Steve Labowski’s 50th Birthday Party/Concert (2 Years Late)
Paper tickets available at Animas Trading Company March 25th21+A special evening celebrating Smelter Mountain Boys EP release, Steve’s belated 50th birthday, the return pf the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, Scrugglers reunion, Benny “Burle” Galloway plus Kindred Spirit to kick the night off.Smelter Mountain Boys have become known in the Four Corners area for traditional bluegrass with tight instrumentation and high vocal harmonies since their founding in 2018. It’s a bit of North Carolina meets Colorado with Corey Clark bringing a extensive catalog of bluegrass favorites and standards he learned in bluegrass’ birthplace. He’s backed up by some Colorado boys that have grown up around the campground and festivals and jam circles of the Rocky Mountains. Featuring long time community member and musician Steve Labowskie on bass and vocals, Pete Donahue on mandolin and vocals who also well known in Durango’s punk rock scene and Eli Emmitt on lead guitar. Eli’s flatpicking skills were honed while learning the “family business” of Colorado style bluegrass and jamgrass (the last name might be familiar), he is also a jazz guitar student at Fort Lewis College. The boys also explore roots, folk, Celtic, blues and jazz avenues that intertwine with bluegrass which always make for an interesting musical journey at each performance.The Scrugglers are a Durango band of old that were beyond comparison,l a grass band that emphasizes creativity and innovation while giving a respectful nod to the bluegrass founders and Colorado bluegrass music traditions, this is there first appearance in many years. The trio of Todd Webster (mandolin), Pat O’Halloran (banjo) and Steve Labowskie (2-string tub bass) create a unique faster paced sound which they developed over years of playing campgrounds, bars and festival stages. The Scrugglers are known for a diverse set which is likely to include 80’s rock covers as their take on Monroe, Stanley or Hartford and of course Earl himself. Scruggler originals feature intricate banjo melodies on top of hard driving rhythm and all members contributing to the vocal melting pot. The guys say that some of the best moments have been when they have had the opportunity to share the stage with their mentors and heroes like Benny “Burle” Galloway and Robin Davis.Benny “Burle” Galloway is a songwriter, musician, producer, promoter, and artist… a true legend in modern Americana, Folk, Jamgrass, and Bluegrass culture!Born in La Jolla, CA, January 1, 1958, Burle has lived in the mountains in North Central and Western Colorado since the 1970’s.Telluride is where he first heard and met the players who would become his heroes and mentors… Doc Watson, John Hartford, Norman Blake, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, & an older fellow who’s name was Johnny Johnson aka JJ. He played bass for Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys. Don’t forget Waylon, Willie, John Prine, Sid Campbell.”JJ was my idol. Meeting him and watching him play bass with us young people. (Burle was in his 20s) He accelerated my musical mechanical education. I started creating songs, stories, and melodies that are now a permanent piece of our American music landscape… lucky me!” -Burle Burle’s work is revered by his peers and is held in the highest regard, being played at and around festivals everywhere. His songs are authentic, true, unique to him, innovative and iconic. His timeless tunes and melodies are known around the world for over three decades now. Folks say, “Burle’s songs sound like they are 100 years old.”
High Step Society with Nu Bass Theory
Animas City Theatre PresentsHigh Step Society with Nu Bass TheoryWednesday April 6thDoors 7:00pm / Show 8:00pm / 21+High Step Society is a dance party from another dimension; a high-flying, beat-dropping, big band rocket ship with an ear to the past, and both feet on the gas. This dynamic band is bringing jazz back to the party, where it belongs.This7-piece band’s mission is to bring people together, to create a celebratory space that transcends the troubles of this world. Capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age and launching it a century forward, this band breaks down the divisions between us and replaces them with the irresistible urge to dance together. High stepping is a state of mind, and a movement to be part of. Dress yourself up nice, act classy, and lift your best foot way up to the sky. Hop on the HSS Express and let’s ride this wave together towards better times https://www.highstepsociety.com https://www.facebook.com/highstepsociety https://www.instagram.com/highstepsociety https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Ev7ySArAbxV0LvijV7URg
TICKETS AT THE DOOR Elder Grown with Ben Brock
Animas City Theatre Presents Elder Grown with Ben BrockFriday March 8thCovid protocols lifted for this event$15 / $20 / 21+Tickets available online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7477413/elder-grown-with-ben-brock-durango-animas-city-theatre Paper tickets available at Animas Trading Company on Monday March 7th at 1:00pmElder Grown Bio: Funk meets Rock, Pop meets Hip Hop. Elder Grown combines the freedom of improvisational Jams with their Captivating, Original songs. From the First Song to the Fourth Hour, Elder Grown encourages you to break down your idea of genre and tempo with your hips and heartbeat. A personal Pandora station, Elder Grown rollercoasters listeners through seamless, rule-breaking sound. Switching instruments mid-song, you never know who is going to sing or play what next. Join Elder Grown and journey into the unrecognizable familiar.eldergrownmusic.com Ben Brock Ben Brock is a songwriter born into the tradition of red dirt music. Lyrically, his roots are planted firmly in the Oklahoma clay. His genuine, heartfelt and sometimes melancholy songs are ever growing musical branches providing shade from the harsh and unforgiving dustbowl sun. Listening to Ben is transformative. Within his songs, you will find your best friend, your reluctant lover, your aging father, and sometimes an unexpected version of yourself. Drawing on straightforward guitar playing allows Ben to tell a story with his most powerful instrument – his voice. Passionate, worn and honed smooth from over a decade of gigging in every smoke-filled bar and honky tonk around, his vocals have been shaped into an unassuming, silver-tongued devil and voice of the common man. Ben’s sound is distinctive, convicted and raw – it pulls you into his story from across the room. Releasing his first album, Who I Am, in February 2018, is further proof that Ben has firmly staked his claim as a well-respected musician and songwriter. In support of the project, an entire community of fellow musicians, producers and fans aching for Ben to record, came together and raised $10,000 in less than 30 days. Performing to a sold out crowd at Oklahoma City’s legendary Blue Door in celebration of the album’s release, his supporters turned out in full force. Their commitment to this album ensures the undeniable mark Ben has made to Oklahoma’s songwriting tradition is preserved and will not be forgotten. Who I Am, is much more than one man’s collection of songs, it’s truly who we all are.
The Buzz with Noodle
Tickets on sale now online / Paper Tickets available at Animas Trading Company on Saturday February 19th21+The Buzz Bio:The quintet, formed in Longmont, CO, is comprised of Methiah Miller (bass, vocals), Jason Flinn (guitar, vocals), Stephen Hardt (keys, organ), Carter Burgess (guitar), and Tom Nelson (drums). The Buzz is a gradual accumulation of like-minded artists with a common goal: to create an experience that “moves” the listener in one way or another, and to share that experience with as many people as possible, as a collective. The Buzz has grown to find Denver as a second home frequenting Your Moms House and headlining Globe Hall as well as Moe’s Original BBQ on South Broadway. In the spring of 2021, they also had the opportunity to show Telluride, Colorado their stuff outside of the Sheridan Opera House. The Buzz has been featured on Denver area stream Camera Jams, Flower Hour Podcast, and Longmont endeavor Can You Dig It podcast. In December of 2020 the band put the final touches on its debut LP “Release the Bees” featuring re-recorded tracks from their debut EP as well as newer tunes. It also features a violin sit in from band friend Alex Tocco of Ghost Town Drifters. The album was recorded at The Keep studio in Denver. This album dropped in February of 2021. Immediately following the album announcement the band was happy to welcome new drummer Tom Nelson to the band. Individually, the artists are as passionate as they sound as a unit, even coming from scattered places to find each other in Colorado. https://buzzfunk.squarespace.com https://www.facebook.com/thebuzzfunk https://www.instagram.com/thebuzzfunk Noodle Bio: Noodle began in the mid-2010s when Sal Sharp met Charlie Brockway in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The acoustic duo moved to Durango, CO where Noodle has blossomed into a multifaceted and genre-transcending creative collaboration. Combining elements of folk, rock, jam, jazz and more, Noodle creates a unique Psychedelic Americana experience. The band’s current onstage lineup includes Sharp on mandolin, Alec Mayes on drums, Carlo Fourzan on bass, Eli Emmitt on lead guitar, Matt Kolbe on keys, and Alex Eckler on rhythm guitar. Their shows include an eclectic yet refreshing mix of original tunes and downplayed classics. Noodle celebrated New Year’s 2021 with the release of Once on a Whim, a home recorded collection of introspective songs written by Brockway, Sharp, Eckler, Mayes, and Kolbe. Sharp and Kolbe are working on two new EPs with Noodle to be released this spring. You can find Noodle on Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.
Mike Dillion Band ft. Brian Haas & Nikki Glaspie
Animas City Theatre PresentsMike Dillion Band featuring Brian Haas & Nikki GlaspieTickets on sale now onlinePaper Tickets available at Animas Trading Company on Thursday February 17th$18/$20/21+Mike Dillion Band How many artists have been praised a “punk rock provocateur,” “jazz vibraphone visionary,” and “percussion virtuoso” in the same sentence? There’s only one: Mike Dillon. Whether through his affiliation with artists like Les Claypool, Primus, Rickie Lee Jones, Dean Ween Group and Ani Difranco, and collaborations such as Nolatet, Garage a Trois, The Dead Kenny G’s, Critters Buggin or bands he has led, including Mike Dillon Band, Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium, Billy Goat and Hairy Apes BMX, the Texas-native has set his own standard for 25 years now. Over the past decade, Mike Dillon has released a number of acclaimed albums, intertwining a range of influences from Zappa-esque eccentricity to Fishbone punk funk, D.C. Go-Go to Milt Jackson-influenced vibraphone majesty. Never before, however, has he recorded music so personal and committed to a sustained mood as his latest album, Functioning Broke. The recording finds Dillon solo on vibraphone and various percussion, building each track into its own minimalist, but multi-dimensional auditory landscape. The current version of the Mike Dillon Band features guitarist Cliff Hines, Bassist Nathan Lambertson and a rotating cast of drummers including Claude Coleman Jr. (Ween), Simon Lott, G. Maxwell, Doug Belote and Paul Thibodeaux. With this line up, Dillon has continued exploring the connection between New Orleans street beats, Ska, funk, Hardcore and jazz. The band will release a new record in February 2017 titled, “Life is not a Football.” Produced in New Orleans by Richard Maloney and Dillon with engineers Rick Nelson and Robert Mercurio, this album sounds like a Spotted Cat trad band that grew up playing Dead Kennedys and invited Captain Beefheart over for a dinner cooked by Thelonious Monk. The Mike Dillon Band has supported acts like Galactic, The Revivalists, Clutch, Primus, and Fishbone, while continuing to play music festivals and in cities across the U.S. In 2016, the Gambit’s Big Easy Awards named Mike Dillon “Performer of the Year” and the Mike Dillon Band “Best Punk/Metal Band” in New Orleans. Living in New Orleans for over 10 years now, when not on the road with Rickie Lee Jones, Nolatet, or the Mike Dillon Band, Mike resides in the Musician’s Village. Mike’s latest release, Life Is Not A Football, released April, 2017 (Royal Potato Family) is “A recording with the Big Easy coursing through its veins and equal parts Frank Zappa and The Butthole Surfers in its DNA. Life Is Not A Football, is a no-holds-barred affair, complete with rallying cries for justice, truth-to-power political and existential rants and plenty of inside joke
tTICKETS AT THE DOOR Abstract Rude, Def-I, 80HD, & DJ Phillipdrummond
Animas City Theatre PresentsAbstract Rude, Def-I, 80HD, & DJ PhillipdrummondSaturday March 12th 2022$18/$20/21+Tickets on sale now onlinePaper tickets available at Animas Trading Company Abstract RudeAaron “Abstract Rude” Pointer is a West Coast veteran of independent and underground hip hop. He like many other rap artists in the Los Angeles scene got his start at the Goodlife Cafe, and starred in the Ava Duvernay directed docu-film, THIS IS THE LIFE. Abstract Rude (along with tour mate, UK legend DJ Vadim) also has a current song “Soundcatchers” used in Duvernay’s “Colin In Black & White” Netflix series. Recently, he was featured in and received Creative Consultant credit in the documentary series HIP HOP EVOLUTION (season 3 episode 3) now streaming on Netflix. Rude’s distinct voice and vast catalog has kept him working in the music business since the mid 90s. He has released groundbreaking albums such as Project Blowed, South Central Thynk Taynk, Mood Pieces, Who Framed The A-Team?, P.a.i.n.t, Haiku De Tat & Coup De Theatre. As frontman of his original group Abstract Tribe Unique (ATU: w/Zulu Butterfly, Ebony Prince, Irie Lion King, DJ Fat Jack & DJ Drez), collaborator with Freestyle Fellowship members Aceyalone & Myka 9, and as a consistently touring solo artist, Abstract Rude has endeared himself to fans worldwide. AWARDS2002: Dance Music Award for Best Hip Hop album for Set It Off by Resin Dogs ft. Abstract Rude2006: Billboard Music Award participant for Best Compilation for Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute To Sublimesong “Waiting for My Ruca ft. Abstract Rude, Awol One, Josh Fischel & Transducer”2017: Project Blowed Community Toy Drive Award2019: Queensland Music Award for Best Rap Hip-Hop song for “Pack Your Bags by Resin Dogs ft. Abstract Rude”2021: Founder & Chairman of the Ben Caldwell Award Presented For Sustained Excellence In Black Arts That Inspires Your Community notarized by The City Of L.A. Def-iNavajo Nation (Diné) artist Def-i continues to carve out an original niche from introspective and poetic Hip-Hop. Hailing from Albuquerque, NM and emerging from the underground indy rap circuit, Def-i’s eclectic repertoire has provided him with much success and opportunity; MC, Producer, Artist-Educator – Def-i has been featured on Sway in the Morning, NPR, BBC, Shade 45, Van’s Warped Tour, PBS, RT America, HipHopDX, and more. His performance styles range wide from Hip-Hop and spoken word to contemporary native-american acoustic.Rounding out this diverse musical powerhouse, Def-i is an experienced youth workshop provider, active community member, and has served as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador. For the past decade he has worked with educational entities from all levels, teaching creative writing, song recording, the art of beat making and the fundamentals of Hip-Hop culture. 80HD is a self proclaimed “Super Spaz” who moved around a lot growing up, even residing in Durango briefly. He’s an urban artist and current SBRC CHAMP, coming to you by way of Eugene Oregon. Known for his methodic delivery and clever punch lines.
TICKETS AT THE DOOR BANYAN w/s/g Cheap Skates
Animas City Theatre, Prohibition Herb Present, & SKA Brewing PresentBANYAN w/s/g Cheap SkatesSaturday April 16th 2022 / 21+NO COVID PROTOCOLS FOR THIS CONCERT Led by Stephen Perkins on drums (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros) and trumpet master Willie Waldman, Banyan is an alternative-rock supergroup that also features bassist Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) and guitarist Bryan Jordan (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe). Stephen Perkins is an American musician and songwriter. A drummer and percussionist, he currently plays with Jane’s Addiction and Hellride. Following the dissolution of Jane’s Addiction, Perkins continued to play with frontman Perry Farrell in the rock band Porno for Pyros. Willie Waldman working as an engineer at Death Row Studios, helped Waldman get his first rap gig, playing Trumpet on a track from a Snoop Doggy Dog album. That job led to several others, and as a result, Waldman’s trumpet can be heard on albums by Warren G., Sublime, Tupac Shakur, Jodeci, Salt & Pepa, and the Eastsidaz. Norwood Fisher, a co-founder of the heavy-hitting rock institution Fishbone, John Norwood Fisher is one bad mother funker who has been breaking down barriers and innovating the sound waves of funk, punk, soul, metal, reggae, and ska music since 1979. Fishbone’s seven full-length albums and slew of live records and EPs have steered the course of alternative music for over three decades, and a lot of that can be attributed to the funky and percussive slapping and finger work that has become Norwood’s trademark. Brian Jordan has graced the stage and been featured with many legendary musicians, including James Brown, Dave Matthews, Bernie Worrell, The Allman Brothers Band, Ray Manzerik, Buddy Miles, George Porter, Jr., and many more. Brian currently plays guitar with The B-Side Players, as well performs as acoustic duo with Karlos Paez of The B-Side Players. In addition, Brian works as session guitarist, bassist and producer. As leader of the “Brian Jordan Band”, Brian brings a unique and heavily charged sound to live audiences across the U.S. Former projects include 12 years (1999 – 2011) as guitarist for the high-energy funk/jazz band, “Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe” Cheap Skates As the sun set across the San Diego skyline, screeching guitars, thumping bass, crashing ride cymbals, floating keys and voices spiting verses echoed across the neighborhood. In a tiny shed where six people gathered frequently, amps screamed, wires tangled, and laughter pierced. Those long jam sessions that bled into the night was the beginning of a special journey, the birth of Cheap Skates. Since its inception in 2019, Cheap Skates has not stopped those improvisations. Split across San Diego, Cheap Skates consists of guitarists Domenic Spino and Brendan Collins, bassist Kaitlyn Alaire, keyboardist Alex Jimenez, drummer Diego Guardado, and vocalist Nic Placek. Honing in a unique style of music called “ride” they created a new blend of krautrock, punk, rap and pop. From those humble origins, Cheap Skates has turned into formidable music unit of pure energy and excitement. Their ten track studio album just dropped on October 28. For now keep your ears open to catch them live, or enjoy the recordings, you wont regret it.
Stillhouse Junkie w/s/g Pixie & the Partygrass Boys
The Animas City Theatre Presents Stillhouse Junkies w/s/g Pixie & The Partygrass Boys Friday March 18th 2022Doors 7:00pm / Show 8:00pm / 18+Tickets on sale now online**Limited discounted pair of tickets are available for $36 online only, click the General Admission ticket option** Paper Tickets available at Animas Trading Company Thursday February 3rd Stillhouse Junkies Born in a distillery in Durango, CO, 2021 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year and two-time Telluride Bluegrass band contest finalists Stillhouse Junkies play a delirious, head-spinning mixture of original roots, blues, funk, swing, and bluegrass music. With all three band members sharing lead vocal and songwriting duties, the Junkies conjure a wide range of tonal landscapes that pay tribute to the iconic sounds of Gillian Welch, the Allman Brothers, Tim O’Brien, the Wood Brothers, John Hiatt, and countless others while breaking new musical ground with their genre-bending original material. Stillhouse Junkies are proud to be Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival showcase artists and 2020 & 2021 IBMA World of Bluegrass showcase artists. Pixie & The Partygrass Boys HAILED AS “THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WASATCH” BY THE INTERMOUNTAIN ACOUSTIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION, PIXIE AND THE PARTYGRASS BOYS CREATE A UNIQUELY AMERICAN SOUND that can turn the room into a ruckus, but offers a full variety of other dynamics as well – approaching BLUEGRASS/FOLk with a CLASSICAL AND JAZZ background while incorporating elements of BROADWAY, POP-PUNK, AND AN UNABASHED LOVE FOR HAVING A DAMN GOOD TIME. THE BAND HAS BEEN touring while steadily gaining a FANBASE NATIONWIDE and playing FESTIVALS INCLUDING: High Sierra, DelFest, peachfest, WinterWonderGrass, arise, and hangtown, in addition to sharing the stage with artists such as: Lake Street Dive, Billy Strings, grace potter, yonder mountain string band, The Infamous Stringdusters, and the travelin’ mccourys.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Arise Roots with Special Guest Kyle Smith (Full Band)
Animas City Theatre & Tico Time PresentRoad to Tico Time Reggae FestivalArise Roots & Kyle Smith Full Band April 14th 2022 / $20 / $25 / 18+Limited Paper Tickets will be available at Animas Trading Company on Thursday February 3rd Arise Roots was formed in 2010 with the intent to create a new and unique rootsreggae band which reflects their collective passions. Rising up from the streets of Los Angeles, the band had one goal: create a fresh reggae sound with a modern feel that appeals to all walks of life without compromising the true feel of roots reggae. The all-star cast of musicians was recruited for their talent and appreciation of classic reggae styles. After a vigorous search, Arise Roots became host to six extremely talented individuals who had already made a name for themselves performing in numerous local reggae bands as well as backing various reggae legends touring through Southern California with veteran Blake Collie holding steady on drums, Rudy Covarrubias towering on bass, and Todd Johnson adding his trademark mix of keys and harmonies, the band had secured a dynamic rhythm section. Chris Brennan was called upon for his impeccable rhythm guitar and soulful backing vocals while lead guitarist Robert Sotelo adds his unmistakable signature style of riffs and licks. Lead vocalist, Karim Israel coming from a lineage of Jamaican vocalists, was added to the group, providing his raw, sultry flow which pairs perfectly with his powerful lyrics. http://www.ariseroots.com/ https://youtu.be/gSguT7FntpM https://www.facebook.com/ariseroots/ @ARISEROOTS https://twitter.com/ARISEROOTS/ Tico Time Reggae Festival May 19th-May 21st Jamaican & Domestic Reggae / Sound System Parties More information about Tico Time Reggae Festival can be found by visiting https://ticotimeresort.com
Dragondeer **TICKETS AT THE DOORS
Animas City Theatre PresentsDragondeer21+ / $20 / $25Denver band Dragondeer has conjured the rhythm spirits to concoct a blend of Psychedelic Blues, Retro Funk, Soul and Rock-n-Roll into a genre blur that’s aim is to speak to souls and keep the body moving. Four good friends that brew a musical alchemy that is song centric with a proclivity to stretch things out and see where the evening leads. Heard across radio waves, through the trees at festivals like Electric Forrest, Firefly, and Telluride Blues this band keeps growing and morphing and wants you in on the ride.Dragondeer has had the pleasure to share the stage with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King, The Revivalists, Shakey Graves, Southern Avenue, Dumpstaphunk, Drive By Truckers, Anders Osbourne, and Jerry Joseph “Dragondeer hit the stage with their thick blues-rock sound. Reminiscent of early Led Zeppelin, The Black Keys, and electric Taj Mahal, the quartet stunned the audience with their hybrid of Mississippi Delta blues and 1960s psychedelic rock. Lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player Eric Halborg led the band with a rare ferocity, his deep growl and swampy harmonica blending perfectly with Cole Rudy’s raw pedal steel playing. Shocking many in attendance and quickly catapulting onto the Denver scene, Dragondeer is a growing force to be reckoned with.” – Live For Live Music https://www.dragondeer.com https://www.facebook.com/Dragondeer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94oy-pIIjpNKy0eFEhzeXw https://open.spotify.com/artist/50BjDgPYfhUc7fc2QCHI04 https://soundcloud.com/dragondeer https://www.instagram.com/dragondeer