This was a very special night for me, and Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom was packed for one of the most anticipated and creative artistic creation pre-celebrations in a while. It was an official pre-party for the new rock opera called the Portal being performed at the Glitter Dome in Denver. The earth heart tour featured Desert Dwellers, Kalya Scintilla, Eve Olution, Sixis and Yuyu. The busy bill had the night kick off fairly early, and the performers and audience were prepared for a time of transcendence.

When a band can joyfully experience first-time approaches to their craft even after 30 years and 11 albums together, it is no surprise that the result will be something sweet.

For southeastern jam band legends and pioneers Widespread Panic, coming together for a live, full band studio recording was something they had never done, until now.

The String Cheese Incident Percussionist Jason Hann brought his world-fusion group Rythmatronix to The 1Up Colfax in Denver, CO for an intimate and wild night of music. Comprised of Jason Hann, Fareed Haque, Andre Manga, Raul Pineda, Todd Stoops and featuring Michael Kang expectations of Rythmatronix were set high… and met with flying colors.

With a wealth of live concerts under their belt since the late 90s it was nice to finally see The String Cheese Incident release an archival show a few years back entitled Rhythm of the Road Volume 1; a smoking complete performance from the Tabernacle in Atlanta from the winter of 2000. That was a fantastic release but fans have been left wondering if they were ever going to hear more.

It was the first super chilly night in the mountains of Colorado at one of the most beautiful venues in the country. That made the crowd super intimate for the progressive breakbeat house trio. These Canadians are no strangers to cold weather or Colorado. Their shows in Boulder and Denver in the spring attracted many long-time fans. This show was even better than those a few months back. I saw the Boulder Theater show, but there was something about the magic and music of this night that made it the show to see.

Colorado’s own, CORAL CREEK announces the release of a new, self-titled album slated for October 14, 2015. CORAL CREEK will support the new album with a Fall tour. This will be the first album by the Colorado-based Americana/Jamgrass band with keyboard player Bill McKay (Leftover Salmon, Derek Trucks Band).

Long time funk and fusion Saxophonist Karl Denson brought his unique troupe to the Ogden Theater in Denver, CO. Supported by Denver locals and Afrofunk specialists Atomga, this was a distinctive and diverse night of music.

Cuthbert Amphitheater on a beautiful early fall evening, a waxing moon shining through low scattered  clouds, and Dark Star Orchestra kicking off the Fall Tour West...Nope, doesn't get much better than that.  Although known for their awesome recreations of historic Grateful Dead shows, every now and then  DSO will roll their own set lists at their audience like a pair of loaded dice and tonight was one of those  shows.

The genre of Jamtronica has its roots in unexpected places. Filled with elements of jazz, fusion and funk as well as club, dance and techno music. These are the descriptors of Jamtronica heavy weights and progenitors The New Deal. After over a decade of heavy touring and an unexpected hiatus, The New Deal is back and filled inspiration. I was lucky enough to catch The New Deal at the legendary Ogden Theater in Denver, CO.

Playful yet angsty, soulful but light; the dual essence of California’s golden coast filled an almost sold out Bluebird Theater Monday night.  If you’ve ever been to the beaches of Los Angeles at night, you know the warm, hazy magic that happens once the sun sets.  The vibe is free, open - but underneath the surface people can be just as broken as they are elsewhere.