20 years of Hugh, political lampooning and Tribal Seeds

by Chris Aaland

A local bluegrass legend celebrates his 20th anniversary this week, when KSUT’s Hugh Felt marks two decades of hosting and producing “The Grass is Bluer” … trouble is, the erstwhile USPS retiree’s anniversary falls on the same night as a big local bluegrass event. Rather than have Hugh go postal over the lack of listeners for his anniversary show, the folks in KSUT Radioland have opted to celebrate that anniversary a week later (7-9 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 23). Twenty years of producing the same show is a huge milestone for any DJ. I flirted with the 20-year mark at KDUR, though it was split over parts of four decades with a decade of personal dead air in the middle. I believe KSUT’s Seanessy has programmed “A Celtic Journey” for even longer, and Kenny B’s “Global Groove” has probably been around nearly as long. So next time you see Hugh – a banjo-playing, Colorado Bluegrass Music Society Hall of Famer – buy him a pint and toast 20 years on the air.

This will also allow Hugh to attend the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown’s fall fundraiser, which has become one of the can’t-miss local music events of the year. Born on the back dock of Durango Brewing Co. several years ago, the fund-raiser showcases some of the best up-and-coming bluegrass and old-time acts in town … ones that you’ve likely seen at the April Meltdown (or will in the future). It’s since grown up to the indoor (read: warm and dry!) confines of the Wild Horse Saloon, a popular venue each spring for Meltdown’s Saturday shenanigans. Tonight (Thurs., Oct. 16) finds Running Out of Road, La La Bones, Six Dollar String Band and Sugar Creek belting out the high-and-lonesome sound for you. Doors open at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6. Rumor has it that the $10 admission price includes your first beer.

The Meltdown fundraiser isn’t the only bluegrass event to keep on your calendar. Paul and Elle Ambrose debut their film, “For the Love of Bluegrass,” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Durango Arts Center. This documentary features Durango’s vibrant, home-grown bluegrass scene and the 2014 Durango Bluegrass Meltdown in particular. Candid interviews with local bluegrass pickers, media members and folks responsible for bringing you the Meltdown are featured. Save a couple of bucks and guarantee your seat by purchasing tickets early at the DAC or online at DurangoArts.tix.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Award-winning reggae band Tribal Seeds plays a big bill at the Animas City Theatre at 9 p.m. Friday, along with an undercard of Ballyhoo! and Gonzo with Beyond I Sight. Based out of San Diego, Tribal Seeds is known for its spiritually driven, refreshing rock vibe infused with the roots style of reggae. This May, Tribal Seeds released its highly anticipated fourth album, “Representing,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard, iTunes & Amazon reggae charts.

You’ve probably noticed that it’s a mid-term election year. And if you’re like me, the mudslinging commercials on TV, flyers in the mail and knocks on your door every Sunday afternoon simply piss you off. 

But one of the joys of election season is the return of the Capitol Steps to the Community Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. This troupe, even after nearly 35 years, is “always fresh and crispy – right from the headlines.” Conceived in 1981, the Capitol Steps was originally founded by a group of current and former Congressional staffers during the Reagan administration. Its founding trio dug into the headlines of the day, creating song parodies and skits that have since become the Steps’ trademark brand of humor. Their logic? If entertainers like Bonzo could become politicians, then politicians could become entertainers. They’ve since recorded more than 30 albums, including this year’s “How to Succeed in Congress Without Really Lying.” No one party is favored by (or immune from) the wit of the Capitol Steps. They’ve been featured on nearly all of the major networks and can be heard four times annually on National Public Radio. Let’s hope they’ve paid attention to local political headlines, too. A J. Paul Brown sheep joke or two would certainly be in order.

Moe’s is giving away a $50 bar tab at midnight as part of its Sunday Funday. Mountain Top Pocket Pickers will hold their CD release party from 7-10 that night, too. On Saturday, it’s the Concrete Skate Shop and 2611 art show, with a free keg of beer from 9-10 and DJ Juan Blanco from 9 ‘til close.

And the Kirk James Blues Band plays the Hideaway Grill at Vallecito (the old Virginia’s restaurant) from 7 ‘til 11 p.m. Friday.

This week’s Top Shelf list is provided by Dan Groth, host of KDUR’s “The Horse Show.” If you haven’t tuned in from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, it’s a geek-rocker’s dream, full of turbo rock, fantasy rock and much more. What’s more, Dan is a true Renaissance man, the best trivia buff in Durango and a snappy dresser who keeps polyester pants and Saga concert T-shirts en vogue. Here are his Top 10 albums of all-time:

1. David Bowie, “The Man Who Sold the World,” 1970. One of the best sci-fi rock albums of all time: spooky, heavy, campy, weird ... and the musicianship is top notch.

2. Yes, “Close to the Edge,” 1972. About as epic as one can get with a rock LP ... I think I nearly cried one time while listening to it.

3. The Byrds, “The Notorious Byrd Brothers,” 1968. The most psychedelic Byrds album, like a space-traveling horse galloping its way to the Jovian moons.

4. Guided by Voices, “Alien Lanes,” 1995. A suite of short songs recorded in low-fi; masterful and chock full of quizzical lyrics and too many moments of 100 percent pure rock to keep track of.

5. The Zombies, “Odessey and Oracle,” 1968. Little-known except for the hit “Time of the Season,” this sparkling gem of an album should be mandatory listening for the uninitiated.

6. Neil Young, “On the Beach,” 1974. A stoned masterpiece. The second side feels like a successful attempt to ease out of a bad trip.

7. Syd Barrett (tie), “The Madcap Laughs” and “Barrett,” both 1970. This Pink Floyd founder was struggling to keep it together when these two albums were recorded, and they each have moments of whimsy, sorrow and brilliance.

8. The Velvet Underground, “White Light/White Heat,” 1968. Noisy, yet melodic ... a good time.

9. Pavement, “Wowee Zowee,” 1995. This album swings all over the place and has some of my favorite Pavement tracks. It’s an indie rock thrill ride.

10. David Hasselhoff, “Looking for Freedom,” 1989. If you think the Hoff is exclusively a hunky superstar actor, think again ... just ask the Germans.

Headed down the track, my baggage on my back? Email me at chrisa@gobrainstorm.net.