Fans of local rocker Eric Shiveley will be sad to hear that he has ditched the Denver music scene in favor of a secluded life in the San Luis Valley. Shiveley left his home in Denver this past fall and is holed up in a trailer near the sand dunes in south-central Colorado, where he plans to build a home and recording studio.
Shiveley made a splash over the past years in the Denver music scene with his signature style of twangy acoustic rock. Although he released several well-received albums, Shiveley felt the need to get away from it all so that he could really focus on honing his craft.
He’s recording a new album of his own while producing recordings for several other bands, all of which he is documenting for a film about life as a struggling musician. “There is this huge gap between how we see ourselves as musicians, and how we actually come across,” says Shiveley, who hopes to portray the realities of the Front Range music scene in the film.
Shiveley’s fans may not get to see him onstage as often these days, but they can still hear his music. As a thank-you to his supporters, he has made his latest record, 2005’s “El Diablo,” available as a free download on his website. Go to ericshiveley.com to download the songs and find out more about the film.
Christmas Eve with the Broncos
Want to show your support for the Broncos? Hit the second-annual Red and Black Christmas Eve party this Saturday night at Beyond nightclub (500 16th St.).
It’s a yearly holiday bash at which women are invited to wear red and men are supposed to wear black, but this year the promoters have another reason to celebrate, aside from the holiday. Since the home team has made the playoffs, the soiree will be an afterparty for Saturday’s game against the Raiders. Of course, it’s also a fine excuse to escape the holiday madness for a few hours.
“For some people, Christmas Eve is all about family time,” says Francois Baptiste of event producers 3Deep Productions. “But sometimes by that time people just want to get out, get away and get a drink.”
Denver Broncos D.J. Williams, Darrent Williams and Tatum Bell will host the bash; DJ Chief Rocka of the Radio Bums will be keeping the party hopping from behind the decks.
A Dec. 31 bash for every partyer
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and the events are already filling up. If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t worry. There are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas; next week check back for a full listing.
The White Rose Gala at the Westin Westminster resort is on the calendar for many of the LoDo lounge-hopping crowds. This one is a black-tie-optional affair with plenty of beautiful people throwing back the bubbly into the wee hours of the new year. This is the first year the party has been held at the Westin – it outgrew its former home at the Luna Hotel – and the new location offers an indoor swimming pool, 15-person hot tub, fire pits and plenty of rooms available.
Tickets are $60 for the main party, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; and $30 for the afterparty, which keeps going until 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Call 303-639-9350 for tickets and info.
Music snobs and indie hipsters will gather at the grand reopening of the Oriental Theater at West 44th Avenue and Tennyson Street in northwest Denver. Local favorite DeVotchKa will perform in the newly remodeled theater, along with Mannequin Makeout, Porlolo and December Question. $25, 303-455-2124.
If you want to stay centrally located, join the Jet Fete by scoring a New Year’s Eve passport for sister lounges Monarck, Mynt and Five Degrees. Jet set to the internationally themed events at each spot; Five Degrees looks to Japan for inspiration, Monarck gets a French twist and Mynt’s theme is “From Russia With Love.”
Kat Valentine writes about night life Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or call 303-820-1568.
