LARAMIE RIVER VALLEY RENDEZVOUS FRESH TALENT SHOWCASE

This month Scene Magazine has partnered with 16th Note LTD, and Yellow Bright Inc. for a new kind of talent show in benefit for Laramie River Valley Rendezvous, a non-profit benefiting at risk youth. “We wanted to step it up considerably from a traditional battle of the bands where bands could just sign themselves up,” said Sara Durnil of 16th Note LTD. The talent showcase will have eight different bands that were all hand picked by these three organizations. “We wanted to pinpoint fresh talent in the area, and feature bands that are starting to gain a lot of traction,” Dawn Duncan of Yellow Bright said. All of the bands in the showcase are new bands in the area that haven’t had expensive touring schedules or a lot of shows around town. The bands range from singer/songwriter to alternative rock, so there is definitely something for everyone at this show. “Expect a smorgasboard of talent levels,” Duncan said. Admission is $5 in advanced (must be purchased from participating artists) and $10 day of show, the event will be at the Aggie Theatre with local artist MC Qbala hosting. The bands will be judged by a panel of five music enthusiasts, all different musical backgrounds. The bands will also be judged by the audience, so make sure to shout as loud as you can for your favorite band in the showcase. There will be a total of $500 in prize money divided for first, second and third place. Most bands are weary about being judged in a talent showcase form but Durnil says, “Enthusiasm is high. It was so well received by the musicians, even though they have short twenty minute sets they are all bringing their best.”
 

 
 
STARVING YOUTH
Starving Youth is a 19-year-old hip-hop artist from Fort Collins. While currently unsigned, he continues to excel with Palace Brands; a local company focused on releasing quality music, visuals, and clothing. The Starving Youth has a passion for delivering positive lyrics on classic hip-hop instrumentals, and aims to give a voice to the youth. Above all, he encourages others to chase their dream, think for themselves, and spread positivity wherever they go. He has his eyes on building a national movement, while continuing to stand by his city.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
LOIS AND THE LANTERN
Lois and the Lantern was formed in 2014, the happy result of a monthly women’s musical gathering lovingly entitled “Clam Jam.” The band is made up of 4 members: Saja Butler (banjo, guitar, ukulele and vocals), Theresa Brodzinski-Norton (guitar, banjo, trumpet, vocals), Tara Lynne Sparks (bass), and Mary Merritt (mandolin, vocals). The gals are proud to sing their unique originals while also picking crowd-pleasing covers by unexpected greats like The Ramones, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and more. Lois and the Lantern writes Americana music, constantly influenced by many different genres that have left a mark on their musical palette.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FRANKE AND THE FIX
Franke and the Fix formed in late 2013 and consists of Fort Collins veteran musicians Alan Hlavacek (bass), Travis Mason (guitar), Jeremy Smith (drums), and newcomer Franke Kurucz (vocals). This band pushes the audience outside of the comfort zone of a tidy genre, fusing sultry vocals with edgy songwriting. Each member’s different musical influences and styles are apparent throughout, creating an eclectic alt-rock sound.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
ELISE WUNDER
Elise Wunder has been performing since 19. She has a timeless presence that is honest and gets down to the very soul of music. She has recently been embracing a solo career, and prides herself on being independent. Charismatic, genuine and soulful, Wunder likes to blend her own unique style with classic favorites, giving the audience both something old and new. Her velvety vocals soothe the soul and her music appeals to a wide age group, making her one of Fort Collins’ most dynamic new artists.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
ATTACK ON VENUS
Attack on Venus is a power-trio consisting of three well-seasoned, versatile musicians: Hollywood-H, Jack Mountain and Johnny Nebari. Their music is like watching a giant, human-like machine awaken from beneath the surface of the earth, emerge and blast off into the sky. From light-heartedness to dark undertones and experimental noise, Attack on Venus has embarked on their own unique mission: capturing an entire spectrum of alternative rock.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
WAKE THE PILOT
Wake the Pilot was born from the idea of putting two seemingly incompatible playing styles together and seeing what happens. Kody Slusher’s approach to guitar, using a variety of advanced techniques, effects and looping, creates complex soundscapes. With Thom Miller’s melodic approach to bass added beneath, the music melds to create something original and artistic. Add hard-edged drummer, Joe Villenuevas, and rich vocalist, Gus Marcos, and you have the Wake the Pilot experience.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
WHISPER WOLF
Whisper Wolf formed an alliance to accomplish two goals: defeat Sauron and form an indie-rock band. Elliot Gacke and Kyle Danielson, the primary duo of the group, merged their musical backgrounds to create a fresh new face in the Colorado music scene. Influenced by Anberlin, Radiohead, Listener and The Chariot, the group morphs into a clashing, yet complimentary, sound. After locking themselves away last winter, they have emerged to release their first LP “Death.”
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
THE MISTRESSES
The Mistresses is a rock trio consisting of Kelly Belknap on lead vocals and guitar, David Noonan onbass guitar, and John Napier on drums. With many influences including Ramones, Wolfmother, The Strokes, Black Sabbath, Buddy Holly, The Mecies, Jack White, Bad Brains, and of course the occasional Yoko Ono (kidding), they play music that speaks to them and are genuine to who they are. Formed from three bass players, they love a fat low end and deliver nothing less than fat, juicy, dirty, riff rock.