Photos by Jim Mimna
The Scene: The party was on at Cervantes’ last Friday night as lovers and those looking for love packed the Ballroom for the second installment of J2G Live’s “Love Shack” event. To celebrate the holiday you love to hate, The Love Shack puts a cheerful spin on things regardless of your status. Whether you went with your significant other, a group of couples, or just friends, Friday night was a blast. DJ Russo got things going with some love themed Funky jams that got more than a few people dancing as they waited for the live music to start and damn if things wrap up till the wee hours of the morning after more than 30 musicians showed off the best of what this amazing Denver music scene has to offer. It was a show for the ages, and we can only hope that J2G keeps putting together this high octane parties for years to come.
The Love Shack: This year’s celebration of all things love kicked off with Adam Lufkin’s (Kinetix) blistering take on Van Halen’s “Really Got Me” that got the crowd moving, but it was the raw emotion that Jonathan “Skippy” Huvard (Fox Street) and crew brought to The Temptations “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” that really set the tone for the night. A pair of early duets shined the spotlight on Country legends Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash and June Carter as the ensemble tackled “Islands In The Stream” and “Jackson.” While James Dumm (Fox Street) nailed Rodgers’ part, Chelsea Hoffert missed the mark a little in Dolly’s role but shined throughout the night on her backing vocals. “Jackson” on the other hand was a smashing success as Huvard and Aubrie Hamrick pumped a ton of energy into the song and really took it to the next level.
Spreading the wealth across genres, as these shows are always known to do, Fleetwood Mac’s “You Can Go Your Own Way” featured some stellar fiddle playing from Elephant Revival’s Bridget Law and a little later Jonathan Meadows of The Congress channeled Rod Stewart on the classic “Maggie May.” As the goosebumps were fading from my skin, Su Charles put them right back as she took a turn at the mic for a version of the Bob Marley gem “Could You Be Loved” that featured Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli laying down a nasty sax solo.
As the set was coming to a close the group really seemed to hit their stride on wild covers of Morris Day & The Time’s “Jungle Love” and Bloodhound Gang’s “The Bad Touch.” Both songs got the crowd into the action as we sang along with nearly every word as the riotously funny and extremely talented duo of Jeff Prah and Adam Lufkin proved yet again that they are critical to the success of these shows, but it was “The Bad Touch” that won jam of the first set. With Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits on keys, David Murphy on bass, Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic) and Allen Aucoin (Disco Biscuits) on the dual drum kits, and Brian Hamilton (YAMN) and Jordan Linit (Analog Son) on guitars, this was one of the most formidable line-ups of the night and boy did they deliver.
With the crowd lubed up and primed after a great first set, set two continued with the classic hits. Su Charles was again showcased, and didn’t disappoint, when she crooned her way through “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” as Eric Low (Fox Street) laid down that oh-so-recognizable drum beat. She was again in the spotlight for “Long Train Runnin'” by The Doobie Brothers before Aubrie Hamrick took on Sting’s role for “So Lonely” by The Police to the delight of the crowd.
As the night moved on, every song was a sing-along and there were plenty of serenades being shared between lovers. For those inclined to slow dance, Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” gave them that chance and the INXS hit “Need You Tonight” again featured Lalli on saxophone for a classic “come hither” diversion that filled the room with possible new love connections. As the second set wound down, Robby Peoples was featured on a version of “Suspicious Minds” before teaming up with Huvard for The Blues Brothers inspired version of Solomon Burke’s “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” that saw the two play off each other like Aykroyd and Belushi.
The show closed with an ensemble version of “My Girl” that showcased much of the amazing talent we had all witnessed throughout the night. Whether you are in love, in a “complicated” relationship, or just closed the door on someone, there was probably a song played during this show that echoed your feelings about love. Who knows, maybe this annual show could turn into Denver’s newest dating event?
Energy: A
Musicianship: A
Sound: B+
Stage Presence: A
Lights: B
Overall: A-
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