Spunky PR will have presence at the upcoming Colorado Music Swap, presented by Marquee Magazine, sharing booth space with Citrus / Pipe Circle Music. Citrus will also be among the master musicians offering clinics, with a sitar clinic at 2 p.m. We’ll have some gear/equipment, CDs, brochures and a chance to win a FREE lesson of any style/type from Citrus at our booth, along with information about and music from other Spunky PR clients.
This NAMM-style event is Colorado’s biggest music gear trade show and swap meet! Featuring numerous manufacturers, music stores, and a huge selection of new, used, and vintage music gear items from a to z, there will also be master musician clinics and product demos on the main stage throughout the day.
Proceeds also benefit KGNU radio, a GREAT public radio station that supports local arts and music.
It all goes down at Cervantes on Sunday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See you there!
The First Annual Colorado Music Swap will be at Cervantes on Jan. 23, 2011
I am grateful for the end of yet another election.
I won’t go so deep into my thoughts about elections but to say this: it’s really time to take a different attitude at a local level.
Generally speaking, the Feds don’t have much of a pulse on the daily lives of their constituents. They’ve not for a long time. Every time we go through these elections, we play the same games and point the same, tired fingers and the redundant, scare tactic-based ads come out. We complain about it, we harp about it–in fact, I just erased sentences now of my own complaining, but–enough of the complaining!
What the heck are you doing about it?
Beyond voting (which you should do, no matter how idiotic you may think all the candidates), what have you done to make a difference in your community?
One of the main reasons I felt Obama was the right person to elect was because of his message regarding volunteerism and his history of community organizing. I felt that, beyond all the other qualifications we can ascribe to our country’s leaders, this was one I could truly get behind. One of the core values of Spunky PR is to make a difference and support nonprofits and DIY artists. While we all need to make a living, there are some pro bono clients and projects under the Spunky PR banner, and I encourage volunteerism and giving back on other levels.
Despite the strange political and economic climate, its topsy-turviness and its ability to make us all feel a bit, shall we say, dismayed, we can’t let it make us feel completely unempowered and hinder us. There has been a lot of talk about Washington, how real progress or change can’t happen due to partisan gridlock, and that could very well be true. Perhaps the key is in not giving into that negativity. Perhaps it lies in the spirit of local action and what we do as individuals with our communities in mind.
I definitely believe that it’s time for us to dig deep, find what matters to us in the context of our communities and greater world, and join a soup kitchen’s effort to feed the hungry or donate to your local museum or mentor an at-risk youth…something, anything, to improve your own life and the lives of others. Support life and the sake of doing things because they’re good to do. If you aren’t volunteering, you really should!
I’ve found particular fulfillment recently at the MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter. I’m a huge animal lover and it helps me get some exercise, walking those dogs. The time I spend with dogs and cats means more socialization for them, fun for me, and ultimate better chance of adoption. The organization has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible meaning they exceed and outperform other charities in their cause.
If you’re looking for a charity to support, VolunteerMatch.org is a great place to start. Volunteerism is a huge way to shift where we are going in this country, I truly believe that, so I hope that you can volunteer and encourage others to do the same. And honestly, it’ll make you feel good!
It was a great show. As always, the high-energy honky-tonk raucous the Hi-Beams deliver rang through the airwaves like a beacon of light. I certainly appreciated hearing it, as I’ve been feeling a little under the weather and it made me feel real nice and warm inside.
Coincidentally, KGNU is also in the middle of their Fall Membership Drive, so please consider joining in support of this great, community-based radio station that supports quality music of all levels, from local to international!
Big thanks to host Dave McIntyre, who I met several weeks back at a concert with Jake Schepps and Expedition featuring Grant Gordy, and also saw at the recent show the Hi-Beams had at the Skylark. Dave’s a good man and knows good music. Thanks, Dave!
Sinners & Saints, the latest album from Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams, got a great, glowing review in the latest issue of Westword – check it out here:
–SPUNKY PRESENTS HALLOWEEN HONKY TONK WITH THE HI-BEAMS SHOW AND FOOD DRIVE– Hosted at the DNote in Arvada, October 30 with Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams, Bonnie and the Clydes, and Martin Gilmore
(Denver, Colo., September 29, 2010) — Spunky is pleased to announce a special Halloween Honky Tonk show with Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams, Colorado’s premier country/honky tonk outfit, fresh off a regional summer tour and with a new album in tow, Sinners & Saints.
The show will be at the DNote in historic Olde Town Arvada on Saturday, October 30, and will include a special food drive with FightWithFood.org. Show goers are strongly encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations that will support local food banks feeding the Colorado hungry. Limited edition collectible posters will be handed out to those with such donations, signed by the poster artist, Matt Dougherty, and the music acts on the bill.
“With the recent release of 2009 U.S. Census Bureau figures showing that one in every seven Americans is now living in poverty, I felt the need to incorporate a food drive into this event,” says Spunky. “While Halloween is a fun, festive time full of mischievousness, no one can deny the state of our economic climate and the need that exists in our community. As someone who grew up in poverty, I am particularly passionate about helping those with limited means. It’s great to combine my love of great music with a desire to help feed families who can barely make ends meet.”
Support acts for the evening include up-and-coming country act, Bonnie and the Clydes, and stellar songwriter, Martin Gilmore. The show is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 with tickets at the door for $10.
“As it is Halloween, it won’t all be serious, and I’m certain there will be some mischief and surprises in store,” Spunky says. “The spirit of the season, as well as the spirit of giving, will definitely be in the air.”
I am thrilled to introduce you to the new album from Colorado-based rockin’ honky tonkers, Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams, who are celebrating their 10th year together in 2010. Sinners & Saints is no doubt one of the best albums I’ve heard this year–Top Ten for certain–and another worthy notch in the belt for this multi-talented ensemble. 5280 Magazine recently reviewed the album, giving props to the band for their refreshing, genuine take of the country genre, which you can read here.
I have been a fan of the Hi-Beams for many years now and consider them to be the best country band our musically rich state of Colorado has to offer. They’ve been vigorously touring throughout the mountain region and are primed for national-level success.
Sinners & Saints is a remarkable achievement and embodies the spirit of American roots, making it accessible to not only the hardcore throwback country fans, but to those with more contemporary tastes. As a native of Kentucky, I know a lot of great country music, and Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams are true stand-outs.
I am also presenting a special Halloween honky tonk show with the Hi-Beams headlining on October 30 at the DNote in Arvada with support acts Bonnie and the Clydes and Martin Gilmore, more details TBA soon! (Click here to listen to Martin Gilmore’s live appearance/performance on KGNU’s Kabaret Studio!)
Doors are at 7 p.m. and the music kicks off at 7:30 with Ricky and the Radios, one of Denver’s favorite classic rock and original bands. Front man Rick White wrote the track, “Headin’ to Yesterday,” especially for The Red Fire Fly. This track is also on his new CD, Coming Alive, available now on iTunes and Amazon.
The next act is Andy Ard, a Denver songwriter who makes music for people who want to be happier. His contribution to the soundtrack, “That’s What She Did To Me,” is from his album, What She Did, available through his website at AndyArd.com. Andy will be accompanied by a band for this show.
Following Andy and company are the Trailer Park Playboys, a rollicking, electric band capable of getting the country fans boot-scooting, the Rock-A-Billy crowd rocking, the housewives quivering and the rock & rollers rollin’! They contributed a few tracks to The Red Fire Fly soundtrack, and their latest album, Bowling for Love, is available through their website at TrailerParkPlayboys.com.
Last, but certainly not least, are headliners Tequila Mockingbird, who have managed to stay together long enough to play the Denver music scene (and beyond) for 14 years running, wow! They’ve had opening slots for Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Bob Schneider, and Sean & Tom from the Samples. Two of the soundtrack titles come from their latest CD, Luck and Trouble, which was released earlier this year and is now available at CDBaby and at area stores like Twist & Shout.
In addition to the bands, infamous Hash runner Chuck E. Cheeks will be emceeing the event.
The Red Fire Fly is written by Colorado author Michael G. Wallace. It’s the story of a two guys and a girl, a briefcase full of money, a time machine, a salad spinner and a small red fly. You know, “that old story.”
The book has references to the accompanying soundtrack songs, adding another dimension to the reader’s experience. Press play, open the book, sit back and enjoy!
Colorado-based guitarist Grant Gordy released his self-titled debut CD this past May and it is absolutely mind-blowing. Filled with some of the best up-and-coming acoustic musicians on today’s scene, I have listened to it over and over again, and I could continue doing so! I’ve been an avid fan of Grant’s for some time now and I am so thrilled to help promote this CD to the best of my abilities, including his upcoming official release party at Dazzle Jazz Club, right in the heart of Denver on 9th Avenue and Lincoln Streets, on Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
I hope I’ll see some of my fellow music fans out there and I hope you’ll all go buy a copy, if not at the party itself (I will be selling them there!), then through Grant’s website at www.grantgordy.com. Don’t forget to buy several copies so you can give them to your friends!
This week’s Westword has Grant Gordy as their lead Beatback feature–check it out here–and you can also hear his appearance on the recent “Roots & Branches” show on KGNU here (about 1:35 into the program).
