In Colorado there is an insatiable hunger for modern music. Bars, clubs and venues are taping into that hunger by offering shows in genres that in years past would have been met with rebuke and dislike. However it is clear that times have changed. TAUK as a band represent those changes.

The nostalgia that takes hold when an artist like Gregg Allman rolls into town is unavoidable, and really, why would you want to avoid it at all? Coyotus Maximus brought along his newest band for two sold-out shows at the Boulder Theater last week, mixing up old songs with new tricks. Having a lifetime’s worth of material to choose from, Gregg and company spread open the songbook and presented a different set of retrospective hits each night.

On Wednesday, October 7, Oyster Bay, NY based four-piece progressive jam band TAUK brought their unique blend of funky instrumental grooves to Grand Rapids, MI.

The Stache, located inside the front room of The Intersection in the heart of downtown, is an incredibly intimate venue for such an explosive band.

Two regional bands, Pleasant Drive out of Kalamazoo, MI and recent Grand Rapids transplant Desmond Jones kicked the evening off, each drawing a growing fanbase to the venue for a full house Wednesday evening.

When it comes to a modern approach to funk-laden soul music, some groups are able to exponentially build energy groove after groove.

In the case of one particular super-group whose roster plays like a who’s who of world class talent, The Nth Power is more than a moniker.

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.