About Author: tdwenger

Website
http://www.listenupdenver.com
Description
Music has always been a part of my life. It probably all started listening to old Grateful Dead, Peter Paul & Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel records that my parents had, but it wasn't long before they were taking me to concerts like Starship, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Huey Lewis & The News. I got the bug to write about music after reviewing an Eric Clapton concert for a creative writing project in high school but didn't really take it up seriously until 2002. Since then I have published countless articles in The Marquee Magazine and done some work for Jambase.com, SPIN Magazine, and various other outlets. I started Listen Up Denver! as a way to share the music information that is constantly spilling out of my head with people who care. Please enjoy!

Posts by tdwenger

  • The Ogden Theatre was packed last Thursday for My Morning Jacket front-man Jim James' first solo show in Colorado.  James' reverb drenched voice soared angelically to the deepest, darkest corners of the room and for the duration of the show one could look around the room and see expressions of wonder and bliss on faces off all ages as we all got lost in the experience together.  It was a varied and inspired show that left everyone in attendence frothing at the bit for My Morning Jacket to return to Colorado in all their glory this summer.

    Jim James – May 9th – The Ogden

    The Ogden Theatre was packed last Thursday for My Morning Jacket front-man Jim James' first solo show in Colorado. James' reverb drenched voice soared angelically to the deepest, darkest corners of the room and for the duration of the show one could look around the room and see expressions of wonder and bliss on faces off all ages as we all got lost in the experience together. It was a varied and inspired show that left everyone in attendence frothing at the bit for My Morning Jacket to return to Colorado in all their glory this summer.

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  • While the Boulder Theater was not packed for the Drive-By Truckers two-night run any newcomer could see that the band has a very dedicated fan base as most folks sang along with every word the Country Rockers cranked out. While Patterson Hood remained a center of attention with soaring guitar solos and his roaring voice and Mike Cooley countrified things a bit with some steady finger-picking and vocals reminiscent of Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard, the newest member, bassist Matt Patton, seemed to be having the most fun.

    Drive-By Truckers – April 12th – The Boulder Theater

    While the Boulder Theater was not packed for the Drive-By Truckers two-night run any newcomer could see that the band has a very dedicated fan base as most folks sang along with every word the Country Rockers cranked out. While Patterson Hood remained a center of attention with soaring guitar solos and his roaring voice and Mike Cooley countrified things a bit with some steady finger-picking and vocals reminiscent of Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard, the newest member, bassist Matt Patton, seemed to be having the most fun.

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  • Matt Skellenger, one of Denver's most talented musicians, has returned with his third album, 'The Owls Are Not What They Seem.' He has studied under some of the most influential musicians to ever play the electric bass including Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey and Chuck Rainey and though their influences are clear, Skellenger has honed his own unique and inspired style of playing over the years and this album is just another step on what is sure to be a long and successful career for this talented young man.

    Matt Skellenger – The Owls Are Not What They Seem

    Matt Skellenger, one of Denver's most talented musicians, has returned with his third album, 'The Owls Are Not What They Seem.' He has studied under some of the most influential musicians to ever play the electric bass including Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey and Chuck Rainey and though their influences are clear, Skellenger has honed his own unique and inspired style of playing over the years and this album is just another step on what is sure to be a long and successful career for this talented young man.

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  • The 90's were back in full force on Saturday night at Cervates' as J2G Live threw their annual 90's Night party with some of the best musicians in Denver doing the heavy lifting. There were tons of costumes that confused the best of 80's fashion (Neon) with the best of 90's (Flannel) and a ton of girls even got their hair crimped for the occasion.  It was great to see people getting so into the spirit of the party and it was clear that 90's Night grabbed a firm foothold in the Denver music scene in it's third year.

    Revenge of the 90′s III – March 30th – Cervantes’

    The 90's were back in full force on Saturday night at Cervates' as J2G Live threw their annual 90's Night party with some of the best musicians in Denver doing the heavy lifting. There were tons of costumes that confused the best of 80's fashion (Neon) with the best of 90's (Flannel) and a ton of girls even got their hair crimped for the occasion. It was great to see people getting so into the spirit of the party and it was clear that 90's Night grabbed a firm foothold in the Denver music scene in it's third year.

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  • From the opening notes of "Brother Roland" until the final echoes of "Windowsill" died away, the audience was completely invested in the performance and it was clear that the boys in Pickwick were having the time of their lives.  Only occasionally picking up a tambourine, frontman Galen Disston worked the stage, and the mic, like a seasoned veteran as he poured himself into each and every song the band cranked through.

    Pickwick – March 19th – The Bluebird

    From the opening notes of "Brother Roland" until the final echoes of "Windowsill" died away, the audience was completely invested in the performance and it was clear that the boys in Pickwick were having the time of their lives. Only occasionally picking up a tambourine, frontman Galen Disston worked the stage, and the mic, like a seasoned veteran as he poured himself into each and every song the band cranked through.

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  • When Brittany Howard and the rest of Alabama Shakes walked out onto the stage the Ogden simply exploded in deafening cheers and, as the band tore into "Hang Loose" from their 2012 debut album Boys & Girls, those cheers morphed into a chorus of voices singing along in unison. From start to finish, Alabama Shakes delivered a set that was a moving and powerful reminder of just how good they really are at delivering Blues soaked Garage Soul music that soaks in deep and satisfies nearly every primal craving.

    Alabama Shakes – March 9th – The Ogden Theatre

    When Brittany Howard and the rest of Alabama Shakes walked out onto the stage the Ogden simply exploded in deafening cheers and, as the band tore into "Hang Loose" from their 2012 debut album Boys & Girls, those cheers morphed into a chorus of voices singing along in unison. From start to finish, Alabama Shakes delivered a set that was a moving and powerful reminder of just how good they really are at delivering Blues soaked Garage Soul music that soaks in deep and satisfies nearly every primal craving.

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  • The mood in Denver was a bit mellow last Saturday after the Broncos disappointing performance in their playoff game earlier in the day and, frankly, the bitter cold weather didn't help warm spirits much.  What did help was a great performance from Assembly Of Dust at Summit Music Hall.  They work so hard at what they do and while they aren't a household name, they should be.  It was great to dance alongside people out here in Colorado who recognize how great they are!

    Assembly of Dust – January 12th – Summit Music Hall

    The mood in Denver was a bit mellow last Saturday after the Broncos disappointing performance in their playoff game earlier in the day and, frankly, the bitter cold weather didn't help warm spirits much. What did help was a great performance from Assembly Of Dust at Summit Music Hall. They work so hard at what they do and while they aren't a household name, they should be. It was great to dance alongside people out here in Colorado who recognize how great they are!

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  • LISTEN UP DENVER! AND PARK HOUSE PRESENT: “SOULFAX SESSIONS” SoulFax Sessions is Denver’s newest free weekly music series.  Featuring members of some of the best young bands...

    Listen Up Denver! Launches A New Weekly Music Series: SoulFax Sessions

    LISTEN UP DENVER! AND PARK HOUSE PRESENT: “SOULFAX SESSIONS” SoulFax Sessions is Denver’s newest free weekly music series.  Featuring members of some of the best young bands...

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  • With String Cheese Incident back in Colorado for their first New Year's run since 1996, the air was buzzing on Saturday night.  There was talk of special guests, outrageous production, and of course the constant chatter of how the boys would sound.  Were they going to be on, or was it going to be a bit rough finding the groove considering they've had the better part of six months off from playing live?  By the end of night one it was clear they had been gearing up for this run for a long time.

    String Cheese Incident – December 29th – 1stBank Center

    With String Cheese Incident back in Colorado for their first New Year's run since 1996, the air was buzzing on Saturday night. There was talk of special guests, outrageous production, and of course the constant chatter of how the boys would sound. Were they going to be on, or was it going to be a bit rough finding the groove considering they've had the better part of six months off from playing live? By the end of night one it was clear they had been gearing up for this run for a long time.

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  • The sweet smell of Colorado's newest legal herb hung in the air outside The Paramount last Thursday night as hundreds of Deadheads milled around under the marquee with fingers in the air hoping to score a ticket at the last minute.  Bob Weir and Jackie Greene were in town and they delivered a three set show that was heavy on Bob Dylan material and, though it showcased a bit of Weir's uneven side, everyone still left with a big smile on their face.

    Bob Weir & Jackie Greene – December 13th – The Paramount

    The sweet smell of Colorado's newest legal herb hung in the air outside The Paramount last Thursday night as hundreds of Deadheads milled around under the marquee with fingers in the air hoping to score a ticket at the last minute. Bob Weir and Jackie Greene were in town and they delivered a three set show that was heavy on Bob Dylan material and, though it showcased a bit of Weir's uneven side, everyone still left with a big smile on their face.

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