Pato Banton Reggae Los Angeles, CA	With the release of his new album “Destination Paradise” Pato Banton is embarking on a musical and spiritual mission across all 50 States of America. At the beginning of this mission Pato decided to create a new band called “The Now Generation”, made up of different members from the LA/OC area of Southern California. This group is made up of some of the area’s finest musicians. Tony Saenz, an accomplished drummer. He is known for playing all genres ranging from Punk to Funk, from Hip-Hop to Roots. Tony is the only returning member of Pato’s former backing band The Mystic Roots Band. Bass guitarist Mikey Ortiz has worked with artists such as Kyng Arthur, Majek Fashek, Luna Angel, Kiddus-I, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Jah Mex, amongst many others. Antoinette Hall aka “Rootsdawtah” has been working actively for more than 20 years in the International Reggae/World Music scene. She has recorded, produced, and toured with some of reggae’s top performers; Gregory Isaacs, Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor, Beres Hammond, Scientist, Mad Professor and Ken Boothe, to name just a few. Daniel “D-Lop” Lopilato is an outstaning guitarist and all round musician. Mainly known for his keyboard skills D-Lop worked as bandleader to Majek Fashek, Kyng Arthur and Remi Kabaka. He also played keyboards on Pato’s latest recording, Destination Paradise. The mighty JAH! Horns features Beeken the “Saxmachine,” Trumpet Bryan and Eddie Farmer on trombone. This three piece horn section have made a name for themselves for providing a full sound, tight horn riffs and highly energetic showmanship. Over the years they have had the privilege and honor of working with artists such as; Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, Ikey Owens, Aceyalone, Tone Loc, Shinehead, Half Pint, Rico Rodriguez as well as collaborating on a song written for the LA Lakers with Better Chemistry and Chali 2na of Jurassic 5. At times Pato also incorporates the awesome talents of percussionist Oneko Arika (Kenya, Africa) and the beautiful harmonies of Empress Akua & April Harmony who were also featured on the Destination Paradise album. Pato Banton and The Now Generation are making their way across the country spreading the Good News and uplifting the masses with a warm message of love and positivity that Pato has been known for bringing to his audiences around the world. Be sure to catch this all new high energy showcase and become a part of The Now Generation! www.patobanton.com
Nappy Roots Hip Hop / Rap / Soul Louisville, KN	Country and proud of it, Nappy Roots formed in 1995 around a sextet of students attending Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Four members of the group were Kentucky natives (Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, and Big V), bolstered by a pair of Oakland-born transplants (R. Prophet and Milledgeville). Nappy Roots began making music together at a local record shop-c*m-studio named ET's Music, and released their full-length debut, Country Fried Cess, in 1998. Drawn to the group's distinctive twist on Southern bounce, the major labels began flocking, and they eventually signed to Atlantic. Their label debut, Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz, was released in 2002, and the follow-up Wooden Leather arrived one year later. After several delays, the group released its anticipated album The Humdinger in August 2008; it was the first not to feature R. Prophet, who had left the group to pursue a solo career. www.nappyroots.com
Great American Taxi Americana / Roots Music / Rock Nederland, CO	In the past five years, Great American Taxi has become one of the best-known headliners on the jam band circuit. Their uninhibited sound is a swinging concoction of swampy blues, progressive bluegrass, funky New Orleans strut, Southern boogie, honky tonk country, gospel, and good ol’ fashioned rock ’n’ roll. Great American Taxi was born when singer, guitarist, and mandolin player Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon joined keyboard player and singer Chad Staehly for a superstar jam to benefit the Rainforest Action Group in Boulder, in March of 2005. “We put together a dream band of the best local musicians for a one-off gig,” Herman recalls. “It worked so well we had to do it again, and again, and again.” Great American Taxi quickly evolved into one of the best country-, rock-, and bluegrass- influenced jam bands in the land, masterfully blending acoustic and electric instruments into music they call “Americana Without Borders.” Great American Taxi has been equated with roots rockers like the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Grateful Dead, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, The Byrds, and Little Feat. Herman finds the comparisons flattering. “We’re definitely connected to all the acts in the country/rock spectrum, as well as the spirit of Gram Parsons and Woody Guthrie,” he says. “We want to address the issues appropriate to our times, while making music that gets people up and moving.” They’ve made their reputation as an exciting live band, willing to invite the audience on stage for impromptu jams and sing-alongs. “When strangers join in to sing and play, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Herman grins. “It keeps you on your toes musically and brings out feelings of camaraderie and community.” That loose, anything-can-happen feel is the hallmark of Reckless Habits, Great American Taxi’s second album. The band — Herman, Staehly, Jim Lewin on electric guitar and vocals, Edwin Hurwitz on bass, and drummer Chris Sheldon — spent a couple of weeks at Backbone Studio in Loveland, Co, with producer Tim Carbone (from Railroad Earth) working together to bring the feel of an on-stage performance to the recording process. “We did the tracks live, playing together,” Herman says. “We like to make real music, as opposed to executing parts.” “The band is a true democracy,” Chad Staehly adds. “We tinkered with the tunes on the road, with everybody having input. In the studio, Tim would suggest ideas to make them sound bigger and brighter.” Carbone brought in the Black Swan Singers — Sheryl Renee, CoCo Brown, and Shelly Lindsey — to add gospel flavored backing vocals and the Peak to Freak Horns — Justin Jones, sax; Nathan Peoples, sax; Dan Sears, trumpet; Dave Stamps, trombone — for some New Orleans-style brass accents as well as pedal steel player Barry Sless (David Nelson Band, Moonalice) and banjo player Matt Flinner. The 13 tracks on Reckless Habits gleefully stretch the boundaries of American roots music with a nod to both tradition and the future. The title track, Staehly’s salute to Gram Parsons, is a good example, a song that’s as country as it is rock. It’s a rousing honky tonk tune, with Carbone’s fiddle and Sless’s pedal steel kicking up the sawdust on a Saturday night dance floor. The titles of several Parsons songs appear in the lyrics, and there’s a definite Cosmic Cowboy vibe to the band’s expansive playing. Staehly’s “American Beauty” tips its hat to the Grateful Dead and features an extended jam by the ensemble with Sless shining on pedal steel; Herman’s acoustic and the subtle twang of Jim Lewin on electric add intertwining guitar parts. Herman’s “Cold Lonely Town” is a slow R&B tune that describes life during the long Colorado winters. The Black Swan Singers add smoky doo-wop asides and CoCo Brown’s thrilling gospel-inflected melismas to Herman’s poignant vocal. Producer Tim Carbone described its swampy, laid-back vibe as “‘A Day in the Life’ meets Gram Parsons in the high desert.” The Taxi show off their devil-may-care side on several tunes. “One of These Days” is a bluesy country-rock salute to New Orleans driven by Chris Sheldon’s second line backbeat, the Mardi Gras bounce of the Peak to Freak Horns and strong solos from Lewin’s slide guitar and Staehly’s piano. “Good Night to Boogie” is a countrified boogie-woogie number that lives up to its name with a forceful rock backbone and sizzling Hammond B3 work from Staehly, while “Fuzzy Little Hippie Girl” is a sly, lusty rocker with swooning pedal steel and a bouncy country-rock rhythm. “Smiling Hippie Joe Smith wrote that song for us,” Herman says. “We wanted to pay homage to the hippie country girls on the festival circuit that make the world go round.” Other standouts include the overtly political “New Millennium Blues,” with Staehly’s electric piano and the sprightly tempo adding some sunshine to the song’s tale of hard luck and hard times; the obligatory bluegrass jams “Unpromised Land” and Bill Monroe’s “Big Sandy River,” showcasing Carbone’s fiddling, Matt Flinner’s banjo, and excellent ensemble work; and a New Orleans-meets-ragtime take on John Hartford’s (“Just When You Think It Can’t) Get No Better (Then It Does)” featuring the Peak to Freak Horns. “We go into the studio to make music, not records,” Herman explains. “We all love to improvise, but this band’s not about solos. It’s about playing together and letting the music take over.” Reckless Habits captures the rowdy exuberance of Great American Taxi’s live shows with a timeless rock feel that music lovers of all ages can relate to. They fuse strong, focused songwriting with the freewheeling jam band vibe that’s made them a major draw on the festival circuit. The album will be marketed in a die cut package designed by artist Greg Carr, who designed Steve Martin’s The Crow. “Greg has a picture of nuns smoking on the cover, wearing their Reckless Habits,” Herman explains. “We want to give people something unique, so they won’t just burn it and pass it on.” The band’s cryptic name refers to Herman’s unique skiing style. “A friend of mine once said I came downhill looking like a great American taxi — a large lumbering object that’s totally out of control and coming downhill towards you moving faster and faster. It seemed to fit the band’s MO, so we adopted it.” Vince Herman grew up in Pittsburgh, the youngest of seven children in a music loving family. He played piano, guitar, and mandolin growing up, soaking up Motown, rock, bluegrass, and the polka music played by neighborhood wedding bands. As a high school freshman, he attended the Smoky City Folk Festival and was seduced by the social scene and the off-stage free-form jams. He studied acting at the University of West Virginia and moved to Colorado to finish his degree, but dropped out after meeting Drew Emmitt. He joined him in the Left Hand String Band, one of the first groups in the progressive bluegrass movement of the ’80s. His next aggregation was a Cajun jug band called the Salmonheads. When the two merged, they jokingly combined names, and as Leftover Salmon, a country/ bluegrass/Cajun outfit, became one of the best-known jam bands in the country. When banjo player Mark Vann died of cancer in 2002, Leftover Salmon lost momentum. Herman had a few rough years and survived a broken neck before joining keyboard player Chad Staehly to create Great American Taxi with guitarist Jeff Hamer, bassist Brian Schey and drummer Jake Coffin. After a few departures Taxi has settled into their latest incarnation with Lewin on guitar, Sheldon on drums, bassist Brian Adams and occasionally Barry Sless on pedal steel. They’re marking their Fifth Anniversary as a unit with the release of Reckless Habits. Herman, Staehly, and their Great American Taxi cohorts will be doing what they do best to support the record, touring heavily and getting ready for the beginning of the Spring Festival season. “We’ve been doing gigs with (singer/songwriter) Todd Snider,” Herman says. “He’s a great cat to play with and he hasn’t done a lot of improv, so it’s a joy to play with him. It opens up a new world for him and gives us some new songs to play. We believe in the blue-collar work ethic, improving our music by playing live shows and bringing people into the present moment with our lyrics and instruments. That’s what we love to do and we’ll keep on doing it as long as we can.” www.greatamericantaxi.com
Heavyweight Dub Champion Dub / Trip Hop / Electronica San Francisco, CA	Firmly rooted in Hip Hop, Dancehall Dub and Electronic music, Heavyweight Dub Champion is a movement of interdimensional warriors representing the Army of the Last Champion. Founder and Last Champion Manifesto author Resurrector transcends space and time through a live 50+channel mix of deep revolutionary audio. At HDC’s core is the universal intention of inspiration, mind expansion and transformation through creative expression and a methodology called Sonic Shamanistic Alchemy - a unique combination of ancient divination practices, trance ritual and sonic vibration. This artistic performance - The Liberation Process - opens channels of communication and empowers the listener, thus enabling the Rise of the Champion Nation. www.championnation.net
Lubriphonic Rock / Roots Music / Funk Chicago, IL	Lubriphonic greases your ears, moves your hips, and leaves you reeling in sweaty bliss. Simmering and intense, with chops to spare, Lubriphonic’s live performances create a spicy dish that is guaranteed to cure what ails you. Lubriphonic is the brainchild of guitarist Giles Corey and drummer Rick King and began with a residency at Chicago’s legendary Checkerboard Lounge. They recruited some of the best blues, funk, and rock musicians in the city for these raucous sessions. The result fuses roots music with explosive rock’n’roll and sensuous old-school dance music-- part Stones, part Funkadelic, and part Otis Redding. The members of Lubriphonic have individually toured with artists as diverse as Koko Taylor, Buddy Miles, Otis Rush, The Ohio Players, and Lenny Kravitz. They have fused their talents and experience as side-men in order to create an orignal project that is soulful, unique, and exciting. Lubriphonic marked 2006 with it’s second album “Supermoncho” recorded completely live in the studio. Available for download at CD Baby and iTunes, the ten original tracks are aggressive and soulful, propelled by a relentless groove, crunchy guitar, and popping horns. Lubriphonic continues to tour throughout the Midwest, including the Wakarusa Festival, Tabfest, and Blottopia VII. Live, the band expands it’s repertoire into lush and diverse improvisations, bringing their dynamic sonic stew to growing audiences everywhere. Their two 2008 releases, "Soul Solution"  and "Lubriphonic Live" (the latter recorded live in a single set at aliveOne in Chicago) exemplify this. The recordings capture the band at it's best-- confident, daring, and very, very, funky.  Lubriphonic fuses old-school soul music with hip shaking rock'n'roll and searing improvisation.   Lubriphonic enters 2010 continuing to tour throughout the nation, as well as crafting a new studio release slated for fall. www.lubriphonic.com
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Funk Asheville, NC	Featuring several multi-instrumentalists, the Booty Band keeps things fresh by constantly changing instrumentation onstage. D-Roc DoJo Johnson cooks up a T-Bone, well done yet raw at the same time. When not at the horn, he's jazzin' out on the guitar or hollarin' on the mic. Greg Hollowell aka "Sax 5th Avenue" weaves his saxophone licks through the music like a crotch rocket through traffic. John-Paul Miller switches from vocals, to soaring guitar licks to crazy synth and clav alongside Mary Frances (Eymarel) also on keys and vocals. Al Al Ingram plays the bass to move your waist, charms the ladies with his vocals and is known for doing splits off the stage. Lee Allen (Eymarel) lays down his unique style of solid thumping drum beats perfectly suited to back up this monsterous funk machine. The Booty Band appeals to a wide range of music fans, as their style cuts across musical genres and borders. They focus on original Funk, but don't be surprised to hear the occasional choice, yet obscure cover by Galactic, Miles Davis, Cymande, P-Funk, and others. They're influenced by all styles of music, absorbing and distilling it for purities before bootlegging it for your enjoyment. The Booty Band is refreshing in this age of oh-so-serious music because they cut to the core of what great live music is all about: having fun and feeling good. Their energy is contagious and instantly transforms the average night out into an evening to remember. With great songs and even better attitudes, they create a rich and varied musical tapestry without ever seeming to run out of fresh ideas. Throughout their seven years of touring, the Booty Band has met, played with, and befriended many great bands such as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Galactic, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cadillac Jones, Fat Ellis, Soular System, Barefoot Manner, Entropy, Hope Massive, and countless other great encounters in and around various festivals. Whether you're hearing stories from Jam Cruise 5, Wakarusa, Jazz Aspen, Smilefest, Trinumeral, Floyd Fest, the GrassRoots festival at Shakori Hills as well as Trumansburg, NY, the LEAF, or Down on the Farm in Florida, the Booty Band loves meeting and playing with everyone. www.bootyband.com
Fourth Dimension Reggae / Rock / Dub South Florida, FL	Already dubbed as "South Florida reggae legends" by the Miami Herald, Fourth Dimension launched off 2008 with a massive New Years concert with UK's 1 reggae act, Steel Pulse. Their track record only continued to escalate as they headlined Miami, Florida’s famous "15th Annual Caribbean Festival"(previously known as the Bob Marley Fest), which was founded and is still run by Bob Marley's family. Following this event they played the role of supporting act for international reggae stars Maxi Priest and Toots and The Maytals. In the past they have performed at the world-acclaimed “Reggae Sunsplash”, toured internationally with Jamaican dancehall star, Mr.Vegas and shared the stage with artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, UB40, Mos Def, James Brown, John Mayer and many others. On may 10 they released their 15 track album Invazion for which they teamed up with Karl Pitterson, the legend who recorded and mixed Time Magazine’s “The Best Album of the 20th Century”, Bob Marley and The Wailer’s Exodus Album, and Steel Pulse’s first three albums. Immersed in Pitterson’s studio in South Miami Florida non-stop for over 4 month period, the innovative pairing introduced some new and surprising elements into the band's established reggae sound. Pitterson has put his mark on other records of such artists as Mick Jagger, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, The Skatalites, Robert Palmer and Grace Jones and brought that same vibe and passion to Fourth Dimension’s new album, Invazion. As rastafarian vocalist/bassist Jah Steve divulges, "In a sense we were trying to create a progressive reggae album while keeping the authentic reggae sound. This concept is precisely why we chose Karl Pitterson to help us with our vision. On the album we feature our new super-dynamic drummer Joe “Grind” Fagan and special guest grammy-nominee drummer, Bradley Brown from Sizzla. When writing songs for this album we set out to keep a positive yet rebellious message while staying innovative and fresh..we didn’t want the album to sound like any other reggae album” Jah Steve has been involved in the reggae scene since an early age and has backed up Jamaican “Studio 1” greats such as Derrick Morgan. He names Wailer's bassist Aston "Familyman" and Eric Clapton as his musical role models. Drummer Joseph "Grind" Fagan was born from Jamaican parents who have instilled the culture in him. He began playing the drums at the age of five and has been inspired by Dennis Chambers, Carlton Barret and Dave Weckle. Joseph studied with Jonathan Joseph, Russ Miller and attended Musicians Institute of Hollywood California. Joseph has toured with Lady Saw, John Holt and many other R&B and reggae acts. Guitarist and vocalist Strings, who was recently endorsed by Hutchins Guitars (UK guitar company who endorses Saliva and UK’s The Kooks) says, “It was quite an honor recording some songs on Bob Marley’s personal stage guitar amplifier a 1960’s Fender Twin. We used several different guitars and guitar amps from vintage to newer models in order to achieve different tonalities. The lyrics on Invazion reflects themes such as the band’s assurance in that positivity and humanitarian beliefs are still alive. With lyrics on the title track that chat, “If we all could keep on giving the love that we have, Lets reach a new land”. And in Muertos En Vida, one of the two spanish tracks on the album Pierre Arnau Keyboards/Vocals asks, “What kind of seeds must we plant to see this world grow?”. Pierre, who had years of classical piano training before moving to the keyboards, relates, “reggae music is like medicine, people come to our shows and tell us they are off their medication and its because we helped them with our music”. The music on the album Invazion was created on the concept of elevating the spirit, body and soul through word-sound-power, it’s what we believe the album was meant to be but it is really up to the listeners to interpret it in their own way.” Fourth Dimension succeeds on being revolutionary and radical on this album as well. With tracks like Too Little Too Late, a song criticizing the government for their lack of assistance on the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans the chorus sings “They saw the water was risin’, What they did seems like nuthin’, We saw the innocent dyin’, Thought someone would do something”. FOURTH DIMENSION will take you on an innovative musical journey while breaking all the rules of the space time-continuum. It is an experience you do not want to miss. This groundbreaking quartet has played alongside such legendary artists as Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Maxi Priest, Mos Def, Julian Marley, Stephen "Ragga" Marley, Mother Cedella Marley, Kymani Marley, Steel Pulse, Third World, UB40, Toots and the Maytals, Maxi Priest, Culture, Lucky Dube, Bunny Wailer, Marcia Griffiths, Yellowman, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Shaggy, James Brown, John Mayer, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Beach Boys, The Wailers, Inner Circle, George Clinton, Capleton, Mr. Vegas, Luciano, Freddie McGregor, Burning Spear, Yami Bolo, Uncle Kracker, Russel Malone and Diana King. www.4thdimension.org
Elephant Revival Experimental / Folk / Americana Boulder, CO	Elephant Revival, neo –acoustic quintet from Nederland Colorado, is preparing for an incredible holiday season and a Happy New Year as the first decade of the new millennium comes to its triumphant conclusion. After having played nearly 150 shows in 2009, the group is now enjoying a more laid back touring schedule close to home on the Colorado Front Range during the short days and long nights of winter. Focusing on the cultivation and integration of new music, the band is grateful to have this time in the higher elevations. The group is currently in the studio finishing up the production of their second studio album with David Tiller of Taarka, scheduled for release in late spring of 2010. On tap for the beginning of 2010 is a showcase performance at The Sundance Film Festival as well as a ski tour along Colorado's great I-70 corridor. Close to home Elephant Revival appears as part of Winterfest on the Mountain in Nederland Colorado on January 22-24. Additionally, the band is organizing a very special benefit concert for the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on February 5 at The Boulder Theater. On February 21 ER will return to Norman Oklahoma for the famous Winter Winds Concert Series and on March 24 Elephant Revival will be making a debut appearance at the legendary Freight & Salvage in Berkeley CA. Elephant Revival plays a unique blend of an emerging new musical genre called Transcendental Folk. Individually and collectively the band members have performed with some of the most prolific performers of our time including Bela Fleck, John Paul Jones, Michael Franti, Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, and State Radio, among others. The quintet can be seen delving into Scottish/Celtic fiddle tunes, original folk pieces, traditional ballads, psychedelic country, indie rock, powerful reggae grooves, 40s/50s jazz standards and an occasional hip-hop beat amongst other styles. The band consists of Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe, musical saw), Sage Cook (electric banjo/guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola, vocals), Dango Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo, vocals), Daniel Rodriguez (acoustic guitar, electric banjo/guitar vocals) and Bridget Law (fiddle and vocals). Following the release of Elephant Revivals 2008 CD, Boulder Weekly entertainment writer Dave Kirby enthused, "The album brims with poised folk ballads, modern Celtic fiddle dirges, hints of blues and Appalachia... coaxing the spirit but slyly avoiding climbing fully into each form's body." Marquee Magazine journalist Jeffery Keith further elaborated, "Following the lead, but not the footsteps, of groups like Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band, the five-piece Elephant Revival has created a unique and appealing modern acoustic sound simultaneously soaked in all manner of tradition. Elephant Revival carries a fresh sense of creativity and inspiration that is felt by people of every generation. Musically and collaboratively Elephant Revival is inspired to spread a message of sustainability while nurturing an awareness of positive change through the pure light intention & creativity of their music. www.elephantrevival.com
Euforquestra Afro-beat / Reggae / Funk Fort Collins, CO	Originally from Iowa City, IA, Eufórquestra (pronounced: yoo • FOHR • keh • struh, think Euphoria+Orchestra) relocated to Fort Collins, CO in August 2008 and has made a splash on the Colorado music scene with a relentless tour schedule and a live show that leaves feet tired and hearts and minds happy. The band is known for their diverse sound and eclectic repertoire, covering a number of traditional and progressive sounds ranging from (but not limited to) reggae, dub, afrobeat and samba to ska, highlife, funk and jazz. In October 2009 the band released Soup, a collection of 11 tracks that captures the band at new heights in terms of songwriting, energy and production. In an effort to spread the album far and wide as an independent artist, the band has decided to give the album away for free online at www.euforquestra.com. With over 2,000 downloads in its first month the word is spreading! www.euforquestra.com
Mountain Standard Time Bluegrass / Jam Band / Funk Nederland, CO	Hailing from majestic Nederland, Colorado, MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME brings home wherever they go. A pure mountain folk freak show with Colorado kind jams comprised of the finest Slamgrazz funk / dirty minor funk mashed head on with rocking grassy originals. Following directly in the lineage of Nederland family (Leftover Salmon, The String Cheese Incident and Yonder Mountain String Band), MST was brought up properly on the party. Hold on tight and MST will take you up that steep canyon road with the river roaring down. Forget the time of day, it's Mountain Standard Time. www.facebook.com/mstband
Buckner Funken Jazz Funk / Jazz Denver, CO	DENVER'S 8 PIECE FUNK POWERHOUSE BUCKNER FUNKENJAZZ Delivers Real Old School Funk with the Authenticity and Intensity that keeps the crowd going for hours - nonstop. BFJ is a true original-recipe Old School Funk Band. BFJ earned its Funk pedigree by mixing funk grooves into the stankiest, funkiest, grooviest stage- pounding party show in Denver. BFJ is available for your private party or event, just hit us up. "With so many young groove and jazz groups trying to sound old-school, it's nice to hear a band that actually is old-school: Denver-based Buckner Funken Jazz, whose leader, trumpeter Rod Buckner, was grooving on stage back when Medeski, Martin and Wood still had 8:00 bedtimes. On its latest record, Get Cha Groove On, the seven-piece outfit mixes up urban-flavored, Headhunters-style 70s jazz-rock, sultry blues and forward-looking acid jazz, sweetened up with keyboards, congas and guitar solos. Head to www.buckylove.com to get your copy! - Greg Glasgow - Boulder Daily Camera www.buckylove.com
Gristle Gals Bluegrass / Folk / Rock Denver, CO	Not your typical “folkie” chick band, The Gristle Gals are a Denver, CO based sensation (2008) that combines their backgrounds in bluegrass, folk, gypsy, and jazz with a decidedly unique view of the world. The result? Something they like to call “Gypsy Grass”, but you can listen for yourself and decide. Whether busking for a small crowd on the street or performing before an audience of thousands, wherever they play, the Gristle Gals grab the attention of the audience with their lively, unique sound and their charisma. They are solid and experienced musicians who are at home in any venue. www.myspace.com/gristlegals
Salem Funk / Afro Cuban Jazz / Hip-Hop Boulder, CO	Salem music is an amalgamation of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and Afro-Cuban idioms. In January 2008. Salem played the Winter X Games 12, the X Games end party with De La Soul and the Suzuki US Freeskiing Open in Copper. In March, the group is playing in Sun Valley at Whiskey Jacques for the Jeep King of the Mountain World Championships with DJ Logic and in Jackson at the US Freeskiing Open Party at the Mangy Moose. Salem has been working with Kim Schneider, Warren Miller's video and music editor, with new mergings of Salem music and epic Warren Miller ski and snowboard footage. The Salem studio track, Harvest, toured the nation with Warren Miller's new film, Playground, and the song will be featured in the Winter X 12 CD compilation produced by Bulletproof Entertainment. Salem music was featured in Warren Miller's ski and snowboard film, "OFF THE GRID". Todd has been featured in Modern Drummer magazine in the "On the Move" column in the November issue of 2006. Todd is an Ayotte Drums endorsed artist and Salem is delighted to be sponsored by Lib-Tech, the world premier snowboard and ski manufacturer and by Nantucket's Triple Eight Distillers, a micro-distillery that is distributed throughout the east coast. Salem has performed nationally alongside acts such as De La Soul, The Meters (PBS), Stanton Moore and Will Bernard, Hells Belles, Mama's Cookin, Tab Benoit Rebirth Brass Band, The Motet,Steve Earle, and Zilla. Salem 2008 festival dates include the Winter X12 Games, the Jeep King of the Mountain World Championships in Sun Valley, the Suzuki US Freeskiing Open at Copper, the Subaru US Freeskiing Open in Jackson, the US Snowboarding Open in Girdwood, Alaska, and the Breckenridge Spring Massive Festival. National festivals include the Rukus in the Rafters in Crested Butte, Nedfest in Nederland, the Seattle Folklife Festival on the Mother Jones stage, Anchorage's Live After Five Series, the Girdwood Forest Fair and the Southeast Alaska State Fair. In September 2007, Todd travelled to Washington DC to meetings with Bono's organization, One Coalition, Jubilee Coalition, Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth regarding the international promotion of the Salem song Saragua.  Jubilee Coalition is releasing an educational DVD featuring the Salem song, Saragua, in early 2008.  One Campaign featured Todd Johnson in a college awareness tour at UPENN in Philadelphia on a panel discussion and performance in November. www.salem-music.com
Frogs Gone Fishin' Rock / Funk / Progressive Denver, CO	Jumping through rock, funk, soul, blues and reggae, Frogs Gone Fishin' serves up a steaming plate of Colorado rocky mountain goodness. After growing up in Denver, the members of Frogs Gone Fishin' attended school in different cities, including New Orleans, Nashville and Boston, allowing them to experience some of the most interesting music scenes in the country. These experiences have given The Frogs a wide range of influences to expand on their common backgrounds. During their time away from home, they maintained a healthy touring schedule over summer breaks and other holidays. In the spring of '08, having completed their formal studies, the members of Frogs Gone Fishin' regrouped in Denver to begin an extended period of touring throughout Colorado and various sections of the United States, which still continues today. Frogs Gone Fishin's first studio album, 'Tell Me True', is a reflection of the various influences they absorbed during their travels and was recorded in Nashville and Colorado over a period of a year and a half. The Frogs are very happy to be together again touring in support of 'Tell Me True', which is now available on internet outlets such as iTunes and CDBaby (links to these site can be found under the 'Links' tab above). www.frogsgonefishin.com
Filthy Children Funk / Jazz / Rock Denver, CO	Based out of Denver, Colorado, Filthy Children first hit the stage together in Nov, 2003. Since then, they have been laying it down all over town, landing regular gigs at nearly all of Colorado’s most respected venues and festivals including: Boulder’s The Fox, Aspen’s Belly Up, Steamboat’s Ghost Ranch Saloon, Denver’s Cervantes, Bluebird and Gothic Theaters, Ft. Collins’ The Aggie Theater, South Park Music Festival, Copper Mountain’s Ride for the Cure, LODO Music Festival, The People’s Fair, as well as a headlining performance at Summerfest in Milwaukee two years in a row. This funk/jazz/rock septet serves up a funkinetic frenzy of fresh, original, mind moving music; reminiscent of such groove giants as Soulive, Greyboy Allstars, John Scofield, and Deep Banana Blackout. Filthy Children deliver action packed funk that’s sure to be “a big fat kick in the groove” (Colorado Daily). Their debut EP, Knocked Up, “a force to be reckoned with” according to CDBaby, has been played on over 200 radio stations nationwide and has been chosen to be on multiple reality shows for MTV. Filthy Children were also in the “On the Rise” section in the September/October 2006 issue of Relix magazine. Additionally, they were named best funk band in Denver’s premier magazine 5280 for 2007 and nominated in Colorado's favorite alternative newspaper, Westword's, "Best Of" in the funk category in 2008 & 2009. Fate has brought this group of filthy, misfit all-stars together. Their large and rapidly growing fan base is a testament to their grand performances and mass appeal. www.myspace.com/filthychildren
Potcheen Celtic / Folk Rock / Punk Denver, CO	Potcheen quickly rose through the Denver music scene to become Colorado's Premier Celtic-Rock Band. Potcheen has been getting regular airplay on the top radio stations in Colorado and over a 25 national Webcasts. Featured on Fox 31 News, Channel 9 (NBC) and CNN. They have won several awards including "Best way to drink and drive while invoking the spirit of the Irish" Best of Westword Issue 2006. They have been Nominated in the 2007& 2008 Westword showcase for "Best World Music" and 2006 Westword showcase for "Best Avante-Garde-Eclectic Band" in Colorado. Voted: "Top Denver Bands" in The Denver Post Underground Music Poll 2005-2009. Finalists and Runner up at the 2006 Coors Music Throwdown. " Potcheen was the Best band at the Colorado irish Festival" ~ Denver Celtic Music Examiner: Michael Thompson "Best Encore Performance" at the 2006 South Park Music Festival by the Colorado Music Buzz Magazine 'Best Celtic-punk-pirate band" The Celtic Connection 2007. Awarded "VIP Music Recording Package" at the 2006 SouthPark Music Festival. from Immersive Studios (Boulder,CO.) They have performed on: 99.5 The Mt. Homegrown hour 97.3 KBCO Studio C, KRFC Ft.Collins Live at lunch KGNU Boulder Radio. Channel 2 News (NBC) Denver,CO. Fox 31 news. Denver,CO. Channel 7 (ABC) Denver,CO. Channel 9.(CBS) Denver,CO. (NBC) San Diego 100.3 The Sound. Fm. Los Angeles KFWB CBS Radio. Los Angeles. KTSF News San Diego jazz 88. San Diego They shared stages with such acts as: Gaelic Storm, Los Lobos, Paula Cole, Keller Williams, Michael Franti & Sprearhead, The Elders, Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney), Black 47, The Prodigals, The Young Dubliners, The Bridies, Enter The Haggis, Scythian, The Glengharry Bhoys and Zilla (michael Travis from String Cheese Incident). Widespread Panic, William Topley, Ben Harper, Eileen Ivers & THe immigrant souls, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Les Claypool, Perpetual Groove, Railroad Earth, Ozomatli, Emmylou Harris, Ben Folds, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Mickey Hart, Cake, Flaming Lips. Arrested Development, Teal Leaf Green, EOTO feat Michael Travis & Jason Hann of SCI, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, Split Lip Rayfield, North Mississippi Allstars, Ka'Nal, New Monsoon, Yonder Mt. String band, The Derek Trucks Band, Del the Funky Homosapien, ALO, Mother Hips, Billy Nershi (String Cheese). Hot Buttered Rum, Eric McFadden Trio, Magic gravy, Blue Turtle Seduction, Joesph Israel, Govt' Mule, Buckethead, Galactic, Perpetual Groove, jj Grey & MoFro, . and so many more!!!! www.thepotcheenfolkband.com
Rob Drabkin Rock Denver, CO	Many people choose music, but for others music chooses them.  Rob began playing the electric guitar at age 11, learning note-for-note solos of every Metallica and Guns N Roses tune he could find.  But his metal edge began to fade after enrolling in his schools jazz ensemble where he was exposed to an array of new artists, rhythms, chords, and more importantly, the beauty of improvisation.  Noticing his natural talent for the instrument, guitar virtuoso Ted Reece took Rob as a private student.  Reece introduced him to the acoustic guitar while helping him develop his ear and strengthen his playing.   Rob was annually awarded excellence for his performance in the high school band and was offered a scholarship offer to join the jazz ensemble at Trinity University (TX). Throughout college, Rob maintained music only as a hobby and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in biochemistry/molecular biology and Spanish.   His academic aspirations suddenly halted one evening in New York City when it dawned on him he also wanted to sing.  Having never sung a note in his life, Rob began spending six to eight hours a day, developing his voice and songwriting skills.       With a unique voice, an incredible guitar style, and a handful of original tunes, Rob stormed onto Denver's local music scene, leaving audiences impressed.   Within a mere week of open stages, he was offered his first gig at Arvadas D-NOTE.  Shortly thereafter, he was playing to full crowds at Boulder's legendary Fox Theatre and opening for national acts such as Leon Russell, Colin Hay, The Wood Brothers, Raul Midon, Back Door Slam, and Lucy Kaplansky.  Over the past two years, he has toured across the country supporting long time Dave Matthews collaborator, Tim Reynolds.  And in March 2007, The Fox Theatre invited Rob as the main support for its sold-out 15th anniversary show with The John Butler Trio.  His full band headlining shows in Denver and Boulder are now to sold-out crowds.   Recently, Rob performed for former President Bill Clinton, Senators Ken Salazar and Bob Hernandez, and Congressman John Salazar and he is already booked to play at The Democratic National Convention in August 2008. His song "Sweet Things" is currently in rotation on Sirius Channel 30: The Coffee House, and 97.3 KBCO has invited Rob twice now to perform in its world renowned Studio C.  In addition, 93.3 KTCL, 102.3 KCUV and 99.5 The Mountain have all featured Rob live and have added him into local rotation.  Rob Drabkin's career seems to escalate daily as he gains fans and recognition wherever he plays. www.robdrabkin.com
Fried Grease Funk / Jazz / Rock Summit, CO	Based out of Colorado, Fried Grease cooks up a hearty blend of tight, energetic, funky soul music. Born out of the merger of two powerhouse bands, (Flux 5 and Big Richard) these guys are poised to make big waves. By incorporating elements of jazz, rock, blues and soul, the bands' hard hitting, high energy shows are quickly becoming the buzz around the State. www.friedgreaselive.com
DJ Chris Diablo Rock / Hip-Hop Colorado Springs, CO	DJ Chris Diablo has dedicated himself for over 15 years to the entertainment industry and to his artform. Beginning in 1992, Chris got his start playing warehouse parties and raves with numerous different crews and promoters in Colorado until 1997, when he lost his long-time best friend and fellow music collaborator. After his friend's passing, Chris sent himself on a quest for the next level in music. He decided to take his show to Las Vegas, and spent the next 5 years working with promoters and DJ's in some of Las Vegas' top clubs including RA at the Luxor, Club Utopia, Spearmint Rhino Afterhours, The Drink, and S.R.O. to name a few. In 2002, Chris returned to Colorado ready to show off his new-found experience, redefined skills, and the ability to DJ to any crowd regardless of their preference in music, the size of event, the group's age, race or nationality. DJ Chris Diablo began focusing on the production side of music, learning how to re-mix and produce mash-ups, which has allowed him to put his experience, music knowledge, and enormous music collection to good use. DJ Chris Diablo is a very rare type of DJ/Artist to find in this day and age because of his versatility and range. Most DJ's have confined themselves to one particular genre of music such as Trance, House, etc., and only play that particular type of music, regardless of what the crowd may like. DJ Chris Diablo is unique because his love for all music is easily showcased by his ability to incorporate every genre by layering, sampling & looping them all into a seamless masterpiece that not only in unbelievable but also unforgettable. Currently, DJ Chris Diablo serves as the Resident DJ for three different clubs in Colorado Springs, spinning music six days a week. His clubs are: Union Station, Thirsty Parrot and Rockbottom Brewery. DJ Chris Diablo is also currently a Resident DJ for Red Bull USA. Looking into the future, DJ Chris Diablo has teamed up with Randy Kener, Owner of Union Station in Colorado Springs, and together they have started Southern Colorado's first independent record label, "Spun Monkey Records." Spun Monkey Records plans to carry a large roster of many different artists, consisting of bands, DJ's, and musicians playing all types of music. While Spun Monkey Records is still in its' infancy, the potential for the label is unlimited, proving Spun Monkey Records, as well as it's co-creator DJ Chris Diablo are definately worthy of your interest and attention this upcoming year. .. www.myspace.com/dj4maxis
Jaden Indie / Rock / Alternative Lafayette, CO	Jaden realized her passion for guitar at an early age. Starting her venture with classical training, she quickly moved to acoustic and electric rock, teaching herself many of her favorite covers and writing her own original material. Possessing an amazing ear and an insatiable love for playing and performing, Jaden's repertoire includes covers by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Ziggy Marley, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and many originals. She has performed with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Radioactive, Keaton Simons,Jus Goodie, Rob Drabkin, The JGB and Melvin Seals, and many other notable local musicians. www.myspace.com/jadencarlson
Old Soul Rock Alma, CO	Old Soul, the six member band based in Alma, Colorado, is known for its unique sound that is blues-influenced with soul-reggae grooves, featuring all original music. The band was a headliner for the Alma Festival In The Clouds, 2010 and played center stage at the South Park Music Festival in 2009. Band members are:  Aaron Robbins, bass, Andy Koppen, drums, Ellwood Barrett, harmonica/vocals, Mark January, guitar/vocals, Julian Daknis, guitar/lead-vocals, and Todd Trenchard on guitar.
DJ Russh Hip-Hop / Rock Denver, CO	From HipHop to House to Rock and back again, Dj Russh has been making the ceilings flex over dancefloors for more than 15 years.  Always whipping his crowd into a frenzy, this accomplished DJ has played all over the US at clubs, raves, concerts, and special events of all sizes.  Infusing his mix with original tunes, rare remixes, and an occasional mash-up, there is NO DOUBT that he will bring a FRESH BAKED batch of bad ass beats to the HIGHEST MUSIC FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD! www.COD303.com
DJ Also Starring Hip-Hop / Reggae / Soul Steamboat, CO	DJ Also Starring has opened up for or played with Anthony B, Blackalicious, Black Sheep, De La Soul, DJ Logic, KRS ONE, Pato Banton, Souls of Mischief, & Yellowman to name a few. www.myspace.com/djalsostarring
Chris-P Nation Rock Alma, CO	This is a jam with amazing local Alma musicians in memory of our good friend Chris-P.  Chris-P was a singer and percussionist with an amazing voice. He will be truly missed.  The jam will happen on Saturday, August 21st on the Outdoor Main Stage around 4 PM prior to the Strive Roots set.  Please join us to celebrate a friend's life.
More artists will be announced soon!