Burning the House Down: An Evening With Black Pistol Fire
We’re far from the gaudy lights and arena stage set ups tonight. Instead, everyone is crammed into the historic, ramshackle walls of Globe Hall; it’s underground rock and roll vibe the perfect venue for the raw, grittiness that is Black Pistol Fire. And as sweat pours from Kevin McKeown’s lanky frame while fans grab at his legs and euphorically bang their hands against the stage to the heavy back beat of Eric Owen’s drums, I can’t help but think that this is where everyone who loves music should be.
There’s a scene in the movie, Almost Famous, in which Lester Bang tells the young William Miller, “These are people who want you to write sanctimonious stories about the genius of the rock stars, and they will ruin rock and roll and strangle everything we love about it.” I think about that every time I review an album or live show such as tonight’s, but trust me, everything written about Black Pistol Fire is absolutely true. “Sleep on these guys at your own risk.” “…trail of scorched earth and melted minds.” “A power duo that can almost match the power and intensity of the massive rock sounds of the likes of Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac.” “Pure fire on stage.” And if you read my last write up, this Austin based duo is the epitome of everything that is great about rock music right now. Words are just words, however. Black Pistol Fire is a band you must still experience live to get the full impact of just how powerful they truly are. And that’s on full display tonight as they pummel the crowd right from the start with Lost Cause off their recent album, Deadbeat Graffiti, and into the epic Hipster Shakes with Kevin singing, “Hey mama the way you roll that cone, oh see you cuppin’ and a rattlin’ those bones. C’mon down and do the hipster shake, someone let me out my cage!” They roll through covers of Fleetwood Mac’s, Oh Well, and Bob Dylan’s, Where You Been Before, then slow it down slightly with Blue Dream before belting out “I’m dead and gone, the way you do me wrong, and I’m dead and gone!” on Suffocation Blues. From that point, it’s a continued and total annihilation of the gritty, bluesy, rock and roll authenticity their fans scream for.
Within the hour and change onslaught, you can hear them draw inspiration from some of the greats that include Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Nirvana, and Led Zepplin, taking the very foundation the legends built, then molding it into their own sound, and finally unleashing it in an epic roar of rock fervor. That’s apparent as they constantly change gears throughout the rest of the set, grooving through Speak of the Devil, torching the stage with Drop the Needle, and then completely burn the house down with Run Rabbit Run. They hold nothing back, forever charging ahead and leave this place wanting more. I’m saying it now, Black Pistol Fire is one of the best live acts in music today and it’s time you jump on board. There’s a reason why so many people are talking.
- Published in Concerts, Music, Saturday Night, Who's Who
A Visual Homecoming: The Lumineers at Fiddler’s Green
Last night The Lumineers returned home to play the first of three shows this weekend at Fiddler’s Green – a homecoming that saw the 18,000-capacity venue filled with screaming fans from stage to lawn and what will eventually become the end of the band’s Cleopatra Tour on Sunday night. Here are a few photos from Friday night.
- Published in Concerts
High Elevation Rock Festival: Korn is Coming to Rock Denver
If you’re near Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater late in September chances are you’re eardrums will rattle from the sound of thundering drums, metal-driven guitars, and thousands of fanatics screaming in an explosion of furious rock music energy. Why? That’s because High Elevation Rock Festival is coming back for year two on September 22-23 and you’re not going to want to miss this lineup.
After its one-day debut in 2016, High Elevation comes back to Denver even bigger and better in 2017 with a lineup of more than two dozen bands, led by Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, A Day To Remember, Stone Sour, Halestorm and more.
“After an incredible inaugural event last year, we decided to turn it up a notch in 2017 and expand High Elevation to two days,” comments Joe Litvag, Executive Producer of the festival for AEG Presents. “Now we’ve got 25 of the very best-in-class artists like Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and Black Veil Brides performing more than 18 hours of music for the hard rock fans of the Rocky Mountain region to celebrate!”
All tickets for High Elevation Rock Festival include admission for both Friday night and Saturday. Ticket prices are as follows:
General Admission Pit (includes Marjorie Park VIP Access and Premier Parking): $225
General Admission Seated (Sections 1 & 2): $129
General Admission Lawn: $99proven they’re one of the best in the rock industry
After their self-titled 1994 debut and introducing the rock world to ‘the rise of nu-metal’s whomping pain-stomp‘ Korn has made a lasting mark and proven they’re one of the best in the game over and over again. Their stage presence is one of a kind and their legion of fans, both old and new, will tell you no different. And if you haven’t seen them live, Saturday will be your chance.
Friday night’s headliner, Five Finger Death Punch, is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year after making their debut with the 2007 album, The Way of the Fist. Ivan Moody, who recently entered rehab for addiction issues, released this statement:
“I love you guys and I love my band… It’s what I do and I can’t imagine my life without it. I am 100% committed to getting healthy so I can get back on stage with Five Finger Death Punch. See all you Knuckleheads on August 19th!!”
Full Lineup:
- Published in Concerts, What To Do
Your Highlight Guide: Denver International Festival 2017
The 2nd annual Denver International Festival is a celebration of hundreds of countries and cultures that call Denver home and it’s all happening this Saturday. This free event features live music and dance performances, interactive art, cultural displays, a marketplace and kid’s village, a beer garden, and over 30 restaurant and food truck vendors offering some of the best food and drinks in the city. If you’re planning to attend, here’s a quick guide and few highlights to let you know what’s going on.
When: Saturday, August 5th | When: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Where: Civic Center Park
Admission is FREE
Marketplace, Interactive Art & Cultural Displays
Here’s your chance to meet local businesses, take part in an interactive art mural, and browse beautiful art and clothing products created by some of Colorado’s most talented entrepreneurs and artists.
Highlights include:
Luv Mrk
Luv Mrk’s mission is to ‘Ignite Kindness and ‘Inspire Luv’ by living through our hearts in order to make a positive impact on the world. Visit this booth to meet the owner, purchase unique apparel that lets people know you a part of the solution, and talk about why leaving your ‘luvmrk’ is important.
BeAfrica
BeAfrica offers African-inspired, handmade scarves, hoodies, and coin purses using vibrant and strong fabrics from the country. Each product includes a description of its meaning as well as an overview of ways to wear and care for the item.
Denver In Color
Denver In Color, a book by Jason Davis and Jonathan Castner featuring the voices and images of Denver interracial couples, will be on sale at their booth. This book allows their voices to come to light and to show that love has no color.
Other highlights include: Heavy Metal Works | Arturo Garcia Fine Art | CommUNITY Fitness | Project Hartwork
Kids Village
This year’s kid village is bigger and better! This is the whole family’s chance to color, paint, and create sand art, take part in cool science experiments, as well play around on the bouncy castles, a bubble station and much more.
Highlights include:
Rocket Making & Blast Off: Powered by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Museum
DIY Slime and Lava Lamps
Mentos & Coca Cola Experiments
Polynesian Hula (watch & learn at 12:30pm)
Meet & Greet: Moana and Captain America (11:30am)
Pinata Breaking (11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm)
The Great Kid Village Water Fight (3:30pm)
International Beer and Wine Tasting
If you’re a wine or beer lover, here’s your chance to sample from both local and international wineries and breweries.
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Cost: $25 single admission $45 per couple $100 per group of 5 or more (a portion of the proceeds will benefit Youth on Record)
Admission includes 1 full flight of tastings from all wine and beers per person
Live Music
El Javi – 3:30pm
El Javi is a Rock Flamenco artist from Mexico City who joins the heart of rock with the spirit of flamenco to deliver a distinct instrumental sound and powerful live performance.
Cicely O’Kain – 4:30pm
This Denver singer/songwriter brings both energy and her eclectic mix and whimsical twist of R&B and soul music to the stage leaving audiences entertained and wanting more every time. Her latest single Like Bass, from her EDM/uptempo dance EP, was considered for a 2017 Grammy nomination.
Orquesta La Brava – 6pm
This is the newest and hottest Denver Salsa band combining Latin percussion accompanied by bass, piano, and a great trombone and singing ensemble.
Irie Still – 7:15pm
Steeped first in Reggae and then incorporated with the elements of Hip-Hop, Soca, Dancehall, Calypso, Ska, Afro Beat, and Tribal Rhythms, this Colorado based band overwhelms the crowd with audience participation, soaring vocal harmony, and great music.
Food & Drinks
Check out our previous write up here.
- Published in Denver Events, What To Do
