Skinner Rocks Steve's Guitars
Steve Skinner and the Natives rock out Steve's Guitars in Carbondale on January 24,2007. Check out Louie Girardot on keyboard...
Add comment April 9th, 2008
Tift Merritt Meets John Oates
Singer-songwriter Tift Merritt comes to the Wheeler Opera House Thursday night with local favorite John Oates.
CON GAMES RADIO: Rock 'N' Roll In Basalt, Thomas Friedman, Cancer Babes
The Con Man shows his range with Lynn Goldsmith, one of the great rock 'n' roll photographers of all time, then segues to whether Thomas Friedman deserves sainthood--and a visit from the Cancer Babes of the Pathfinders group for survivors.
Victor Wooten Top To Bottom @ Belly Up
Sometimes it seems as if the great electric bassist is re-inventing his instrument. One of the key elements of the groundbreaking Bela Fleck group performed Wednesday night @ Belly Up Aspen, where you're sure to hear something new.Posts filed under 'Pop'
Hyphenated-American Idol
At a time when immigrants are under attack for “spoiling” America, a popular TV show turns out to be a fine example of our collective tolerance toward other cultures and races. Liberals are all in a tizzy over the possibility of an African-American winning the presidential nomination, but pop culture is way ahead of politics when it comes to acceptance of people based on their abilities, regardless of their ethnicity or country of origin.
Continue Reading Add comment March 16th, 2008
Confessions of an Idol worshipper
The new season of American Idol began last week, but we fans here in the Roaring Fork Valley feel compelled to keep our enthusiasm concealed. Having become the symbol of shallow celebrity-obsessed culture, American Idol is held in contempt by the RFV’s self-proclaimed sophisticated and enlightened populace. The verdict is in; being an Idol fan is NOT cool.
Continue Reading 17 comments January 24th, 2008
Death is there to keep us honest...
Thankfully, Twin Sons of Different Mothers, a collaboration between Fogelberg and flautist Tim Weisberg, came out in 1978, and at least in my ear helped all but eliminate the neurasthenic superficiality of Saturday Night Fever.
More importantly, one score and zero years before Eric Clapton turned his eye inward and brought about the “unplugged” craze, Dan Fogelberg defined it. I realize Alpha6 may kick the crap out of me for praising soft rock, but I grew up, as I mentioned earlier, in the age of disco. I’ll take a Fogelberg tune over a Bee Gees hit seven days a week, and twice on Sundays.
Continue Reading Add comment December 22nd, 2007
CON GAMES: Back In The Day With Herbie Hancock
It all happened, more or less, within a year: Hancock went from the way-way-out tribal madness of "Mwandishi" to the blockbuster funkadelic success of "Headhunters." And here's the amazing thing: they were both out of sight, the monster at his most masterful, and my guess is tonight when he plays under the tent in Rio Grande Park at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass June hoedown that we will hear smidges of both.
Continue Reading Add comment June 21st, 2007
Folks, Richard Thompson Rocks
Decades ago, I asked my older brother--a musician--who were the musicians that the musicians he knew were listening to.
He said: "Shawn Colvin and Richard Thompson."
I had never heard of either of them but I got on the stick but quick. And now both of them have Aspen and/or Snowmass on the itinerary in summer 2007.
In particular, I hope you didn't miss Richard Thompson Friday night Aspen in front of a sparse crowd.
Continue Reading 3 comments June 12th, 2007
High Altitude Laughter
The highlight of the show was the retrospective film clip of George Carlin that HBO created prior to him taking the stage. After that it was a long night at the Wheeler. George told the audience he was 69 and that he was actually would be performing a "workshop" in it's adolescent form. He had his notes and some of his jokes worked. I enjoyed his new synonym for the word "fellow" and his list of advantages of being 69. I am sure his "die-hard" fans were pleased however after 40 minutes some of the audience left and I saw others sleeping.
Continue Reading Add comment March 1st, 2007
Don't Tell Anyone Jimmy Buffet Is Back In Town
Freddy and the Fishsticks have a return engagement at Belly Up Aspen but don't be surprised if Jimmy Buffet shows up. Tickets are $600 reserved; $250 general admission.
Continue Reading 3 comments November 28th, 2006
The Right Isn't right
I don't care if you are Red or Blue. I don't give a flying flip if you are Republican or Democrat. I could care less if you are a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, etc, etc. Why can't we just all agree that we have a very real opportunity here to tap into the scientific options on the table. Via science, we have the opportunity to turn the tide on incurable diseases.
Continue Reading 3 comments October 27th, 2006
Is High Culture In Aspen A Natural High?
Aspen is a code word for elitism across the country and around the world, but is the word really justified when it comes to the arts that we get to see and feel? Or has the arts scene in Aspen veered inexplicably and inexorably toward kitsch and popular culture?
Continue Reading 1 comment August 31st, 2006
