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Local Music

Dewey Paul Moffitt New Talent Booker At Oriental

The Oriental Theater has announced the addition of Dewey Paul Moffitt to its management team. Dewey will
oversee talent booking and event promotion at Denver’s most intimate venue.

An accomplished musician, Dewey brings to the Oriental Theater more than 15 years of experience in facility operations and event production management, in addition to an extensive expertise in audio engineering.

His career in concert promotion, production and live sound reinforcement began in the early 1990s with Bill Graham Presents and the Grateful Dead, and includes a year at the legendary House of Blues in New Orleans.

As a concert promoter he has produced music festivals with national artists including The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Joan Osborne, Ben Harper, and George Clinton's P-Funk.

Locally, Dewey has worked as a Festival Director with Performance International (LODO Music Festival, Denver Blues & Bones Festival), a Production Manager at Nobody In Particular Presents (Bluebird Theater, Gothic Theater), and also currently works full time for Kroenke Sports Enterprises at Pepsi Center.

For venue information or booking questions, please contact Dewey at (303) 480-5798 or dewey@theorientaltheater.com

x

With Love, Aubrey

After surviving the painful unreality of reality TV, Aubrey Collins made a trip back to Denver for a show at the Toad Tavern with the band Hangface backing her up.

With only a couple of shows on the Denver agenda and the personal nature of the performance, it would appear Aubrey made the trip back just to let her Denver fans know she loves us.

For those that saw her on the ABC special, The One: The Making of a Music Star, Aubrey had this to say, “This is me” pointing to herself, “not what you saw on TV.”

How did she feel about the show? Well, she isn't talking, but it did inspire her to write a song entitled “Don’t Walk Away” and to dedicate another to the network. Curious? Well, you'll just have to go see one of her shows.

As for "rumors" that she had dumped Hangface guitar player, DJ, for someone else, Aubrey announced to the world that DJ was the one, the only, and the love of her life.

In her year in LA, Aubrey has been busy writing songs and polishing her act. Also new to the act is the addition of her

Aubrey Collins

Aubrey and sister, Breck

beautiful sister Breck singing backup vocals.

Hangface did a set of their own and since we have raved about this band for the last two years, we'll skip going into it again. Likewise, Hangface has been adding new material to their lineup and been hard at work on their career.

And while Aubrey is now headed back to LA and Hangface is back on tour with Pat Benatar, we think you'll be seeing the two acts appearing together on stage more and more frequently. Some things are just meant to be and looking back at the show where Aubrey met Hangface (and DJ), we'd have to say destiny was at work that day.

Thanks for the love Aubrey. Stop back soon (when you can stay a little longer)!

Aubrey Collins performing with DJ at the Toad Tavern

Local Music

Lannie's Celebrates Six Months

In a glorious hat that was probably larger than the star herself, Lannie Garrett stood before the audience last week and thanked them for helping the club stay in business long enough to celebrate its six month anniversary.

Come to think ot it, the hat came the following night when we came to catch Lannie's Screen Gems show....

We'll explain that later.

For now it's enough to know that while Lannie sounded thrilled to have managed to remain in business six months, we think her real problem is going to be finding a way to dig out some space under the 16th St. Mall to make room for all the guests. The club sells out several times a week.

Ringing in the landmark event was a singer/songwriter who has done Colorado proud: Nina Storey. Per her official bio, she has been compared to Janice Joplin, Chaka Kahn, Tori Amos, Whitney Houston and Billie Holiday. This gives you some idea of her breadth. We'd like to add one more: Norah Jones. Not so much in terms of musical style or sound, but in the sincerity, honesty and vulnerability that is projected in the performance. Nina unabashedly bares her soul to the audience.

Storey currently has 5 CDs under her belt. Her song.“If I Were An Angel” was featured on ABC’s hit TV show, “Alias.” “Left” was featured in Sony Pictures “Broken Heart’s Club”. Her work has appeared on several other films and she can currently be seen in concert from coast to coast, on Frontier Airlines new in-flight television channel, “Wild Blue Yonder.”

Normally we wouldn't do two reviews on the same club in the same week, but Lannie's anniversary seemed to warrent the extra attention (actually, we just wanted an excuse to see her Screen Gems show).

We're not sure if Screen Gems was done because Lannie wanted to sing the songs from the grand old movies, or because she wanted to wear the hats... either way the show is a smashing success.

Unlike her hillarious Patsy DeCline Show, Garrett does her best to put on a serious performance. However, the fun-loving performer just can't resist keeping the audience in stitches between numbers.

Garrett is a performer through and through. She is a friend to the audience, a first rate comedian and has one of the most powerful singing voices to be found. For example, (after describing to the audience how this song was in a movie about how the girls would all put on their "business suits" and go to Ft. Lauderdale) her rendition of the Connie Francis hit, Where the Boys Are, made the original pale.

The humor is tempered with fascinating stories about the shows and the music such as Aubrey Hepburn's reaction when she heard the song Moon River added to the Breakfast at Tiffiny's soundtrack.

Screen Gems captures the musical masterpieces of the 20th Century and presents them in one magical evening.

Lannie Garrett

Nina Storey



Nina Storey

Lannie Garrett

The show is a must see! And if for some strange reason you don't want to hear songs such as "Born in a Trunk," "Jail House Rock," "Where the Boys Are," or "Over the Rainbow,"  well... it's worth going just to see the hats!

Lannie Garrett performing Screen Gems

Local Music

Star Studded Shows

View Who's Incognito Photo Gallery
View Dylan 65 Photo Gallery

Two shows put on at the Oriental Theater - Dylan 65 and Who's Incognito - in the last month pulled together some of the biggest names in music for two incredible nights of musical entertainment.

The first of these was the Dylan 65 show organized by Dewey Moffitt of Dewey Decibel System. A tribute to Bob Dylan on his 65th birthday, the show featured some of the hottest performers on the Denver music scene.

The show was an organizational and musical masterpiece. In moments between songs when my attention wasn't fully on the music, I was left to wonder just how Moffitt managed to organize so many performers and pull it all off without a hitch.

Talent rendering Dylan's songs included: Adam Stern of Double Parked; Angie Stevens; Aylon Baru;
Bill McKay of Double Parked, Leftover Salmon; Brian Sofer; Bridget Law; Chris Barber of Spiv;
Anna Zimmerli; Chris Stake of The Trampolines; Dan Treanor; Dewey Paul Moffitt;
Evan Sitchler of Electrodelic; Jake Wolf of Shakedown Street and Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue;
Jeff St. Andrews; Jim Dalton of The Railbenders; Jimmy Giachetti of Soul Patch and U.S. Pipe; John Common;
Jose' Rossy of Sonia Dada; Mark Sundermeier of The Trampolines; Michael "Stork" Caprara of Natchez Bound & Purple Buddha; Michelle Caponigro of Natchez Bound & Purple Buddha; Mike "Spanky" McCluer of Double Parked Two Ton Moxie; Mike Studeny of Hot Feet Herring; Missy Gutreuter of Soul Patch and U.S. Pipe
Paul "Dr. Poz" Cohen of Double Parked; Peter Stelling of Two Ton Moxie; R.C. Griffin Jr.; Scott Baxendale;
the legendary Terry Dalton; Tom Piercy of Double Parked; Tori Pater of Polytoxic.

See what I mean about an organizational and music masterpiece?

If you are one of the unfortunate few who missed the show, Moffit is doing it again on July 28th at Quixote's. Look for more info on the show on WhatsDoingTonight.com or visit www.dylan65.org.

The second star-studded performance featured veterans of the national stage now together in a band called Who's Incognito.

The band is composed of: Tom Murray (Castaways, Litter), Don Coenen (Steppenwolf), Jon Romero (Amanacero), Bob Harris (Warren Zevon, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), Larry Sims (Loggins & Messina, Sunshine Company, Chris Allman Band, Spencer Davis Group) and Chris Lasegue (Jag Panzer). The Oriental Theatre concert also included a guest performance by Joey Molland of Badfinger.

Needless to say, the show featured all the favorites from Steppenwolf, Badfinger, Loggins and Messina and the rest of the bands. It was a magical night of musical entertainment. Not only were the songs as good as the originals, we were treated to the thrill of being able to songs from several of the biggest bands in musical history all in one show.

Who's Incognito is a mind-blowing band that appeals to both young and old. Hopefully we will be seeing much more of them in the near future.

If you are looking for more to do over the Fourth of July weekend, don't miss the America concert in Beaver Creek this Sunday the 2nd at 6 pm. America has been touring non-stop for over 35 years and is still a crowd favorite. As and added incentive, the Beaver Creek show is free!

Bridget Law at
Dylan 65

Dewey Moffit at
Dylan 65
Angie Stevens and Jim Dalton at Dylan 65
Joey Molland of Badfinger with Who's Incognito
Chris Lasegue
with Who's Incognito

Local Music

A Lifetime of Blues

We first learned of Bluesman Willie Houston last summer at the Empire Blues Festival. We are quoting what we wrote about him then for it was our perception of this legend last summer that motivated us to tell you his story.

Between sets, we noticed an older gentleman quietly taking in the scene. Somehow we sensed he was someone special. He had an aura of integrity about him... of the sort that is earned by remaining true to your dreams no matter how difficult that may be.

We learned soon enough that this was Willie Houston and he took to the stage with the Blues Prowlers Band. Lord! There's some serious talent in that band! As for Willy, at 78-years-old, his voice rang strong and true. He imparted a little tickle of delight to each person present.

Though we only spoke for a moment, we considered it an honor to have meet this man. And to Willy, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all the joy you have brought to this world.

At the time, we thought this was one of the greats and that somehow we were the only ones who had not heard of him. We later learned that after a lifetime devoted to the blues, the seventy-eight-year-old musician was just beginning to gain the well-deserved recognition that had eluded him.

Some call him Colorado’s Elder Statesman of the Blues. Others call him ”The Bluesman.” A more fitting moniker than the latter could not be found. From his young years in the Louisiana cotton fields to the present, Willie Houston has seen, felt and sung the blues.

Perhaps that's why his music grabs you and won’t let you go. As Willie puts it, music comes from within. “The notes never change on that instrument. They stay there. It’s gotta come from yourself. The way you feel, the way you think, how you grew up and the hard times you had and the things you did.”

"Everybody started from the cotton fields" Houston said. "We’re all from down there -- Blind Lemon, Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker. B.B. King, we all pulled cotton." Willie said. Therein lies the magic of real Delta blues. You feel the hardships, the doing without, the hope that one day things will be better and the simple pleasures that got them through expressed in song.

Born in 1927, just two years before the start of the Great Depression, Willie and his family toiled in the cotton fields at a plantation in Great Cane Louisiana. As Willie explains it, Abe Lincoln gave the blacks freedom, but he didn’t give them rights. So while the Civil War freed black families from the plantation, lack of education and economic conditions forced them to remain in the cotton fields. And the depression forced the white families into the fields beside them.

“A nickel meant you had money. If someone offered me a nickel to do something I would do it because I knew if I had a nickel, I could get me something worthwhile,” Willie said. “Nowadays, a million dollars doesn’t seem like much.”

Click here to view the Willie Houston photo gallery

Willie Houston holding an old handmade guitar in his back yard

Willie Houston being filmed by Bob Merco of Leapin Lizzard Productions at the Empire Blues Fest

Willie playing at the
Walnut Room

Willie being filmed at
The Empire Blues Fest

Floodwaters and the need to work on the farm made it difficult to go to school. Food was scarce. Meals consisted of a piece of bread and molasses to take to school and maybe some beans when he got home. “We saved the chicken for Sunday dinner and we never had any beef. In the summer mom would can blueberries and other wild fruits and dry beans for us to eat in the winter. That’s how we all got by,” Willie said.

Willie’s musical career started as a young child playing the old washtub. He would flick it and it would make a tone. Then he would slap it somewhere else and it made another tone. “I said how about that, I’m making music. And my mother said if I kept that up that 'one day you going to be a professional'.” When he was 8 or 9 and he got what he calls a juice harp. Many of the nickels he refers to were earned by playing it.

As with all of the great blues musicians such as BB King, Muddy Waters, and Aretha Franklin, Willie got his start singing the spirituals in church. And when they moved from singing the spirituals to the blues, they all got the same lecture: That they were doing the devil’s work .

"It's not!" he exclaims. “We were singing about history. Singing is like writing a book. We were telling a story. We’re talking about what we're going through. And if they don't understand it, it's just too bad. It's me and the good Lord. He gives me the talent and he tells me to use it."

As the depression worsened, he left Louisiana and moved to Joplin, Missouri when he was seventeen-years-old. He was still singing in the churches when he met a fellow named Bruce who offered to teach him to play the guitar for a beer. Bruce disappeared and Willie was drafted into the ARMY for two years. When he got out he decided he was going to devote his life to music.

“I went to a fellow named Haskall Saddler and told him I wanted to learn the guitar and that it shouldn’t take me long. He said ‘We’ll see,’” Willie laughed. “I started playing with bands and was told I needed to learn to play with the band. I was good but my timing was off. Several people told me my timing was off and I shouldn’t be playing with a band until I could get it right. Everyone couldn’t be wrong, so I laid off and got my timing right. Timing was the hardest thing for me to learn.

“I started playing again, but I didn’t sing. Someone said I played too well to not add vocals. He said tell your story. So I sang a Muddy Water’s song, Mamma’s Boy. The ladies all went crazy and I was a hit.”

As we said earlier, recognition has been elusive for Willie. For every well-known Bluesman like BB King, Johnny Lee Hooker or Muddy Waters there were literally hundreds of delta bluesmen from that same era that didn’t go to Memphis or Chicago. They were never heard by the likes of Alan Lomax or had a chance to record for the Library of Congress.

How does he compare to such greats? Well, according to Willie, “ I feel I can play as well as BB King and Muddy Waters. I just never got the recognition. A lot of people have told me that.” Then he winks and says, “Never down yourself. Never tell yourself you’re not as good as someone else, or you won’t be. I never think I’m too old for anything. One day, I’ll have that recognition.”

Another setback on the road to recognition was Rock and Roll. When Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Ricky Nelson and the like took to the stage in the sixties, blues vanished from the scene. “The clubs told me I had to learn rock, so I gave it up. BB King and Muddy Waters tried to change and it just didn’t sound right. I got back into blues in the seventies and started playing the clubs, house parties, Elks and the little stuff like that to get going again.”

Now it seems that the ever elusive recognition has arrived. His self-titled CD on the Fasttrack label has attracted attention from radio stations, newspapers and blues fans alike. The opening track Sally Mae has been released on the Colorado Blues Society’s 2004 compilation disc. Independent filmmaker and producer Bob Merco has completed filming of his 2-year long project on the life and times of Bluesman Willie Houston entitled Junk, Blues and Collard Greens and the day after we conducted this interview, Willie was nominated in the best blues category in Westword.

With his new band – of which Willie made it a special point to call us after the interview and say “Be sure to talk about Hubert and the band. They are great guys. They are in my corner and pitching for me and I love them” -- The Blues Prowlers, consisting of Hubert “Blues” Lawhorn on bass and vocals, Jim Beckstein on Keys and vocals, Rocco “D” Franco on guitar and Kenny Hoffman on drums, Willie is bringing the Delta to a rapidly growing number of fans.

Willie attributes much of his newfound recognition to his manager, George (Hubert "Blues" Lawhorn). “He is very good and trustworthy. He offered me his whole life. He brought me a long way.”

With 79 years of experience, Willie has dignity, humility, compassion and a joy for life. When the credit is due him, he will give it to you. There is no ego here. Just a man who loves his music as much as the people he performs for. They say you get back what you give. Perhaps that is why the respect his band has for this man is so noticeable when they welcome him to the stage.

He has sage advice, interesting insights and unique views to offer. And he still has his dreams. The national stage is still on the agenda. “I’ve never had missed meal cramps looking for a gig. I’ve never been on the road… but I would like to.”

Along that line, he has somewhat conflicting words of advice for new bands. “Write a song that will get people’s attention,” he says, “not pay-to-play or spending your money touring the country trying to get noticed. Write a song that will get their attention.”

There have been lessons learned. He used to play the clubs and house parties for free. “I’m happy on stage. I love it, but I’m no chippy. I played a house party one time and they didn’t pay anything. I was glad to be there. My friend said to me, ‘I want you to stop that. They are talking about you. They say you will play all night for a glass of whiskey. They don’t appreciate you if you don’t charge.” Willie passes that advice along. You may need to build a name, but don’t sell yourself short.

Asked if there were any defining moments in his career, Willie replied, “When you did that review of me at Empire. You discovered me.” When we pointed out that he had received media prior to our review, he said, “You were different. No one has ever said that. You got other people to look. I want you to write that down.” And with that comes another word of advice to performers. “Always do your best. You never know who is out there. I didn’t know you were there and watching. That’s how you get discovered. One person could make you a millionaire.”

What’s next for Willie? There is no sign of slowing down. In addition to all the clubs, there are performances at the People’s Fair, the Greeley Blues Festival, Hudson Gardens and a new CD about six months off. That national stage is still in his plans.

We say it is long overdue. Willie Houston is a legend and it would be a tragedy if the rest of America was to miss out on the wealth he has to offer through his blues.

Copies of the DVD by Lonesome Lizard Film Products are available by calling Bob Merco at 303-287-7473 or by e-mailing him at supermerc81@netzero.com. For more info on Willie Houston, visit www.williehouston.com

Local Music

Catching Up

We currently owe you reviews of several shows and some news of some hot events coming up.

The most recent is the Born in the Flood concert at the Oriental Theater. First, we want to tell you that if you haven't been to the Oriental since it re-opened last New Year's Eve - GO. It's without a doubt one of the best venues in the Denver.

Opening for Born in the Flood were Conner and Photo Atlas. Conner hails from one of the states directly east of us and was, unfortunately, just passing through. In music, there is some invisible line that is crossed when a band moves from being a really good band to star material. I doubt anyone can define just what it is, but most anyone can tell when it has been accomplished. Conner crossed that line some time ago. Expect to be hearing a lot more about them soon.

It's been predicted that Photo Atlas is the band most likely to "breakout" in 2006. We have to agree. Photo Atlas is one of the best sounding, tightest and most energetic bands we've seen.

As for Born in the Flood, it doesn't matter what you were doing or thinking before the show. When they take the stage, it's forgotten. Nothing else matters. Their music carries you off into another world in which you stay long after the music is over. Born in the Flood is considered by many to be one of the top bands in Denver. One thing is certain, they have outgrown the smaller venues and are a band that needs to play on the big stage.

On the blues scene, Ziggie's has never seen the likes of the Homebrew CD release party. In addition to bringing such notable vocalists to the stage as Erica Brown, Shelby Johnson, Cassie Turner and Mary Ann Scarpino, they also added a full horn section to the mix. The result was a sound so rich and full that the venue couldn't contain it.

Rightfully Accused is a band that deserves a lot more attention than it is getting. We caught thier show at Ecks and again at the tailgate party for the Colorado Crush. Rightfully Accused is a refreshing presence on the music scene. Their music is melodic hard rock. This band has charisma, looks, talent and the ability to captivate the audience without resorting to cheap tricks.

Another refreshing presence on the music scene is Relapsed, who just signed a CD deal with a German record label. Relapsed features Danny Martinez, lead singer from Five 13 and voted top male vocalist in Denver. Their CD release party is May 20th at Ecks Saloon and is a must see.

Dewey Decibel System has gathered up about 30 local musicians for a performance titled Dylan65 in tribute to Bob Dylan's 65th birthday. Included on the roster are members of Double Parked, Leftover Salmon, The Railbenders, Sonia Dada, Spiv, The Trampolines, and others. Several solo artists are joining in too, including Angie Stevens, Brian Sofer, Emilio Emilio, John Common, and Scott Baxendale.

Conner

Photo Atlas

Born in the Flood

Shelby Johnson with
Homebrew

There's a new band in town from Florida called Spoiled Rotten. Their Denver debut will occur at Eck's Saloon this June. We were invited to sit in on one of their rehersals and this is a tight, professional band that you're going to want to see. Check back soon for more details on the date.

Rightfully Accused with the Colorado Crush Cheerleaders

The new band in town: Spoiled Rotten

Unplugged, Downunder, Rock and the Bass Player Who Stole the Show

There's no better way to lead into a review of recent country, rock, and jazz shows around town than with the show put on by Jim Dalton and Jake Schroeder last night at the Clocktower Cabaret.

Fans of both the Railbenders and of Opie Gone Bad sold out the house not knowing exactly which group's style of music they would hear. They got neither. Instead the duo served up a heaping of hillarious campfire style cowboy songs that had the audience rolling with laughter.

It wasn't all cowboy songs. The guys belted out a rendition of "I Got You Babe" that far surpassed the original. But when the laughter subsided, we wondered which one was suppose to be playing Sonny and which was Cher!

It was all great fun and hopefully the two will join forces for another show soon.

Earlier in the week the Toad Tavern gave us a dose of "downunder" country. Take a beautiful woman with an innocent twinkel in her eye, add to it a charming Australian accent and a damn near perfect singing voice and you have Tamika Tyler. Tamika is a rare talent who projects a sexy innocence and has created a solid following of people who thought they didn't like country music.

Three time Grammy nominee Kirwan Brown brings the bass guitar from the dark recesses of the stage to front and center. HIs skillful picking and pounding elicits sounds from the instrument its creators never envisioned and weaves them into a smooth jazz performance aptly named the The Kirwan Brown Experience. Kirwan is appearing regularly at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret.

On the rock scene, Eck's Saloon was standing room only for the Warrant show. Not to make less of Warrant's awesome show, but we felt the better show was put on by the opening act, Relapsed. The group is fronted by Danny Martinez, also the lead singer for the popular cover band Five 13, and voted top male vocalist two years running. Brian Mesa, formerly of Wish Doctor, plays lead guitar; Joe Marone, one of the original members of Caught in the Act, plays bass; and Rob Marone, also from Caught in the Act, drums.

Coincidentally, both Warrant and Relapsed have signed deals with the same record company, with release dates about a month apart. Our advice is to catch any Relapsed show you can NOW. If you wait, you'll be paying $50.00 and up to see them at the Pepsi Center.

Catch up with us Saturday night at Eck's when Rightfully Accused opens for Hurt. Wednesday, April 5th, Armando Zuppa shows how sexy a banjo can be at Lannie's and Thursday the final three bands play for the prize at the Toad Tavern's "Get A Leg Up Battle of the Bands." On April 23rd, don't miss the release of Homebrew's new CD, "Smoke and Mirrors." This is a fine piece of work featuring some of Denver's elite blues players with lead vocals by Erica Brown, Shelby Johnson, Joe Oeser, Fredi Johnson and Teresa Lynne.

Jim Dalton

Jake Schroeder

Kirwan Brown

Tamika Tyler

Local Music

The Toad Tavern Leaps into the Big Time

In the year or so we have been dropping in at The Toad Tavern, one thing has impressed us. It just keeps getting better and is drawing some of the most impressive talent of any club in town. Recent examples include Opie Gone Bad and Chris Daniels and the Kings.

Though the tables at the Toad sat empty, Daniels packed the house. It's just that the patrons were incapable of departing the dance floor. As each song came to an end, the dancers would begin working their way back to their tables only to stop short and return to the floor when Daniels would key up the next song.

It isn't coincidence that Daniels has this influence over the audience and it goes beyond the fact that the band is one of the more talented on the local scene. Daniels somehow manages to be deeply in tune with each person present - performing just for them - interacting with and bringing out the best in everyone present.

As is common at the Toad, a musician in the audience was called up to the stage to do a number. This time it was Don Coenen, formerly of the band Steppenwolf, to belt out the classic, Born to be Wild. Coenen is now with a band called Who's Incognito, the members of which once played for the likes of Loggins and Messina, Herman's Hermits, Badfinger, and Frank Zappa.

The Get a Leg Up Battle of the Bands at the Toad is moving into the finals on March 9th. In the first round, Blackbird Down, Witch Mountain Bridge and Butcher's Blind will play off. More info at toadtavern.com.

Chris Daniels

Don Coenen, formerly with Steppenwolf, takes the mike at the Toad

As Good as it Gets

Reflecting back over the last two evenings, I've come to the conclusion that the new venue I checked out and the seven mind-blowing women I watched perform are as good as it gets.

The new Oriental Theatre leaves the comparable NIPP venues lacking. Its renovations have preserved the charm of the grand old venue while hardwood floors in the lobby and modern seating in the auditorium create a clean, open enviornment that beckons you to stay.

Add to that the talent they are booking and the Oriental has emerged from the ashes to become a world class venue in just three weeks of operation. Friday night's show included Elana Rogers, Rebecca Folsom and Angie Stevens.

Since we just wrote about Elana's show at the D' Note, we'll move on to Rebecca Folsom. Rebecca has been a local favorite for years. The mystery is why she is a local favorite and hasn't been escorted off the the national stage. Blessed with one of those rare voices that never falters regardless of the volume or range, Folsom rings true whether singing feel-good bluegrass/folk or smokey sultry New Orleans blues. Cries for encores filled the house.

Angie Stevens was also called back to the stage more than once. Four times to be exact. Genuine and sincere, Angie makes you feel she is performing just for you. She added to the magic by bringing Jim Dalton of the Railbenders on stage with her for the last half of her act.

Rebecca Folsom in Concert at the Oriental Theatre

Angie Stevens in Concert at the Oriental Theatre

at ther best, and when the four of them climb on the stage together, it is an experience you'll never forget.

Look for additional photos of each of the bands in our band photo gallery that will be going online soon.

Moore is awarded "Outstanding American Band of the Year"

Denver Heavy Metal band "Moore" is awarded "Outstanding American Band of the Year" at the 11th annual Rock City News Awards in Hollywood.

The band is honored to be recognized by such a prestigous paper, so far from their hometown. With an appearance at Europe's Popkomm in Berlin, Germany and regular touring from the west coast to the great lakes, Moore is one of the hardest working bands to come out of the Mile High City. With 1.3 million hits to their website (www.2moore.com)and more touring in

Erik Grove, Chad Parsons, Jim Moore, and Travis Leroy

the works, 2006 is shaping up to be a banner year for the Denver metal mavens.

Moore opened for legends Faster Pussycat on Dec. 10th at Eck's Saloon after playing a free show for the troops at Ft. Carson, Colorado earlier the same day, and New Year's Eve will see them opening for Stephen Pearcy (the former singer for 80's legends Ratt) at Grimms Reaper in Denver. This is the second time they will have played with Stephen Pearcy this year as they played with him at the world famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, California in the spring of 2005.

Moore is currently writing the followup to their last album "Bleed" which garnered rave reviews from around the world. "Moore is the ultimate personification of Rock & Roll... 9.5 out of 10!" states Metal Coven in Germany. "11/12" from Germany's premier metal magazine "Heavy"; "Genious and new!!! ...10/10" raves Obliveon magazine, once again from Germany. And the Headbangers Basement in Montreal, Quebec (Canada) states "Bleed -- in a word -- is unbelievable!"

Moore has been featured on Fox 31 news twice, and has headlined virtually everywhere they go. They've also been a featured opening act with world-renowned Slipknot.

Moore is represented by Lapolt Law in Hollywood California and is currently in
negotiations for a European deal.

Moore's members are Jim Moore (vocals), Travis Leroy (guitar - also in That Eighties Band), Chad Parsons (bass), and Erik Grove (drums - also in Shards of Seven).

Get a Leg Up Battle of the Bands

Just like the name implies, the Get a Leg Up Battle of the Bands kicking off this coming January is geared to help newer bands move up in the music scene. The Toad Tavern has opened the competition to bands that have not been together more than 2 years, don't have more than one full length studio release and have not already won a major battle of the bands.

The battle kicks off January 12th and there will be 8 rounds of competition. The winning band will get a leg up through prizes designed to improve a band's marketing strategy, look and presence. The competition is open to Denver area bands only. It is free to enter.

Prizes incluce free studio time, $500 cash, a professional photo shoot, 8 hours of graphic design work, a six month booking contract and a CD release party at The Toad Tavern. Visit www.toadtavern.com for more info.

Rightfully Accused To Open for Dokken

Over the past year and half, the Denver based rock band “Rightfully Accused” has been making a lot of noise and gaining the attention of many industry insiders. Playing their unique style of music which draws upon the bands classic metal influences, they have been rapidly converting many Denver concert goers into loyal fans of the young talented group. What makes

this band even more impressive is how young they are, with ages ranging from 18-21 years of age, many are amazed at the sound that they produce.

During the last year, Rightfully Accused has become a regular at some of the top rated “rock clubs” around Denver, while winning several Battle of the Band competitions and was a top 10 finalist representing Denver in the nationwide Zippo Hot Tour. To add to the success of the band, one of their songs, “There is No Resolution” was selected to be included in the feature film, “No Pain, No Gain” set to premiere in theaters nationwide on December 3rd.

The success the band has had this past year has not gone unnoticed. In September, the band was given a chance to open for the national headlining act, Metal Church. So impressed were the promoters that Rightfully Accused was asked to open for the legendary rock group, Dokken. Rightfully Accused will open the show at 7pm on Thursday, December 8th at the Bluebird theatre in Denver. Find out yourself what everyone is talking about, and come out to see this explosive show. Go to www.nipp.com to purchase tickets for this event.

For more information on Rightfully Accused go to www.rightfullyaccused.net or listen to a sampling of their songs at www.myspace.com/rightfullyaccused.