WMD'S FALL TOUR!

Hey Everyone!
The WMD’S are hitting venues this November as we speak! yay!

And in case you haven't heard…The WMD’S feature Keller Williams, Keith Moseley on bass (The String Cheese Incident), Gibb Droll on guitar (Marc Broussard), and Jeff Sipe on drums (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Trey Anastasio, Susan Tedeschi, Phil Lesh), the guys had such a blast at their four summer festival plays, that they’re back for more.

Here are the tour dates:

11.09 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC
11.10 – Talleyrand Fest – Jacksonville, FL
11.13 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
11.14 – Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
11.15 - Soul Kitchen – Mobile, AL
11.16 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
11.17 – Zydeco – Birmingham, AL
11.18 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC

Don’t miss out! These guys will blow your minds… I promise! =)

Widespread Panic, Loveland, 10.13.07

Back home on the east coast, if you hear the name Widespread Panic mentioned in a conversation, it’s usually followed by words such as “lame” or “sucks”. I wasn’t aware of a single person who liked this band. So you can see my surprise when I moved out to Colorado, and immediately met crazy obsessed Widespread Panic fans. One of the first kids I met in Denver actually had Widespread Panic ticket stubs plastered over every inch of his refrigerator. I’d never seen anything like it. I then walked into another room in his house, where there was a DVD playing of one of Panic’s live shows. I couldn’t get away from this band! Talk about complete extremes –Living in a land of Widespread haters, to Widespread fanatics. Here is my metaphor, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that Widespread Panic is to the South and Mid-west, as PHISH is to the East Coast. That’s my synopsis. But anyways…I couldn’t help but wonder…what is so great about this band? Should I give them a chance? I’d never been interested in them before because they weren’t a part of the environment I was living in. They are very much loved here though, so obviously that’s for a reason. I had never experienced them live before either, so I was feeling very indifferent when a friend of mine had offered me a ticket to go see them in Loveland a few weeks ago. I was curious about what the big deal was about this band, so I decided to go to the show. Why not? I figured that before I could have an opinion on the band, I should see them live first. Sometimes, listening to an album doesn’t do a band justice. Seeing a band live is an entirely different experience… and a lot of times, is how people get turned on to music in the first place. I know that I’ve learned to love my favorite bands through experiencing them LIVE. So that’s exactly what I did with Panic. The experience isn’t what I hoped it would be however.

Lets just say that during their first set, I actually caught myself standing still with my arms crossed…yawning, and periodically checking the time on my phone. I appreciated their talent, and could see why everyone out here loves them so much, but I was honestly bored out of my mind. I wasn’t sure if it was because of our unfortunate seating section, if the band just wasn’t in my taste, or because I wasn’t familiar with any of their songs. Sometimes it’s more enjoyable to see a band when you know their music…because it’s exciting to hear a favorite song while watching your favorite musicians up on stage. You can sing along as you sway, holding your drink up in the air as if your cheers-ing the band, while grinning from ear to ear. That wasn’t the case for me at Panic though, because I didn’t recognize a single song… so each song sounded exactly the same to me. Usually, when you first hear a band - All their songs sound the same. It’s when you get really involved with a band that you begin to differentiate all their songs, sounds, and voices. I remember when I first heard PHISH I thought all of their songs sounded the same, but now, I’m able to recognize every song, with only having to hear the first note. So maybe I just need to listen to Widespread Panic more, to get a better understanding of their sound, and get to know their songs better. OR, they just aren’t for me. I still don’t completely know how I feel about them. Their first set during the Loveland show put me to sleep, but their second set really woke me up.



I remember hearing one song during their second set that really caught my attention. I still have the words and melody lingering in my head. It was called Chainsaw City. I LOVED IT! There were also a few other times when I realized I was really enjoying myself. That might have been due to the fact that the drinks were kicking in, that the band was getting into it more, or that we had moved to the floor - where the energy was much more intense and the crowd had completely immersed themselves in the groove. I think my enjoyment of the second set was a mixture of all the above...but mostly due to the drinks.

Overall, I had a good time…I’m still very wishy-washy towards the band. I don’t like them any more than I did before, and I don’t like them any less. I did really enjoy the Widespread Panic fans a lot…everyone seemed so friendly, and the scene was very diverse and mature – from an elder crowd, to married couples, to college kids, to young professionals, etc. Much different than the Biscuits scene I had mention in a previous post.

So as much as I respect the musicians in Widespread Panic, at the moment, I don’t feel the need to see them again. I got to have the experience, which was enough for me. I just didn’t feel the spark ignite between the band and I, and I didn’t leave the show yearning for more! I guess what it comes down to - is that I’m just an East Coast PHISH girl for life!

It's All Happening!

So I’ve decided to share a favorite story of mine, about a carefree time in my life where all that mattered was music, traveling, friends, and having all the time in the world to do whatever it was I pleased. When is this time? College! Obviously. When else can you have all the freedom in the world? When your only responsibilities are going to class and getting your work done. After that, you’re freeeeeee.

Which brings me to my senior year of college. I was living in Burlington, Vermont where I attended Champlain College. My roommate and partner in crime, Alex, had agreed to come with me to meet up with some friends and head on over to the Higherground to catch two bands – Brother’s Past and the New Deal. While at Brothers Past, I fell in love with them even more than before…it was one of the best shows I’d seen, due to the fact that they played a set that really triggered a sensitive spot in both Alex and I. We were both going through really rough breakups at the time, and it felt like the band was playing out the soundtrack of our lives. We were broken, and the band was putting on a show that was putting us back together. It’s amazing how music can really help you heal. ANYWAYS, after Brothers Past had finished their sets, we traveled on over to the other room at Higherground, where the New Deal was playing… where we just danced like mad for the rest of the night! (For those of you who don’t know about the New Deal, below is a video of them playing so you can get a feel for what I’m talking about)…




So after both shows were over, we were talking to the Merch guy for Brothers Past. A friend of mine had known him for a while, so he invited a few of us backstage. The band and crew were all very friendly, and had the same sense of humor as my roommate and I… so the entire night was full of wine and laughter. When the night was coming to an end, the guys had invited us to go to their show the next night, which was in North Hampton, MA. I told them we would only go if they played our favorite song. They agreed, and also offered to put us on the guest list, as well as a place to stay.
The next morning, Alex and I thought about it. Did we feel like driving down for 3 1/2 hours to see them again? On about some-to- no sleep? Umm… YEAH. Plus, we are both from MA, so it gave us an excuse to go home and see our families. On our drive down to MA, we popped in their album “A Wonderful Day”, and got lost in conversation, anticipating the show to come…completely forgetting about whatever troubles that might have been haunting us.

When we arrived at the show, we were invited back stage to hang out with the band. It was an old, tiny, dank room with signatures and drawings plastered all over the walls, from previous bands who had been there before. We could all barely fit in there. As I sat in this closet of a room, I tried to take everything in… using all my senses, so I could have a clear memory of this experience. I knew that I would never want to forget it. Their tour manager then arrived to tell them it was show time. Alex and I told the band to have a great show and left to find a good spot in the audience, front row center. During the first set, they began to play the song Alex and I had asked them to play – A Wonderful Day. It’s an amazing feeling when one of your favorite bands plays a song that you know was meant for you. The band kept the momentum going all night, leading to one of the most memorable Brothers Past shows to date (It was 9.9.05).

Here is a video of the band playing a favorite song of mine “Simple Gift Of Man”, from their 4.21.06, Philly show.



After the show, we hung out again backstage with the band, and were once again invited to see them play in Southbridge, MA the next night. At the end of every show we told ourselves “Okay, this is the last one. We have to go back up to school.” But… the band had a way of convincing us why it was absolutely necessary for us to go to their next show…and it didn’t really take too much convincing!

The next morning we met the guys for breakfast at a real delicious, top notch restaurant…Dennys. Mmmm. Below is a shot of me and Tom (the keyboardist) hanging out outside of the diner...






From there, off we went to Southbridge, MA to the Mill Street Brewery. We ran into the tour manager, who brought us backstage. Free drinks, a pool table, and a few really laid back, genuinely nice people. Not too bad. It wasn’t this huge rage fest with a lot of groupie-like girls hanging all over the band going crazy, (which is what some peoples conception of what hanging out with a band is like). It was just a group of friends hanging out and having a good time. I’ve really never laughed so hard, everyone there was so halarious!

When the band went on stage, Alex and I made our way to the front and center again. We ran into a few friends of ours that we bumped into the night before as well. But this time, there was barely anyone there. The venue was new, and in the middle of nowhere, so it was like my friends and I had our own private show. We loved it. There was alot of room to dance, incredible set list, incredible jamming, incredible spacious venue, incredible improv… incredible, incredible, incredible.

After the show was over, Alex and I went out to the car to grab some goodies we bought for the band. We figured since they were so nice to us and so hospitable, that we would buy them some cookies from our favorite pastry shop near our hometown. They were very grateful. They opened up a bottle of champagne, and we all celebrated until they finished packing up their equipment. We exchanged big hugs goodbye, and went our separate ways. They had to be in PA for their next show, and we had to get back to school, and back to reality. It was such a great experience… to be able to hang out with my best friend and one of our favorite bands for a few days. To be able to sit with them, talk to them, get to know them. I got to ask them the questions that I always wondered to myself. What are they thinking about when they are up on stage? What inspired them to write a certain song? What are their methods for writing music? Now if only I could remember what they answered! I felt like I was a character in Almost Famous… getting to talk to and spend time with one of my favorite bands, traveling with them, and befriending them… we joked that we were their “BAND AIDS”, inspiring the band and being there entirely for the music... It’s all happening!



Here's a picture of us with some of the band and crew members. (From L to R, Greg (Merch), Rich (Soundguy-kneeling in front), Tom (Keys, Vocals), Me, Tommy (Guitar, vocals), Alex, and Pete (Tour Manager)

Mason Jennings: Boneclouds (I love you)

You know when you first listen to an album and then…it happens… you’re addicted? You can’t help but listen to it on repeat all day because it expresses everything you’ve been thinking and feeling at that moment? When the lyrics relate to your life to the point where you feel like that artist actually knows you, and that you were their inspiration for their writing? Well, this is how I feel about Mason Jennings. Especially his most recent album: Boneclouds. I think that if it was any other time in my life, of course I would still love the album, but I wouldn’t be as affected and moved by it as I am now. It’s almost like certain albums seem to find you when you need them and can relate to them most. Isn’t it strange how that happens?

If you’re not familiar with Mason Jennings, he is a singer/songwriter with an acoustic/folk style of playing. His unique voice, sound, and heartrending lyrics are both reminiscent of John Lennon and Bob Dylan. This album is just so brilliant, it gives me the urge to call up every person I know just to tell them they HAVE to buy this album, or they’re missing out!

Whenever I listen to Boneclouds it makes me smile when I’m not feeling my best, or sometimes, makes me cry… either way it’s a beautiful thing. It helps encourage me when I paint- it gets me in “the zone” and calms me, inspires me and allows my mind to go off and explore. It is great to listen to when doing yoga, meditating, driving in your car, enjoying a beautiful day, enjoying a rainy day… basically it makes whatever you are doing even more pleasurable.

I just remembered that last year, I first heard someone mention to me that I should listen to Mason Jennings. I said “yeah yeah, I think I’ve heard that name before, I’ll check him out.” But, I forgot, and never did listen to him until recently. I didn’t have to go out of my way to listen to him just because somebody told me to, he just happened to find me at the moment when I needed him most.

So as much as I want to tell everybody to listen to this album… don’t do it because I told you to… just remember his name and he’ll find you at the right time.

Here's a video of him live playing the song "Crown" (It's not on Boneclouds, but it's the only song I could find of him playing live with okay sounding audio). And I love this song too!










OH! And also, here are some lyrics from my favorite song from the album..

“BE HERE NOW”

Be here now.
No other place to be.
Just sit there dreaming,
Of how life will be
If we were somewhere better,
Somewhere far,
Away from all out worries,
Well here we are.

Be here now.
No other place to be.
All the doubts that linger,
Just set them free.
And let good things happen,
And let the future come,
Into each moment,
Like a rising sun.

The sun comes up…and we start again.
It’s all new today.
All we have to say is,
Be here now.

Be here now,
No other place to be.
This whole world keeps changing,
Come change with me.
Everything that’s happened,
All that’s yet to come,
Is here inside this moment,
It’s the only one.

The sun comes up and we start again.
The sun comes up and we start again.
It’s all new today.
All we have to say is...
Be Here Now.

Top 5 Albums when you’ve got the homesick blues

Yeah... Colorado is beautiful in every way imaginable, but... to be honest, I’ve been feeling kind of homesick lately.

Now that I’m beginning to get settled in here more, the excitement of having moved somewhere new has been slowly dying down, which has opened up a door of reality and realization that the things I’ve left behind that I love so much are so far away.

So if ever you’re ever in that place where you want to listen to some beautifully melancholic music because that’s the mood your in, or if you want to listen to some positive lyrics with a funky beat that will lift you up, here’s whats been theraputic for me:

Michael Franti & Spearhead: Stay Human

Jerry Garcia Band: Don't Let Go

Radiohead: The Bends

Damien Rice: “O”

Mason Jennings: Boneclouds
(This album = so moving. Recently I have just been listening to it on repeat all day every day. I’m going to write a review on on it soon for those who don’t know about it…it’ll change your life, I swear).

I Hope this helps anyone like its helped me!

Female musicians: 60's-70's Vs. Today

As I sit here, listening to Janis Joplin on my itunes, I can only ask myself this one question… What has happened to music?! Especially female musicians?! Back in day (circa 1960’s -70’s), I may not have been born yet but I know that the music back then was more meaningful, soulful, unique, organic, and just all around BETTER. While listening to older female musicians like Janis, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez, I can understand why they were such respected musicians… because they were actually GOOD. Their music was different, they sang from their hearts, their music was REAL! They all had something to say, whether about love, or politics, and they sang it poetically. There’s a message in their music that grabbed peoples attention and had them feeling connected to it (and still does)! What these women sing about, and how they play their instruments reaches a place in your soul that most music nowadays, can’t seem to get to.
Which brings me to my point – Musicians back in the day, even those in the mainstream, were loved because of their MUSIC and LYRICS, and passion in their singing...not because of their looks, who they were dating, what they were marketing, wearing, or any other of those superficial reasons that contribute to musicians being famous these days. Today, in the mainstream media, we have people like Britney Spears, who is basically just famous now because of her negative publicity… but even when she was selling hit records, it wasn’t because of her talent, obviously, it was because she was good looking, blonde, skinny, and could dance around lip synching, while wearing close to no clothes. Because now- it’s sex that sells. Not music. Not lyrics. Not Poetry. That’s why we have Britney, The Pussy Cat Dolls, even Paris Hilton (which proves my point even more) and other cheesy, talent less, entertainers/entrepreneurs. (I refuse to call them musicians).
Whenever I put the radio on now, which I rarely do, the only good stations I ever find are the stations that play the classics and oldies. The rest is just straight up AWFUL music. So bad, that all I can do is laugh and think to myself “These girls have got to be joking… right?”

How did music change so much? How did we go from Janis to Britney? From songs about real issues, to songs about how hot they are? I know that everything, over time, evolves…but how did it get to this? And how is it going to be in another 30 years? I’m scared to find out!

Here are some examples… I’ve grabbed some lyrics from the female musicians I was referring to from back in the 60’s-70’s… and then… some lyrics from the female musicians we have now…
Decide for yourself.


Back Then:

Janis Joplin: "You can go all around the world trying to find something to do with your life, baby, When you only gotta do one thing to make it in this world. You got a woman waiting for you there, all you ever gotta do is be a good man one time to one woman and that’ll be the end of the road babe, I know you got more tears to share, babe, So come on and cry, baby."
(Cry Baby)

Joan Baez: “The moon is low on the southland .The frogs are asleep on the lake. Did you know that tears run in rivulets, and hearts can repeatedly break? And this may well be the last time, if my spirits don't pick up and fly. For though it's sad, it may well be true, that our time is passing us by.” (Time is Passing Us By)

Joni Mitchell: "By the time we got to Woodstock, we were half a million strong, And everywhere there was song and celebration. And I dreamed I saw the bombers riding shotgun in the sky, and they were turning into butterflies above our nation." (Woodstock)



Today:

Britney Spears: "Outrageous, When I move my body. Outrageous, When I'm at a party. Outrageous, In my sexy jeans. Outrageous, When I'm on the scene. Outrageous, My sex drive. Outrageous, My shoppin' spree. Outrageous, We on a world tour. Outrageous, Let's be it, girl…Outrageous."
(Outrageous)

Pussy Cat Dolls: "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me? Don't cha?"
(Don’t Cha)

Paris Hilton: "Every time I turn around the boys fighting over me. Every time I step out the house they want to fight over me.
Maybe cuz i'm hot to death and I'm so so so sexy. All the boyz all the silly boyz they want to fight over me."


…….YUP.

Top 10 Fall Albums

Here are my top 10 albums I just can’t get enough of lately…


Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

Mason Jennings: Boneclouds

Phish: Island Tour (April 2, 3, 4, 5, 1998, Providence, RI)

The Killers: Sam’s Towm

Disco Biscuits: Wind at Four to Fly

Bob Dylan: The Essential Bob Dylan

Grateful Dead: 5.11.77, St. Paul MN

Michael Franti & Spearhead: I Know I’m Not Alone

Gentleman: Journey to Jah

Stephen Marley: Mind Control

There's nothing quite like listening to these albums on a sunny fall day, while sipping on some tea and admiring the foliage!

Phil Lesh & Friends 9.29.07

As a way to celebrate Phil and Friends coming to Red Rocks on Saturday, my friends and I got down there in style in a colorful, grateful dead painted, crazy-funky Rasta bus. Because we rode down there in style, I had to dress up for the occasion as well, so I threw on my bright red dress, brown tights, leg warmers, and knee-high rainbow socks. Yay! What a way to start up the festivities. In case you haven't figured it out, when Phil Lesh comes around, it's kind of a big deal!
So good thing we arrived early because Phil and Friends started to play the second after the sun had set. The lights went down, Phil & Friends took the stage, the crowed cheered, and the band kicked it off with Bertha (one of my favorites). It was a very energetic way to begin the first of three sets, which lead me to believe it was going to be a high energy, everyone dancing around, getting the groove, kind-of-show…but after the first set, the show began to slow down. The second set was all acoustics, so it was a sway back and forth with your eyes closed, holding up your lighter, set. It was beautiful, mellow, and I loved every moment of it…all the while, thinking, since the acoustic set was so mellow, the band must be saving all their energy for the final set. When they took the stage again for the 3rd set, it was overall, spacey and again, still slow, and there were times where I can say I was actually kind of bored. FINALLY though, they began to pick up the pace towards the very end of the show with their last three songs. So basically, as soon as I started getting warmed up, dancing up and down the isles, and the band started really playing fast and hard, the show was over. I don’t want to say I was let down because to be honest, no matter what, Phil Lesh can never disappoint me… BUT, I was really hoping for more energy, and I didn’t really get a taste of that until the very end of the show.
It was all, a very beautiful, relaxed, and spiritual night. Everything was just so peaceful and quiet… I almost felt like I could hear the wind blowing. I just wish the show hadn’t ended once I had finally started getting into it. I have a feeling the band was tired from playing at the Fillmore the night before, which explains the almost sluggish, spaced out jamming.
On a positive note though, which is how I always like to leave it, the weather was perfect, there was a great crowd, they played The Other One, which I was dying to hear, and they also encored with Not Fade Away, which is how I was hoping they would end the show!
So it may have been a mellow show for the most part, but I still had a fabulous time!!

Here is a video I took of them in action, playing The Other One! Enjoy!





And for those interested, here is the nights set list:

Set 1- Bertha, Big River, Midnight Rider, Candyman, Cold Black Devil, Deal

Set 2(acoustic) Friend of the Devil, Sweet Somewhere Bound, Deep Elem Blues, Brokedown Palace, Tell Me Mama, Ripple

Set 3- A Hard Rain’s a Gonna Fall, Cryptical Envelopment>The Other One>Dark Star>Mountains of the Moon>Dark Star>China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider.

E: Not Fade Away!

iPod Nano and iPhone...booo

As much as I love my ipod nano, it’s not as reliable and useful as I’d like it to be. I got it as a gift, but I was hoping for an ipod that would hold all of my music so I could back it all up. The nano, being only 2 gigs, doesn’t hold even half of my music. (Maybe that’s because I listen to bands who jam out songs for over 20 minutes). But now apple is coming out with a new ipod nano that allows you to watch movies. Why would anyone want to fill up the little amount of space on their nano in order to watch a movie on a tiny one-inch screen? It’s just so pointless. I understand that you can hook your ipod up to a TV and watch it on there, but a lot of people don’t know that’s possible, or, they don’t know how to set it up. Not everyone is on point with technology. Also, the ipod was created as a way to listen to music, so why keep adding on more unnecessary programs to it? I don’t need to play solitaire on my nano, or watch movies, all I want is to be able to listen to my music…and if Apple is going to work on improving the ipod, instead of adding more to it, like the ability to now watch movies, they should focus on improving what it already has, and work out the kinks that may exist right now. For example, I’ve had my ipod for a year and I’ve already had to take it to the apple store twice because it randomly wouldn’t turn on, for mysterious reasons. So I don’t need to watch movies on this miniature screen, and I don’t need to play games on it, I just want my ipod to play music, and not break. Is that too much to ask?

Which brings me to the new iPHONE, where now it’s more than just a phone; it’s your entire life compacted into this tiny gadget. You can use it, not only as a phone, but also as an mp3 player, computer, organizer, calendar, blah blah blah… I know it’s convenient to have all these things in one, but how lazy are we? And how many people actually use ALL of these capabilities? I personally would feel uncomfortable relying on this one device for everything. What happens if I lose it? Then, I didn’t just lose my phone; I also lost everything else I use it for! Which would then leave me feeing helpless, followed by a probable panic attack!

I know this is all just a way to try to make life easier, but for some people, it seems to make things more complicated. Maybe I’m old fashioned but I just need a cell phone to get me in touch with people, (and the camera phone is useful at times too I’ll admit) and I just want my ipod to play music. Are all of these other accessories really necessary?

Stephen Marley - 9.22.07

During Stephen Marley’s show at the Ogden, I turned over to my friend and told him that when I blog about this show I’m just going to write “Stephen Marley …is the Man…Period”. That’s all. That’s all I need to say in order to get across how much I enjoyed his performance. BUT I figured those reading this would rather me elaborate…so here goes…
Marley’s high energy performance, along with the mixture of his new songs as well as his father’s old school tunes, really brought this show past the level of absolute perfection!
There were times during his set that I actually felt like I was watching Bob Marley himself perform. Stephen definitely resurrects his father’s spirit on stage with his energy, mannerisms, energy, voice, dancing, energy, connection with the crowd, and oh yeah, did I mention his energy? He really demands your attention with that luminous smile of his as he shakes around his dreadlocks while bouncing and dancing all over that stage.
Giving you goosebumps.
Making you think.
Feel.
Smile.
Dance.
Love life!
The set list was filled with songs from his new album “Mind Control", which I believe was nominated for 7 or so grammys. He also mixed his set up with some good ol’ Bob Marley songs such as Duppy Conqueror, Jammin, Exodus, Could You Be Loved, No Woman No Cry, Iron Lion Zion, and Roots Rock Reggae. He did such an amazing job bringing these timeless classics to life. His father’s influence is definitely visible in his new songs, but they also have an element of his own, edgy, hip-hop, personality as well.
So if you’re into reggae, hip-hop, rock, and/or being moved by music spiritually, mentally, and physically…Stephen Marley IS THE MAN…
PERIOD.

Biscuits Scene and Heard

Does anyone avoid going to shows because of the crowd that the band brings in? I wouldn’t say I avoid it, because I enjoy the music so much, but I can say at times, I certainly get fed up with it. It’s like there’s this hierarchy of coolness, and everyone is crawling all over each other to reach the top. For those of you who know me, you know that I’m talking about The Disco Biscuits scene. The dirty, raunchy, slop fest of a scene that when I leave a show I feel like I need to take 10 showers, get some sterilization shots, and put on the Jerry Garcia Band to bring me back to reality. How is it that a band of such talented musicians can attract this following of people with a “holier than thou” attitude, who many times are there for reasons other than the music? Where is the love in this scene? It seems to be an “everyone out for themselves” type of environment, rather than that of a family, where everyone is looking out for one another. I know…I know… not everyone is this way, but I’d have to say, it’s a pretty decent majority. And the Biscuits music, to me is revolutionary. They’ve brought electronic jam bands to a whole new level and opened the door for a future generation of upcoming electronic bands. God, I love this band! So much so that I can’t even handle looking at a set list for a show that I wasn’t able to go to… it just hurts too much to see what I missed! A lot of kids at these shows however don’t appreciate the music as much as it could be appreciated. They are way too busy putting on a facade…walking around like they own the place, trying raise their status, showing off their money, trying to make money, or missing the music completely because they’ve spend the entire time outside the venue, most likely getting kicked out for being too out of hand. Sometimes I have to laugh at the ridiculousness of immaturity in this scene, and other times it’s a real annoyance because I can’t relate to, or even understand why kids that follow this band act the way they do. Are they being true to themselves? Or are they just trying to fit in with everybody else? Is it all a game in order to gain respect from their fellow peers? Whatever it is, I’m glad I never adapted to this scene's style and attitude. By the way, this “scene” that I’ve been referring to exists heavily on the east coast. Word on the street is that here in Colorado, and on the west coast, the fan base is very different…more laid back, more diverse, more real, and more passionate about the music than other things. So I guess I am just going to have to wait until the Biscuits come back to Colorado so I can get a taste of it first hand and see for myself. Either that or I can just accept it for what it is, and conform into this subculture so I too can fit in with everyone else. In all honesty though, I would look absolutely absurd with a huge, sideways, flat rimmed hat that’s way too big for my head, black skater sneakers that are way to big for my feet, an LRG hoodie that’s way too big for my un-showered body, and a “too cool” attitude to match. I’m all set with that. I’m only here for the amazing music that is the Disco Biscuits…and more specifically to watch Marc Brownstein fiercely bop his head to those low, intensely crunchy bass lines that he drops. So Sick.

New to Colorado, Broke, and LOVING the MUSIC

After living in Burlington, Vermont for the last 5 years, the town felt like it was getting smaller and smaller. I began to recognize every face that walked by me and I somehow got stuck in the same routine everyday. I went to the same bar every night, the same breakfast spot every morning, ran into the same people, the same EVERYTHING. I just got too comfortable in my environment and soon I realized it was time for me to move on. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Burlington more than anything, but as amazing as it is, and as incredible is its music scene is, I wanted something new. I wanted to challenge myself. I’m only 23 so I figured, why not? Plus, I could NOT handle another dark, -10 degree Vermont winter. My family thought I had lost my mind… to just move across the country without a job, or very much money, but, it had to be done. I really had to leave the east coast. I knew it in my heart that I was in need of a new adventure. I needed to learn, grow, experience, meet new people, travel… LIVE. So I packed my bags, said my goodbyes to my friends and family (which was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do) and off I went… knowing that everything was going to work out, it always does! (at least that’s what I was telling myself!)

Destination: Boulder, Colorado!

My first day was typical, you know… I got to my new apartment, put my bags down, and went straight to Red Rocks for two nights of a mind blowing Sound Tribe Sector Nine! I couldn’t get over how beautiful it was! I basically had my back away from the stage the entire time staring at the rocks and the stars, and in complete denial that I actually live here now. With the music flowing through my veins, and the refreshing drops of rain cooling me down, I closed my eyes, and took it all in. I knew from that moment on, that I made the right decision to move here. It just feels so right.

The following weekend, it was off to Denver for a night of Conspirator at Cervantes, and the next night, Conspirator in Boulder at the Fox. Marc Brownstein and Aaron Magner were the only two up on stage since DJ. Omen I guess is no longer part of Conspirator. But no offense DJ Omen- I didn’t really miss you. All it took was Brownstein and Magner and that place was out of control with the best Conspirator show I have seen to this day. I couldn’t even handle it! I mean...Seriously?...Is this how every weekend is going to be here? Just straight up unbelievably talented musicians playing their hearts out with a high energy crowd sweating through their clothes and thrusting their bodies all over the place? Well… I guess that IS how it’s going to be, since next weekend it’s Stephen Marley at the Ogden in Denver, and the following weekend it’s The Man himself, Phil Lesh, playing a night at the Philmore, followed by a night of 3 sets at Red Rocks!

So to sum it all up I’m going to use the Colorado lingo I’ve been hearing non stop for the past 2 weeks: The bands I’ve seen so far completely threw down and shredded…and the music scene here totally dominates and rages ridiculously and outrageously hard!

In all seriousness though, I may be jobless, broke, and living off of Annie’s Mac and Cheese, but at this moment I couldn’t care less, because the energy and music in my new home of COLORADO is what’s keeping me feeling alive!!