The fire danger may have forced cancellation of local fireworks displays, but The Lariat will offer up plenty of funk for the Fourth of July to kick off another two weeks of the Ark Valley's best live music.
The Brad Parsons Duo begins the second half of a six-day Lariat run at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 5. Critically acclaimed as a vocalist, Parsons' blend of Americana and psychedelic influences creates captivating music enjoyed by fans and musicians alike. In fact, popular jam band Fruition brought Parsons along as a special guest on Jam Cruise, and he performed as "artist at large" for Winter WonderGrass in Lake Tahoe and at the Northwest String Summit.
One of Colorado's most highly touted DJs, Mikey Thunder, will follow the Brad Parsons Duo at 10 p.m. Friday, July 6, for a late-night dance party.
Saturday, July 7, brings Eufórquestra back to The Lariat at 9:30 p.m. With the band's blend of funk, soul, afrobeat, reggae, dub and world music, Eufórquestra never fails to pack the dance floor during live performances.
With more than a decade of concerts behind them, the musicians of Eufórquestra have solidified a reputation as one of the best bands in Colorado, as evidenced by the caliber of musicians who collaborate with the band – DJ Logic, Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident, Eddie Roberts of New Mastersounds, Jennifer Hartswick of Trey Anastasio Band, Kim Dawson of Pimps of Joytime, members of The Motet and more.
The band's fifth full-length album, Fire, was produced by Hollingsworth and adds another chapter to the Eufórquestra legend, stepping into new territory while keeping one foot firmly planted in the musical traditions that have always informed the band's music.
At 6 p.m. Sunday, July 8, Taylor Scott will return to The Lariat for the first in a series of solo acoustic gigs that will culminate in a show by the Taylor Scott Band at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 14.
Scott will take a break from his nightly performances for an open mic night Wednesday, July 11, beginning at 7 p.m.
Following Scott's show Thursday, July 12, Nashville-based Taylor Kropp Band will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. to showcase Kropp's Americana-roots rock music. Kropp is touring to promote his latest album, Coming Up for Air.
What's Up Magazine praises the album for its "authentic sound filled with strong melodies" in the vein of Jason Isbell, Marty Stuart and Warren Haynes. Kropp's influences include The Allman Brothers Band, Dwight Yoakam and Tom Petty.
Fresh off a multi-state tour, local alt country favorites Pint and a Half will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, July 13, opening for Coral Creek's 9:30 p.m. performance. The nationally acclaimed Americana band features the original music of Chris Thompson and Bill McKay of Leftover Salmon and Derek Trucks Band fame.
Coral Creek's high-energy shows appeal to audiences across bluegrass, country-rock, blues and jam-band genres. The band reunited with producer Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth to produce its recent album, Free Dog, which encompasses the band's lyrical mastery, tasteful harmonies and impeccable musicianship.