Today we spoke with Galen Disston, vocalist for Pickwick, an
up-and-coming garage R&B band out of Seattle. They played the main stage at
Blues & Brews in 2012 and return to Telluride tomorrow to the Sheridan
Opera House. Since their Telluride debut last year, Pickwick has released a new
album, “Can’t Talk Medicine,” rocked the western festival circuit and has sold
out shows across the country. Don’t miss what is sure to be an incredible show Wednesday
March 20th, at the Sheridan Opera House. The show starts at 8 PM!Tickets here.
T.com: We are really excited to have you guys coming into
town tomorrow and seeing you play at the Opera House in that intimate venue –
have you been before?
It’s this great historic venue right in the middle of
downtown, celebrating its 100th year this year, has some great
energy and great acoustics, it should be awesome.
GD: All we’ve seen is at the Fly Me To The Moon and the main
stage at the Blues & Brews Festival.
T.com: how do you think you play better as a band - in the
larger, festival circuit venues or at a smaller, more intimate venue?
GD: We’ve definitely had some great experiences at both; we definitely
feel more comfortable and prefer playing smaller clubs where we can really
interact with people and people can get closer to us. People can feed off that
energy.
T.com: Your new album just came out on the 12th,
I think it’s awesome. I’d love to hear about how it all came together, your influences
for the record, and maybe a self-description of how you’d characterize the
sound.
GD: The record was a long time coming, the sessions that
make up Can’t Talk Medicine kind of unofficially started in December 2011, but
the sessions actually on the record came from April 2011 on. We all work
full-time jobs, we were touring in between when we could… it took a little bit
longer than we would have liked. We also were doing it on our own so we wanted
to be able to put something out that we felt comfortable with and were proud
of. We didn’t want to put it out before it was ready.
One of the things that’s unique
about our record, it was recorded in our house. It’s not an ideal environment.
We recorded the drums in our carpeted living room, which isn’t recommended; we
recorded the backup vocals in the kitchen. It was all done in the headquarters
of the house, where we practice and write songs - and that’s all done in the
basement, and all of our meetings and planning happens in the kitchen and the
living room. It really is a center for everything we do as a band.
One thing I thought that was cool,
one of our roommates… collects cassette tapes from thrift store answering machines
and organizes and compiles all the found audio that he finds, that’s where all
the talking clips and found audio that’s on the record comes from. It was cool
that that found its way onto the record, too. It’s all part of the character of
the house that made up the way the record sounds.
In terms of our influences, I don’t want to speak for
everybody because… we all listen to a lot of different stuff… we love a lot of
sixties bands like the Spencer Davis Group or the Sonics from Tacoma. We like
the Walkmen, I was listening to a lot of Notorious B.I.G. toward the end of the
record. It’s hard to kind of pin down what led to each thing, but it’s all kind
of in there.
I think our sound gets described
incorrectly as neo-soul a lot of the time, and I really think neo-soul is
adventurous, kind of trippy soul music from the nineties, like D’angelo and Erykah
Badu, which is like amazing music that we can’t touch. I think we’re really
more of a rock band that borrows from soulful influences. At the same time were
all really interested in garage rock too, like the Black Keyes or a band from the
sixties called the Monks or the Sonics from Washington. I think we borrow as
much from those early garage rock influences as from soul music.
T.com: It’s always interesting to get the band’s own
perspective on their music!
GD: Garage-soul or garage R&B is a lot closer than
neo-soul.
T.com: Which instrument do you play Galen?
GD: I sing.
T.com: Wonderful, the instrument of the voice. Any personal
influences you’d like to share besides the ones you’ve already mentioned?
GD: I love bob Dylan.
T.com: Have you played any of the songs off this new record on
tour prior to its release last week?
GD: Yeah we’ve been playing some of the songs for a while,
but this is kind of the set list we’ve planned for this tour, which includes
some new songs that aren’t on this record. Yeah the tour’s been great, San
Francisco sold out! We were really surprised that tons of people came out to
Phoenix and Albuquerque, we’ve never been to those cities. This Monday in Aspen
was awesome, we had 200 people. We’ve been very encouraged by this early
touring. In April we’re going out to the east coast and Canada which is also
our first time, our manager said some of the venues are close to selling out,
so that’s unbelieveable.
T.com: Good to hear! We’re super excited to have you out
here in Telluride at the Opera House.
GD: We really appreciate any support and we had a great time
at the festival. We would love to meet any people who have any idea who we are
at the show!
T.com: Looking forward to it!
Pickwick's new record is available for purchase, tour schedules and other info is listed on their wesbite here! Listen to the new album 'Can't Talk Medicine' on Spotify:
There's some seriously good music coming to town in the next couple weeks. So, if you don't have any spring skiing plans yet... plan a trip to Telluride for some on-mountain fun during Telluride Ski Resort's 40th Celebrationand then catch a concert at one of Telluride's intimate venues. We're offering discounted lodging and don't forget to ask about lift tickets!
Here's a list of upcoming concerts you don't want to miss:
Thursday, March 14th - Vagabond Opera with The Dirty Bourbon River Band - Sheridan Opera House. A "Bohemian Cabaret", Vagabond Opera has a unique old-school jazz sound mixed with a gypsy folk-rock, tango, and swing influence with horns. They'll be accompanied by a New Orleans brass band, The Dirty Bourbon River Band. You'll be dancing... we promise. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $17 GA and $22 Balcony. Listen to them on Spotify, here.
Saturday, March 16th - This Must Be The Band - Sheridan Opera House. Like Talking Heads covers? We do too. This Must Be The Band is the ultimate Talking Heads Tribute Band... returning to the historic Opera House for a night full of dancing, an 80s costume party and Centennial Celebration. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $25 GA and $30 Balcony.
Wednesday, March 20th - Pickwick with Deep Sea Diver - Sheridan Opera House. Pickwick is one of my favorite new bands. After hearing them perform at the 2012 Telluride Blues and Brews Festival this past fall... I haven't stop listening to their unique Seattle indie-soul sound. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $20 GA. Listen to Pickwick perform an exclusive performance in Telluride, here. Don't miss this show!
Thursday, March 21st - He's My Brother She's My Sister & Paper Bird - Sheridan Opera House. Two awesome folk bands will take stage... and when asked what genre they play, they answered, "joyful". This will be a joyful night of bluegrass/folk/feel good music. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $25 GA. Listen to Paper Bird on Spotify, here.
Sunday, March 24th - The Dunwells with Bronze Radio Return - Sheridan Opera House. British folk-rock band, The Dunwells, will be making their second appearance in Telluride with opening act, Bronze Radio Return. These guys crushed the Sunset Concert Series and will be an amazing show in the intimate and historic Opera House. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $25 GA. Listen to The Dunwells on Spotify, here.
Wednesday, March 27th - MarchFourth Marching Band - Sheridan Opera House. This band needs no introduction to Telluride... they've been a town favorite for the past couple years. If you've never seen them live, do not miss this show. It will be a full on production with awesome jazz tunes, costumes, dancing on stilts and more. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $22 GA, $27 Balcony. Listen to MarchFourth Marching Band perform an exclusive performance in Telluride, here.
Thursday, March 28th - The Cave Singers - Fly Me To The Moon Saloon. Another band I've been listening to a lot lately... The Cave Singers have a really cool sound. Honestly, any indie-rock band from Seattle is going to be awesome. They breed them well up in the North West Pacific. Show starts at 10:00pm, tickets are $20 GA. Listen to The Cave Singers on Spotify, here.
Saturday, March 30th - Toubab Krewe - Fly Me To The Moon Saloon. A festival circuit favorite, Toubab Krewe fuses American instrumental sounds with the music of Mali. Heavy percussion blended with West African influences make for a very unique "jam band" sound. Show starts at 10:00pm, tickets are $20 GA. Listen to Toubab Krewe on Spotify, here.
Friday, April 5th - Whitewater Ramble with the Magic Beans & Kitchen Dwellers - Sheridan Opera House. This will be the Opera House's end-of-the-season bluegrass dance party... so get ready for some foot-stomping good times because it's never too early to get ready for Bluegrass Festival! Magic Beans from Nederland, CO and Kitchen Dwellers from Bozeman, MT will open the show. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are $25 GA, $30 Balcony. Listen to Whitewater Ramble on Spotify, here.
Friday, April 5th - Deer Tick - Palm Theater. Another one of my favorite bands... Deer Tick is a rowdy alt-country band who will definitely be having a good time. The Palm Theater is a fantastic place to see a show... the acoustics are amazing. Show starts at 9:00pm, tickets are $20 GA. Listen to Deer Tick on Spotify, here.
Saturday, April 6th - Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds - Fly Me To The Moon Saloon. The lovely Sister Sparrow is back! She's like the new Grace Potter... awesome voice and extremely attractive. They're blowing up right now... recently added to the Bonnaroo lineup. She and the Dirty Birds rock out... they'll put on a fantastic show. Show starts at 9:30pm, tickets are $10 Advance, $12 Door. Listen to Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds on Spotify, here.
Monday 3/4 Get out there and ski! We received 5 inches overnight and it's still coming down! Below is a photo taken from the top of Lift 14, Gold Hill, last week. The snow's soft!
Tuesday 3/5 STS9 in Mountain Village, the Telluride Conference Center presented by KOTO Doors at 7 PM Tickets available at Wizard Entertainment on Main St. or call (970) 728-4924
Wednesday 3/6
The Vagina Monologues, a play by Tony Award-winning playwright and author Eve Ensler at The Steaming Bean $10 at the door Show begins at 6:30 PM, please arrive on time!
Local performers and volunteers take part in the International Women's Day celebration in Telluride. This event, as well as many other throughout the week, is part of the San Miguel Resource Center's Phenomenal Women's Week celebration and benefit. All proceeds will go toward the Center as well as to the Women & Girls of Haiti
Thursday 3/7
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band at the Sheridan Opera House 8 PM $17 Straight out of Asheville, North Carolina, this incredible funky rock band will play their signature rhythmic, soulful, and danceable music.
Friday 3/8 Telluride Adaptive Sports Program Benefit: Rockin' at the Opera at the Sheridan Opera House 6 PM $60 - all proceeds benefit TASP
Join us for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program's (TASP) biggest fundraiser of the year at the Sheridan Opera House! This year's event features music by the Anders Brothers and food from local restaurants, as well as award-winning wine (a free glass with every ticket!). Silent and live auctions will be held during the event. In 2012, TASP served 403 individual students in 2496 adaptive activities, provided over $100,000 in scholarships and program subsidies to low-income participants, and trained 19 athletes for the Special Olympics. These are just a few of the highlights from 2012; TASP is an incredible local non-profit that serves our community immensely! Come out and support their programs for 2013 on Friday night at the Sheridan Opera House!
All the way from beautiful Asheville, NC... Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band will play at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Thursday, March 7th! Funk, rock, with a little bit of jam and horns will make this a must-see show at the Opera House.
Tuesday 2/26 Leftover Salmon plays the Sheridan Opera House! $35 - Show starts at 9 PM Join us at the Sheridan Opera House for an incredible two-night run with "Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass" band, Leftover Salmon! These seasoned musicians formed in 1989 in Boulder, Colorado. We welcome their blend of funky-jamming bluegrass music to Telluride!
Wednesday 2/27 TEDx Telluride Live Free to attend; must register in advance 9:45 AM - 7:30 PM Michael D. Palm Theater Simulcast, discussion at the Telluride independently organized TED event.
Friday 3/1 70's Day on the Slopes! Celebrate Telluride Ski Resort's 40th Anniversary this month! Dress up in your favorite 70's garb (don't forget to hit Pip's Fine & Funky Consignment) while you ski today. Post your photo to Tel Ski's Facebook page - best dressed wins a prize!
Saturday Morning 3/2 Visiting Teacher at Telluride Yoga Center 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM; $16 Sharon Caplan, former co-owner of TYC, returns to Telluride to teach a Vinyasa Flow Class! More details available on the Facebook event page
Directed, choreographed and starring Telluride students, this TAB tradition features student fashion and talent, and all proceeds from the show and subsequent trunk sale support TAB's educational program. Event at the Palm Theater located in the Telluride Middle/High School. Check out a video of last year's event here.
Friday 2/22 Gay Ski Week Begins! Get information and ticketshere.
Daily apres ski events, lunch and dinner dining events, as well as nightly parties. TGSW's beneficiary is the Telluride AIDS Benefit - the Gala Fashion Show culminating benefit is on March 2nd.
Telluride Gay Ski Week (TGSW) is an annual week-long gay ski event produced by StraightOut Media & Marketing with support from the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association and benefitting the Telluride AIDS Benefit. Ranked the Top Gay Ski Week in the U.S.A., by gay.com, TGSW is an alternative to other gay ski events and provides a unique vacation experience in a spirited and unpretentious ski town. Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the majestic 13,000 ft peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Gay Ski Week brings the charm of Telluride together with the European-style town of Mountain Village.
Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton returns to the Sheridan Opera House this Friday night for a seated show featuring an authentic blend of folk and rock music. Pairing skillful guitar playing with soulful vocals, Sexton's original songs are not to be missed! The doors will open at 7:30 PM and the show will begin at 8. Call (970) 728-6363 for more information and tickets! Watch a youtube video of Sexton's music here.
Texan alternative folk-rock-bluegrass band Seryn returns to Telluride after their appearance at Bluegrass Festival this past summer. The band features beautiful vocal harmonies and unique layering of string and percussive instruments. The doors for this seated show open at 7:30 and the show begins at 8. For more information and ticket sales, call (970) 728-6363.
Celebrate Valentine's Day on Thursday 2/14 with Yoga at Wilkinson Public Library This event is FREE! 9 AM - 10 AM
Each week, local Telluride yoga teachers are hosted at the Wilkinson Public Libraryfor complimentary community classes. Such a great way to start off your day of skiing!
The Bottoms Up Blues Gang, a St. Louis acoustic folksy blues/rock duo, returns to the Bean for a night of fresh grooves! A cover price hasn't been determined yet, but should be no more than $5. Weekend events at the Bean always feature interesting musicians, and their menu of hot "adult" beverages is delicious. I'm excited to try their signature drink, "the Steaming Bean" - locally-produced vodka, a shot of espresso, and coffee liqueur. Yum! Check out their full menu here.
Saturday 2/16
14th Annual Telluride Comedy Festival at The Historic Sheridan Opera House Ticket prices vary, check the event website at the Sheridan Opera House for more information. 8 PM
On Saturday, comedians Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer will host the evening of ski-themed comedy as the infamous "Telluride Ski Patrol," along with the entire Comedy Fest lineup for the Dawn of Telluride skit. Stop by the Telluride Thrift Shop or Pip's Fine and Funky Consignment on Main Street to get ready for a 70's-skiing-themed dance party in the Gallery Room after the show as part of the Sheridan's Centennial Celebration.
The Sheridan Arts Foundation in conjunction with Jeb Berrier present the 14th annual Telluride Comedy Festival. Each night has a special theme, featuring a different group of comedians.
Thursday night kicks off the festival with Variety Night, or better known as Local's Night. This evening, Rob Huebel (Childrens Hospital, How I Met Your Mother), Paul Scheer (The League, 30 Rock), Jason Mantzoukas (The League, The Dictator), Seth Morris (Childrens Hospital, Step Brothers), Scot Armstrong (Starsky & Hutch, Old School), June Diane Raphael (New Girl, American Dad!), Danielle Schneider (The Back Room, Players) and Morgan Walsh (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Upright Citizen's Brigade) will pay tribute to the local flavor and quirks of Telluride. Many of tonight's comedians are part of the Upright Citizens' Brigade comedy theater based out of LA and NYC.
Friday night stars Michaela Watkins, June Diane Raphael, Morgan Walsh, Danielle Schneider and more in a hysterical skit: The Real Housewives of Telluride. The Upright Citizens' Brigade will finish up the evening with a long-form improv skit.
On Saturday, Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer will host the evening of ski-themed comedy as the infamous "Telluride Ski Patrol," along with the rest of this year's comedians for the Dawn of Telluride. Stop by the Telluride Thrift Shop or Pip's Fine and Funky Consignment on Main Street to get ready for a 70's-skiing-themed dance party in the Gallery Room after the show as part of the Sheridan's Centennial Celebration.
Sunday night's festival finale features everyone's favorite: stand-up night. Rob Corddry hosts with Troy Walker and Nick Thune (Comedy Central, Laugh Factory, the Tonight Show).
Here in Telluride we are so thrilled to host these amazing comics and can't wait for the festival to begin this Thursday night! Purchase your tickets in advance through the Historic Sheridan Opera House, by clicking here or by calling (970) 728-6363 .
Good morning, Drew. I’d like to start by thanking you for taking the time to chat with me and Telluride.com this morning. Leftover Salmon’s music has been a huge influence on a lot of people’s lives… mine especially… not to mention, an enormous effect and influence on other bluegrass musicians, the festival circuit, and the Colorado & Telluride music scenes.
You guys are fresh of a brand new album and just about to head on a Winter Tour throughout the West…You excited to hit the road again with all the boys?
I’ve been in Hawaii with my family and in Crested Butte skiing powder… it’s been a good little break… but we’re ecstatic to get back on tour and hit the road again.
•Who were your major influences/musical heroes in your early years when you first picked up the banjo & mandolin?
Sam Bush, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, Flecktones, Zeplin, Yes, The Who,
•How did you meet Vince Herman back in the 80’s and how did Leftover come together? At a Left Hand String Band show?
Vince came from West Virginia out to Boulder… and the first night he was in town… he saw a sign outside the Walrus Saloon that said “Bluegrass Tonight”… turned out that my band Left Hand String Band was playing that night. The rest is history…
•Sounds like you’re finishing up a few shows with Bill Nershi and the Emmitt-Nershi Band this weekend… describe how it’s been touring with your buddy, Bill.
Awesome. We always have a fun, fun time. We’re going to finish up in Big Sky this weekend… with LoS picking up and Bill wanting to spend more time with his family, it’s good timing.
•2 part question… Sticking with collaborations… from past Telluride Bluegrass Fests & Merlefests… do you have a memorable collaboration? And who’s someone you would die to play with?
•Leftover Salmon’s unique hybrid of basically every type of American music has set you guys apart for years; you name it, you guys can play it…
How would YOU describe Leftover’s current sound/genre?
•You guys just released your first album in 8 years, “Aquatic Hitchhiker”… which sounds awesome by the way…
How did it get its name and elaborate on some of the songs you wrote, like “Gulf of Mexico”?
I started writing Gulf of Mexico when we were down on the Gulf with the Emmitt-Nershi Band… singing the tune “Way down in Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico…” and then we all collaborated and
•I’m originally from NC and I’ve had some good talks with Andy Thorn over the years…
Where did you meet Andy and how has his addition to the band helped Leftover?
Andy started in the Emmitt Nershi Band and he’s just a solid guy and seemed to fit with LoS. Chris Pandolfi recommended him when he left to go play with the String Dusters… so I called Andy up, chatted with him and hired him over the phone. We’re really excited to have him on board.
•We’re gearing up for a two-night run at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, February 27th…
How’s it like stepping out onto that stage?
Oh, it’s awesome. So much history… one of the smaller shows we play but the energy is amazing. We always enjoy playing the Opera House.
You going to get some skiing in while you’re in town? Wanna take some turns?
We love to ski a
•40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival on June 20-23rd. Leftover Salmon has been called one of the most quintessential Telluride Bluegrass Festival bands of them all…
When you look back on your career… What does the Telluride Bluegrass Festival mean to you personally? We started in the campgrounds… pickin and playing as the Left Hand Salmon Spankers… this will be my 20th year playing Telluride Bluegrass Festival… so, to be able to celebrate my 20th at the 40th is extremely special.
What type of mandolin are you playing right now? San Juan?
Drew Emmitt, I really appreciate you chattin’ with us this morning… You’re a Telluride legend and we can’t wait to see you at the Sheridan Opera House in a few weeks.
Look out for Leftover Salmon coming to a town near you this Winter and Spring and of course, we’ll see you at the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Check out their tour dates and new album at LeftoverSalmon.com
A Colorado local, mandolin prodigy, Telluride idol and an overall bluegrass God... Drew Emmitt has been jamming and doing what he loves for over 25 years. I grew to love his music back in the early 90's with the sweet, unmistakable, self-acclaimed "Poly-ethnic Cajun Slamgrass" sound of Leftover Salmon's 'Bridges to Bert' album. Its bluegrass mixed with an island, Cajun, funk, boogie carnival sound that makes you want to dance and drink a handful of ice cold beers... or sip some 'shine? Yes please. I still have his 'Nashville Sessions' album on tape cassette in my 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser... it plays on repeat, never gets old. Needless to say, Drew Emmitt is one of my all-time favorite musicians.
I think Telluride would feel the same way. From pickin' in the Town Park campgrounds during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, to playing on Main Stage and the historic Sheridan Opera House, to touring with his own band, the Emmitt-Nershi Band and Leftover Salmon... Telluride holds a special place in his heart as a magical spot where his career was launched and Leftover's cult-like followers grew by the thousands. We had the unique opportunity to chat with Drew Emmitt this morning, one of the founding members of Leftover Salmon, about his upcoming winter tour and Telluride shows, new album "Aquatic Hitchhiker" and the reuniting of Leftover Salmon. Hope you enjoy!
T.com: Good morning, Drew. I’d like to start by thanking you for taking the time to chat with me and Telluride.com this morning. Leftover Salmon’s music has been a huge influence on a lot of people’s lives, not to mention, an enormous impact on other bluegrass musicians, the festival circuit, and the Colorado & Telluride music scenes.
Drew: It's my pleasure! Thanks for chatting with me.
T.com: You guys are fresh off a brand new album and just about to head on a Winter Tour throughout the West, Southern California and numerous ski towns. You excited to hit the road again with all the boys after 8 years?
Drew: Can't wait. I’ve been in Hawaii with family and in Crested Butte skiing a bunch of powder… it’s been a good little break... but, we’re ecstatic to get back on tour and hit the road again. Leftover's back.
T.com: Let's go back for a minute... who were your major influences/musical heroes in your early years when you first picked up the banjo & mandolin?
Drew: Just to name a few... Sam Bush, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, Flecktones were a huge influence on me and my style... I also had a handful of rock n' roll influences such as Led Zeppelin, Yes, The Who... the list goes on.
T.com: How did you meet Vince Herman back in the 80’s and how did Leftover Salmon come together?
Drew: Vince came from West Virginia out to Boulder and the first night he was in town… he saw a sign outside the Walrus Saloon that said “Bluegrass Tonight”. Turned out that my band, Left Hand String Band, was playing that night. The rest is history. He was just a fun, crazy guy to hang out with and play music with... he started playing with his band the Salmon Heads and whenever they needed a player to fill in, I'd step in and jam with the guys.
T.com: Sounds like you’re finishing up a few shows with Bill Nershi and the Emmitt-Nershi Band this weekend… describe how it’s been touring with your buddy, Bill.
Drew: Awesome. We always have a fun, fun, fun time playing together. We’re going to finish up in Big Sky, Montana this weekend. Big Sky Big Grass is a great festival... we'll be playing along with Del McCoury and the Sam Bush Band... we love playing in ski towns - we try to ski as often as we can when there's time. With Leftover Salmon picking up and Bill wanting to spend more time with his family and playing with String Cheese, it’s been a great run playing with him and the band.
T.com: Do you have a memorable collaboration over the years?
Drew: Our 'Nashville Sessions' album was amazing to record. Playing and recording with the greats like Jeff Coffin, Taj Mahal, Waylon Jennings... it was extremely special and exciting. If I had to chose one though, I'd have to say Waylon Jennings... when he walked in the studio, I was like WHOA that's Waylon Jennings! (laughs)
T.com: Leftover Salmon’s unique hybrid of basically every type of American music has set you guys apart for years; you name it, you guys can play it…How would YOU describe Leftover’s current sound/genre?
Drew: We're back to a 5-piece band and with the addition of Andy Thorn on banjo... we're going back to our roots - old school Salmon Cajun jamgrass.
T.com: You guys just released your first album in 8 years, 'Aquatic Hitchhiker'… which sounds awesome by the way. How did it get its name and elaborate on some of the songs you wrote, like “Gulf of Mexico”?
Drew: I noticed a sign once in our travels that said, "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers". And I was like what is that?! It's a warning to boaters to not pick up little "hitchhikers" or little mussels attached to the bottom of your boat. I always thought that would be a cool song title... so, I kept it in the back of my head. And I guess that's what Leftover Salmon is. Aquatic Hitchhikers. Traveling around, playing music, leaving little pieces wherever we go. I started writing 'Gulf of Mexico' when we were down on the Gulf with the Emmitt-Nershi Band after the BP spill… I would hum & sing the tune “Way down in Mississippi by the Gulf of Mexico…” and then we all collaborated and it came together perfectly.
T.com: Where did you meet Andy Thorn and how has his addition to the band helped Leftover?
Drew: Andy started in the Emmitt Nershi Band and he’s just a solid guy and seemed to fit with Leftover Salmon. Chris Pandolfi recommended him when he left to go play with the Infamous Stringdusters… so, I called Andy up, chatted with him and hired him over the phone. He's just the right fit. We’re really excited to have him on board.
T.com: We’re gearing up for a two-night run at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, February 27th…How’s it like stepping out onto that stage?
Drew: Oh, it’s awesome. So much history… one of the smaller shows we play but the energy is amazing. We always enjoy playing the historic Opera House. It should be a good time, for sure.
T.com: You going to get some skiing in while you’re in town? Wanna take some turns?
Drew: I love to ski... that would be awesome!
T.com: With the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival coming up in June over the Summer Solstice... Leftover Salmon has been called one of the most quintessential Telluride Bluegrass Festival bands of them all… can you just describe what the Bluegrass Fest means to you personally?
Drew: It's amazing. We started in the campgrounds… pickin' and playing as the Left Hand Salmon Spankers. That's what Bluegrass Festival is all about. This will actually be my 20th year playing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival… so, to be able to celebrate my 20th at the 40th is extremely special to me.
T.com: What are some of your favorite venues/festivals to play around the country?
Drew: We enjoy playing High Sierra, Spring Fest, Fillmore in San Francisco and Denver, Red Rocks whenever you get the privilege to play there, Crystal Ballroom and the Boulder and Fox theaters... just to name a few.
T.com: What type of mandolin are you playing right now? San Juan?
Drew: I play my San Juan mandolin a good amount... love it. For Sam Bush's 60th birthday, I surprised him with the gift of a San Juan mandolin before our show at Bluegrass Fest. Bobby Wintringham and those guys in Dolores really know how to make an axe. I also play with my 1996 Nugget F5.
T.com: Drew Emmitt, I really appreciate you chattin’ with us this morning… You’re a Telluride legend and we can’t wait to see you at the Sheridan Opera House in a few weeks.
Drew: Can't wait! Thanks for the talk. See you later this month!
###
Look out for Leftover Salmon coming to a town near you this Winter and Spring... and of course, we’ll see you at the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Check out their tour dates and new album at LeftoverSalmon.com
Don't forget to buy your tickets to their two-night run at the Sheridan Opera House on 2/26 and 2/27!
Monday 2/4 Brown Dog Pizza's last 2-for-1 pizza special of the winter season! Dine-in only between 6-9 PM Tip your servers! :)
Wednesday 2/6 6 PM at WPL The Wilkinson Public Library hosts author and explorer John Wright for readings and discussion on his work, "Blazing Ice: Pioneering the Twenty-First century Haul road to the South Pole" - a story about a team of Americans who braved the intense landscape of Antarctica to forge its first 1000-mile transcontinental haul road. If you're interested in the Antarctic, adventure, and conservation, be sure to attend this reading!
Thursday 2/7
First Thursday Art Walk Starts at 5:30 PM, downtown Telluride
First Thursday Art Walk celebrates local art in downtown Telluride. Restaurants, galleries, and other venues in town participate in the Art Walk specials on food, drinks, and art exhibitions from 5 - 8 PM each first Thursday of the month. Pick up your free Art Walk self-guided tour map at participating locations or the Telluride Arts offices located in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S Fir Street. Call Telluride Arts at (970) 728-3930 or visit their website for more information. (photo property of Telluride Arts)
Telluride Theatre presents "The Importance of Being Earnest," a comedy by Oscar Wilde, at the historic Sheridan Opera House. Directed by Sasha Sullivan and starring Sam Burgess, Taylor Clay, Linda Levin, Peter Lundeen, Dahlia Mertens, Sharon Sharp, Colin Sullivan and Kate Wadley. A witty and fun "comedy of manners" - considered by many to be Wilde's best work.
Friday 2/8 KOTO Winter Fundraiser: Name That Tune at Smuggler's 7 PM at Smuggler's Brewpub $3 to spectate, $125 per 4-person team
Test your musical IQ! Great prizes for teams and audience! Proceeds contribute to KOTO Telluride, our community radio station.
Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10
Electronic Dance Music at Fly Me To The Moon Saloon! Featuring ANA SIA, DJ Kraddy, and Anasi 10 PM Tickets $10 in advance at Wizard Entertainment, $13 at the door purchase tickets online
Not one, but two nights of amazing EDM shows this weekend in Telluride!
Saturday 2/9 Monophonicsat Telluride Elks Lodge Doors open at 9:30 PM, show starts at 10 PM $12 in advance at Wizard Entertainment, $15 at the door Event website
Monophonics is a Psychedelic Soul band from San Francisco playing the Telluride Elks Lodge - sure to be an incredible show! Get your groove on (if your legs aren't too tired from skiing) this Saturday night to their late sixties/early seventies-inspired sound, complete with a horn section and keys.
Here in Telluride we are all looking forward to the 14th annual Comedy Festival to be held at the historic Sheridan Opera House. This year's festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, February 14 - 17. Each night of the festival will feature a comedic form: stand-up, improv, sketch comedy, and more.
The Telluride Comedy Festival has always strived to be a world-class event while embracing and feeding from the unique local vibe of Telluride. Past performers include Rob Riggle of the Daily Show, Jack MacBrayer from 30 Rock, Arj Barker from Flight of the Conchordes, Tig Notaro from the Sarah Silverman Program, SNL’s Casey Wilson, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Brian Huskey, Seth Morris, Jamie Denbo, John Ross Bowie, Bob Dassie, Craig Cackowski, Aziz Ansari, June Raphael, and Paul Scheer.
Tuesday 1/22 Watershed Expedition Series at Wilkinson Public Library as part of Telluride Institute's Watershed Education Program FREE event! 5:30 PM - light refreshments and snacks 6 - 8 PM - film screening and presentations
Colorado College graduates Zak Padmore and Julia Nave will be presenting their films on two different adventures that share common themes. The presentations explore the intersection of development, watersheds, and environmental conservation. Zak will present his film on paddling the Colorado River from source to sea, "Remains of a River." Julia will present on her journey to the Sacred Headwaters of British Columbia. Supported by the National Geographic Young Explorer’s Grant, Julia and four other skiers explored the remote Todagin Plateau backcountry. This presentation should be informative and fascinating - an exploration of issues that affect our everyday lives.
You won't want to miss out on a night of punk-rock rockabilly Texas swing with country band Reverend Horton Heat. This event will be a raucous fun time at the Sheridan Opera House - get ready to stomp your feet and swing your partner!
Drop in on Thursdays to the Ah Haa School for the Arts and get your hands dirty on the potter's wheel. First-timers will need to schedule a demonstration with an instructor prior to the Thursday session by calling the number below. Students under age 9 welcome with adult supervision! Clay is available for purchase by the pound; firings charged by the piece.
For more information and to pre-register, call 970-728-3886 or email info@ahhaa.org.
Friday 1/25 Sea Wolf live at the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon 9:30 PM $20 general admission (21+)or available for purchase at Wizard Entertainment, 126 E Colorado Ave.
Indie folk/rock band Sea Wolf plays the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon this Friday night!
This evening will showcase unique local creativity and talent. Groups compete for cash prizes - a favorite event each year! Reserved seating show with two cash bars.
Coming up in February we have some great music events at the Sheridan Opera House!
Bluegrass guitar legend and Grammy Award-winner Tim O’Brien plays Telluride on Monday, February 18th! There are plenty of tickets still available for this intimate seated show, featuring O’Brien on the acoustic guitar. Click here for a seating chart and to buy tickets through the historic Sheridan Opera House. The show begins at 8 pm and will certainly be a memorable night! To hear some of O’Brien’s music, click here.
Saturday night in snowy Telluride, silent auction, ski film, live concert, historic Sheridan Opera House, friendly people, a good cause. It doesn’t get much better than that.
This past weekend, we hosted a “triple threat” event at the Opera House partnered with Alpine Initiatives (AI) – a non-profit that is dedicated to the snow sports community, helping raise money for sustainability projects and grassroots programs all around the world. A silent auction, ski film and live concert would help raise money with 100% of the proceeds going to this wonderful foundation. The focus to create social and environmental consciousness and action in the snow sports community was the original brainchild of pro skier, JP Auclair. JP is a Freeskiing god, entrepreneurial genius and straight up solid guy. His on and off the mountain visions have helped inspired numerous ski films (his most popular: Sherpa Cinema’s Street Segment), the cutting-edge ski company, Armada Skis, and his most innovative project, Alpine Initiatives.
Our event kicked off with a wide array of silent auction items graciously donated by the Telluride community. We were overwhelmed by the support we received from our locals: a full day of heli-skiing, a pair of Armada skis, festival tickets, spa & massage packages, ski tunes & demos, restaurant gift cards, and much more swag were donated to help our cause.
Next, we showed Poor Boyz Productions’ new ski film “WE: A Collection of Individuals.” The movie starred Bobby Brown, Sean Pettit, Pep Fujas, Dane Tudor and many others, shot at locations including France, Switzerland, Alaska, Colorado and beyond. “After 18 years of making ski movies, I’m claiming this is the best film to date,” said Poor Boyz Productions owner, Johnny DeCesare (via ESPN). It was a great way to get extra stoked about the ski season as we passed out hats, t-shirts, DVDs, and other free swag.
Last but not least, we concluded the “triple threat” with a live performance by local funk band, The Great Funktier. Good friends of ours, these guys bring the heat every show they play. They rocked the historic Opera House walls to Talking Heads, Warren G and Billy Preston covers while getting the crowd dancing to a handful of their original tunes.
The community of Telluride’s support was truly stellar. Most importantly, we raised $1,877 for the Alpine Initiatives organization!! We can’t thank everyone enough for the hard work, generous donations and amazing money raised for this good cause. We hope to have Alpine Initiatives back next year for a bigger and better event!
Again, BIG thanks to our sponsors: Alpine Initiatives, Armada Skis, Orage, Oakley, Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Sports, The Butcher & the Baker, Bootdoctors, Telluride Horror Show, Aroma Spa, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride Alpine Lodging, Telluride.com, Telluride Snowmobile Tours, Brown Dog Pizza, Telluride Helitrax, Telluride Brewing Company, Telluride Nordic Center, Rockstar, Telluride Olive Oil Company, Telluride RIDE Festival, Ski Butlers and more!
Saturday night in snowy Telluride, silent auction, ski film, live concert, historic Sheridan Opera House, friendly people, a good cause. It doesn’t get much better than that.
This past weekend, we hosted a “triple threat” event at the Opera House partnered with Alpine Initiatives (AI) – a non-profit that is dedicated to the snow sports community, helping raise money for sustainability projects and grassroots programs all around the world. A silent auction, ski film and live concert helped raise money with 100% of the proceeds going to this wonderful foundation. The focus to create social and environmental consciousness and action in the snow sports community was the original brainchild of pro skier, JP Auclair. JP is a Freeskiing god, entrepreneurial genius and straight up solid guy. His on and off the mountain visions have helped inspired numerous ski films (his most popular: Sherpa Cinema’s Street Segment), the cutting-edge ski company, Armada Skis, and his most innovative project, Alpine Initiatives.
Our event kicked off with a wide array of silent auction items graciously donated by the Telluride community. We were overwhelmed by the support we received from our locals: a full day of heli-skiing, a pair of Armada skis, festival tickets, spa & massage packages, ski tunes & demos, restaurant gift cards, and much more swag were donated to help our cause.
Next, we showed Poor Boyz Productions’ new ski film “WE: A Collection of Individuals.” The movie starred Bobby Brown, Sean Pettit, Pep Fujas, Dane Tudor and many others, shot at locations including France, Switzerland, Alaska, Colorado and beyond. “After 18 years of making ski movies, I’m claiming this is the best film to date,” said Poor Boyz Productions owner, Johnny DeCesare (via ESPN). It was a great way to get extra stoked about the ski season as we passed out hats, t-shirts, DVDs, and other free swag.
Last but not least, we concluded the “triple threat” with a live performance by local funk band, The Great Funktier. Good friends of ours, these guys bring the heat every show they play. They rocked the historic Opera House walls to Talking Heads, Warren G and Billy Preston covers while getting the crowd dancing to a handful of their original tunes.
Telluride’s community support was truly stellar. Most importantly, we raised $1,877 for the Alpine Initiatives organization!! We can’t thank everyone enough for the hard work, generous donations and amazing money raised for this good cause. We hope to have Alpine Initiatives back next year for a bigger and better event!
Again, BIG thanks to our sponsors: Alpine Initiatives, Armada Skis, Orage, Oakley, Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride Sports, The Butcher & the Baker, Bootdoctors, Telluride Horror Show, Aroma Spa, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride Alpine Lodging, Telluride.com, Telluride Snowmobile Tours, Brown Dog Pizza, Telluride Helitrax, Telluride Brewing Company, Telluride Nordic Center, Rockstar, Telluride Olive Oil Company, Telluride RIDE Festival, Ski Butlers and more!
