Viv & Riley with Derek Dames Ohl

by Rachel Herrington | Aug 30, 2023

Presented by KGNU

Doors: 7:30

Showtime: 8:00

Viv & Riley

Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno play old-soul roots music, fluidly melding a backbone of Appalachian traditional music with fresh iconic melodies and the tightly wound vocal harmonies of indie folk.

A bittersweet nostalgia lies at the heart of Imaginary People, the new album from Viv & Riley, coming September 15, 2023, on Free Dirt Records. Over ten tracks, the pair applies an indie roots sheen to newly composed pop gems. Rooted originally in the folk tradition, the pair reframe the production into experimental territory, crafting songs that speak to finding a path forward into adulthood in an uncertain world. Gifted songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno’s first album under the name Viv & Riley is a subtle masterpiece of thought and reflection. The album brings a reflectiveness to summertime jams that speak of uninhibited joy and creative camaraderie. Coming on the heels of their acclaimed earlier albums that showed preternaturally talented songwriting from such young artists, now the songs have caught up with their lives.

Now in their mid-20s, the two are building a life together, creating a supportive community, and looking back on everything they’ve been through. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, they’ve tapped into the area’s eclectic and collaborative music scene, recruiting Alex Bingham of Hiss Golden Messenger to produce the album. Bingham brings a sunny, lush sound to Viv & Riley’s music, moving beyond their earlier country roots and toward a layered sound and sonic experimentation. The songwriting has evolved as well, from the world-weary, stripped-down country songs they’re known for to indie songwriting at turns sweetly sad and gently sardonic. Ultimately, Imaginary People is about carrying and honoring our pasts, about letting that inform our new steps forward. No matter how much we might cling to where we are, sometimes we need to uproot and take a leap of faith, to open ourselves up to new experiences and ideas in order to grow and blossom.

Derek Dames Ohl

Derek Dames Ohl is like warm butter on hot bread with blustering conduct. As a modern day herald Derek keeps his roots close with a six string on his back, ping-ponging across the United States sharing songs at every bar or dive that dares. Sounds that eclipse and perfect everything from Country, Blues and honkey-tonk. His pride in keeping the American roots music tradition alive, with punchy guitar playing will surely have every listener on their feet and stomping the floorboards. Derek has been related to artists like John Prine and Guy Clark with his quirky one second, and woeful the next songwriting style.

The Cody Sisters + Emelise

by Rachel Herrington | Aug 23, 2023

Presented by KGNU

Doors: 7:30

Showtime: 8:00

The Cody Sisters

The Cody Sisters Band is the very heart of contemporary acoustic music in Colorado, the United States and UK. Their propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies combine to grip the listener. Along with their bass player Will Pavilonis, Megan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Maddie (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals) have forged a new sound that has no equivalent match in the acoustic world today. Their sound is original, exhilarating, and heartwarming all at the same time. With strong ties to traditional American acoustic music, they continue to stun their audiences both in the US and abroad.

Emelise

Emelise is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter musician from Denver whose passion for making music often has her listeners referring to her as an old soul. Her style is a folk-rock, Americana blend. Emelise has been playing live music in front of crowds since she was six years old. Just recently she was in the studio and recorded her first EP titled On My Way produced by Brad Corrigan from Dispatch. Emelise enjoys street performing which has led to her booking shows across the country at coffee shops, farmers markets, microbreweries, festivals, and music venues. She has presented in premiere events, including TedX Uncommon in Denver, Move the Dial in Toronto, LA’s Winston House, and the Denver Women’s March. In 2017 Emelise placed first in The Stars of Tomorrow Competition at the world-famous New York’s Apollo Theatre. She has been featured in Denver’s 5280 Magazine as “Country’s Next New Rising Star” and in 303 magazine as “The 13-year-old Soon-to-be Star Taking Over Denver.” Emelise is recording her self-titled debut album which will be released on all major platforms soon!

High Lonesome

by Rachel Herrington | Aug 23, 2023

Presented by KGNU

Doors: 7:30

Showtime: 8:00

High Lonesome puts a new spin on traditional, hard-driving bluegrass with a sound built around good pickin’ and tight two and three-part vocal harmonies. This Colorado Bluegrass band consists of players from all over the US and brings decades of diverse performing experience.

Band Members: