08 Jul 2012 SUNSET CONCERT SERIES STARTS WEDNESDAY
Free performances every Wednesday, Sunset Plaza, Mountain Village, 7/11 – 8/29
The Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association invites everyone to another season of outstanding music on the Sunset Concert Series stage. In its 13th year, the series brings an impressive lineup to the Telluride region, a mix of blues, bluegrass, funk, Americana, rock and more. The party happens at Sunset Plaza, on the lawn near Lift 1 in the center of Mountain Village. The bands start the show at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday from July 11 through August 29 and they play rain or shine.
2012 Summer Concert Series Lineup:
July 11: New Riders of the Purple Sage
July 18: Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers
July 25: Langhorne Slim and The Law
August 1: A Telluride Jazz Celebration Artist Feature with Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
August 8: Local Music Feature with The Great Funktier and The Gold Kings
August 15: Truth and Salvage Co.
August 22: Big Sam’s Funky Nation
August 29: The Dunwells
About the Artists:
New Riders of the Purple Sage:
Signed to Columbia Records by Clive Davis, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, released its eponymous first album in September 1971 to widespread acclaim. In the next 11 years, the band toured and released over 12 albums, selling over 4 million records. NRPS began as a part-time spin-off from the Grateful Dead when Jerry Garcia (pedal steel guitar), Phil Lesh (bass) and Mickey Hart (drums) teamed up with John Dawson (guitar, vocals) and David Nelson (guitar). Although early live appearances were viewed as an informal warm-up to the main attraction, the group quickly established an independent identity through the strength of Dawson’s original songs. By 1970, Dave Torbert had replaced Lesh, and Spencer Dryden, formerly of Jefferson Airplane, had joined as the group’s permanent drummer. Garcia remained in both The Dead and The New Riders until he found himself overcommitted, at which time Buddy Cage replaced him and the classic NRPS lineup was born. Original NRPS bass player Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden have passed away and co-founder John Dawson passed away in 2009 due to ongoing health problems. His considerable talents will be missed but his songs and musical legacy will live on. Before he passed he had given his blessing and was excited to know his music is being heard live again by a whole new generation of fans. The new lineup vows to keep the NRPS spirit and tunes alive by taking them to fans everywhere. The band recently teamed up with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter and released its first CD in 20 years to rave reviews, Where I Come From (Woodstock Records).
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers:
Upon hearing the unique and refreshing sound of Nicki Bluhm, it becomes immediately clear why she is in the midst of a breakout year. Nicki has filled a void in music with her brand of vintage-tinged rocking country soul — music that’s like an enchanting friend you’ve known for a short while but feels like you’ve known forever. Nicki’s story began at a New Year’s Eve party when she sang an impromptu blues song that caught the attention of musician/producer Tim Bluhm (“The Mother Hips”). With Tim’s encouragement, Nicki began to write songs and perform in public and soon was earning fans of her own. They went on to record Nicki’s debut album, Toby’s Song (2008), which appeared on Jambase’s top ten albums of the year. Nicki and Tim were married shortly after and formed her band with childhood friend and guitar player, Deren Ney. The band continued to grow with the addition of Steve Adams on bass (ALO), Dave Mulligan on rhythm guitar and drummer Mike Curry. Nicki has since shared the stage with Chris Robinson, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Steve Kimock, Jackie Greene, Pegi Young, Josh Ritter, and many others. Her sophomore album, Driftwood (2011), shows an impressive expansion of Nicki’s natural talent and is well into its second pressing. The sounds range from the AM magic of Linda Ronstadt to the charming duets of Johnny and June Cash to smokey Memphis soul. Since Driftwood‘s release, Nicki has become the “It Girl” of the San Francisco music scene. Her warm, strong voice and striking presence have undeniable appeal, confirmed by her sensational performances and rousing reception from music lovers at every show. Her voice has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Dusty Springfield.
There is nothing like the challenges and camaraderie of the road to inspire a songwriter who thrives upon the emotional energy and exhilaration only travel can deliver. Some singers are devoted to the pursuit of perpetual motion, and Langhorne Slim releases his wild soul in ways that come out of the discipline of live performance. The 13 songs that comprise Langhorne Slim & The Law’s new The Way We Move are road-tested, rollicking and very rock ‘n’ rolling tunes that the songwriter perfected with his loyal band, and come out of the kind of good times and bad experiences that songwriters of Langhorne’s lofty stature can turn into life-affirming rock ‘n’ roll. You could also call what Langhorne Slim does folk music, but then there’s his sly, charming and open-hearted feel for pop music—those summertime melodies that nudge you into a grin even when the song is about something bad. Langhorne Slim, Pennsylvania-born self-taught guitarist who moves to Brooklyn at 18, begins feeling out his place in a burgeoning punk-folk scene, wends his way to the West Coast, and finds himself celebrated from Newport to Portland as one of today’s most original singers and songwriters. Langhorne writes songs that are yearning, sad, happy, defeated and optimistic, with hints of ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll balladry.
A Telluride Jazz Celebration Artist Feature with Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds is a nine-piece powerhouse that puts a modern spin on classic soul. The band is led by Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow), whose astoundingly powerful voice and sly demeanor make for a spellbinding presence onstage. She is backed by the mighty force of The Dirty Birds, a flock of eight men who masterfully lay down thundering grooves and soaring melodies. While each of the Birds are capable of lighting up the stage with jaw-dropping displays of musicianship, it’s clear they’re focused on delivering the band’s infectious music as a single entity. Simply put, the band’s live show is explosive.
Local Music Feature with The Great Funktier and The Gold Kings
In 2011 a new tradition was started for the Sunset Concert Series with local musicians Joint Point performing on stage. In 2012 we have dedicated one show for two local artists, The Great Funktier and The Gold Kings in order to show off the fantastic local talent we have right here in the Telluride region.
The music of Truth & Salvage Co. sits comfortably between two musical genres, country and rock & roll, and the sound is appreciated by staunch lovers of both. Their performance at the 2010 Bonnaroo Festival was much anticipated and well received, and the group is on a short list asked to perform at country music’s Stagecoach Festival two years in a row. Their live show is highly energetic and stacked with four-part harmonies, hot and tight. The singers effortlessly trade the role of “lead” throughout the set, keeping the show fresh and the listener attentive. Other notable acts they have had the privilege to support are The Levon Helm Band, The Avett Brothers, Govt Mule, and Lynryd Skynryd. There were sold-out shows at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and multiple nights at the Fillmore in San Francisco as some of the most memorable.Truth & Salvage Co. is Adam Grace (organ), Tim Jones (singer, rhythm guitar), Scott Kinnebrew (singer, lead guitar), Bill “Smitty” Smith (singer, drums) and Walker Young (singer, piano).
Big Sam’s Funky Nation is a driving force of urban funk. Ryan White, of the Oregonian, says the band is “tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!” The band is led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.” Big Sam refuses to let the audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when this band takes the stage!
Utterly natural. There’s no more fitting description for both the music of The Dunwells as well as the story of their magical rise from the pubs of Leeds, England to an American record deal and a stunning debut album in just two short years. The group is two brothers, two cousins and totals five best mates who simply love to sing and play music together. Striking an organic blend between acoustic and electric roots music laced by luscious vocal harmonies by all five members, their songs and sound feel both bracingly fresh while at the same time as warm and familiar as a dear long-time friend.
For more information about the Sunset Concert Series or Red, White & Blues, contact the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association at (970) 728-1904 or go to the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sunsetconcertseries.
About Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association: Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association (“TMVOA”) is the property owners association for the Telluride Mountain Village with an ultimate goal of ensuring that Telluride Mountain Village is a highly sustainable and vital resort community. The funds collected by TMVOA from Real Estate Transfer Assessments and annual member assessments provide funding and support for the operation of the Gondola, Village Court Apartments (which provide affordable housing to assist with the creation of a stable work force), foster economic development and vitality to increase tourism and provide a vibrant community for all members and guests.
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