Soundtribe Sector Nine Live at Twist and Shout December 28th, 2012

Last Friday we had an in-store performance with Sound Tribe Sector Nine (also known as STS9). State Farm Insurance ran a nationwide contest where approximately twenty-two people plus their guests won the chance to see STS9 in our store. The event would be a private, after-hours performance for just a few lucky winners. The grand prize winner won a five hundred dollar gift card and got to do some shopping with the band members. The contest winners were a mix of regular customers and first time visitors, but all the winners were excited to see one of their favorite bands close up in such a small setting. All of the winners got a meet and greet with a signed CD, so it was a very fun atmosphere leading up to the performance. We started the concert right after closing and the band played for less than sixty people. The crowd consisted of winners, friends of the band, band wives, plus Twist and Shout crew. This intimate show rocked with STS9 playing tunes they were not going to play during their three day stint at the Fillmore to celebrate New Year's. It was a truly special treat for these super fans, because most of them had bought three-day passes to the NYE shows. The sound was amazing and the band gave great energy to the dancing fans. They are an instrumental band that plays a hybrid of funk, jazz, jam and electronic music which has been tagged as "Livetronica". Their normal set is bombastic and a huge production, so by STS9 standards this was a stripped down and almost acoustic version of a regular show. It was a pleasure to host such a unique event and we enjoyed watching the fans as they got a chance to meet their favorite band. It was a joy to work with members of Sound Tribe Sector Nine, they were warm and sincere with all of us and we are hopeful that we can have them back for a public event!
-Natasha

















Grand Prize winner with bass player David Murphy



STS9 signed our giant turntable in the vinyl room.

Devotchka with the Colorado Symphony Live at Twist and Shout 12/18

Last night we had a huge crowd of over 300 people for Devotchka. They were joined for this special occasion by six members of the Colorado Symphony.  The room was buzzing with excitement as the band worked through a greatest hits set .  With only five days to promote this show, we are extremely happy with the successful turn-out.  Thanks to the band, the Symphony and music fans of Denver the word of mouth spread like wild fire. This was a holiday treat for both customers and staff.  There is a true beauty to music when it is fleshed out with strings and horns.  The romantic quality to Devotchka takes on a higher level when they are surrounded by Symphony players.  Though there were only six members from the Colorado Symphony it was a big sound and a great introduction for those fans that may have missed their summer concerts.  After the show most of the crowd stayed to get CDs,LPS, and posters signed.  People were jovial and fun to talk to while they waited in line.  The band had friends and family here, and the staff was enamored by Nick Urata's little girl.  There was a coming together last night that makes these type of events truly special.  Everyone here had a wonderful time, and we are super proud to have Devotchka represent the Denver music community.

-Natasha

 

Photos above are by Michael McGrath (mcgphotos.com)

Steve Earle - Twist and Shout May 5, 2011

This was our third in-store with Steve Earle and as soon as he entered the store with trusted road manager and sound engineer he seemed at ease and friendly. He is comfortable talking about normal stuff like baseball, guitars, burritos and TV, but he is equally at home with geo-politics, chaos-theory or union history; he is a thoughtful, intelligent, interesting man. Armed with his never-absent diet Dr. Pepper he took the stage at 7:05 p.m. for a spine-chilling 45 minute set that leaned heavily on his new album I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, but also included songs from all phases of his career like “Jerusalem,” “Copperhead Road” and the unreleased cover of the Hank Williams song that is the title of his new album. As usual he had plenty on his mind. He talked about the death of Osama Bin Laden, the immigration issue, New Orleans - you name it, he had an opinion and he wasn’t ashamed to share it. That ultimately is Steve Earle’s greatest strength; he has a conscience and it isn’t compartmentalized from his art. He walks the walk and talks the talk. I for one am glad we have him - there aren’t enough like that anymore. The crowd ate up every second of it, staying after to have him autograph and shake hands, his audience totally gets what is great about this guy. We had over 300 people for the event and sold 46 deluxe and 115 regular versions of the new CD. In addition we sold 6 copies of his Record Store Day 7” and 16 copies of his new novel. I can honestly say we love Steve Earle.

- Paul Epstein

Photo by John Hendrickson from http://www.heyreverb.com/

Bobby Long 2/10/11 Wrap Up

Bobby himself mentioned how cold it was in Colorado from the stage several times. In spite of that fact about forty warm souls braved the cold for a quick 20-minute shot of a singer/songwriter you will undoubtedly hear more and more about. It is hard to describe this unassuming Englishman’s music, but he most reminds of Nick Drake. He is soft-spoken and his music has an emotional gravity that is rare today.

When we look at the relative success of an event like this compared to, say, a Widespread Panic in-store with three or four hundred people fighting to get in and every one of them buying up a storm, sometimes we wonder if it is worth it. But, as I was wondering this aloud last night, Chuck Morris (legendary promoter, band manager and Denver institution) said “shit I remember having Lyle Lovett (someone he managed for many years) at The Oxford Hotel playing for 10 people. This guy (Bobby Long) is gonna be huge and you were on the ground floor with him. This is great!” Thanks for the perspective Chuck! We will continue to bring in the up-and-comers as well as the sure things - cause that’s what we do.

-Paul Epstein