called DJ’s, perhaps joined by other strange creatures called MC’s. In this case, the gear and the DJ’s are on the dance floor itself with the crowd gathered around the machines like moths to a flame. There is no dividing line here, just an atmosphere of booming music and friendly faces.

“There’s a DJ booth up above,” says Deep Down co-producer and DJ Danny Marin, of Global Productions. “But we put them on the floor. It’s a lot more up close and personal and people can see what the DJ is doing.”

On the occasion that I visit Johnny’s Place, the Rock Coast Crew is the first tag team that take the controls. DJ Tolchock takes turns spinning, blending and manipulating vinyl records with DJ Heartburn while MC Egg adds freestyle raps reverberating on top for an edgy, exciting sound experience. Constantly shifting lights shoot little shards of color through the air as the beat keeps rolling.

“It’s a real rush to get to play my music really loud and when you’re doing well, the crowd starts cheering for you and the energy keeps building. It’s great to be with friends who like the same kind of music as I do,” says Tolchock, a.k.a. Steve Parks.

Not only is playing records in nightclubs and at house parties satisfying to the DJ’s, but it also leads to a certain feeling about “regular” music. “I’ve developed a kind of attitude against pop music and the way it’s marketed and produced,” admits Tolchock. “The way it is on MTV and on radio is that they seem to think they own the airwaves and they play the same stuff over and over so there’s no room for new styles. This has been pretty underground for a long time, but it’s getting a little bigger, more popular and better all the time.”

“Techno” is a term that covers a wide-ranging collection of music. Within the broader sense of the word are many sub-genres such as house, drum and bass, jungle and trance. The art of mixing the sounds of the records depends of the DJ’s skill at using the turntables and features such as the cross fader, the scratch mixer and pitch control. Effects such as flange and reverb can also be added. What sounds like audio chaos, however, is really an established modus operandi.

“Spinning records is a formula that is pretty much universal,” says Marin. “Everything is done to a count of four. By 28 counts, there’s usually a drastic change, like adding a new sample, a new bassline or a breakdown. After another 28 counts, you might switch to another record or have another breakdown. Any more, however, I don’t even count it out, I just do it. It’s just like riding a bike- you don’t think about it after a while.”

Some of the DJ’s, like DJ Tolchock, are locals aspiring to regional renown. Others, like one of northern Colorado’s most prominent practitioners, DeeJay (spelled out by personal preference) Diabolic, can set their sights a little higher. “I’ve held my own in Fort Collins for a while. Now I’m working clubs in Denver and Boulder and hope to go international and be the star,” laughs Diabolic, a.k.a. Dennis Bodley.

Diabolic has released several CD’s of his dance mixes, including his most recent collection, “Audio Contagious,” and the discs are full of nonstop energy. While the discs aptly demonstrate his skill, the live performance definitely completes the picture. “I love making people dance. It’s a great feeling to look out and see people going crazy and that you are controlling that,” he says. “It’s like I’m a magician and I’m doing magic tricks.”

So where does all the vinyl come from in a world full of CDs? Just like vinyl collectors in days long past, both bedroom DJ’s and professionals have to scour the marketplace to find new stuff. Fortunately, places like Finest CD’s, Tapes and LP’s in Fort Collins have stepped up to fill the regional void. “It’s our biggest growth area,” explains manager Mark Cheatham. Of course it helps having the expertise of Matthew Kays, a DJ and Marin’s partner in Global Productions, on hand.

“Last year we only had one row of records but since then it’s been slow, steady growth,” says Kays. “The way the kids shop is that they come in every week and they want to find new stuff, so that’s what we have to stock.”

Kays keeps up with new records thanks to online research and to distributors who strive to keep buyers informed. Customers, in turn, need to keep on top of what’s available in the stores- or miss out. “The thing about vinyl is that they only print so many and when they’re sold out, that’s it,” Kays says. “It’s not like CD’s in the mainstream where they keep printing the same things over and over. This makes vinyl much more special.”

Johnny’s Place is not the only venue in town for techno. The Matrixx and the Starlight both host techno nights and despite the initial misgivings of patrons, the genre is gaining in popularity. “DJ’s don’t get the same respect as bands,” declares Kays. “But once we finally get people to the club, they always have fun.”

DJ Tolchock agrees. “The main point is to have a good time,” he says. “We’re faced with so many stresses and conflicts in our day-to-day lives that it’s important to join together to share a common good- which is music.”

Steve Eulberg

Steve Eulberg’s living room is a comfortable, homey place. Set inconspicuously on a side street in Fort Collins, Colorado, Steve’s house does not particularly stand out from any of the others and the inside seems like just another abode for an active American family. You sit in the living room among pictures and keepsakes while the family dog sniffs busily at everything and everybody. But the hammered dulcimer that stands proudly near the piano on the east side of the room hints strongly at the truth: this is the home of an acoustic music powerhouse.

Okay, maybe the word “powerhouse” seems out of place for a man who makes such gentle, caring and sweet music, but it does indicate a musical spirit that is not undermined by opinion or fashion. Steve is an explorer and an innovator, one willing to challenge the usually accepted boundaries of music. So much so that perhaps his neighbors would be surprised if they knew what kind of rebel lived next door.

This rebel is willing to create “dulcimer-friendly” worship music. This rebel writes fresh arrangements of fiddle tunes to include the dulcimer, then records and produces an album with a pair of talented teenage musicians. He dares to play the blues on the dulcimer. He also composes suites of songs that incorporate the beautiful sound of the dulcimer with a full vocal chorus and the Australian didjeridoo. For Steve, musical tradition is only a starting point.

“The dulcimer is a traditional instrument because it comes from a tradition, but that’s not all it does,” Steve explains. “I like the surprise of trying something new.”

In the beginning of Steve’s musical odyssey, however, was tradition. He built his first mountain dulcimer and started playing in 1980. Like many novice players, Steve consumed as much of the literature about the instrument and its traditions as he could find. Meanwhile, he also was serving as the pastor/musician in an inner city Lutheran church in Kansas City, Missouri. It wasn’t until 1988 that the two pursuits crossed paths. “The spark came when I was asked to lead a retreat with music based around the dulcimer,” Steve remembers. “They wanted the music to be gentle and contemplative and at the end the reaction was very positive. My congregation was small and open to a wide variety of music so it seemed natural to start writing and arranging new things for my church after that.”

The result of combining Steve’s dulcimer playing and his faith has been numerous recordings as well as the “Dulcimer-Friendly Worship Series” of books, including “Advent,” published in 1993 and “Evening Prayer,” published in 1995. A third book, featuring “Christmas music in a mellow mood,” is due out later in the year in 2002. In terms of religious music, Steve has succeeded in stretching the boundaries of traditions while adding a fresh, new upbeat voice in his original compositions.

Secular musical traditions became a challenge for Steve when he began working with Carole and Teresa Lundgren, violin-playing sisters in Colorado wanting to record and perform a variety of music, including traditional fiddle tunes. “As producer and arranger, I had to try to find ways that the dulcimer could fit in with the two fiddle parts, where the harmonies are and which part I should emphasize at what point in the song,” says Steve. “I had to try to find freedom within the limitations that were present in both kinds of dulcimers. Like the tune “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” was one where they were used to playing it slow and I was used to playing it fast. We had to find some way to meet in the middle, but when we were done, it was like a new tune for all of us.”

Steve’s recording with the Lundgrens, “Random Acts of Fiddling” was released in 1999. But this wasn’t the first time Steve had worked with young people using the dulcimer. His church youth group built dulcimers that graced his church’s walls for a time, and he also helped his daughter’s elementary school build instrument kits salvaged from a dusty storage closet. This is all in addition to Steve’s active work with a variety of youth gatherings.

Sometimes, however, it isn’t musical challenge so much as just plain fun that helps reinforce new musical directions. Steve is one of the enthusiastic acoustic music fans that return year after year to the Walnut Valley National Flatpicking Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Besides being a fan, he is also a periodic contestant and has won second place, third place and finalist awards in both mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer contests. Walnut Valley is also where he rendezvous with a group of players who camp together as friends and have formed a group called JimJim and the FatBoys. Just listen to the band’s 2001 CD release “Bottle Up & Go” and you’ll hear dulcimer sounds mixing with blues, folk and even country influences- all with a generous helping of humor.

“Blues has always been in there for me, but with these guys things just kind of gelled,” Steve admits. “One thing that we discovered when we started playing together is that some of us use different tunings. One guy prefers GDG. I like DAA. What was amazing is that we found that we didn’t have to retune. We could bring all the different sounds, different tunings and instruments made by different people together to make one song.”

Besides JimJim and the FatBoys, Steve has also explored the dulcimer blues with songwriter, guitarist and performer Russ Hopkins in their alter ego performing unit, the Blind Monks. Russ is also the operator of KIVA Studios in Fort Collins, the friendly, down home recording studio where a lot of Steve’s recent work has been recorded and produced. “The dulcimer sound didn’t quite fit at first with the kind of blues Russ was playing, but it has really developed into something new,” Steve says. Steve and Russ have not only played dates in the northern Colorado region, but have also toured together in the Northwest.

Steve’s reputation as an innovative arranger and musical explorer has not only created some interesting musical partnerships, but it has also afforded him the opportunity to score original music for unusual stage productions. In 2000, Steve created a thirty-minute suite of songs called “Beginnings,” commissioned by the Rainbow Chorus in Fort Collins. “The project called for arranging both mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer to accompany full choral music. Then we added the didjeridoo on top of that,” Steve explains. The suite was debuted live in Fort Collins with Australian performer Paul Taylor joining Steve and the Rainbow Chorus on stage and has been released as a CD.

What’s next? Maybe rock and roll. “I was trying out the Cream song “Sunshine of Your Love” the other day,” Steve laughs. “It was a little strange to be hearing such a heavy song on such a delicate instrument, but then again there were only three guys playing it originally so I think I can handle it.”

As anyone can tell, Steve is not just a player but a real producer. If you’re not lucky enough to hear Steve play live- in the northern Colorado area, in Winfield, or on one of his rare tours- you are lucky that he has produced a full range of recorded and printed material. He is also a teacher, helping others learn to play and produce music of their own.

While the mountain dulcimer and the hammered dulcimer are very prominent in his work- and life- he plays other instruments as well and this indicates just what kind of musician he really is. “People always ask how many instruments I play and I usually tell them that I don’t know yet because I find a little of my soul in each one,” Steve says. “Sometimes when I’m coming home after a gig and start unpacking I wish I was just playing a guitar. But I’m a musician playing these instruments and it’s really about the music, not the instruments.”

This is why when you see Steve play, you can’t be exactly sure of what you’re going to hear because both his musical talents and his mind are wide open. “I usually play without a set list,” he chuckles. “I try to react to what’s going on and sometimes you just get into a groove that you have to follow. It’s kind of like creating a gourmet meal and seeing that the people who are eating are getting satisfied. But because I’m the cook, I get to taste everything along the way.”

So it’s no surprise that Steve is willing to put up battle with a cappuccino machine in a coffee house while the delicate sound of the mountain dulcimer tries to soothe the modern nerves. He doesn’t mind playing hammered dulcimer at a frilly, old-fashioned tea party in an upscale shopping mall, conjuring the mystique of exotic sounds while the guests talk and twitter. He is a musical explorer, willing to try new musical combinations and willing to test unusual environments. And this journey is far from over.

The Michelle Roderick Band

A place to play. That’s all the Michelle Roderick Band wants- a place to be able to play what they play best- a sultry, simmering rock. The fiery quartet hails from Fort Collins, Colorado, a community that encourages and nurtures original music. As a result, this fresh, new group has created their own original mix of rock sounds- some folk, some blues and country, but all centered on that dependable rock downbeat. The songs range from full-scale workouts to introspective, emotional ballads. But one thing remains constant- the ability of this fresh, new unit to light the music on fire.

The leader of the band is singer-songwriter Michelle Roderick. Michelle received her first guitar as a present from her aunt and started learning her first chords in the fifth grade. Michelle lists her influences as Joan Osborne, Melissa Etheridge, Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. But it wasn’t until after she moved to Fort Collins that she really began to seriously pursue music. Michelle was inspired by the supportive local scene and began writing songs and playing out at open mics and in a duo format. But the music that Michelle was hearing in her head was bigger than the music she was making with her voice and acoustic guitar, so she began seeking out a band.

The Michelle Roderick Band played their first gig in August 2001 in one of Fort Collins’ favorite live music venues- Old Town Square. The band includes veterans of the Colorado music scene. On drums is Martin Poole, who has designed his own special kit. Martin has been active in Fort Collins with bands such as the Innocence, Blue Diddley and the Michelle Roderick Band. Guitarist Lloyd Drust not only plays that grungy lead work that helps propel the band, but he is also an innovative singer-songwriter with two CD releases to his credit. Lloyd’s performances as a solo artist are known as creative and wacky events in themselves. Bassist Brent Hauseman is also known as a graphic designer and photographer, primarily creating CD covers for other musicians. Since the band’s debut, the group has played local clubs, benefit concerts and regional industry events- every place that is open to rich original music. Michelle has also played out solo at clubs, coffeehouses and as an opener for John Stewart at the historic Rialto Theater in Loveland.

The Michelle Roderick Band’s sound begins with the strum of Michelle’s acoustic guitar. The bass picks up the chord changes, adding supple rhythmic accents. The drum work does the same, but with a wide, creative variety of percussion sounds. Filling in the instrumental sound is that great, thick lead guitar work that adds an exciting electric edge to the music. On top of it all, Michelle’s vocals surf along, strong and clear. With the instincts of a band that has been playing much longer, the Michelle Roderick Band works together to make the music rise and fall dramatically, always changing the dynamics, playing with the listener’s ear. It also keeps dancers from overheating.

Right now, the only way you can experience this strong, young band is live and in person. But the Michelle Roderick Band is working towards recording its debut album. Initial trips to the recording studio have already yielded some strong demos. Meanwhile, the gigs are starting to pile up. Currently the group mixes Michelle’s original works with a precious few covers for two full sets of rock. There’s more on the way, however- like songs from other members of the group. The Michelle Roderick Band will be playing in the area soon. Let them play for you.

Tara Lee- Artist Biography

Music can be a catalyst for great change. Colorado singer-songwriter and performer Tara Lee has not only experienced personal change through her own music, it’s also her mission as an artist- to help others change and, hopefully, improve. For Tara Lee, music is both expression and communication, and the intense energy that comes from mixing the two is what she creates on stage. Some of it comes from her groove-based guitar playing. Some of it comes from the way Tara Lee uses her voice- scatting, purring, reaching out and filling the room. A lot more of it comes from her lyrics, straightforward, frank and ultimately caring.

The focus for Tara Lee is on original music. That’s why she works hard to make each song sound different. On her demo CD, five songs recorded at KIVA Recording Studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, that effort is clearly successful. From song to song, she changes her voice, sliding around with a bluesy lilt, scat singing with true abandon, dramatically swelling as well as quietly questioning a world strangely out of touch with itself. Tara Lee easily shifts her guitar work from rhythm to lead and back again, mining each innovative groove for opportunities to try something new.

Tara Lee’s lyrics, however, are the strongest part of the package. Her songs are written with an honesty that breaks down barriers and clears away the rubble. “Little White Lie,” for example, peers beyond the simple things we say to each other, even while not really meaning them at all. ”Me and What Army” works toward getting over the state of self-doubt, confusion and frustration. ”Perfectly Imperfected” is Tara Lee’s strong statement about the standards we hold ourselves to physically- and how little they have to do with real life.

It all started with the guitar at age seventeen. Tara Lee, born and raised in Fort Collins, counts acoustic guitar master Leo Kottke as an early influence, as well as the work of Ani DiFranco and Fiona Apple. Since beginning to play, then writing her own songs, Tara Lee has made the stage her home, playing in venues in her home area in northern Colorado, at the famous One World Festival as well as in Washington and Iowa. Tara Lee has also played some powerful opening performances for Leon Russell, Sally Taylor and the jazz supergroup Comotion. Tara Lee has been featured on regional television programs and hailed as “one of Fort Collins’ most talented musicians.” Her interest in diverse sounds lead her to playing afro-Cuban percussion in a band called Batucada and she has recently begun exploring the sounds of the “gyil,” a traditional African xylophone

A full length CD is in the works, but it will take time to capture the essence of Tara Lee’s music in the studio. That means that for now, her fans will only be able to experience Tara Lee live and in person.

Afterword: There couldn’t have been a more appropriate reopening for the Aggie Theatre than with a band so central to the Fort Collins music scene as the subdudes. Actually, the reopening on March 28 was with the Dudes, featuring John Magnie, Steve Amedee and Tommy Malone from the original subdudes unit, along with bass, drums and supporting vocals from the 3 Twins and Tommy Malone’s current trio. Mixing new songs with old subdudes favorites, this was a rollicking, dance-filled, joyful concert full of irresistible funky rhythms and soulful musical spice. The years have tended to make the older music fresh and powerful again and the newer music provided hope for future fun. Opening the show was jazz/funk keyboardist Brian Auger, playing in a four-piece format that included his son on drums and daughter on vocals. This was the kind of night that helps keep you alive- at least until next time!

Jazzing It Up In Northern Colorado

Jay’s Bistro is like a calm island set into a sea of busyness. While the vibrant Fort Collins downtown area buzzes all around it, Jay’s welcomes customers with muted colors, low lighting and comfortable seats.

In the lounge area on this Saturday evening, keyboardist Mark Sloniker- perhaps Fort Collins’ most recognizable musician- is playing softly rolling melodies on the piano. But as the minutes slip by as easily as a soft refrain, a drummer and a bass player show up, set up and get warmed up until the quiet solo piano music takes on a new power. The trio- unannounced and unconcerned about it- launches into a seamless blend of jazz, weaving the sounds of their instruments together and playing off of each other.

Perhaps more so than any other musical genre, jazz has become a preferred sound in northern Colorado. Listeners can find jazz at a variety of venues in the area- Jay’s Bistro, Ciao Vino, the Crown Pub, and Avogadro’s Number- and can find a variety of jazz, from traditional to rock fusion.

“We do a variety of jazz styles, from bop and cool to fusion,” says Ron Holleman of the Just Jazz Quintet. The group came into being when Holleman and drummer Chuck Landgraf put together an “ad hoc ensemble” to illustrate the lessons Holleman was teaching in a jazz class. From there, the group started playing area venues such as Bourbon Street Bistro in Loveland. They performed monthly at Avogadro’s Number for 14 months and have since branched out to other venues such as Ciao Vino.

The variety in the music that the Just Jazz Quintet plays is for everybody’s benefit. “We pull pieces from different styles because A, it keeps the audience interested and B, it keeps the musicians interested,” Holleman says. But it isn’t so much what tune they’re playing, but how they play it that makes jazz a popular art form. “When the band is listening to each other, the symbiosis is not equal anywhere else in music,” Holleman adds. “The audience knows what’s happening. They know when one player is inspired by the other. People of all ages come up and say that it looks like we’re having fun up there.”

Saxophonist Jim Franzen has been active in the northern Colorado jazz scene for years and helped found the area’s best known jazz night in Fort Collins- the Wednesday night jams at the Crown Pub. Franzen, also a local business man and an indispensable part of the local arts organization Arts Alive, has seen first hand how the northern Colorado jazz scene compares with other areas. “When I travel, I usually look in the local paper to see what kind of jazz is happening there,” he says. “When I come back to Fort Collins, I’m always amazed at how much support this community gives jazz.”

Franzen is currently appearing regularly in a duo format on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Jay’s Bistro. He sees the jazz movement in the area as a part of a vibrant arts scene that has a significantly positive effect on the local economy. “Arts Alive recently participated in an impact study where people were surveyed at arts events. The information was then compared to that of 400 other cities that were participating. The amount of money that people spend here because of the arts is pretty amazing. The numbers are well beyond anything anybody would have guessed,” says Franzen.

But, of course, there is one particular rain cloud that consistently moves through this little jazz paradise. “There is a wealth of really good players in the Fort Collins-Loveland area and therein lies the problem,” Holleman explains. “There are so many that in order to be able to play, they maybe will do it for less money than they should, or maybe even gratis. Entertainment is so cheap here- most of its free- and some of the venue owners have come to think that good musicians are easy to come by. We need to promote more of a respect for the musicians, especially those who are making a living at it.”

Meanwhile, back to Saturday night, the atmosphere at Ciao Vino is like a party. The wide, open room has a touch of elegance thanks to the classic-style artwork on the walls and the huge racks of wine bottles stretching from floor to ceiling. Patrons, however, are grouped around their tables, socializing noisily like people do in most hot spots at the end of the week.

It’s fitting then that the band playing over against one wall is The Bard Hoff Trio. Hoff is a regional guitarist who plays a strong, firm jazz-rock fusion- one powerful enough to be heard over the chit chat. That means putting a confident jazz swing into familiar pop tunes, turning them into something new again. The music gets heated up and dramatic, Hoff taking off on a solo that just might burn a hole in the ceiling. Its just one more reason why area residents should count their lucky stars that jazz is here to stay- and play.

Janis Ian

There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation when famed singer-songwriter Janis Ian answered a recent question during a phone interview about what’s currently on her plate.

“I’m now writing an afterward for a book of poetry I published when I was fifteen that is being re-released, I’m co-editing a collection of science fiction short stories based on my songs, and I’m finishing my regular column for Performing Songwriter magazine- which is due today,” she said. In other words, this tenacious artist is busy.

But don’t confuse being busy with being frantic. Ian’s career has spanned decades- coming to national attention in the 1960’s with her song about interracial relationships, “Society’s Child,” written when Ian was fourteen years old- and she has learned to focus.

“Just because you have a lot of things going on doesn’t mean you have to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off,” Ian said. “When you’re young you generally have a lot of energy you can spend spinning your wheels, but when you get older, you have to start prioritizing.”

Music, of course, remains a constant priority for Ian. Her most recent album release is “god & the fbi,” her seventeenth. Besides featuring a scorching attack on the FBI- who hounded her family because of civil rights activism- it also leaves room for other expression. “This album has a lighter spirit than others,” she said. “There are certainly some intense songs, but it’s important to have fun.” To help make that fun cook, several musical guests including Willie Nelson, the late Chet Atkins and John Cowan from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band joined Ian in the studio.”

Still, no matter how much fun can be had in the studio, or in writing songs for other artists such as Bette Midler, Ian finds a special power in performing. “Connection is what being a writer is about and performing is a very radical kind of connection. It’s very immediate and real. It’s the closest to living in the moment as I can get,” she said. Ian characterizes her audience as “a broad range, from 19-year-old guitar wizards to people in their 60’s.”

For Ian, who has seen several peaks and valleys in her career, survival as an artist in a business that is infamous for its raw deals and insensitive treatment takes more than a few good songs. “It takes a lot of stubbornness and an unwillingness to let other people tell you how to run your life,” she said. “It also takes some luck. Sometimes it doesn’t have to do with talent so much as the luck of the draw. It’s a piece of luck to be born with a talent in the first place.”

Janis Ian will be performing at the Sunset Events Center on May 12 at 7:00 pm. Opening for Ian will be Minnesota singer-songwriter Peter Mayer. Call 493-3080 for information.

Ray Charles: Soul is Coming to Town

When Joan Osborne performed recently at the NewWestFest, she not only presented classic rock and soul material from her brand new CD release, including “Smiling Faces” and “War,” she also included some old chestnuts from her previous releases. One of the best was “Spider Web,” a song that features an irresistible rhythmic groove and a fanciful story with the great Ray Charles as its central figure.

There are plenty of good reasons why Joan Osborne- a musician obviously inspired by classic soul sounds- would dream about Ray Charles. Charles on many scorecards is soul music itself. He is considered soul’s progenitor and its elder statesman. At 71 years of age, he has done more to promote soul than any other recording artist or performer has. But more, he has also contributed to other genres, including jazz, rock and even country and western music. The man who gave us “Hit the Road Jack” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” has given much, much more.

As a result, Ray Charles has the respect of his peers. Frank Sinatra once stated “Ray Charles is the only genius in our business.” He has won 12 Grammy Awards and earned multiple gold records. He has also earned the respect of institutions of higher learning. For example, in 1996, Charles was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Performing Arts from Occidental College. He has played for Presidents and toured the world many times over. This is hardly even a partial list of Charles’ accomplishments, all of which comes from humble beginnings.

Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia in 1930. The family, according to Charles’ autobiography, was poverty stricken with “nothing below us but the ground.” Two significant events happened when Charles was young. At age five, his brother died accidentally while the pair played in the front yard of the family home. By age seven, Charles had lost his eyesight. It was at the St. Augustine’s school for the blind that Charles learned Braille, typing, basket weaving and, most importantly, music performance and composition.

His professional career began at age sixteen. Starting in Florida, but then moving to Seattle, Charles fronted his own combos, began recording and hung out with young friends like Quincy Jones. He shortened his name in deference to “Sugar” Ray Robinson. In 1960, Ray Charles scored a number one hit with “Georgia On My Mind,” won four Grammy Awards and had become the king of soul, a crown this venerable musician continues to wear. But more than just a musician, Charles also became involved in the world around him in other ways. He was a supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. He was a strong opponent of apartheid in South Africa. Today, the Ray Charles Foundation supports the Laboratory for Auditory Research.

Most recently, Charles has debuted his new independent record company, Crossover Records. The first release on the label is “Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again,” featuring all new Ray Charles songs. “Independence is a hell of a thing, man,” Charles states about the new venture. “I feel strongly that, right now, the best way for me to maintain purity and deliver to my fans the music that I believe they want from me is by doing it my way. I can go out and sign whomever I want and release what I want when I want to. It’s the best possible situation for me at this point in my artistic and business career.” Fans can sample the track “Ensemble” on Charles’ web site- www.raycharles.com. Charles lives in Los Angeles and plays chess for a hobby.

Honored musician, social activist and businessman masks aside, Charles is, first and foremost, an artist. Who else could speak with such authority on such a wide diversity of musical subjects? On his web site, Charles shares his ideas freely. Ray Charles speaks:

-On jazz: “We basically created jazz in this country, we own that form of music.”

-On rock and roll: “It started in the ’50s, when you had popular singers like Pat Boone and Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins covering black music. They were doing songs first recorded by people like Little Richard and Chuck Berry. They just took rhythm-and-blues songs and did their own versions of them. And that sound became known as rock ‘n’ roll.”

-On country and western: “My first love was the music I heard in the community: blues, church gospel music, and country and western. That’s why I love country and western today, because I heard a lot of it when I was a kid. My mom would let me stay up to listen to the Grand Old Opry on Saturday night. That’s the only time I got to stay up late.”

-On learning to play music blind: “With blind kids, as opposed to sighted kids, when you study music you must read the music with your fingers. I’d read three or four bars of music with my fingers, and then play it. You can’t just sit there and play as you’re reading the music. You have to first learn the bars of music, practice it, and then play it and memorize it.”

-On composing: “Learning to read music in Braille and play by ear helped me develop a damn good memory. I can sit at my desk and write a whole arrangement in my head and never touch the piano. I bring in a sighted person and I dictate the notes, what kind of notes, where they’re supposed to be, for what instrument, whether there’s an F, whether it’s a quarter note, whether it’s an eighth note, a dotted quarter or whatever. I dictate the notes right here at my desk, and I never move because I play the piano, so I know what the chords are going to be.”

-On soul: “Originally, soul music had a strong element of the church, of spiritual music. It had a gospel music feeling, and then it incorporated the sound of blues music. That’s soul’s makeup: the fusion of gospel and blues, all mixed up together. It’s the crossover of those forms of music that makes soul unique.”

All of the above tells why Joan Osborne was dreaming of Ray Charles- he is the closest spirit to the heart of soul. Northern Colorado, however, does not need to dream about Ray Charles, like Osborne did. There are multiple chances in September to see Charles perform live. That includes a six show stand at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, September 15-19 and on Monday, September 23, and at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, September 21-22. If you do not have enough soul in your life- and who does?- then rest easy. Soul is coming to town.

Master Bassist John Entwistle Helped Create the Who’s Dynamic Sound

The enduring image of Who bassist John Entwistle was a lone man standing still in the eye of the rock and roll storm that his band created. While Who guitarist Pete Townshend flailed at his guitar and stalked the stage, vocalist Roger Daltrey swung his microphone overhead and strutted like a stallion and drummer Keith Moon blazed over the top of his drum kit, a man possessed, Entwistle simply stood and played. He didn’t need to jump or careen around the stage because his fingers were doing the flying, matching his bandmates ferocity with a deep bass rumble of his own.

Thanks to a complete mastery of his instrument and membership in one of the rock era’s most distinctive and volatile groups, Entwistle was a player who helped define rock and roll bass playing. In a musical genre that often put guitarists and vocalists out front, but depended heavily on the rhythmic and harmonic support the bass provided, Entwistle delivered fully on band projects and in his solo work. He was known for an often macabre sense of humor, was a producer and had also emerged as an artist, his cartoon-like images of Who bandmates and famous peers becoming popular collector pieces.

John Alec Entwistle was born in London on October 9, 1944. According to the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, Entwistle’s career began as a trumpet player in a dixieland band that also included Townshend on banjo. Entwistle then joined Roger Daltrey in a band called the Detours. Townshend followed, the group became the High Numbers, then finally became the Who. The band was first known for chaotic stage shows, then for its ambitious and dramatic rock music, pioneering the genre of rock operas with extended works such as “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia.” The Who has been a radio staple since their first single, “I Can’t Explain,” was released in January 1965 and as a multi-instrumentalist, Entwistle added a lot of the texture that gave the Who their powerful sound. Drummer Keith Moon died in 1978 from an overdose of a sedative prescribed to curb alcoholism.

Entwistle’s death from an apparent heart attack on Thursday, at the age of 57, follows the recent passing of Beatle George Harrison with even more urgency for a generation that grew up on rock. Unlike Harrison, Entwistle was still an active touring musician- the Who was set to begin a three month tour only a day after his death. My favorite memory of Entwistle, however, was not as a member of the Who. In the summer of 1988, I saw an appearance by Entwistle’s own band at the tiny Stone Pony night club in Asbury Park, New Jersey. With only a hundred fans present, it was a rare opportunity to watch a master musician up close. His nimble fingers dominated the bass fretboard during a set of grungy rock. All the while, Entwistle stood still, like a lightning rod in the middle of an electric storm. Now Entwistle’s thunderous music is a glorious echo and he’ll be remembered as one of the rocks that rock music was built on.

February Recommended

One of progressive acoustic music’s most innovative singer-songwriters, Patty Larkin, will play the Sunset Events Center on February 15. But you may have heard more of Larkin’s music in your local movie theater than on the radio. For example, Larkin’s song “Anyway the Main Thing Is” was recently featured in the film “Evolution,” starring David Duchovny and Julianne Moore. Larkin’s music was also included in other recent movies including “Random Hearts” with Harrison Ford and “Sliding Doors” with Gwenyth Paltro.

Coming up, Larkin’s song “Might as Well Dance” will be on the soundtrack for “Grand Champion,” featuring appearances by Julia Roberts and George Strait. Her instrument piece titled “Handful of Water” will also be in the film “The First Twenty Million. Other Larkin news includes a cover of her “Good Thing/Angels Running” by Cher. Meanwhile Larkin is at work on a new CD release and will return to the Sunset on Friday, February 15 for a 7:30 show. LJ Booth opens. Call 493-3080 for information.

More music: Several great punk bands are set to invade the Starlight in February. On February 9, Agnositc Front will be joined by TSOL at the Starlight and Agent Orange will take the stage on February 27. Other great shows coming in February at the Starlight include blues guitar great Coco Montoya on February 18, the Slip on February 21, energetic bluegrass fusion band Railroad Earth on February 22 and the Breeders on February 23. At Avogadro’s Number this month, see two great bluegrass bands- the T band and Open Road- on February 8. Wendy Woo is at Avo’s on February 9 and Steve Eulberg and Russ Hopkins perform a Valentine’s Day show on February 14. Green Lemon is at Avo’s on February 15, Mystic Vagina and Joe Kissell share the stage on February 21 and Celeste Krenz returns to Avo’s on February 23.

Public Radio Musicfest: The tenth annual Public Radio for the Front Range Musicfest is set for March 1-3, and once again local musicians representing a wide diversity of genres will be in the spotlight. Musicfest occurs in handpicked Fort Collins venues- including non-smoking establishments- and shows are tailored to appeal to audiences of all ages. This ranges from a show geared for children, showcases for youth-oriented bands as well as adult events. Returning again this year will be the “Songwriter’s Workshop,” a chance for area musicians to come together with local professionals in an informal environment to discuss the creative effort that goes into making music. Of course, every year Musicfest also hosts an opening night reception for musicians, sponsors and venue owners. What’s new in 2002 is a special “coffee house tour.” Fort Collins is the home of a wide variety of coffeehouses, most of which host live music on a regular basis. Musicfest salutes these venues as an important part of the northern Colorado music scene. Musicfest will also be adding an open mic event to help encourage fledgling musicians to take the stage in a supportive atmosphere. For details, log on to PRFR.org.

Lincoln Center: Featuring 44 world-champion ballroom dancers from 16 countries, “Burn the Floor” presents ten standard and Latin dance styles- including tango, cha cha cha and waltz- juxtaposed with street and industrial dancing. “Burn the Floor” will continue the Lincoln Center Showstopper Series February 25-28. Also coming up at the Lincoln Center: the Dance Series continues with “The Works” by the Jennifer Muller Dance Company on February 9. The Foothills Pops Band presents “Love and All That Jazz” in the Canyon West Ballroom on February 15. The Passport Travelogue Film Series continues on February 19 with “South African Safari” by John Wilson. The Children’s Series continues on February 21-22 with Riders in the Sky.

Opening on February 23 in the Mini Theatre will be OpenStage Theatre’s production of Henry IV Part 1. Coming to the Lincoln Center on March 3 will be the Front Range Chamber Players’ production “Grand Musical Architecture,” including music by Bach, Bloch, Robert Vaughn Williams and Fort Collins composer David Wohl. For information, call the Lincoln Center Box Office at 221-6730.

Performance Poetry: Sparrows is Colorado’s Performance Poetry Festival set for February 7-10 in various venues in Salida. Performance poets from all over the state will be gathering to showcase their voices as well as give workshops on poetry. “Traveling troubadours” entertain with poetry in Salida restaurants, workshops explore the art of writing for experienced and novice poets, kids are given special attention in their own show, performances spotlight the best poets in Colorado while others get the chance to add their voices in special open mic events. Sparrows will make you look at poetry in a whole new way.

This year’s Sparrows festival, the second annual installment, features 1999 Colorado Book Award winner James Tipton, river guide poet Ellen Metrick, Director of the Telluride Writers Guild Art Goodtimes and poet, performer and presenter Jude Janett. Also appearing will be Ed Ward, of Denver’s Mercury Café, Padma Thornlyre, SETH, Mike Adams, Gary Candido, Danny Rosen’s Planetarium and TVS and two fingers. For ticket prices and event information call 719-539-9847 or 719-539-2189 or log on to www.allonecaravan.com.

February Concert Update

Several great punk bands are set to invade the Starlight in February. On February 9, Agnositc Front will be joined by TSOL at the Starlight and Agent Orange will take the stage on February 27. Other great shows coming in February at the Starlight include blues guitar great Coco Montoya on February 18, the Slip on February 21, energetic bluegrass fusion band Railroad Earth on February 22 and the Breeders on February 23. At Avogadro’s Number this month, see two great bluegrass bands- the T band and Open Road- on February 8. Wendy Woo is at Avo’s on February 9 and Steve Eulberg performs a Valentine’s Day show on February 14. Green Lemon is at Avo’s on February 15, Mystic Vagina and Joe Kissell share the stage on February 21 and Celeste Krenz returns to Avo’s on February 23. Also coming to Fort Collins- one of progressive acoustic music’s best singer-songwriters, Patty Larkin, will play the Sunset Events Center on February 15 with LJ Booth opening. A couple of choice Boulder concert dates include blues legend Buddy Guy, performing at the Boulder Theater on February 18, and Steve Kimock at the Fox Theatre on February 23.

Public Radio Musicfest: There’s good news on the horizon for local music. Not only is the area’s premier local music event returning for another great weekend in March, but a new public radio outlet is poised to become a reality. The tenth annual Public Radio for the Front Range Musicfest is set for March 1-3, 2002 and once again local musicians representing a wide diversity of genres will be in the spotlight. Added to this however, is the fact that PRFR has met all FCC requirements to receive a radio frequency. The paperwork is currently in place and is waiting- impatiently- for final approval to receive its broadcasting license. What this means for our community is that soon the Fort Collins area will not only enjoy public radio programming- at 88.9 FM- but also local musicians will be joined by a strong new ally in marketing their recordings since PRFR is committed to including local music in its programming.

Promoting the artistic strength of local music- on stage and on the airwaves- has been the purpose of the Musicfest from the very beginning. Musicfest was founded in 1993 and started as a benefit event for KCSU-FM, which was a community public radio station at the time. In 1995, KCSU became a student-run station and PRFR was formed to bring community public radio back to Fort Collins. PRFR activists knew that putting a new independent public radio station on the air would take a long time. That made Musicfest the group’s most important event of the year- a chance to stay in the public eye during the long and painstaking application process and to showcase area musicians. Since 1993, Musicfest has presented more than 500 musical acts- all of them Colorado musicians. While PRFR has worked and negotiated its way through the tangle of FCC regulations and requirements, the group has also been presenting local music on internet programming.

As always, Musicfest will be presenting musicians from a variety of genres, including folk, jazz, rock, classical, Celtic, blues and more. Musicfest occurs in handpicked Fort Collins venues- including non-smoking establishments- and shows are tailored to appeal to audiences of all ages. This ranges from a show geared for children, showcases for youth-oriented bands as well as adult events. Returning again this year will be the “Songwriter’s Workshop,” a chance for area musicians to come together with local professionals in an informal environment to discuss the creative effort that goes into making music. The workshops in the past have been a valuable community-building tool as well as a warm social opportunity. Of course, every year Musicfest also hosts an opening night reception for musicians, sponsors and venue owners. What’s new in 2002 is a special “coffee house tour.” Fort Collins is the home of a wide variety of coffeehouses, most of which host live music on a regular basis. Musicfest salutes these venues as an important part of the northern Colorado music scene. Musicfest will also be adding an open mic event to help encourage fledgling musicians to take the stage in a supportive atmosphere. Watch your local entertainment information outlets for details or log on to PRFR.org

Performance Poetry: Sparrows is Colorado’s Performance Poetry Festival set for February 7-10 in various venues in Salida. Performance poets from all over the state will be gathering to showcase their voices as well as give workshops on poetry. “Traveling troubadours” entertain with poetry in Salida restaurants, workshops explore the art of writing for experienced and novice poets, kids are given special attention in their own show, performances spotlight the best poets in Colorado while others get the chance to add their voices in special open mic events. Sparrows will make you look at poetry in a whole new way.

This year’s Sparrows festival, the second annual installment, features 1999 Colorado Book Award winner James Tipton, river guide poet Ellen Metrick, Director of the Telluride Writers Guild Art Goodtimes and poet, performer and presenter Jude Janett. Also appearing will be Ed Ward, of Denver’s Mercury Café, Padma Thornlyre, SETH, Mike Adams, Gary Candido, Danny Rosen’s Planetarium and TVS and two fingers. For ticket prices and event information call 719-539-9847 or 719-539-2189 or log on to www.allonecaravan.com.

In review: The Front Range Music Fest Local Legends Concert turned the Lincoln Center Mini Theatre into a relaxed night club for two nights on January 16-17. The music was diverse- ranging from the boogie woogie blues jazz piano of Mark Van Ark and the stately, new age-oriented keyboard work of John Snyder to the folk rock sounds of bands like Cornerstone, Fubar II and White Bird and the powerful progressive guitar rock of Dave Beegle. Singer-songwriter Scott Allen took the opportunity to chat with the auidence nearly as much as he sang. Barb Solow and Christina Stone reunited for a set as the Better Half, then did separate spots with Jeff Stephenson and Cornerstone respectively. Full of energy and with tongue in cheek, John Shaffer and Arnie G’schwind recreated their old performing unit, the Table Gang, and Russ Hopkins performed a restrained yet intense selection of his acoustic blues. Each night was capped off by performances by the area’s top progressive guitarists. On the 16th, Jerry Palmer closed the concert with a set of mindbending acoustic guitar technique. On the 17th, Dave Beegle appeared in a trio format that ended the festival with drama, creativity and style. The shows were produced by White Bird Productions, a new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting northern Colorado music, and proved that there’s plenty of life left in these “local legends,” despite all the jokes about gray hair, bad backs and rusty memories.

March Recommended

You never know where you’re going to meet another local musician. For example, Heidi Vest is one of the familiar faces that serve customers at the counter at Avogadro’s Number. But she is also a musician, a singer-songwriter playing a gentle, introspective folk music. Gentle and introspective, however, does not mean any less powerful. Along with her intimate and restrained vocal style- much like Margo Timmons of the Cowboy Junkies- come songs with passion and spiritual inspiration inherent in the lyrics. Vest will be playing her debut show, along with Funkinee Random, at Avo’s on March 14.

Also coming to Avo’s in March: On March 8, the T Band play for free at 6 pm and Open Road follows for a $5 cover at 8 pm. Lloyd Drust and Jerry Palmer team up for a show on March 9. Young Denver singer-songwriter Liz Clark performs on March 22 and Tempting Fate celebrates the release of their new CD on March 28. Call 493-5555 for information.

String Cheese Winter Carnival: The String Cheese Incident’s annual Winter Carnival is almost upon us. This year, the group has teamed up with lots of musical friends as well as the folks at Warren Miller Films for a special stay in their home state. The film crew will be documenting all of the happenings on the slopes for a new film, tentatively titled “Waiting for the Snow to Fall.” The music will occur at the Fillmore in Denver, March 21-23, at Dobson Arena in Vail March 25-26 and in Telluride on March 29-30. The date I’m eyeing is the March 23 date at the Fillmore with master picker Ricky Scaggs. But there’s lots of other guests coming along including Angelique Kidjo, the Stanton Moore Band, Jack Johnson and the Dirty Dozen. Check their web site at www.stringcheeseincident.com for more info. Also check out the band’s first DVD release, “Evolution,” containing lots of concert footage and interviews.

Rialto Theater: The Leo Kottke show scheduled for March 22 at the Rialto Theater in Loveland has officially sold out. But there are still tickets left for John Stewart’s performance at the Rialto on March 30. Stewart was a member of the Kingston Trio and became a hit song writer, penning such classics as “Daydream Believer.” Fort Collins acoustic rocker Michelle Roderick will open the show. Also coming to the Rialto: the Tom Kechter comedy show is scheduled for March 9, Mason Williams and Friends perform on March 17. Karla Bonoff is set for April 6. Call 962-2120 for info.

More music: Singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler will be bringing her wry blend of songwriting, comedy and storytelling to the Sunset Events Center on St. Patrick’s Day- Sunday, March 17. A special “limited seat performance” features Darryl Purpose, once known as the “best blackjack player in the world,” now a folksinger, and Fort Collins singer-songwriter Kevin Jones at the Northern Rose on March 29. Info for both shows: 493-3080.

Art: Still showing through March 29 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Fort Collins, “Growth and Decay,” a group show featuring works on the cycles of “nature, humanity and consciousness.” Also at MOCA is Patrick Fahey and Sandra Pratt’s 2-D works on paper and “of paper” through April 5. New works by area artists such as William Sharp and Tom Katsimpalis are on view at the Dellnova Gallery at 234 E. Fourth Street in Loveland. Also watch for monthly opening events at the new Improv Contemporary Art gallery at 214 S. College, featuring work from emerging artists with a focus on Fort Collins and Denver area artists. Call 482-4872 for info.

Dance: The New Visions Dance Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30 in the Lincoln Center Mini Theatre. The performance features innovative dances in a variety of styles by five northern Colorado choreographers. Also included will be a commissioned dance by guest artist Hannah Kahn, internationally recognized choreographer and teacher. New Visions is being produced by the Dance Connection, currently celebrating its 22nd anniversary. The March 30 date also includes a “Young Dancer’s Day” program featuring classes and performances for dancers ages 12-18. Call 482-9785 for information.

Lincoln Center: On March 7, the Anything Goes Series continues at the Lincoln Center with the Corpus Acrobatic Theatre of Amsterdam, presenting what they call “New Circus.” The Series concludes on March 19 with the international hit comedy “Late Night Catechism.” The Miami String Quartet has become known as “one of the most exciting young ensembles in America” and they’ll conclude the Classical Music Series on March 22. On Palm Sunday- March 24- the Larimer Chorale perform Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” at the Lincoln Center. And don’t be a fool and miss the opening of a four day stand by country music star Larry Gatlin on April 1. Gatlin has not only won a Grammy and produced numerous number one records, he has also starred in Broadway musicals. Gatlin performs April 1-4, with an extra matinee show on April 3. For information, call 221-6730.

Theatre: Now playing at the Lincoln Center Mini Theatre is the OpenStage Theatre production of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV Part 1.” It’s a wartime epic set in a “kingdom plagued with rebellion, treachery and shifting loyalties.” Considered by some to be Shakespeare’s greatest history play, “Henry IV Part 1” shows are on Friday and Saturday nights through March 23, with additional performances on March 10, 17 and 21. Tickets available at the Lincoln Center box office. Opening on March 22 at the Bas Bleu Theatre is “Three Viewings,” directed by Terry Dodd. Call for info: 498-8949.

March Concert Check

String Cheese Winter Carnival: So the Olympics are over. But that doesn’t mean that winter fun is over. In fact Colorado’s own, the String Cheese Incident, are hosting a kind of winter Olympics of their own. That’s right, the band’s annual Winter Carnival is almost upon us. This year, the group has teamed up with lots of musical friends as well as the folks at Warren Miller Films for a special stay in their home state. The film crew will be documenting all of the happenings on the slopes for a new film, tentatively titled “Waiting for the Snow to Fall.” The music will occur at the Fillmore in Denver, March 21-23, at Dobson Arena in Vail March 25-26 and in Telluride on March 29-30. The big date I’m eyeing is the March 23 date at the Fillmore with master picker Ricky Scaggs. But there’s lots of other guests coming along includinmg Angelique Kidjo, the Stanton Moore Band, Jack Johnson and the Dirty Dozen. Check their web site at www.stringcheeseincident.com for more info. Also check out the band’s first DVD release, “Evolution,” containing lots of concert footage and interviews.

Great Women in Music: Sometimes the guys forget, but contemporary music has had plenty of great female performers contributing to the great big continuum that is music. One of the most important figures in the last 25 years has been singer-songwriter Cris Williamson, oftentimes identified as one of the progenitors of “Women’s Music.” Cris will be performing for a rare nightclub gig at the Mercury Café in Denver on March 9. Standing right alongside Cris in the pantheon of influential women musicians is the fiercely independent Ani DiFranco, who has lead by example, a whole new generation of musical women into empowering themselves instead of letting the corporations tell them what to do. DiFranco will be performing at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on March 11.

Speaking of great women musicians, contemporary acoustic music’s brightest female star, Patty Larkin, appeared at the Sunset Events Center on February 15. Larkin has plenty to offer, including a sultry, expressive voice, very dynamic guitar work and great, artsy songs that balance wordplay and storyline on a razor’s edge. At the Sunset, Larkin displayed all of those talents as well as indulged in her wry, trademark humor. The best tune of the evening was perhaps predictable- “Me and That Train,” a song about driving west from Denver into the mountains during a snowstorm. But new songs like “The Book I’m Not Reading” were also effective. Opening was singer-songwriter LJ Booth whose fingerpicking style and songs about just plain living added a little male perspective for balance.

More music: Coming up in the area: Dave Mason is at the Rialto in Loveland on March 1. On March 3, Ike Willis and Napolean Murphy Brock, both Frank Zappa alumnus, will be joining Project/Object for a night of Zappa music at Linden’s on March 3. Bonepony, that great “stomp music” trio from Nashville will be at Avo’s on March 5. On March 7, 311 will be joined by Hoobistank at Moby Arena. The Wu-Tang Clan is at the Fillmore on March 12. Bruce Cockburn is at the Fillmore on March 13. Wilco is at Macky Auditorium in Boulder on March 19. Concrete Blonde is at the Ogden on March 20. Rob Zombie, the Damned and Sinistar will be at Balch Fieldhouse in Boulder on March 23. Ratdog will be at the Paramount in Denver on March 26

PRFR Musicfest 2002- Schedule of Events:

The 10th Annual PRFR Musicfest is upon us! This is your chance to support local music and the public radio cause all in one great weekend of music. This year, there’s a special coffee house tour, honoring area coffee houses that support the local scene. Also, there’s a special children’s show at the Fort Collins Public Library, a special songwriter’s workshop lead by Pamela Robinson, and an open mic opportunity for musicians to strut their stuff. Of course, added to that are some great shows. Don’t miss it!

April Recommended

“McTopia- A Ten Year Survey” is the bright explosion of satire and realism currently showing at the Hatton Gallery on the CSU campus. The huge, colorful canvases are the work of Canadian artist Chris Woods, whose vision of the modern world is both funny and scary at the same time. What’s funny is the satire inherent in the content- figures of everyday modern youths caught up in a landscape of brand names and fast food. What’s scary is the realism with which the figures are portrayed. Woods’ youths are very lifelike- from the tone of their skin to the mass-produced clothing that they wear. That they are caught up in a world that mixes political and religious overtones with hamburgers, soft drinks and doughnuts is what puts the viewer off balance. No need to try to describe it any more- just go see it for yourself. “McTopia” is showing through April 26.

Rock and Roll Art: The Walnut Street Gallery has been instrumental in bringing the “art of rock and roll” to Fort Collins for years. The latest show features cool new artwork by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Kreutzmann’s work is computer generated and explores the relationships between shapes and colors. The shapes can be as easily identified as a skull (covered with electronic circuit skin) as well as Dadaesque constructions of forms juxtaposed in unexpected combinations. The colors are exceptionally bright, mixed together in a psychedelic kaleidoscope that definitely stands out from the artwork surface.

Also showing at Walnut Street Gallery is Boulder rock photographer Michael Weintrob’s live action shots of a wide variety of performers. With a generous helping of luscious colors, musicians such as Phil Lesh and Perry Farrell nearly become paintings in themselves. Other shots offer irresistible glimpses into the personalities of the subjects- like the joyful grin of Al Green, Ray Charles hugging himself and Los Lobos’ guitarist Cesar Rosas taking a drag from his cigar. Hurry to see Weintrob’s photos and Kreutzmann’s art, because the show closes on April 15. Check out Weintrob’s web site at www.groovetography.com.

Keller Williams: For his latest studio record, “Laugh,” virtuoso guitarist Keller Williams joined forces with bassist Tye North (Leftover Salmon) and drummer Dave Watts (The Motet) to produce 15 dynamic new songs. “Laugh” follows on the heels of a great year in 2001 for Williams, which included a spot on last summer’s So Many Roads tour (and some on-stage collaboration with Bob Weir) as well as a co-headlining tour with Charlie Hunter. Williams is back on the road again as a solo act and will be celebrating the release of “Laugh” with a show at the Aggie Theatre on April 4.

Supersuckers: The Supersuckers have just released their first live album, “Must’ve Been Live.” It’s a document of their rare live country sets and features many of the songs from the group’s 1997 alter-ego country album, “Must’ve Been High.” The record also includes guest appearances by Amy Nelson, Audley Freed of the Black Crowes and Mickey Rafael of Willie Nelson’s band. The Supersuckers will be bringing their Country Western Extravaganza to the Starlight on April 12.

Maceo Parker: “If Maceo is not on the groove, then the groove is not on,” says Stevie Wonder about the funkiest sax player alive, Maceo Parker. Prince calls him “…the baddest sax player alive today” and Ani DiFranco admits Parker is “…one of my ultimate heroes…like a Buddha with a saxophone.” Besides his own CD releases on the WAR? Label, “dial: MACEO” and “Funk Overload,” Parker (“the most sampled horn player in the world”) can also be heard on records by De La Soul, the Brand New Heavies, George Clinton, Rod Stewart and James Brown. Parker will be at the Aggie for two all-ages shows on April 18-19.

Lincoln Center: The OpenStage Theatre production of “Fuddy Meers,” described by Variety as “an antically zany new play,” opens at the Lincoln Center on April 6 and runs through May 4. The Front Range Chamber Players will present an “all music” program on April 7, including Brazilian tangos by the Mont Alto Tango Orchestra. The Passport Travelogue Series continues with showings of “La Bele France,” including scenes of the Seine River and “the last visions of Van Gogh,” on April 9. The Children’s Series presents “Winnie the Pooh” on April 11-12. The final presentation of the Lincoln Center ShowStopper Series is the nationally touring production of “Art,” a portrait of three middle-aged men who experience “hysterical havoc” when considering a painting together, scheduled for April 22-25. And the Dance Series closes on April 27 with Diavolo, a Los Angeles group creating large-scale interdisciplinary performances which examine “the sometimes crazy ways individuals act with their environment.”

Afterword: On March 7, the great “stomp music” trio from Nashville, Bonepony, returned to Avogadro’s Number for another powerful set. The power is based on the unflagging energy that the group whips up while presenting a revved-up acoustic music. There’s bluegrass in there, some country and acoustic-based rock, mostly presented at breakneck speed and with plenty of muscle for three guys. Of course it also helps to have that irresistible bottom beat provided by the “stomp shoe,” making sure that no one in the room escapes without feeling the rhythm. Coming up at Avo’s in April: South American pan flute band Quena on April 4, Victor Barnes on April 5, a Green Party benefit featuring Joe Kissell on April 7, singer-songwriter Cliff Eberhardt on April 14, a Friends of the Poudre River benefit with the Just Jazz Quintet, Mandomonium and Capo Zero on April 19, and Liz Barnez on April 20.

April- Upcoming Concert Check

Keller Williams: For his latest studio record, “Laugh,” virtuoso guitarist Keller Williams joined forces with bassist Tye North (Leftover Salmon) and drummer Dave Watts (The Motet) to produce 15 dynamic new songs. “Laugh” follows on the heels of a great year in 2001 for Williams, which included a spot on last summer’s So Many Roads tour (and some on-stage collaboration with Bob Weir) as well as a co-headlining tour with Charlie Hunter. Williams is back on the road again as a solo act and will be celebrating the release of “Laugh” with area shows at the Aggie Theatre on April 4, the Fox Theatre in Boulder on April 5 and the Ogden Theater in Denver on April 6.

Supersuckers: The Supersuckers have just released their first live album, “Must’ve Been Live.” It’s a document of their rare live country sets and features many of the songs from the group’s 1997 alter-ego country album, “Must’ve Been High.” The record also includes guest appearances by Amy Nelson, Audley Freed of the Black Crowes and Mickey Rafael of Willie Nelson’s band. The Supersuckers will be bringing their Country Western Extravaganza to the Starlight on April 12 and to the Bluebird Theater in Denver on April 13.

Maceo Parker: “If Maceo is not on the groove, then the groove is not on,” says Stevie Wonder about the funkiest sax player alive, Maceo Parker. Prince calls him “…the baddest sax player alive today” and Ani DiFranco admits Parker is “…one of my ultimate heroes…like a Buddha with a saxophone.” Well, Ani, this Buddha isn’t doing any meditating because he’s too busy touring the world and treating audiences to a non-stop dance groove. Besides his own CD releases on the WAR? Label, “dial: MACEO” and “Funk Overload,” Parker (“the most sampled horn player in the world”) can also be heard on records by De La Soul, the Brand New Heavies, George Clinton, Rod Stewart and James Brown. Parker will be at the Sunset Events Center for two all-ages shows on April 18-19. Call 484-4604 for info.

Rock and Roll Art: The Walnut Street Gallery has been instrumental in bringing the “art of rock and roll” to Fort Collins for years. The latest show features cool new artwork by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Kreutzmann’s work is computer generated and explores the relationships between shapes and colors. The shapes can be as easily identified as a skull (covered with electronic circuit skin) as well as Dadaesque constructions of forms juxtaposed in unexpected combinations. The colors are exceptionally bright, mixed together in a psychedelic kaleidoscope that definitely stands out from the artwork surface. My favorite piece was titled “Castles of Light,” an otherworldly vision of strangely lit building-like spires shooting up from an oily sea of color.

Also showing at Walnut Street Gallery is Boulder rock photographer Michael Weintrob’s live action shots of a wide variety of performers. With a generous helping of luscious colors, musicians such as Phil Lesh and Perry Farrell nearly become paintings in themselves. Other shots offer irresistible glimpses into the personalities of the subjects- like the joyful grin of Al Green, Ray Charles hugging himself and Los Lobos’ guitarist Cesar Rosas taking a drag from his cigar. Weintrob is on the fast track to becoming a nationally-known photographer and his show at the Walnut Street Gallery explains why. Hurry to see Weintrob’s photos and Kreutzmann’s art, because the show closes on April 15. Check out Weintrob’s web site at www.groovetography.com.

In Review: On March 7, the great “stomp music” trio from Nashville, Bonepony, returned to Avogadro’s Number for another powerful set. The power is based on the unflagging energy that the group whips up on stage while presenting a revved-up acoustic music. There’s bluegrass in there, some country and acoustic-based rock, mostly presented at breakneck speed and with plenty of muscle for three guys. Of course it also helps to have that irresistible bottom beat provided by the “stomp shoe,” making sure that no one in the room escapes without feeling the rhythm. Coming up at Avo’s in April: Victor Barnes on April 5, a Green Party benefit featuring Joe Kissell on April 7, singer-songwriter Cliff Eberhardt on April 14, a Friends of the Poudre River benefit with the Just Jazz Quintet, Mandomonium and Capo Zero on April 19, and Liz Barnez on April 20.

Then on March 23, Colorado’s favorite band, the String Cheese Incident closed its sold out three-night stand at the Fillmore in Denver with plenty of jamming fusion music and special surprises. Killer mandolin master Ricky Scaggs opened with his bluegrass big band Kentucky Thunder, offering the crowd a taste of traditional-style bluegrass. Then String Cheese revved up their funky jam machine, propelled by interchangeable guitar/mando/violin on one side of the stage and full throttle keyboards on the other. The music was a mix of jazz, Dead rock and the occasional bluegrass tune thrown in for speed. Of course, the band’s light show is very impressive, perfectly cued to the changes imbedded in each long suite of songs. The surprises included a short set with Scaggs and his band- everybody toning down to an acoustic bluegrass jam. The show climaxed with a guest appearance by Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. These shows were part of String Cheese’s annual Winter Carnival that also included dates in Telluride and Vail. To add to the carnival atmosphere, the Warren Miller film crew was on hand to catch the action for an upcoming film collaboration with the band. Coming up at the Fillmore in April: Medeski, Martin and Wood on April 12, Merle Haggard on April 21, the Yonder Mountain String band on April 20 and the Tenacious D on April 22.

May Recommended

Celebrating a quarter century of song, the Larimer Chorale wraps up its 25th anniversary season with a gala concert full of surprises. The evening, entitled “When I Remember My Favorite Things…Fabulous Favorites of the Larimer Chorale and Friends,” will feature a wide diversity of music- from “O Fortuna” from “Carmina Burana” to a group of African rhythms and American spirituals. But more, actors, musicians and soloists from OpenStage Theatre, Opera Fort Collins and the CSU Music Department will be taking the stage as composers such as Bach, Haydn and Copland to introduce each segment.

As a final thank you to their faithful audience members, the Larimer Chorale will also draw the name of one lucky audience member who will be invited on stage to conduct “The Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert is scheduled for 7:30 pm on May 5 at the Lincoln Center. Call the Lincoln Center box office at 221-6730 for information.

Live music: There are three CD release parties scheduled in May at Avogadro’s Number. On May 4, Denver songwriter Wendy Woo will party. New Fort Collins band Tuku celebrates on May 17 and Patchwork Blue releases their new CD on May 30. Also coming up at Avo’s: Dipsot Groove on May 18, Heidi Vest on May 23, Open Road on May 24 and Shaman Jammin’ on May 25. In June at Avo’s, look for the two-night spoken word extravaganza “Live Word Fest,” which will feature area poets such as Lisa Zimmerman and Autumn Guest, as well as regional poets including SETH, Art Goodtimes and award-winner James Tipton. Dates for Live Word Fest are June 21-22 and will include performances, workshops and open mic opportunites. Call 482-8903 for Live Word information, or Avo’s at 493-5555.

Coming up at the Starlight: Marty Jones on May 24, Garage Mahal on May 30 and Hollow Body on May 31.

Dance: Media is the message and the High Performance Dance Theatre production “Dancemedia” will explore new territory created by a multi-media dance extravaganza. By matching the imaginative minds of media with the drama, comedy and theatre of dance, this evening length performance aims at being “a feast for the senses.” “Dancemedia” is coming up at the Lincoln Center on June 1.

Theatre: “The Voice of the Prairie,” by John Olive, intertwines two turn-of-the-century stories and ends up at “a haunting poetic finish of love lost and love found.” The Bas Bleu Theatre production of “The Voice of the Prairie,” directed by Molly Lyons, opens on May 9. Call 498-8949 for information. Other area theatre includes The Acting Company in Loveland’s production of “Fools” at the Rialto Theater in Loveland, opening May 10. OpenStage opens Neil Simon’s side-splitting farce “Rumors” on May 25 at the Lincoln Center.

Art: Two new shows at the Arvada Center for the Arts feature an organic theme, beginning in May. The gallery exhibition “Outside In” brings the natural world indoors for viewers to explore nature from diverse perspectives. Artists such as Michael Berman, Brad Miller and Yuko Yagisawa work in different forms- including photography, clay and mixed media- to explore environmental issues and “the spirit of the natural world.” “Outside In” opens on May 23 and runs through August 18.

Also opening at the Arvada Center is “It’s Alive!” featuring the work of Colorado artist Gail Wagner. Wagner uses fiber and mixed media sculpture to link “the existence of humans and nature by creating forms that have both elements.” “It’s Alive!” opens on May 30 and runs through August 25. Call the Arvada Center at 303-431-3939 for information.

New on the Fort Collins art scene is Improv Contemporary Art at 214 S. College. They have new openings each month and celebrate on the first Friday of the month. Call 482-4872 for information.

Lincoln Center: The last production of the Lincoln Center’s Children’s Series will be “The Little Mermaid,” scheduled for May 9-10. This stage version of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale comes to life with “spectacular special effects and a lush musical accompaniment.” The Debut Theatre Company’s production of “Charlotte’s Web” opens at the Lincoln Center on May 10. Other performances include shows on May 11, 13 and 17-18. The Passport Travelogue Series closes on May 14 with a presentation of “National Parks” by Gray Warriner, exploring twenty national parks including rainforests, canyons, cliff dwellings and huge trees. The final concert of the Fort Collins Symphony’s 2001-2002 season is “Capturing the Human Spirit,” featuring violinist Jean Denney and Richard Sherman on flute, set for May 18. Call 221-6730 for information on all shows.

May Concert Check

Janis Ian wrote her famous social protest song “Society’s Child” when she was 14 years old. It was banned by radio stations and became a number one hit in 1967. Since then, Ian has lost none of her fire. Her most recent album release is “god & the fbi,” her seventeenth. Besides featuring a scorching attack on the FBI- who hounded her family because of civil rights activism- it also leaves room for other expression. The album has a lighter spirit than previous releases and to help make the music cook, several musical guests including Willie Nelson, the late Chet Atkins and John Cowan from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band joined Ian in the studio. Janis Ian will be performing at the Sunset Events Center on May 12 at 7:00 pm. Opening for Ian will be Minnesota singer-songwriter Peter Mayer. Call 493-3080 for information.

Switched: After a successful tour run with Ill Nino and Primer 55, Cleveland-based Immortal/Virgin Records artist Switched is ready to hit the road for a long summer of touring. That begins on May 7 in Lincoln, NE when Switched joins Sevendust and Soil for a 3-week trek that winds up in Clinton, IA on May 26. In between are dates at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on May 8 and at the Mesa Theatre in Grand Junction on May 9. Then the band divides its time between two of the biggest summer tour packages this year. Switched will join the Warped Tour, coming through the area on June 23 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. Later in the summer, Switched joins Ozzfest, coming to Denver’s Pepsi Center on August 22. The band has just recently shot a video for their debut single, “Inside,” with famed director Gregory Dark (Linkin Park, Drowning Pool, Adema.) The album is titled “Subject to Change.”

Big Head Todd: The 2002 Sunset Rendezvous, a benefit event for RiverReach, features a private concert by Big Head Todd and the Monsters. But there’s also more music by Robert Eldridge and Zeut, a gourmet buffet and open bar, plus one of the best live auctions in Denver. 100% of net profits will go to RiverReach programs for at-risk kids. RiverReach Youth Initiative is a Colorado nonprofit organization that “helps at-risk youth get involved in positive community service projects, learn about the environment and themselves, while earning exciting adventures like rafting and skiing.” The Rendezvous is set for May 11 at the Gothic Theatre in Denver. Last year, Big Head Todd played for over two hours including an encore performance with Denver vocalist Hazel Miller. For info, call 303-477-0379 or log on to www.RiverReach.org.

More music: There are three CD release parties scheduled in May at Avogadro’s Number. On May 4, Denver songwriter Wendy Woo will party. New Fort Collins band Tuku celebrates on May 17 and Patchwork Blue releases their new CD on May 30. Also coming up at Avo’s: Dipsot Groove on May 18, Heidi Vest on May 23, Open Road on May 24 and Shaman Jammin’ on May 25. In June at Avo’s, look for the two-night spoken word extravaganza “Live Word Fest,” which will feature area poets such as Lisa Zimmerman and Autumn Guest, as well as regional poets including SETH, Art Goodtimes and award-winner James Tipton. Dates for Live Word Fest are June 21-22 and will include performances, workshops and open mic opportunites. Call 482-8903 for Live Word information, or Avo’s at 493-5555. Coming up at the Starlight: Marty Jones on May 24, Garage Mahal on May 30 and Hollow Body on May 31.

Denver/Boulder area: Famed Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen will be doing an E-Town taping at the Boulder Theater on May 6. Cracker is at the Fox Theatre in Boulder and Paul McCartney is at the Pepsi Center in Denver on May 7. Gov’t Mule will join the Dave Matthews Band at the Pepsi Center and great jazz pianist McCoyu Tyner is at the Boulder Theater on May 10. Ryan Adams joins Alanis Morissette at Magness Arena in Denver on May 11. Nickleback is at the Fillmore on May 14. Great art vocalist david Sylvian makes a rare appearance at the Paramount in Denver on May 15. Rusted Root is at the Boulder Theater on May 17. Garbage is at the Paramount in Denver on May 20, along with Abandoned Pools.

In review: There couldn’t have been a more appropriate reopening for the Aggie Theatre than with a band so central to the Fort Collins music scene as the subdudes. Actually, the reopening on March 28 was with the Dudes, featuring John Magnie, Steve Amedee and Tommy Malone from the original subdudes unit, along with bass, drums and supporting vocals from the 3 Twins and Tommy Malone’s current trio. Mixing new songs with old subdudes favorites, this was a rollicking, dance-filled, joyful concert full of irresistible funky rhythms and soulful musical spice. The years have tended to make the older music fresh and powerful again and the newer music provided hope for future fun. Opening the show was jazz/funk keyboardist Brian Auger, playing in a four-piece format that included his son on drums and daughter on vocals. This was the kind of night that helps keep you alive- at least until next time!

June Recommended

The summer concert season is upon us once again and that means great shows locally and in the region. For my money, the most interesting tour of the summer is Unlimited Sunshine 2002, featuring Cake, the Flaming Lips, De La Soul, Modest Mouse and Kinky, coming to Red Rocks on August 2. Together, these innovative bands cover the spectrum from freewheeling rhymes and ethereal melodies to cathartic, volatile rock. Just for good measure, the Hackensaw Boys will be playing bluegrass in between sets for a music showcase that that will surprise and satisfy.

Moby’s Area: Two festival also sports an innovative line-up, including David Bowie, Moby, Busta Rhymes, Ash and the Blue Man Group. But concert goers can also check out some of the country’s top DJ artists, including John Digweed, in the tour’s unique portable rave club. That show is scheduled for the Pepsi Center in Denver for August 10. Other great shows coming to the region include the annual KOOL oldies show set for June 15 at Fiddler’s Green, featuring Tommy James and the Shondelles, the Shirelles, the Turtles with Flo and Eddie, the Village People and Paul Revere and the Raiders.

Hot country star Toby Keith will be at the Greeley Independence Stampede on June 29. Tool is at the Pepsi Center on July 21. Lauryn Hill and Outkast head the lineup at Fiddler’s Green on July 22. BB King and George Thorogood play the blues at Fiddler’s on August 13 and Ozzfest returns to Denver at the Pepsi Center on August 22.

Hot stuff coming to the Fort Collins area includes another full season at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, up in the Poudre Canyon. Upcoming Mishawaka dates include Israel Vibration on June 1, Yonder Mountain String Band on June 8, Culture on June 14, the Samples on June 16, Jerry Jeff Walker on July 7 and the Jazz Mandolin Project on August 23-24. At the Aggie Theater: Mike Watt on June 3, Black Uhuru on June 12, John Hiatt on June 26, Railroad Earth on July 13 and G. Love and Special Sauce on July 28. Peter Kater celebrates his 20th anniversary at the Lincoln Center on July 15. Also coming to the Lincoln Center: Ray Charles September 16-20.

Free concerts in town include the Atoll in Old Town Square on June 4. Also coming to Old Town: Alien Outlaws on June 11, the Bluegrass Patriots on June 18 and Rodney James and the Blue Flames on June 25. In Oak Street Plaza, see Steven Wiseman on June 4, Gourmet East on June 11, Carole and Teresa Lundgren on June 18 and Perpetual Motion on June 25. The Poudre River Irregulars play the Lincoln Center’s Out to Lunch Concert Series on June 21 and Jubilant Bridge performs on June 28. Bonnie Carol plays marimba for the Summer Children’s Series at the Lincoln Center on June 26.

Benefit concert series: Since his 1981 debut album, “First Light,” contemporary Christian recording artist Michael Card has sold more than four million records and has produced six top ten singles. Card is best known for using his knowledge of the Scriptures to create musical pictures that spark the imagination and rekindle lagging faith. His biblically based recordings have brought to life the Scripture’s most enigmatic characters and unraveled its most elliptical texts.

Card is the first artist in a two concert series being presented by Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care. Card will be performing at the Lincoln Center on June 15 and will be followed on August 18 by Fernando Ortega. Presented as a fundraiser, ticket prices are tax-deductible and 100% of the ticket proceeds will be divided equally between the two organizations. Tickets can be purchased at the Lincoln Center Box Office or by calling Respite Care at 484-1511.

Live Word Fest: At Avogadro’s Number in June, look for the two-night spoken word extravaganza “Live Word Fest,” which will feature area poets such as Lisa Zimmerman, Bill Tremblay, Jack Martin and Autumn Guest, as well as regional poets including SETH, Veronica Patterson and award-winner James Tipton. Dates for Live Word Fest are June 21-22 and will include performances, workshops and open mic opportunites. Call 482-8903 for Live Word information, or Avo’s at 493-5555. Also coming up at Avo’s in June: Open Road on June 14 and 28, Christina Stone on June 27, Changes on June 29 and Ray Bonneville on June 30.

Dance: A second date has been added for High Performance Dance Theatre’s production “Dancemedia.” By matching the imaginative minds of media with the drama, comedy and theatre of dance, this evening length performance will explore new territory aimed at being “a feast for the senses.” “Dancemedia” is coming up at the Lincoln Center on June 1 and June 2.

Theatre: OpenStage Theatre’s production of Neil Simon’s “Rumors” finds four couples at an anniversary party that never begins because the host has shot himself in the head, creating a flesh wound. His lawyer’s cover-up gets progressively more difficult to sustain as nobody can remember who has been told what about whom. This “side-splitting farce” was directed by Denise Burson Freestone and runs through June 20 at the Lincoln Center Mini Theatre. “The Voice of the Prairie” continues at the Bas Bleu Theatre through June 14.

June Concert Check

If you haven’t already started stockpiling tickets for this summer’s busy concert season, the time to start is now. The most interesting tour of the summer is Unlimited Sunshine 2002, featuring Cake, the Flaming Lips, De La Soul, Modest Mouse and Kinky, coming to Red Rocks on August 2. Together, these innovative bands cover the spectrum from freewheeling rhymes and ethereal melodies to cathartic, volatile rock. Just for good measure, the Hackensaw Boys will be playing bluegrass in between sets for a music showcase that that will surprise and satisfy.

Moby’s Area: 2 festival also sports an innovative line-up, including David Bowie, Moby, Busta Rhymes, Ash and the Blue Man Group. But concert goers can also check out some of the country’s top DJ artists, including John Digweed, in the tour’s unique portable rave club. That show is scheduled for the Pepsi Center in Denver for August 10. Other great shows coming to the region include Tool at the Pepsi Center on July 21. Lauryn Hill and Outkast head the lineup at Fiddler’s Green on July 22. BB King and George Thorogood play the blues at Fiddler’s on August 13 and Ozzfest, featuring Ozzy along with Rob Zombie, System of a Down as well as numerous other acts including Switched, returns to Denver at the Pepsi Center on August 22.

But there’s much more. At Red Rocks, check out Trey Anastasio on June 2-3, Bonnie Raitt on June 5, Lyle Lovett on June 15 and Widespread Panic on June 28-30. Also at the Rocks: Blues Traveler on July 3-4, String Cheese Incident on July 5-6, Hawgfest featuring Joan Jett and John Kay and Steppenwolf on July 20, Reggae on the Rocks on August 24 and Phil Lesh with Ratdog on August 31 and on September 1 with Willie Nelson. The Allman Brothers Band will be holding three nights at the Fillmore Auditorium, June 14-16Ted Nugent will be at the Fillmore on July 30. The new City Lights Pavillion, next to the Pepsi Center, will be hosting James Brown on July 3, Delbert McClinton and Jerry Jeff Walker on July 6, Yes on July 22, the Fixx, Berlin and the Motels on July 27 and Kitaro on August 2. Lenny Kravitz and Pink play Fiddler’s Green on August 21.

Fort Collins area: Another full season has been announced at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, up in the Poudre Canyon. Upcoming Mishawaka dates include Israel Vibration on June 1, Yonder Mountain String Band on June 8, Culture on June 14, the Samples on June 16, Jerry Jeff Walker on July 7 and the Jazz Mandolin Project on August 23-24. At the Aggie Theater: Mike Watt on June 3, Black Uhuru on June 12, John Hiatt on June 26, Railroad Earth on July 13 and G. Love and Special Sauce on July 28. Peter Kater celebrates his 20th anniversary at the Lincoln Center on July 15. Also coming to the Lincoln Center: Ray Charles September 16-20.

Free concerts: Fort Collins has a wealth of free music every summer and the schedule this year is already full. The Atoll begins the free concert series in Old Town Square on June 4. The Alien Outlaws perform on June 11, the Bluegrass Patriots on June 18 and Rodney James and the Blue Flames on June 25. Also coming to Old Town: the Rio Grande Allstars, Freddi Henchi band, the Indulgers, Kenny Cordova, Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez and the Poudre River Irregulars. The Noon Time Notes series In Oak Street Plaza begins with Steven Wiseman on June 4, then Gourmet East follows on June 11, Carole and Teresa Lundgren on June 18 and Perpetual Motion on June 25. Also coming to Oak Street: Hot Club Katz, Steve Eulberg, Quartetto Maggiore, Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson, Jubilant Bridge, Interstate Cowboy and Faith in Motion.

The Poudre River Irregulars play the Lincoln Center’s free Out to Lunch Concert Series on June 21 and Jubilant Bridge performs on June 28. The series continues on July 12 with Marty Jones and the Pork Boilin’ Poor Boys, then Pete and Joan Wernick on July 19 and Book ‘Em Danno on July 26. Bonnie Carol plays marimba for the Summer Children’s Series at the Lincoln Center on June 26 and the New Land Balkan Band performs on July 24. Don’t forget there’s lots of free music coming up at the New West Fest, August 16-18.

Benefit concert series: Contemporary Christian recording artist Michael Card is the first artist in a two concert series being presented by Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care. Card will be performing at the Lincoln Center on June 15 and will be followed on August 18 by Fernando Ortega. Presented as a fundraiser, ticket prices are tax-deductible and 100% of the ticket proceeds will be divided equally between the two organizations. Tickets can be purchased at the Lincoln Center Box Office or by calling Respite Care at 484-1511.

Live Word Fest: At Avogadro’s Number in June, look for the two-night spoken word extravaganza “Live Word Fest,” which will feature area poets such as Lisa Zimmerman, Bill Tremblay, Jack Martin and Autumn Guest, as well as regional poets including SETH, Veronica Patterson and award-winner James Tipton. Dates for Live Word Fest are June 21-22 and will include performances, workshops and open mic opportunites. Call 482-8903 for Live Word information, or Avo’s at 493-5555. Also coming up at Avo’s in June: Open Road on June 14 and 28, Christina Stone on June 27, Changes on June 29 and Ray Bonneville on June 30.

July Recommended

Pianist, composer and producer Peter Kater has sold well over one million records and written the music for over seventy television and film programs. His 30 critically acclaimed releases range from world fusion and Native American collaborations to contemporary jazz, vocal ensembles, full orchestrations and solo piano. This summer, Kater is celebrating his 20th anniversary as an artist by bringing together some old friends for several special concerts in the area.

The friends include his partner in the award-winning new age album “Migration,” R. Carlos Nakai, who Kater recently collaborated with again on the 2001 Silver Wave Records release, “Through Windows & Walls.” Another friend is Tibetan musician Nawang Khechog, who performs on Tibetan and Native American wooden flutes, vocals and the “World Horn,” an original creation that combines Tibetan long horn, Australian didjeridoo and the slide trombone. Kater and Khechog released the album “Dance of Innocents,” together in 1998.

Also throw in the reunion of Kater and his group, including Greg Overton on bass, Larry Thompson on drums, reed players Mark Miller and Bob Rebholz and percussionist Aaron Stone, and you have a full stage show and an enticing summit meeting between remarkable musicians. Kater will be celebrating his anniversary with Nakai, Khechog and band at the Riverwalk Center in Breckinridge on July 11, at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder on July 13 and at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins on July 15. Call the Lincoln Center Box Office at 221-6730 for ticket information about the Fort Collins show.

Poets in the Park: The Aims Community College event, Poets in the Park, will bring to Loveland a group of nationally acclaimed poets, including the renowned poet/editor/translator X.J. Kennedy and University of Oregon poet Dorianne Laux. On July 6, Kennedy will be giving an address titled “Is Poetry a Royal Road to Love, Fame and Fortune?” at the Loveland Museum at 11:00 am and will headline readings, also including Laux, at the Foote Lagoon Amphitheatre at the Loveland Civic Center starting at 6 pm. Also featured will be Detroit spoken-word poet M.L. Lieber, who will be accompanied by Country Joe McDonald. On July 5, the Acting Company in Loveland will present “Poets in the Basement,” a dramatic performance in three acts featuring the works of poets such as Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas, Yevgeney Yevtushenko and many more, at the Loveland Museum at 7:30 pm. All events are free and open to the public

Summer Concerts: The String Cheese Incident is famous for creating their own buzz and their area summer dates are no exception. On July 3 and 4, String Cheese will be performing in Steamboat Springs with guest stars the Yonder Mountain String Band on July 3 and James Brown on July 4. Then on July 5 and 6, String Cheese takes over Red Rocks with special guest Robert Randolph. Call 303-544-5875 for ticket information. Also coming up in the area: The Aggie Theater hosts the Voodoo Glow Skulls on July 1, the Melvins on July 5, Railroad earth on July 22 and G. Love and Special Sauce on July 28. The Old Town Square concert free concert series continues with the Freddi Henchi band on July 9, the Indulgers on July 16, Kenny Cordova on July 23 and Walt Jenkins on July 30. The Mishawaka Amphitheatre presents Jerry Jeff Walker on July 7, Sound Tribe sector 9 on July 18-19 and the Dark Star Orchestra on July 20.

The annual LoDo Festival in Denver is set for July 12-13. July 12 features Los Lobos, They Might Be Giants, the Neville Brothers and more. On July 13, LoDo hosts Galactic, the Dudes (formerly the subdudes,) Cowboy Mouth and others. Tool will be at the Pepsi Center on July 21. Yes is at the City Lights Pavilion in Denver on July 22 and Ted Nugent rocks the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on July 30. Concerts set for Cheyenne Frontier Days from July 19-28 include Travis Tritt, Asleep at the Wheel, the Doobie Brothers, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Huey Lewis and the News, the Guess Who, Steppenwolf and more. Call 1-800-22-RODEO for information.

Afterword: There was a feast of memories at Fiddler’s Green on June 15 when KOOL-FM sponsored its annual oldies show. Between the quick sets by six groups and the ever-changing juke box of tunes blasting over the speakers during the change-overs, the emphasis here was on stirring up times gone past. And, by the time Paul Revere and the Raiders performed two Creedence Clearwater Revival songs, it was clear that it didn’t much matter whose memories, or hit songs, they were just as long as they kept on coming.

The line-up included groups that had all tasted chart-topping success- including the Shirelles, Blood, Sweat and Tears, the Turtles, Paul Revere, the Village People and Tommy James and the Shondelles. A long time removed from their heydays, however, meant relying on the tried and true- and comedy- to rouse the crowd. Particularly Paul Revere and the Turtles spent as much time mugging for the crowd and telling aging-musician jokes as they did actually playing music. The campy costumes of the Village People and the fact that they sang and danced to pre-recorded disco music added to the feeling that anything goes in this type of showbusiness.

However, the succinct charts and live horn section of Blood, Sweat and Tears and the distinctive pop rock of Tommy James, played with a contemporary power, helped balance the cheesier moments. Cheesey or not, however, the crowd filling about three quarters of the venue had come to dance, sing along and lose themselves in simpler times and this show delivered it all in full measure.

July Concert Check

Peter Kater: Pianist, composer and producer Peter Kater is celebrating his 20th anniversary as an artist by bringing together some old friends for several special concerts in the area. The friends include his partner in the award-winning new age album “Migration,” Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai. Another is Tibetan musician Nawang Khechog, who performs on Tibetan and Native American wooden flutes, vocals and the “World Horn,” an original creation that combines Tibetan long horn, Australian didjeridoo and the slide trombone. Also throw in the reunion of Kater and his group and you have a full stage show and an enticing summit meeting between remarkable musicians. Kater will be celebrating his anniversary with Nakai, Khechog and band at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge on July 11, at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder on July 13 and at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins on July 15. Call the Lincoln Center Box Office at 221-6730 for ticket information about the Fort Collins show.

Summer Concerts: Hot young band Dispatch, recently nominated as 2002’s “Rising Star” and “Best Rock Band” in the prestigious Boston Music Awards, is headed for the City Lights Pavilion in Denver on July 11. The annual LoDo Festival in Denver is set for July 12-13. July 12 features Los Lobos, They Might Be Giants, the Neville Brothers and more. On July 13, LoDo hosts Galactic, the Dudes (formerly the subdudes,) Cowboy Mouth and others. Tool will be at the Pepsi Center on July 21. Yes is at the City Lights Pavilion on July 22 and Ted Nugent rocks the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on July 30. Concerts set for Cheyenne Frontier Days from July 19-28 include Travis Tritt, Asleep at the Wheel, the Doobie Brothers, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Huey Lewis and the News, the Guess Who, Steppenwolf and more. Call 1-800-22-RODEO for information.

On July 3 and 4, the String Cheese Incident will be performing in Steamboat Springs with guest stars the Yonder Mountain String Band on July 3 and James Brown on July 4. Then on July 5 and 6, String Cheese takes over Red Rocks with special guest Robert Randolph. Call 303-544-5875 for ticket information. The Aggie Theater hosts the Voodoo Glow Skulls on July 1, the Melvins on July 5, Railroad Earth on July 22 and G. Love and Special Sauce on July 28. The Old Town Square concert free concert series continues with the Freddi Henchi band on July 9, the Indulgers on July 16, Kenny Cordova on July 23 and Walt Jenkins on July 30. The Mishawaka Amphitheatre presents Jerry Jeff Walker on July 7, Sound Tribe sector 9 on July 18-19 and the Dark Star Orchestra on July 20.

In August, don’t forget the Unlimited Sunshine 2002 Tour featuring Cake, the Flaming Lips, De La Soul, Modest Mouse, KINKY and the Hackensaw Boys at Red Rocks on August 2. And catch innovative jazzman Charlie Hunter at Nedfest in Nederland on August 3.

Switched: On their debut Immortal/Virgin Records release, “Subject to Change,” Cleveland band Switched combines both the power and the glory of modern hard rock. The power comes from the grinding guitar work, thanks to a one-two punch from lead guitarist Brad Kochmit and rhythm guitarist Joe Schigel. The glory comes from the soaring vocals that ride on top of this throbbing wall of sound, thanks to vocalist/percussionist Ben Schigel. Ben and Brad have been partners since high school and have developed a well-honed writing style that can both inspire and wrench the gut at the same time. On “Subject to Change,” the opening track is also the debut single, “Inside,” and showcases exactly what I mean. Rising from the depths of dark electricity comes a vocal melody that reaches for the sky. But just to keep things mixed up, the vocal also rants and rasps. The rest of the songs on the album also follow suit, making for a rich, emotionally hard-edged rock tapestry. Switched has been in the area recently, playing with Sevendust and on the Warped Tour. They’ll also be back for Ozzfest at the Pepsi Center on August 22. Next month: an interview with Switched.

Poets in the Park: The Aims Community College event, Poets in the Park, will bring to Loveland a group of nationally acclaimed poets, including the renowned poet/editor/translator X.J. Kennedy and University of Oregon poet Dorianne Laux. On July 6, Kennedy will be giving an address titled “Is Poetry a Royal Road to Love, Fame and Fortune?” at the Loveland Museum at 11:00 am and will headline readings, also including Laux, at the Foote Lagoon Amphitheatre at the Loveland Civic Center starting at 6 pm. Also featured will be Detroit spoken-word poet M.L. Lieber, who will be accompanied by Country Joe McDonald. On July 5, the Acting Company in Loveland will present “Poets in the Basement,” a dramatic performance in three acts featuring the works of poets such as Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas, Yevgeney Yevtushenko and many more, at the Loveland Museum at 7:30 pm. All events are free and open to the public

In Review: The line-up at Fiddler’s Green on June 15 for KOOL-FM’s annual oldies show included groups that had all tasted chart-topping success- including the Shirelles, Blood, Sweat and Tears, the Turtles, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Village People and Tommy James and the Shondelles. A long time removed from their heydays, however, meant relying on the tried and true- and comedy- to rouse the crowd. Particularly Paul Revere and the Turtles spent as much time mugging for the crowd and telling aging-musician jokes as they did actually playing music. The campy costumes of the Village People and the fact that they sang and danced to pre-recorded disco music added to the feeling that anything goes in this type of showbusiness. However, the succinct charts and live horn section of Blood, Sweat and Tears and the distinctive pop rock of Tommy James, played with a contemporary power, helped balance the cheesier moments. Cheesey or not, however, the crowd filling about three quarters of the venue had come to dance, sing along and lose themselves in simpler times and this show delivered it all in full measure.

August Recommended

With gas prices continually on the rise and utility costs rapidly growing, preserving our environment and finding alternative uses of our natural resources and energy is a major concern. The best way to learn about exciting new technology and innovation is by attending the 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Fair on Sunday, September 8 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Lincoln Center. Admission to the fair is free and activities include celebrity guest speakers such as Dennis Weaver and Ed Begley Jr., renewable energy and sustainability demonstrations, hands-on workshops, over 50 exhibitors, a kid’s activity zone, a beer garden, food and live entertainment powered by alternative energy cells.

This year’s entertainment lineup features a showcase of Colorado jazz musicians, including the Poudre River Irregulars and Mark Sloniker and Friends with world renowned trumpet player Hugh Ragin and bassist Jason Hollar. There will also be a performance on Sunday evening by the Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra, a 20-piece big band ensemble from Denver playing in the Main Performance Hall, to close out the day. Benefit concert tickets are available at the Lincoln Center box office and proceeds benefit the Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Association.

Benefit concert for caring: Christian recording artist Fernando Ortega will headline a benefit concert at the Lincoln Center on August 18. As a storyteller, worship leader, recording artist and acclaimed vocalist, Ortega is a 3-time Dove Award nominee, including “Male Vocalist of the Year” for 2001. Acoustic guitarist Dave Beegle will open the show, whose latest CD release, featuring solo and ensemble acoustic recordings, is “A Year Closer.” Presented as a fund-raiser for Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care, ticket purchases are tax-deductible. Due to sponsorship of the concerts, 100% of the ticket proceeds will be divided equally between the two organizations. Call 663-3500 for information.

Jewish World Music: Cantor Robert Michael Esformes, a Jewish musical prayer leader, musician and educator, will perform on August 18 at Congregation Har Shalom. Esformes has led congregations, performed and taught throughout the United States and in Australia. The show is at 7:00 pm. Call 223-5191 for information.

Phil Lesh: Bassist Phil Lesh has become a popular post-Grateful Dead performer thanks to a very active touring schedule and a band that includes two of the rock scene’s most innovative guitarists, Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring. Joining them are keyboardist Rob Barraco and drummer John Molo. The quintet reinterprets the Dead’s rich catalog of songs. New material is from the band’s debut release, “There and Back Again,” on the Lapis Music/Columbia Records label. It includes 11 tracks, including many written with Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Lesh and Friends will be performing at Jazz Aspen Snowmass on August 30, and at Red Rocks on August 31, with a Warren Haynes solo acoustic set and Ratdog, and on September 1 with Willie Nelson. Check the latest Lesh news at thephilzone@aol.com.

NewWestFest: Linden Street Live returns to the NewWestFest on August 17 with national-level entertainment, namely headliner Joan Osborne, as well as the Dudes and the Marty Lloyd Band. Lloyd was the principle writer, singer and founding member of the Chicago-based Freddy Jones Band. The Dudes reunite Tommy Malone, Steve Amedee and John Magnie from the original subdudes unit, with the addition of members of the Three Twins and Malone’s solo band. Osborne is the sexy, devilish singer who burst out of the NYC music scene with the hit song “One of Us.” Her next album release, set for September, is a “soulful collection of classic songs.” Linden Street Live starts at 4 pm on Saturday, August 17 and occurs on the 200 block of Linden Street. The event is being organized by the Tommy E. Short Charitable Foundation and the Downtown Business Association. The NewWestFest runs from August 16-18 in downtown Fort Collins.

Ozzfest: The roving tour of heavy metal, Ozzfest, is not just a showcase of popular acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie and System of a Down. Ozzfest is also a showcase for up and coming bands who play on a second stage. This year, that includes the Cleveland aggressive rock band Switched. Vocalist Ben Schigel explained in a brief phone interview that Switched has only one main goal as a band: “We just want to w rite good songs- songs with a lot of attitude, in your face, but with melody.” On their debut Immortal/Virgin Records release, “Subject to Change,” Switched succeeds on both counts. Their songs inspire and wrench the gut at the same time, making for an emotionally hard-edged rock. Switched plays Ozzfest at the Pepsi Center on August 22.

More Music: One of the most respected names in contemporary improvisational music is the Jazz Mandolin Project and they are scheduled to perform at the Mishawaka Amphitheater on August 23-24. Also at Mishawaka: Jerry Jeff Walker on August 16, Metal on the Mountain Festival on August 17 and the Delicious Hotdogs on August 31. At the Starlight: a free show with Twelve Cents for Marvin on August 24. The Aggie Theater features the UK Subs on August 22. At Avogadro’s Number: Eliza Gilkyson on August 15 and Women From Mars, featuring Liz Barnez, Danya Rivers, Liz Clark and Wendy Woo on August 22. On August 29, check out Fourth Estate, featuring Dave Beegle, at Archers Backstreet Grill. Fatt Cat Freddie will open. Beegle will also be featured in the “Festival of Life,” headlining Amy Grant and Jars of Clay at Fiddler’s Green in Denver on September 1. Don’t forget: Ray Charles is scheduled to play the Lincoln Center from Sunday, September 14 through Friday, September 20.

August Concert Check

Ben Schigel, vocalist for of the Cleveland aggressive rock band Switched, is calling from a parking lot somewhere in Alabama. He’s about to go get something to eat at the Hardee’s across the street, but first explains that Switched has only one main goal: “We just want to w rite good songs- songs with a lot of attitude, in your face, but with melody.” On their debut Immortal/Virgin Records release, “Subject to Change,” Switched succeeds on both counts. The “in-your-face” part comes from the grinding guitar work, thanks to a one-two punch from lead guitarist Brad Kochmit and rhythm guitarist Joe Schigel. The melody comes from the soaring vocals that ride on top of Switched’s throbbing wall of sound, thanks to Schigel. Their songs inspire and wrench the gut at the same time, making for a rich, emotionally hard-edged rock.

Switched has been in the area recently, playing with Sevendust and on the Warped Tour. They’ll also be back for Ozzfest at the Pepsi Center on August 22. That means that Switched has seen a lot of action all over the country and are in a position to tell what the music scene of 2002 is really like. “It’s kind of weird,” Schigel says. “There are now so many styles that there really doesn’t seem to be a trend. People are open to a lot of music, but there is no dominant band. Everyone is competing for a limited number of people. There are only so many people in this country that are into music.” After a “hit or miss” experience on the Warped Tour, Switched is ready to join Ozzy’s rock and roll circus. “We’re really looking forward to Ozzfest. Metal will be much better for us, though we do have kind of a punky vibe when we play,” Ben admits. Whatever happens, though, Switched is here for the long haul. The band has installed a small recording studio in the back of their tour bus and are working on new material as they travel. “We have an ADAT and a mixing board. We write the song, record it, put on a track with the drum machine and when we’re done traveling, we’ll have 5, 6, or 7 new songs already demoed. That’s better than coming out of it with nothing new,” Schigel says. The new material, according to Schigel, is even more melodic, more “vocally” than their current stuff.

Phil Lesh: Almost two million fans can’t be wrong. At least, there have been nearly two million hits on the web site of former Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh. The excitement is that Lesh has become a popular post-Dead performer thanks to a very active touring schedule and a band that includes two of the rock scene’s most innovative guitarists, Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule) and Jimmy Herring (Allman Brothers and Aquarium Rescue Unit.) Joining them are keyboardist Rob Barraco, formerly with the Zen Tricksters, and drummer John Molo, also with Bruce Hornsby. This is how the web site explains it: “True to the spirit of the Grateful Dead at its best…the quintet deconstructs and reinterprets the Dead’s rich catalog of songs and develops new material that wonderfully reflects the personality of this group.” The new material is on the band’s debut release, “There and Back Again,” on the Lapis Music/Columbia Records label. It includes 11 tracks, including many written with Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Lesh and Friends will be performing at Jazz Aspen Snowmass on August 30, and at Red Rocks on August 31, with a Warren Haynes solo acoustic set and Ratdog, and on September 1 with Willie Nelson. Check the latest Lesh news at thephilzone@aol.com.

NewWestFest: Linden Street Live returns to the NewWestFest for one night only this year. That is, on August 17, Fort Collins will be treated to another free concert with national-level entertainment, namely headliner Joan Osborne, as well as the Dudes (a regrouping of Fort Collins’ favorite band, the subdudes) and the Marty Lloyd Band. Lloyd was the principle writer, singer and founding member of the Chicago-based Freddy Jones Band. The Dudes reunite Tommy Malone, Steve Amedee and John Magnie from the original subdudes unit, with the addition of members of the Three Twins and Malone’s solo band. Osborne is the sexy, devilish singer who burst out of the NYC music scene with the hit song “One of Us.” Her next album release, set for September, is a “soulful collection of classic songs.” Linden Street Live starts at 4 pm on Saturday, August 17 and occurs on the 200 block of Linden Street. The event is being organized by the Tommy E. Short Charitable Foundation and the Downtown Business Association. The NewWestFest runs from August 16-18 in downtown Fort Collins.

More Music: One of the most respected names in contemporary improvisational music is the Jazz Mandolin Project and they are scheduled to perform at the Mishawaka Amphitheater on August 23-24. Also coming up at Mishawaka: Tony Furtado and the All American Gypsys, featuring Paul McCandless on August 4, famous Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and Blue Country play on August 9, Leftover Salmon is set for August 10, Jerry Jeff Walker on August 16, Metal on the Mountain Festival on August 17 and the Delicious Hotdogs on August 31. At the Starlight: Slow Gherkin on August 9, Blinddog Smokin on August 10 and a free show with Twelve Cents for Marvin on August 24. The Aggie Theater features De La Soul on August 15, the Impotent Sea Snakes on August 14 and the UK Subs on August 22. At Avogadro’s Number: Mystic V and Friends on August 9, Eliza Gilkyson on August 15, Women From Mars, featuring Liz Barnez, Danya Rivers, Liz Clark and Wendy Woo on August 22 and Liz Clark on August 30. On August 29, check out Fourth Estate, featuring area superguitarist Dave Beegle, at Archers Backstreet Grill. Fatt Cat Freddie will open. Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care will present a benefit concert featuring Fernando Ortega at the Lincoln Center on August 18.

In Review: New age/jazz pianist Peter Kater came on strong for his twentieth anniversary concert celebration at the Lincoln Center on July 15. Kater played a little bit of solo piano, dueted with longtime musical collaborators R. Carlos Nakai and Nawang Khechog, then sat calmly in the middle of a full band while the music rose to some exciting dramatic peaks. Added to the music was a mellow, conversational stage presence that had Kater turning to the audience, asking for a stick of gum and reminiscing about his successful independent career as a musician. Of course, it was all underscored by the music- challenging classical/jazz fusion arrangements incorporating the sounds of native flutes, chanting and Tibetan horns, making for a night of intimate rapport with a productive artist and a satisfying stage show experience.

Tool’s stage show at the Pepsi Center in Denver on July 21 wasn’t just satisfying- it was ambitious, alluring and awe-inspiring. The band itself spent most of the evening in the shadows on the stage while the matching video screens on either side projected a wash of distorted, Dadaesque imagery, huge backdrops and banners decorated the areas behind and above the stage, and banks of lighting played over the cranked-up crowd. The show featured a lion’s share of the “Lateralus” album, performed with a purposeful intensity, and a great special effect- fully red backlighting refracting through a steady “rain” falling from the ceiling, creating an otherworldly atmosphere, sparkling and hypnotizing.

September Recommended

Let’s just let some famous people recommend Wisconsin guitarist and singer-songwriter Willy Porter. On his latest CD release, “Willy Porter” on Six Degrees Records, the guest artists include super bassist Tony Levin and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. Porter co-wrote songs with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies and Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe. On the concert stage, Porter has been hand chosen by artists such as Paul Simon, Sting, Jeff Beck and Tori Amos to be their opening act. Acoustic Guitar Magazine reports that all the attention is due to “the triple threat: great singing…kick-drum, bass-groove guitar playing…and quality songwriting.”

Porter’s last scheduled performance in Fort Collins was on September 13, 2001 and was cancelled due to the terrorist attacks. He returns to the Sunset Events Center on Friday, September 20 with opener Ashleigh Flynn. Other shows coming to the Sunset include a two-night stand by David Wilcox, September 12-13. Call 493-3080 for information.

More Music: Coming up at the Universal Lending Citylights Pavillion in Denver will be the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, along with blues legend Taj Mahal on September 13. That’s the great new tent structure on the grounds of the Pepsi Center that provides an out door atmosphere with relatively intimate seating and, most importantly, lots of shade. Meanwhile, the Aggie Theater presents the Pharcyde on September 21, The Slip on October 2, Spearhead with Michael Franti on October 3 and Southern Culture on the Skids on October 4.

Avogadro’s Number will be hosting “An Homage to Neil Young,” a benefit for the Bridge School (a favorite Young charity) featuring regional artists such as Liz Clark and Tim Hunt on Saturday, October 5. Also coming up at Avo’s: the Bluegrass Patriots on September 20 and the Asylum Street Spankers on September 29. Call 493-5555 for info. Leading jam band Ekoostik Hookah plays the Mishawaka Amphitheatre on September 13, Keller Williams performs on September 14 and Grateful Dead member Bob Weir’s band Ratdog will play Mishawaka on September 16. Call 482-4420.

Lincoln Center: The king of soul- Ray Charles- will be opening the Showstopper Series with a matinee performance on September 15, then evening shows September 16-18 and 23. Charles has a new album, “Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again,” on his new independent label, Crossover Records. The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra will be performing Mozart, Brahms and Debussy at the Lincoln Center on September 28. The Front Range Chamber Players will present an all-Beethoven program on October 6 in the Mini Theatre. Also coming to the Lincoln Center, the Osiris Piano Trio, opening the Classical Music Series with “edgy brilliance” on October 12. Call 221-6730 for information.

Theatre: The Arvada Center for the Arts’ acclaimed children’s theater program opens on September 24 with “The Hardy Boys in the Mystery of the Haunted House,” playing through November 14. Call 720-898-7200 for info. Currently playing at the Bas Bleu is “Cherry Docs,” a regional premiere through September 21. “Voices from the Dark” opens at Bas Bleu on October 4. Call Bas Bleu at 498-8949. OpenStage Theatre’s production of “Dorian Gray,” a world premiere musical, continues through September 21 at the Lincoln Center. The Acting Company in Loveland presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” on September 13-14, 20-22 at the Rialto Theater.

Art: Gallery 233, located at 231-233 Jefferson, is currently showing “Gardens of Perfection: Photographs of Southwest England” by Sally L. Perisho. The Dellnova Gallery’s first anniversary show, featuring work by a cadre of regional artists will continue through October 5. Dellnova is located at 234 East Fourth Street in Loveland.

Afterword: Bassist Phil Lesh has become the most prominent Grateful Dead member on tour and his recent two-night stand at Red Rocks brought Dead music up to date. On August 31, Lesh and band, including the great pair of guitarists Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring, jammed with purpose and intensity. Though including classic Dead tunes like “The Other One” and “St. Stephen,” it was clear that this was not just a Dead cover band. New songs from the group’s album “There and Back Again” as well as versions of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and the Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” mixed easily with the old. But really, it wasn’t the songs that were important, but the communication between the musicians. Though Lesh remained behind the guitarists most of the night, his bass rumbled and rolled with familiar confidence. Keyboardist Rob Barraco added plenty of fill material, some honky tonk mania and well-placed crystalline flourishes. Drummer John Molo was the group’s ironman, holding down the beat and reinforcing each song segue. All the while, Haynes and Herring traded solos and swapped dueling licks. After a long set, the band took a break then came back for another long set. Where others usually stop, Dead-oriented bands are just getting started.

Opening the show was an acoustic set by Warren Haynes- not acoustic jam music, but mellow vocal songs that greeted arriving fans with an unusual sensitivity and gentleness. Then Lesh’s Dead bandmate Bob Weir played with his band Ratdog, notably featuring bassist Rob Wasserman. Early highlights included some rocking blues- “Little Red Rooster” and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl”-but the show climaxed when Ratdog also played some Dead songs. “Eyes of the World” had the audience on its feet and “One More Saturday Night” made them jump. All in all, the musical value of the evening was high and the positive vibes were plentiful. It should be noted that the audience was as much a part of the positive experience as the musicians. Though partying like a concert crowd, the groupings of people around my seats were friendly, polite and respectful of each other. It was refreshing to enjoy some live music without fearing confrontations with obnoxious neighbors. And on a picture perfect night at Red Rocks, that only added to the pleasure.

September Concert Check

This month’s concert check is devoted to the concert review- a slightly under-appreciated side of rock and roll writing. While writing about records and interviewing musicians are important ways to gain insight into what a musician is doing, what the artist does on stage is what really tells the truth about their music. Only a writer who goes to the show can report that truth and concert reviews are the truest snapshots that exist of contemporary music. August 2002 was a great rock and roll month for this writer and it’s a pleasure to document it with some quick reviews- brief and to the point:

The Unlimited Sunshine Tour- August 2, Red Rocks. Mexico’s Kinky got things off to an excellent start with a highly infectious techno/rock fusion and kinetic stage presence (perhaps the best set of the day). Modest Mouse battled sound problems that mangled the more frail portions of the band’s music, but seemed right at home for the rougher, more powerful portions. De La Soul then set to working the crowd with their positive hip hop in what seemed like a marathon set. The Flaming Lips suffered from power problems, but still managed to rip through a handful of their quirky art songs beneath flashing lights, stage extras in animal suits and video images. Cake finished off the night with their stylish rock, trumpet blending coolly with streetwise vocals. Cake was the instigator of this “experiment,” and though Red Rocks was hardly half full, the group succeeded in bringing together a challenging roster of bands.

Area2 Festival- August 10, City Lights Pavilion. Attendance for the Area2 Festival was perhaps 25% of what it was last year at Mile High Stadium. The DJ Tent, featuring such artists as DJ Tiesto, was not as exciting when only half full. Fortunately, the main stage had plenty of action. Starting with fresh, energetic punk pop band Ash, the Blue Man Group followed with full-on, raging electric rock courtesy of a big band and plenty of outrageous stage antics courtesy of the three blue figures that are the focus of the presentation. Busta Rhymes then busted the rhythm of the show with a set of his arrogant, foul-mouthed rap. David Bowie- obviously the main focus for the crowd- then took the stage and produced a very powerful and artistically satisfying set. I have seen Bowie several times before and never have I heard him in such good voice or seen him having such a good time. Moby finished out the day with his frenetic techno rock, complete with an impressive array of lights, a raging band and his homey rapport with the crowd. All in all, an artistic feast.

BB King Blues Fest- August 13, Fiddler’s Green. Out in the crowd, it was hard to tell if this was a blues festival or a booze festival. On stage, the same confusion seemed to reign. The Fabulous Thunderbirds turned in a perfunctory set of their barroom blues rock. George Thorogood has honed his bad boy image into a workable arena persona- complete with songs about drinking that kept the crowd toasting each other and high-fiving. Fortunately, some real blues and some real class hit the stage when B.B. King arrived. With a full band, including a horn section, behind him, King noodled on his guitar and mostly captivated the audience with his friendly, but just a little rebellious personality. It was a delight to see the largest concert crowd of August- admittedly beefed up thanks to free ticket coupons- cheering adoringly for a 76-year-old musician- who happens to truly be the king of the blues.

Linden Street Live- August 17, Downtown Fort Collins. Great free music returned to the streets during NewWestFest thanks to the Tommy E. Short Charitable Foundation. This year featured only one night, three bands, but those bands included the Dudes, a reformed version of the subdudes, featuring three original members and more. The Dudes were in excellent voice, providing clean, inspiring harmonies and the instrumental work shown brightly, giving an even spicier sound to music that already has plenty of pep. Joan Osborne then took the stage to offer a huge helping of her new material- classic soul and rock songs- as well as several favorites from the past. A highlight was “Spider Web,” a rhythm and a performance you can’t resist.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers- August 21, Red Rocks. Tom Petty seemed satisfied to let his band the Heartbreakers take care of the showmanship and maintained a laid-back approach through most of the show. But what a band- the Heartbreakers are a well-oiled music machine, full of dramatic power and subtleties. A lot has to do with the excellent musicianship of keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell, who’s dynamic stage presence took over as Petty pulled back. But then Petty came back for a long, long version of “Gloria” as an encore and finally let his hair down- aided by a bright full moon. Jackson Browne opened with an excellent set full of oldies, but also some strong new material. Browne has not lost any professional steam over the years and his portion was well-paced and succinctly performed.

Ozzfest- August 22, Pepsi Center. The day after the Petty show, I took a trip to hell- or should I say a comic book of hell. Under an occasionally brutal sun, early concertgoers were treated to an equal measure of brutal music on the second stage. Bands such as Switched, Glassjaw, Seether, Mushroomhead, Meshuggah and Hatebreed stepped up in line to offer their versions of today’s aggressive rock- metal, punk and mania all rolled up into one fireball. It should be noted that the sideshow booths at Ozzfest included a dominatrix booth and a delightful new service- bare breast painting. Inside the Pepsi Center, the main stage kicked off with the brawny rock of the Black Label Society, followed by the punky sounds of Adema. Tommy Lee turned in an old school set in place of Drowning Pool, then P.O.D. offered hip hop flavored metal, the first band to actually get the crowd singing along. Rob Zombie, sans production trickery, dominated the stage next with furious abandon. System of a Down then followed with the most challenging set of the day- operatic metal? Ozzy, of course, came on stage to a hero’s welcome as one of rock’s most colorful figures- or comic book figures. It has to be said that Ozzfest has the very best production teams in the business. When I printed the day’s schedule off of the Ozzfest web site, I noticed that there were only as little as ten minutes allotted for set changes. Fat chance, I thought, but this festival steamrolled through on time.

That’s it- 31 bands in one month- quite a score for any musiclover. Coming up: Phil Lesh at Red Rocks. Ray Charles at the Lincoln Center. And the Who and the Counting Crows at Fiddler’s Green. The summer isn’t quite over yet…Rock on!

October Recommended

When singer songwriter Lucy Kaplansky left Chicago for New York City, she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers- Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, and Cliff Eberhardt. She often sang in a duo format with Shawn Colvin. Then Kaplansky left music to pursue a doctorate in Psychology. She completed her degree, got a job and started a private practice, but her musical talent would not let her go. Guest appearances on albums by Colvin, Nanci Griffith, Vega and John Gorka, as well as a successful solo session produced by Colvin, would start a career Kaplansky could not refuse. Kaplansky’s latest release is “Every Single Day,” on Red House Records and she will be performing at the Sunset Events Center on October 11. Opening for Kaplansky will be Michael Lille, who Performing Songwriter magazine calls “a star on the rise whose voice is soft leather, and his guitar work is flawless.” Info: 493-3080.

More music: Maggie Simpson’s Acoustic Carnival is scheduled at Avogadro’s Number on October 12 and Simpson returns to join Liz Barnez in a Songwriters in the Round show at Avo’s on October 20. Also at Avo’s, Northern Colorado bluegrass sensation Open Road, sporting a brand new debut release on Rounder Records, will join the T Band for a fundraiser for the Friends of the Poudre on October 25. Tyfoid Mary celebrates the release of their new CD, “Nu Strain,” at the Starlight on October 12 for a show ominously dubbed “Heavy Festivities- Volume 1,” also featuring Rogue, Fomofuiab, Dead Heaven Cowboys, Brutal Infliction, Core of the Earth. Fourth Estate and the Dave Beegle Jam Band join with LandSpeedRecord, featuring Mike Lopez, and Full Circle for a show at Archer’s Backstreet Bar on October 18. The Aggie Theater presents Particle on October 21, The Motet on October 26 and a special Halloween party with Cabaret Diosa on October 31.

Lincoln Center: The Classical Music Series opens on October 12 with the Osiris Piano Trio. The Lincoln Center Dance Series features Trinity Irish Dance as an added attraction on October 18. Special guest, folksinger and songwriter John McCutcheon joins the Larimer Chorale for “Just for Tonight- Childhood” at the Lincoln Center on October 20. The program will include music for all ages, from Brahms’ famous lullaby to songs made famous by Elvis Presley and the Beatles to McCutcheon’s own compositions. The Anything Goes Series opens with “Jammin’ With Pops,” a new musical by Barry Harman, on October 23. The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra plays Neilsen, Tchaikovsky and Mozart in the Conductor Audition Number 2 program on October 26. The OpenStage production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” opens at the Lincoln Center on October 26 and runs through November 23. The Showstopper series continues with Rogers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” October 28-31. The High Performance Dance Theatre presents “Scared Stiff…Slumber Party Scare” on November 2 at 2 and 8 p.m. The Front Range Chamber Players present “A Stravinsky Sandwich” on November 3.

Kyiv Symphony: In 1992, American conductor Roger McMurrin, and his wife, Dane, visited Kiev, Ukraine and were moved by the Ukrainians’ deep passion for music. So much so that they sold their home in Florida, moved to Kiev and created the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. The group has become the only non-state supported musical group of its kind in the Ukraine. Presenting a program of “the great classics, world class soloists, and folk music with Ukrainian costumes and instruments,” the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra will be performing at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Fort Collins on October 19. The concert is free and open to the public. Call 226-2095 for information.

Rialto Theater: Since his debut album, “Night Birds,” was introduced in 1987, New England guitarist Ed Gerhard has not only succeeded in creating his own distinctive guitar voice, but he has also become a respected teacher. Gerhard’s most recent release is “House of Guitars” on Virtue Records, and he’ll be performing at the Rialto Theater in Loveland on October 18. On October 19, Gerhard will present a “Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop” at Osprey Guitars in Fort Collins, from 2-4 p.m. Call 490-2334 for reservations for the workshop. Also coming up at the Rialto Theater: “Women Rock the Rialto,” described by organizer Liz Barnez as “a mini-Motherfolker kind of thing.” This is the fourth annual event, which will benefit the Women’s Center of Larimer County. The women rock at the Rialto on October 19.

Invitation: Performance poetry and sound art group TVS and two fingers is proud to celebrate the release of our new book/CD, “Air and Words.” We’ll be performing and signing books at Jade Creek Books on October 25 and at the Loveland Museum on October 26. Please join us!

Afterword: Ray Charles celebrated his 72nd birthday on stage at the Lincoln Center on the final night of his five-night stand. Charles’ birthday is worth celebrating because he has not only pioneered the big band soul sound, as well as added to jazz, rock, pop and country western music, but he is still out doing it live. On September 16, his show was old school powerful. That is, rather than relying on intense volume or electronics for a big sound, Charles is content to stir up musical power the old fashioned way- with 17 musicians in his orchestra and five back-up singers. It was a treat to hear the luscious layers of horns create the background for Charles’ soulful, bluesy ballads. The rock and roll part of the show was supplied by the rhythm section- drums, bass guitar and lead guitar. As for “the genius of soul,” his vocals were often lost in the music mix, but his quick keyboard flourishes and short, precise solos revealed that this 72-year old man still lives and breathes music.

The Who’s concert at Fiddler’s Green on September 19 was, quite simply, a definitive rock performance. All the elements were there for a powerful experience, not just of the band, but of the genre. Rough and ready vocals were supplied by Roger Daltrey. Pete Townshend is a tremendous guitar stylist who spent the evening digging into fiery, challenging solos. The Who has very memorable songs, full of drama, emotional release and poignancy. Add a stylish rhythm section, distinctive keyboard work, great sound that brought the glory and fury even up to the back row on the lawn, an exciting, colorful light show and extra fine video work and you are talking about a production of the first order. But more, the weather was crisp and clear, the crowd’s vibe was friendly and positive and the band seemed willing to jam and take chances with the songs. They were even introduced by Colorado promoter legend Barry Fey. The recent loss of bassist John Entwistle has seemed to kick the rest of the Who into a higher gear and they proved that the band still lives- very high and mighty.

October Concert Check

When singer songwriter Lucy Kaplansky left Chicago for New York City, she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers- Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, and Cliff Eberhardt- and she fit right in. She often sang in a duo format with Shawn Colvin, for example. Then Kaplansky left music to pursue a doctorate in Psychology. She completed her degree, got a job and started a private practice, but her musical talent would not let her go so easily. Guest appearances on albums by Colvin, Nanci Griffith, Vega and John Gorka, as well as a successful solo session produced by Colvin, would start a career Kaplansky could not refuse.

Kaplansky’s latest release is “Every Single Day,” on Red House Records. The album features original tunes showcasing Kaplansky’s alterna-country-folk-pop as well as covers of songs by the Louvin brothers, Julie Miller, Paul Brady and Steve Earle. Kaplansky- who ended up quitting her psychology jobs- will be performing at the Sunset Events Center on October 11. Opening for Kaplansky will be Michael Lille, who Performing Songwriter magazine calls “a star on the rise whose voice is soft leather, and his guitar work is flawless.” Also coming up at the Sunset: Christine Lavin on October 4. Info: 493-3080.

Local scene: Avogadro’s Number will be hosting “An Homage to Neil Young,” a benefit for the Bridge School (a favorite Young charity) featuring regional artists such as Liz Clark, Joy Jackson, Nymbus, George’s August Brew and Tim Hunt on Saturday, October 5. For more information, call 419-8354. Also coming up at Avo’s: Gospel Hour with the 3 Twins and Lionel Young on October 6. Later that day, singer-songwriter Bob Hollister reunites with Colleen Crosson. Maggie Simpson’s Acoustic Carnival is scheduled at Avo’s on October 12 and Simpson returns to join Liz Barnez in a Songwriters in the Round show on October 20. Northern Colorado bluegrass sensations Open Road, sporting a brand new debut release on Rounder Records, will join the T Band for a fundraiser for the Friends of the Poudre on October 25.

Tyfoid Mary celebrates the release of their new CD, “Nu Strain,” at the Starlight on October 12 for a show ominously dubbed “Heavy Festivities- Volume 1,” also featuring Rogue, Fomofuiab, Dead Heaven Cowboys, Brutal Infliction, Core of the Earth. Fourth Estate and the Dave Beegle Jam Band join with LandSpeedRecord, featuring Mike Lopez, and Full Circle for a show at Archer’s Backstreet Bar on October 18. Meanwhile, the Aggie Theater presents The Slip on October 2, Spearhead with Michael Franti on October 3, Southern Culture on the Skids on October 4, Mortician on October 7, the Beatnuts on October 9, Particle on October 21, The Motet on October 26 and a special Halloween party with Cabaret Diosa on October 31.

Invitation: Performance poetry and sound art group TVS and two fingers is proud to celebrate the release of our new book/CD, “Air and Words.” We’ll be performing and signing books at Jade Creek Books on October 25 and at the Loveland Museum on October 26. Please join us!

Rialto Theater: Since his debut album, “Night Birds,” was introduced in 1987, New England guitarist Ed Gerhard has not only succeeded in creating his own distinctive guitar voice, but he has also become a respected teacher and the inspiration for a guitar. Breedlove Guitars’ “Ed Gerhard Signature Model” guitar has become one of Breedlove’s best selling guitars. It also won the 2000 “Player’s Choice Award” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Gerhard’s most recent release, his seventh, is “House of Guitars” on Virtue Records, and he’ll be performing at the Rialto Theater in Loveland on October 18. On October 19, Gerhard will present a “Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop” at Osprey Guitars in Fort Collins, from 2-4 p.m. Call 490-2334 for reservations for the workshop. Also coming up at the Rialto Theater: “Women Rock the Rialto,” described by organizer Liz Barnez as “a mini-Motherfolker kind of thing.” This is the fourth annual event, which will benefit the Women’s Center of Larimer County. The women rock at the Rialto on October 19.

In review: Bassist Phil Lesh has become the most prominent Grateful Dead member on tour and his recent two-night stand at Red Rocks brought Dead music up to date. On August 31, guitarist Warren Haynes opened the show with an acoustic set – not acoustic jam music, but mellow vocal songs that greeted arriving fans with sensitivity and gentleness. Then Lesh’s Dead bandmate Bob Weir played with his band Ratdog, notably featuring bassist Rob Wasserman. Early highlights included some rocking blues- “Little Red Rooster” and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl”-but the set climaxed when Ratdog played some Dead songs. “Eyes of the World” had the audience on its feet and “One More Saturday Night” made them jump.

Lesh and band, including the great pair of guitarists Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring, jammed with purpose and intensity. Though also including classic Dead tunes like “The Other One” and “St. Stephen,” it was clear that this was not just a Dead cover band. New songs from the group’s album “There and Back Again” as well as versions of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and the Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” mixed easily with the old. But really, it wasn’t the songs that were important, but the communication between the musicians. Though Lesh remained behind the guitarists most of the night, his bass rumbled and rolled with familiar confidence. Keyboardist Rob Barraco added plenty of fill material, some honky tonk mania and well-placed crystalline flourishes. Drummer John Molo was the group’s ironman, holding down the beat and reinforcing each song segue. All the while, Haynes and Herring traded solos and swapped dueling licks. After a long set, the band took a break then came back for another long set. Where others usually stop, Dead-oriented bands are just getting started.

The Who: When guitarist Pete Townshend of the Who took the stage at Fiddler’s Green on September 19, he joked with the crowd that “This is going to be the worst gig we’ve ever played.” With the recent death of bassist John Entwistle, there was reason to expect that Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey would not be able to muster the power of the Who. However, the pair dug in with an able backing band and produced an impassioned and inspiring performance of the group’s music. At the very center of it all was Townshend’s guitar playing- revved up, chaotic, feedback-laced and brash- underscoring the fact that this was one of the major innovators of rock music. It didn’t matter what songs they played as long as Townshend kept swinging at that guitar. But then add the dramatics of Daltrey, a great light show, the strength of drummer Zak Starkey, keyboard parts by John Bundrick and more and you have a first-class production. The Who of 2002, even without Entwistle, was very strong indeed. This was nowhere close to the worst gig they’ve ever played. It very well may have been one of their best.

November Recommended

When singer-songwriter Christine Kane played her first real gig as a musician, she made more money in one weekend than she did as a waitress. “There was a Shakespeare troupe in town who wandered into my gig,” the Ashville, NC singer remembers. “One of the actors found out it was my very first night ever playing music. He handed me a hundred dollar bill and told me never to give up.”

Kane has hardly given up. In fact, she has released four independent albums, contributed a song to a compilation CD titled “Women’s Work,” also featuring Ani DiFranco and Janis Ian, and she has become a regular mainstage performer at a growing number of national music festivals. Her latest release is “Rain and Mud and Wild and Green,” produced by Ben Wisch and Kane while featuring guest artists including Richard Shindell, Larry Campbell and Marc Shulman. Kane will be opening for John Gorka at the Sunset Events Center on November 15.

Celebration of Life: Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care will present the “Celebration of Life” Concert on Saturday, November 9 at the Sunset Events Center. Headlined by regional guitarist Dave Beegle, the show will be an evening of instrumental music featuring original arrangements by Beegle, holiday selections by Lorie Line, jazz and gospel compositions, and spiritual arrangements by Fernando Ortega. A host of local musicians will be joining Beegle on stage throughout the evening. Call 663-3500 or 484-1511 for information.

The Dudes. The great soulful music of the subdudes has been resurrected in the form of the Dudes, featuring Tommy Malone, John Magnie and Steve Amedee from the original band, as well as three more members. The new group enjoyed a rousing Fort Collins homecoming with shows at the Aggie last March and at NewWestFest and are returning for a November 29 gig at the Aggie and a November 30 show at the Bluebird Theater in Denver. Also coming to the Aggie: Hank Williams III on November 8, punk stalwarts the Circle Jerks are joined by All on November 10, Blackalicious will be at the Aggie on November 15, the Supersuckers return on November 24 and the Dirty Dozen are scheduled at the Aggie for December 6.

More music: The battle to put a community public radio station on the air has been won by Public Radio for the Front Range. The group recently received approval from the FCC for a frequency and has decided on the call letters KRFC. KRFC will be celebrating with a “social” gathering featuring local music on November 17, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Also coming up at Avo’s: the T Band plays at 6 pm and Open Road is joined by Cheyenne Lonesome at 8 pm on November 8, the Poudre River Irregulars play an evening show on November 15, Sharon Holbrook celebrates the release of her new CD on November 22 and Changes performs on November 30. Singer-songwriter John Smith will be at Avo’s on December 14. At the Starlight: Global Funk Council plays on November 7 and Zuvuya, featuring Mike Travis of String Cheese Incident, are scheduled for November 15. Western songstylist Chuck Pyle, the “Zen Cowboy,” will be celebrating the release of his new CD, “Affected by the Moon,” at Unity of Fort Collins on November 29.

On November 30, popular Celtic band Altan will present a “traditional Irish celebration” at the Boulder Theater. Altan will be joined by Seamus Begley and Jim Murray as well as additional dancers, voices and instruments. Coming up in Denver: Peter Gabriel brings his “Growing Up” tour to the Pepsi Center on December 5. Aerosmith will be at the Pepsi Center on December 8. Their latest release is “Oh Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits.” On December 10, DJ remixer and producer Paul Oakenfold will lead a program also including Aphrodite and Hernan Cattaneo at the Fillmore on December 10.

Lincoln Center: Athletic, graceful and witty, ODC/San Francisco dance company has three outstanding resident choreographers and the troupe performs for over 50,000 people annually. ODC opens the Lincoln Center Dance Series on November 8. Actor Robert Dubac plays seven different characters in the comedy “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” as part of the Showstopper Series, November 11-14. The Travelogue Film Series continues on November 27 with John Holod’s “Czech/Slovakia.” Coming up in December at the Lincoln Center, the Letterman bring their Christmas show to town on December 3. Now playing in the Lincoln Center Mini Theatre is the OpenStage Theatre production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” through November 23. For information, call 221-6730.

Theatre: “Voices From the Dark,” three plays by Samuel Beckett, directed by Eric Prince, is currently playing at the Bas Bleu Theatre. These are dramatic pieces from “one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century.” Opening on November 29 at Bas Bleu will be “The Santaland Diaries,” the story of a young writer reduced to taking a job as a holiday elf. “Diaries” will continue through December 28. Call 498-8949.

Art: Currently showing at Improv Contemporary Art is “Organic Forms.” The collection features the work of Kimberly Graham, Norah Krogman, Carol Redmond and Bonnie Ferrill Roman through November 27. Call 482-4872 or visit improvgallery.com for information.

November Concert Check

Dudes: The first time I saw the subdudes play was in early 1988 at the Bar Bazaar, that den of iniquity that used to be in the Northern Hotel. The group had relocated from New Orleans to Colorado only a few months before to get their act together, play the ski areas and take a break from the New Orleans scene. Unfortunately, the band got here to find that all the ski area jobs had been booked for months, so the band was relegated to playing any local gig they could to survive. Though relatively brand new, the subdudes made an immediate impression on local audiences and I went to review them for a newspaper called the Mason Street Oracle.

When the subdudes took the stage, they looked like a rag-tag folk group. There was no drum kit, the percussionist played only a tambourine, and though the group also featured an electric guitar and bass, the only other instrument was an accordion. Once they began playing, however, all preconceived notions were blown away. The subdudes played a highly dynamic, richly textured music that wavered between R & B and rock and roll with ease. The band’s strong point was their vocals, heaping precise harmonies on top of the wailing lead voice. And man, that percussionist made that tambourine sound like a whole drum section. The subdudes not only became Fort Collins’ favorite band, but they also scored a national recording contract, appeared several times on national TV and toured with the likes of Hewey Lewis and the News, k.d. lang and Bonnie Raitt. The group packed it in, in 1996, but the fans’ adoration never really died.

That great soulful music of the subdudes has been resurrected in the form of the Dudes, featuring Tommy Malone, John Magnie and Steve Amedee from the original band, as well as three more members. The new group enjoyed a rousing Fort Collins homecoming with shows at the Aggie last March and at NewWestFest and are returning for a November 29 gig at the Aggie and a November 30 show at the Bluebird Theater in Denver. Also coming to the Aggie: Hank Williams III on November 8, punk stalwarts the Circle Jerks are joined by All on November 10, Blackalicious will be at the Aggie on November 15, the Supersuckers return on November 24 and the Dirty Dozen are scheduled at the Aggie for December 6.

Kane/Gorka: When singer-songwriter Christine Kane played her first real gig as a musician, she made more money in one weekend than she did as a waitress. “There was a Shakespeare troupe in town who wandered into my gig,” the Ashville, NC singer remembers. “One of the actors found out it was my very first night ever playing music. He handed me a hundred dollar bill and told me never to give up.”

Kane has hardly given up. In fact, she has released four independent albums, contributed a song to a compilation CD titled “Women’s Work,” also featuring Ani DiFranco and Janis Ian, and she has become a regular mainstage performer at a growing number of national music festivals. Her latest release is “Rain and Mud and Wild and Green,” produced by Ben Wisch and Kane while featuring guest artists including Richard Shindell, Larry Campbell and Marc Shulman. Kane will be opening for John Gorka at the Sunset Events Center on November 15.

Mystic V: By now, one of the freshest new performing acts in Fort Collins has celebrated the release of their debut CD. Mystic V was scheduled to introduce their first recording at Avogadro’s Number on November 2. The “group” is actually a duo- Kirsten and Suzanne- who vocalize together over basic but powerful drumming. The vocals are a mixture of spoken word and intoning that questions politics and the very quality of contemporary living. Mystic V will be joining Green Lemon and Tara Lee in a fundraiser for the Campus Women’s Alliance at Avo’s on November 5. Watch for future dates- these performers are worth it.

Celebration of Life: Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care will present the “Celebration of Life” Concert on Saturday, November 9 at the Sunset Events Center. Headlined by regional guitarist Dave Beegle, the show will be an evening of instrumental music featuring original arrangements by Beegle, holiday selections by Lorie Line, jazz and gospel compositions, and spiritual arrangements by Fernando Ortega. A host of local musicians will be joining Beegle on stage throughout the evening. Call 663-3500 or 484-1511 for information.

More music: The battle to put a community public radio station on the air has been won by Public Radio for the Front Range. The group recently received approval from the FCC for a frequency and has decided on the call letters KRFC. KRFC will be celebrating with a “social” gathering featuring local music on November 17, from 1 pm to 5 pm at Avogadro’s. Also coming up at Avo’s: the T Band plays at 6 pm and Open Road is joined by Cheyenne Lonesome at 8 pm on November 8, the Poudre River Irregulars play an evening show on November 15, Sharon Holbrook celebrates the release of her new CD on November 22 and Changes performs on November 30. Singer-songwriter John Smith will be at Avo’s on December 14. At the Starlight: Global Funk Council plays on November 7 and Zuvuya, featuring Mike Travis of String Cheese Incident, are scheduled for November 15. Western songstylist Chuck Pyle, the “Zen Cowboy,” will be celebrating the release of his new CD, “Affected by the Moon,” at Unity of Fort Collins on November 29.

Canadian rockers Simple Plan return to the States after a tour of Thailand, Japan and Austrailia for a tour with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The MTV darlings will be at the Ogden Theatre in Denver on November 26. On November 30, popular Celtic band Altan will present a “traditional Irish celebration” at the Boulder Theater. Altan will be joined by Seamus Begley and Jim Murray as well as additional dancers, voices and instruments. Coming up in Denver: Peter Gabriel brings his “Growing Up” tour to the Pepsi Center on December 5. Aerosmith will be at the Pepsi Center on December 8. Their latest release is “Oh Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits.” On December 10, DJ remixer and producer Paul Oakenfold will lead a program also including Aphrodite and Hernan Cattaneo at the Fillmore on December 10.

December Recommended

The annual craft show at CSU- the Holiday Bazaar- has been a tradition at the college for more than two decades. Last year, however, the decision was made to discontinue the craft shopping bonanza. That is until local promoter extraordinaire, Kiri Saftler of Sunset Markets Unlimited, took the reins of the project and has made some changes that could make it better. Traditionally, the three-day show was held during the school week, but this year the event will stretch over the weekend, giving community members the opportunity to come to the show and avoid parking hassles. The dates this year are December 14-16. That means free parking in the lots north of the student center and west of the library on Saturday and Sunday.

Saftler has become well known in town for her various promoting activities. She has not only organized other local craft events- like shows at the Senior Center and at City Park on July Fourth- but also farmers’ markets and concerts. Saftler’s efforts for the CSU craft show- this year called the “Holiday Craft Bazaar at CSU”- has attracted 90 vendors, so many that the show will be held in the Lory Student Center in the Main Ballroom and the North Ballroom. The variety of wares is sure to impress: jewelry, wood crafts, stained glass and blown glass, packaged spices, dried flower art, hammocks, homemade soap, photography, crystals, puzzles and much more. On December 14, the show hours are from 4-8, December 15, from 11-6 and on December 16, from 8-6. Admission is free.

Johnsmith: Yes, his name is printed oddly- Johnsmith- but this Wisconsin singer-songwriter makes music that is warm, friendly and wise from a 30-year journey as a musician. Along the way, Johnsmith has received plenty of kudos. His recordings have received rave reviews, since the release of his debut CD, “Hole in the Clouds,” in 1997. He has also garnered a fistful of songwriting awards from the Kerrville, Telluride and Rocky Mountain Folks festivals. Johnsmith will be performing at Avogadro’s Number on December 14. Call 493-3080 for information.

Ekoostik Hookah: Ekoostik Hookah is the nucleus of a growing musical family drawn to its lucid, improvisational treatment of psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass- all layered with rich harmonies. Their newest album, “Seahorse,” is their sixth release and serves as a culmination of the music the band has made together over the last ten years. The Ohio-based band began jamming during weekly open-mic nights in 1991 and have grown into one of the nation’s top fifty live acts- according to Pollstar magazine’s Concert Pulse. Though primarily known as a live act, Ekoostik Hookah has sold over 100,000 of their independently released albums. Ekoostik Hookah will be performing at the Aggie Theater on Wednesday, December 11.

Holiday events: On December 5, Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care will present Christian recording artist Bryan Duncan in a concert titled “Christmas is Jesus” at the Lincoln Center. Accompanied by more than 70 musicians and singers from the Faith Evangelical Free Church choir and orchestra, Duncan will perform renditions of holiday classics.

For this year’s Larimer Chorale holiday concert, “Messiah and Carols,” on December 8 in the Lincoln Center, the Chorale and orchestra will perform portions of Handel’s “Messiah” with guest conductor David Brussel of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The second half of the concert will be full of variety: there will be a candlelight procession, carols from England, Germany, Mexico, and France, a trumpet solo of the beloved “O Holy Night” and favorite secular holiday music. Along with several sing-along carols with the audience, Bruce Freestone and other actors from Open Stage Theater will be giving Christmas readings, both traditional and humorous. Also at the Lincoln Center: the Canyon Concert Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” December 12-15.

Art: Gallery 233 presents “Windows of the World” by artist Darrell Anderson, December 6-January 3, 2003. There will be a demonstration by the artist on December 14. The gallery is located at 231-233 Jefferson. Call 484-7500 for information.

Denver music: The 95.7 KISSFM’s KISSmas Snowball featuring P.Diddy, Avril Lavigne, DJ Sammy, Nick Carter and 3LW will be at the Pepsi Center on December 17. KBPI’S Mistletoe Jam, featuring heavy metal quartet Mudvayne, rocks at the Fillmore Auditorium on Monday December 9. Norah Jones and Lisa Loeb perform at the Boulder Theater on December 11, Howie Day and Rhett Miller perform at the Fox Theater in Boulder on December 15 and Delbert McClinton and Susan Tedeschi will perform at the Fillmore Auditorium December 18 as part of the KBCO Holiday Concert Series. The KBCO Holiday Concert Series benefits the Emergency Family Assistance Association.

Afterword: ODC/San Francisco: Everything the ads said about ODC/San Francisco was true. The dance group was very athletic, graceful and witty at the Lincoln Center on November 8. Rigid body language and muscle-builder poses helped underscore the company’s athleticism. The grace came from the dancers’ ability to move fluidly even when the choreography called for toughness. The wit came with the funny little punctuations- the flick of a hand, the tilt of a hip- that kept some kind of human element to the program. What was missing, however, was context. Spare costuming, minimal staging, and few setting cues created work that was abstract enough to distract from the accomplishment. I walked out of the concert puzzled, aware that I had seen some talented dancers, but unsure that it really meant anything. The Dance Series continues on March 7 with Momix.

December Concert Check

Ekoostik Hookah: Ekoostik Hookah is the nucleus of a growing family drawn to its lucid, improvisational treatment of psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass- all layered with rich harmonies. Their newest album, “Seahorse,” is their sixth release and serves as a culmination of the music the band has made together over the last ten years. The Ohio-based band began jamming during weekly open-mic nights in 1991 and have grown into one of the nation’s top fifty live acts- according to Pollstar magazine’s Concert Pulse. Though primarily known as a live act, Ekoostik Hookah has sold over 100,000 of their independently released albums.

Ekoostik Hookah is also known for a two-night, homegrown camp-out festival known as Hookahville. It’s been happening since 1994 in the green hills of Ohio and has become what fans have called “the best music festival camp-out in the nation.” Meanwhile, Ekoostik Hookah travels an average of four nights a week, playing in more than 30 states at venues including New York’s Knitting Factory, Chicago’s House of Blues and San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. The band played their first international shows in June 1999 in Negril, Jamaica. Ekoostik Hookah will be performing at the Aggie Theater on Wednesday, December 11.

Steve Kimock Band: Hailed as a guitar virtuoso for his tone, technique and imagination, Steve Kimock has been showcasing his talent with various collaborations for over two decades. His previous bands, Zero, Little Women, and KVHW (Bobby Vega, Alan Hertz and Ray White) were musically inspired by Kimock’s innovative guitar work. In addition to his own bands, Steve has joined forces with and contributed to a long list of accomplished musicians and successful projects including Jerry Garcia, Warren Haynes, Merl Saunders, The Other Ones, Phil and Friends, Trey Anastasio, Pete Sears and many others. Kimock recently reunited with friend and colleague Jerry Joseph, performing live with him and John Bell (Widespread Panic) at a festival in Utah. Most recently, Kimock toured as a featured member of Bruce Hornsby’s band.

Today, the Steve Kimock Band has finally released their first official CD project- “East Meets West.” The double CD features over two hours of multi-track recordings from the group’s live performances. The Steve Kimock band’s “Snow Ball” tour checks into Levels in Steamboat Springs on December 27 and will play a two-night stand at the Gothic Theatre in Denver on December 30-31.

Denver Scene: The 95.7 KISSFM’s KISSmas Snowball featuring P.Diddy, Avril Lavigne, DJ Sammy, Nick Carter and 3LW will be at the Pepsi Center on Tuesday December 17th. KBPI’S Mistletoe Jam, featuring heavy metal quartet Mudvayne, rocks at The Fillmore Auditorium on Monday December 9th. Mudvayne is touring in support of their latest release, “The End Of All Things To Come.” Taproot, Depswa and a local band TBA will open the show. Norah Jones and Lisa Loeb will perform at The Boulder Theater on Wednesday December 11th, Howie Day and Rhett Miller will perform at The Fox Theater on Sunday December 15th and Delbert McClinton and Susan Tedeschi will perform at the Fillmore Auditorium Wednesday December 18th as part of the KBCO Holiday Concert Series. The KBCO Holiday Concert Series benefits the Emergency Family Assistance Association.

Coming up: Two years after Coldplay blasted onto the charts with the smash debut CD “Parachutes”, the UK Quartet is earning raves for it’s sophomore disc “A Rush of Blood to the Head”. “Parachutes” has sold nearly five million copies worldwide and won the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album. Coldplay will be performing at the Fillmore Auditorium on Thursday February 6th.

David Gray’s recent success offers the best hope in years for the reemergence of the singer-songwriter. No wonder he is being compared to Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. Blending traditional acoustic-based folk music with modern production techniques, the Welsh artist released a collection of new material in early 1999 titled “White Ladder”. At that point, longtime fan Dave Matthews approached Gray and asked him to become the first signee on his newly formed “boutique” label on ATO records. Since that time, Gray’s career has been marked by the sort of grassroots ascendance that many artists only dream about. The follow up to this great success story, “A New Day At Midnight,” is coming four years after “White Ladder” was released. David Gray will perform at the Pepsi Center on Monday February 10.

Christmas music and crafts: On December 5, Hospice of Larimer County and Respite Care will present Christian recording artist Bryan Duncan in a concert titled “Christmas is Jesus” at the Lincoln Center. Accompanied by more than 70 musicians and singers from the Faith Evangelical Free Church choir and orchestra, Duncan will perform renditions of holiday classics. If you need those last minute gift ideas, check out the Holiday Bazaar at CSU. Scheduled from December 14-16, there’s free parking on the weekends and over 90 artisans will be displaying their wares in two ballroom locations.