Meghan Trainor – met her publisher at the Durango Songwriters Expo!
Here we go again gang! Another year has begun and another Durango Songwriters Expo (since 1996) starts today! Join Expo Co-Founder Jim Attebery and other famous (and infamous!) Durangonians at our annual Fall Colorado Expo!
What is the DSE?
Inspiration—
We all need to be inspired to create. Few things are more inspiring than spending quality time with smart, talented, like-minded people who understand what you do…and are passionate about it, in fact. You WILL be inspired at the DSE.
Education—
Do you really know what’s going on in the “industry”? (It’s changing!) Have you been honestly critiqued by more than your friends, family and current fans? We learn through failure, through trial and error. You have to be willing to try yourself against your peers so that you can get better at your craft, your art, your job. You’ll LEARN at the DSE.
Motivation—
You will be motivated to create, produce, direct and manage more projects by the time you leave the DSE. You will not only see that you CAN do it, you’ll be more inspired to do it…and you’ll be far more equipped to take action, to “just do it.”
You can call Jim at 970.259.9747 and register for the Boulder Expo Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2016 being held at the super nice Omni Interlocken Resort and Hotel. If you are a paid COMBO member, be sure and mention that for a discount.
Go here for all the details and print out our PDF Brochure.
http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/
“Every handshake here is important…” –Meghan Trainor
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Laith Al-Saadi with Local Musician Brent Cowles & Garrett Lebeau at Summit Music Hall
Levitt Pavilion Denver Live! presents a special evening at The Summit Music Hall Friday October 7, 2016 8pm featuring, 2016 The Voice runner up, Laith Al-Saadi, along with Colorado’s rising star Brent Cowles and Austin mainstay Garrett Lebeau. This event celebrates the final show of the season for Levitt Pavilion’s free concert programing, and is sponsored by Jameson and Great Divide Brewing CO–the exclusive craft beer partner of Levitt Denver.
Tickets: http://prekindle.com/promo/id/24545708305898156
“We are extremely excited to bring our community together and have a good time while raising awareness about Levitt Pavilion’s mission.” Says Chris Zacher, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Denver. “With the incredible support from Great Divide Brewing CO and Jameson, we are proud to present this top-notch line-up.”
Tickets to this special concert are only $25 and 100% of ticket sales will benefit the Levitt Pavilion Denver (501(c)(3), a local non-profit focused on elevating the local music scene and increasing accessibility to live music through construction of the new Levitt Pavilion in Ruby Hill Park, a free music venue opening in July of 2017. Each ticket includes an exclusive opportunity to try ‘The Smoothness’ collaboration beer, as well as unlimited Jameson Irish Whisky, Great Divide Brewing CO. beer, sliders, appetizers and more.
The Smoothness:
In the summer of 2015, Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey collaborated with Great Divide Brewing Co. to create a unique craft beer that was aged in Jameson Whiskey Barrels and ‘The Smoothness’ was born. This year, they are at it again and will be unveiling this one of a kind beer with the support of Levitt Pavilion Denver, who love giving back to emerging artists just as much as Jameson and Great Divide. Come celebrate this limited-edition release with a night of music, food, whiskey and beer on Friday October 7th during GABF.
About Levitt Pavilion Denver:
Levitt Pavilion Denver is a local non-profit established in 2012 with the purpose of building community through music. We believe in embracing the local, including the musicians, architects, contractors, staff, artists and sponsors. Levitt Pavilion Denver is more than just another music venue – it is a nexus for local non-profits and arts groups across the Rocky Mountain region. After the amphitheater opens in 2017, Levitt Pavilion Denver will feature:
● 50 free concerts annually with local, regional, national and international acts
● A rich spectrum of music genres: R&B, country, rock, Latin, blues, jazz, children’s and more!
● Relaxed, open lawn setting
● Local food vendors
● State-of-the-art sound and lighting
● Easily accessible location near public transportation and bike paths
● Family-friendly environment
Laith Al-Saadi
In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” Now he’s poised to bring his authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and the world. Laith Al-Saadi has always had the perfect combination of Midwestern hustle and incredible musical chops – honed at the University of Michigan school of music in his hometown of Ann Arbor, and on stages across the country working with legends like Taj Mahal, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Gregg Allman and B.B. King. “Laith is one of the most diverse talents we have,” said Maroon 5 frontman and ‘The Voice’ coach Adam Levine. “Incredible guitar player, incredible singer.” Entertainment Weekly called Laith Al-Saadi “a power performer who is so legitimate and memorable.” Audiences have agreed, propelling Al-Saadi’s most recent release, “REAL” to the top of the blues chart for five weeks and the top 20 album chart for two weeks. Laith also had four singles in the top ten iTunes singles charts, and his albums “In The Round” and “Long Time Coming” spent time at the top of the rock and album charts. Guitar World Magazine has called Laith Al-Saadi a cross between “Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best,” and Guitar Center crowned him one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States.
Brent Cowles
Brent Cowles
Brent Cowles began playing the guitar at the age of 13. Within a year, he was writing his own music and playing in bands. At 17, Cowles began a solo career under the moniker You, Me and Apollo and played mostly in the southwest and on the west coast. In 2011, You, Me and Apollo transitioned from a solo act to a full band. The band released a well-received debut EP titled Cards with Cheats and a later full-length album, Sweet Honey. After a great ride and three years of touring the United States, and much to their fans dismay, the band called it quits. After a short break from music, Cowles returned to his roots; standing on a stage, just him and his guitar, belting out his poetry that, according to the Denver Post, would be the envy of songwriters twice his age. Cowles writes from a deep, raw, authentic place and marries it to a sound that has been likened to the soul of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Cowles is currently working on new music and releasing a new solo EP.
For more on Brent, read these articles:
http://www.axs.com/news/get-to-know-a-denver-musician-brent-cowles-61108
http://www.westword.com/music/brent-cowles-finds-solo-purpose-7633053
Garrett Lebeau
Garrett Lebeau was born and raised on the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander Wyoming and is an enrolled member of the Shoshone tribe. Speaking to both his playing and formative years, he has this to say…”Growing up we listened to very little music. There was mostly just the 80’s top 40 so, we didn’t listen much to the radio. There was lots of wide-open space; I think that is in the music somehow. I didn’t really start playing a lot until I was out of school and then it was a very slow process where I taught myself notes and chords. The Blues spoke to me; the raw unadorned honesty is what still motivates me musically. It spans all styles. When I say soul, I mean “SOUL” – you know when music has it. I am not speaking of some narrow definition for a style of music. I speak of music with spirit about life… the trials and tribulations of the workingman. Folk music is kin in spirit as is most music that I love. My goal is to connect with other like-minded human beings, to keep the tradition of soul music alive. Where you write, play and sing from your own self – Just like the early blues musicians. Feeling has no genre”. “Rise the Grind” is Garrett Lebeau’s debut album on Jimmy Lefave’s Music Road Records.