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These are very tumultuous times. International wars, gas prices, a plummeting stock market, and growing global environmental concerns have made it easy to become numb to everything around us. It is times like these that we look to our heroes, past and present, for guidance and leadership. Two shows in Denver, Saturday August 9 and Sunday the 10, are celebrating the life and music of two such heroes.
Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead was always a supporter of environmental causes and a voice for social and political growth. Garcia's music was the soundtrack for many people through four decades of change in America. Saturday, August 9 marks the 13th Anniversary of Garcia's passing, and Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom brings you the “U.S. Blues Americana Circus." The show will celebrate American songwriters and songs for, by, and about America, with a heavier “dose" of Grateful Dead songs. C. R. Gruver (Outformation), Tori Pater (Polytoxic), Fleeb (Stanky Pockets), and Andy Clapp (3 Degrees of Freedom) will host a cavalcade of all-star musical guests and surprises. Opening the show is Woody Pines and the Lonesome Two, a 20's & 30's jump and jugband ragtime act from Asheville, NC.
Another fallen musical hero, Michael Houser of Widespread Panic, also became a pillar for many people and provided Panic's lingering lead through over two decades, for music still continuing into the present day. Sunday, August 10 marks the 6th year of Houser's passing, and Cervante's Masterpiece brings you “Songs for Mikey," a celebration of the life and music of Michael Houser. This show features guitarist Sam Holt, Houser's guitar tech and leader of national touring act Outformation. Joining him will be C. R. Gruver and Jeff “Bridogg" Lane, also of Outformation. To round the band out is Tori Pater from local favorite Polytoxic and Spanky Mcluer from the band One Way Out.
Both shows take place at Cervante's Masterpiece Ballroom (2637 Welton St. Denver, CO) and start at 10 p.m. For tickets and info go to: www.cervantesmasterpiece.com
